Walking in Lochgoilhead and area
A quick guide
  
At the end of last century, Lochgoilhead was described as "not easily surpassed for beauty of situation and fine scenery". Nothing has changed since then to alter our view that the hills around the village make this an exceptional walking area. There are good forestry roads and paths as well as some rough walking if preferred.
Considering our location within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park, there are not really any comprehensive walking guides. You will find an information pillar in the village car park as well as a map showing marked walks in the forestry car park just before the village school. Ordnance survey maps of this area are available in the Post Office.

The following walk suggestions are aimed to give you an idea as to just some of the possible walks. There are more, and it is possible to combine some walks. We are adding some slide shows to give you an idea as to what each walk is like. Get out and enjoy it - it'll make your holiday all the more memorable.

Glean Ban - 3km - Muscle loosener
Sign posted from the bottom of Corrow Brae, this
walk ends at the Gleann Ban Gorge. Slight climb
on gravel path.

Drimsynie Circular - 3.8km. Muscle loosener
Sign posted from the Drimsynie House Hotel you follows a route through the chalet park to Corrow Farm. You can extend this walk by continuing on to the Gleann Ban Walk.

Meeting of the Waters - 4km. Muscle stretcher
Sign posted from the Arboretum opposite the primary school.  This walk is well signposted. Follow the path behind the Lochgoilhead centre and take the uphill path and go through the kissing gate.  There are impressive waterfalls at the top of the path. Good views thorugh the trees back over to Drimsynie. Circular route returning downhill via Inveronich back to the car park. View the slide show

Ben Donich Circular - 16km. Muscle builder
This is a continuation of the meeting of the waters route.  When you have reached the highest part of the path there is a sign posted extension to Glen Croe and Glean Mor.  This is a major but rewarding walk for those equipped with the proper footwear.  Parts of the path can be muddy and there may be some detours required into the trees to stop you having your boots sucked off.

 

The Dukes Pass Circular Walk - 5km. Muscle loosener with optional muscle stretcher extention.
Start in the village car park.  With your back to the loch turn right and take the 'private road' for about 2km.  The entrance to the path is on the left by a wooden fence post. Turn left again at the top of the path and return to the village along the forestry road.  Good views over the loch and village.  This walk can be extended to the top of the hill by taking the marked trail to Curran Lochan - another 7km.  Feeling up to it?  Take it -it offers some of the best views of the whole of Loch Goil from a cleared area of forest. The return path is a steep descent. Dukes Pass slide show 2 Gates Walk slide show

Drimsynie Beg to Lettermay - 20km. Muscle stretcher
Starts at Lettermay (first left past Corrow Farm) and follow the forestry road as it climbs and twists its way around the hills until you are above Drimsynie.  You reach the public road again at Drimsyniebeg.  Keep to the public road to come back to the village.  Excellent views back over Loch Goil and up to the head of the glen.  The forestry road is easy walking but this is a long walk.   Well worth it.  If you can arrange to be picked up att Drimsynie beg this will avoid the trek home along the road.  Car parking area at both ends of the walk. The slide show is in the reverse direction.
View the slide show

Steeple Hill - Lochgoilhead Village
Muscle stretcher

This is the most accessible of hills being the one directly overlooking the village. There are 2 ways - either take the good path to the ab sailing rock and then scramble from there or use the route shown in the slide show. Slightly longer, but not so steep. Which ever route you take, the views from the top over the village will leave you wanting to tackle some more hills. View the slide show
 

Cruise Loch Lomond and West Highland Way Rambler. £14.50 adults £9.50 children 5-15years.
Cruise Loch Lomond at Tarbet, Loch Lomond (12 miles from Drimsynie) offer a cruise aimed at walkers of all abilities and ages. You can enjoy one of the most scenic stretches of the West Highland Way between Rowardennan and Inversnaid, a nine mile stretch on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. The vessel departs daily from Tarbet Pier at 1000hrs and cruise to Rowardennan on the eastern shore of the Loch.  During this 45-minute cruise everyone can enjoy a complimentary coffee and a live informative commentary on the Loch and the surrounding area. Disembarking at Rowardennan the walk starts from the main Car Park following signs for West Highland Way north. After 45 minutes walking just north of Ptarmigan Lodge you are given the choice of two routes either the easier high option along the forestry road, or the lower more challenging route along the loch-side.  The ‘high road’ offers stunning views across the Loch of the Arrochar Alps, whilst on the low route the path passes ‘Rob Roy’s Prison’. A rocky outcrop allegedly where Rob Roy held those that crossed him. The two routes converge just south of Rowchoish where a welcome break can be enjoyed in a small bothy there; this marks the approximate half way stage of the walk. The walk through the lands of Craigroystan, at the heart of MacGregor country, offers an abundance of birdlife and fauna as well as feral wild mountain goats.   Walkers will also pass numerous ruined homesteads, which during the 18th century provided homes for up to 150 families on this stretch of the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. North of Rowchoish the walk continues to Inversnaid a couple of feet above the ‘bonnie banks’.  Due to the rugged nature of the terrain natural oaklands have survived and during the second half of the walk you will see numerous deciduous trees. Crossing the River Snaid above the Arklet Falls marks the end of the trek and the Inversnaid Hotel offers you a chance to reflect. The vessel will depart from Inversnaid Pier at 1630hrs for a 30-minute return cruise to the village of Tarbet.  In order to celebrate your achievement, enjoy a complimentary drink from the bar on board. We strongly suggest that sturdy walking boots and suitable clothing be worn. Dogs should be kept on close control both on board the vessel and on the West Highland Way.