LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT COWALFEST START TO THE WEEK
Written by Archie Fergusson on 05/10/2015
With five spectacular walks ahead today and the announcement by Team Cowalfest of the Twinning with the Grancanaria Walking Festival which takes place 5th—8th November has certainly put a spring into everyone’s steps today.
Starting with activity 17 Cowal Way 2 –Tighnabruaiuch to Glen—The route is initially along easy forest roads besides the Kyles of Bute and Loch Riddon. There is a much rougher stretch beside the shore, continuing up through dense woodland. From here on the route is mostly flat and on roads but compensated by the surrounding woods, waters, fields and hills. Minibus from Glendaruel Caravan park to start of the walk.
Listed as a strenuous walk Kilmun Ridge activity 18 in your Cowalfest brochure from Gairletter Caravan Park on the shores of Loch Long via the Kilmun ridge to Blairmore, taking in the stunning views of the River Clyde from forest roads and open hills. The Blairmore Cafe will be open at end of walk.
Activity 18 in your Cowalfest brochure–Lochgoilhead to Coilessan (Duke’s Pass) a walk via the Cowal Way to Coilessan where the minibus will be waiting in the forestry car park at the end of Loch Long forestry road for transport back to Lochgoilhead.
Explore Strathlachlan with activity 19 with the Lachlan Bay Heritage Walk a short off-road walk taking in the main heritage sites around Lachlan Bay, featuring the former croft, Inver Cottage now a world famous restaurant, Kilmorie Chapel, burial place of Maclachlan Clan Chiefs, and ruined mediaeval fortress of the Old Castle Lachlan, with extensive views of the designed landscape of Strathlachlan, “new” Castle Lachlan, and Loch Fyne.
The final activity today is 21 Benmore Gardens To Dunoon a New Walk for Colfest 2015. Starting at Benmore Gardens following beside the River Eachaig to Balagowan & cross over the B836 at Rumbling Bridge to Dalinlongart. Across Finbracken Hill through Ardnadam Glen and Dunloskin coming to Dunoon at the top of John Street.
If you get the opportunity check out the the giant redwood at Benmore Botanic Garden, which has received the second highest number of votes so far in Scotland’s Tree of the Year competition. It is the sabal palm or bibby tree at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh that is the front runner in Scotland’s Tree of the Year competition with 312 votes. Benmore’s giant redwood is in second place with 260 votes and the Suffragette Oak close behind with 232 votes.
