Night 1
See Tripadvisor ReviewsDunivaig B&B in Tarbert
Spend your first night on this tour inside a traditional-looking Scottish building. This hotel comes with the most necessary necessities: free Wi-Fi and free breakfast!
Enjoy this self-guided walking tour that takes in Loch Lomond & the Cowal Way
Spanning seven days, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way walking tour is a special Walk. This self-guided tour is steeped in history, and envelops you with its array of impressive heritage, rugged dramatic scenery, coastlines stretching for kilometres and kilometres, and woodland creatures peppering the landscapes.
The 92 km pathway ebbs and flows with the unruly, rugged, but majestic hillsides, footpaths, and forested trails guiding you from Portavadie to Inveruglas. As you wander through the glens, woodlands, and by the sea-lochs, expect to spot a collection of wildlife, including grey seals, red squirrels, otters, porpoises, roe deer, with the possibility of watching a golden eagle soar above.
The remarkable natural landscapes blanketing Loch Lomond and Cowal Way hold chapters and chapters of colourful ancient tales, which unearth whenever you stumble upon the various landmarks interspersed throughout the expedition.
Check into your hotel in Tarbert and spend the evening in a local pub, enjoying the cosy atmosphere and preparing for the 92 km journey ahead.
Hop on a ferry to Portavadie. Before reaching the trailhead, enjoy a moment of leisure at Portavadie Spa and marvel at the breathtaking views of Loch Fyne. Keep in mind that both fees for the ferry and the spa must be paid locally. Begin on your 10 km walk in the afternoon and look out for the remains of the 15th-century Ascog Castle. Check into your hotel in Tighnabruaich upon arrival.
Munch on breakfast before departing for a trek that combines coastal bliss and a rugged scramble along Kyles of Bute, forming one remarkable and memorable experience. Decide to hop aboard an optional Waverley Paddle Steamer Boat trip around Loch Fyne in the morning. End the day in the rural, remote Glendaruel.
Today is the longest walk of the Cowal Way walking tour. Follow undulating hillside paths, noticing the stone walls that once guarded the gardens at the Glendaruel House in the 19th century. Pass by Allt Robuic waterfalls. After curving through a valley, forest, and by roadside cottages, you’ll encounter Strachur. Spend the night in a hotel here.
After eating a delicious breakfast, feel free to check out the Strachur Smiddy Museum. Browse the collection of artifacts, tools, and learn about the role they played in Strachur’s history. Pay £3.30 to enter the museum. Embark on your 14 km journey, which will have you bending through grassy paths, moorland, forests, by waterfalls, and along a coastal path. Look out for birds when you reach Curra Lochain part way through your trek. Check into your hotel in Lochgoilhead and enjoy a laid back evening.
Today you embark on the final leg of the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way walk. Today’s route carries you through rough terrain and demands you to climb a steep 500 m ascent. Marvel at the panoramic views unveiling Beinn Bheula, Luss hills, and Ben Lomond. Continue trekking until you reach Inveruglas. Hop on a direct bus to Glasgow and spend your last evening celebrating your feat in this wonderful Scottish City. For those who want one more night in the Scottish Hills, you can choose to spend your last evening in Arrochar and depart to Glasgow in the morning.
Eat breakfast, say your goodbyes, and depart Glasgow.
This self-guided walking tour in Scotland is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the price is fixed per person staying in a double room. Single rooms are also possible on request for an extra charge. Please note, that booking this tour on short notice might increase the tour price, as the accommodation options here are limited and on high demand.
This tour includes accommodation in cozy guest houses and hotels. Each room offers modern amenities that will help to elevate your level of comfort after a long day of hiking. Expect to stay in a room with another member of the tour or upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee.
Note that specific accommodation may vary based on availability but will be substituted with accommodations of a similar standard.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Single rooms for this tour are on request, and the price depends on the season, availability, and the number of days left until your travel. Please inquire to find out more.
Spend your first night on this tour inside a traditional-looking Scottish building. This hotel comes with the most necessary necessities: free Wi-Fi and free breakfast!
Let your body relax in the sauna at this hotel after your 10 km trek. On top of that, take advantage of the Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and beachfront location!
Brimming with character, this B&B will win you over with its storybook-like setting and fairytale-like architecture. Let the scenic location ease you into a good night of rest.
The ever-so rural Balliemeanoch Breaks B&B will enchant you with its comfortable, spacious rooms. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast.
Let the beachfront views envelop you as you slip into a state of relaxation at The Shore House. Use the free Wi-Fi as you watch the waves flirt with the shore.
If you’re not too tired from your journey, feel free to immerse yourself in Glasgow’s city scene—clubs, cinemas, shopping—while staying at the ideally located Premier Inn.
6 breakfasts are included throughout the tour.
Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour are included.
Transport for your luggage is included during the walking days, but you must take care of your own transfers, where necessary.
How hard is the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way Tour?
We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Although the distances on this tour are not very long, but rough terrain makes this tour more challenging.
Do I need a visa to travel to Scotland?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
Self-guided traveling is not difficult! For many it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.
Are meals included on the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way Tour?
6 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Glasgow to start this tour?
Glasgow is a big city with many direct air connections all over Europe, as well as several cities all over the world.
Is the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way Tour in English?
Yes, the tour guide speaks English.
Where does the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way Tour end?
The tour ends where it starts, in Glasgow.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Scotland?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Scotland?
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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7 total ratings, 0 with reviewsStephen L.
I’ve been using 10A route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10A made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
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Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
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Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
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We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. Although the distances on this tour are not very long, but rough terrain makes this tour more challenging.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Falkirk, Scotland
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