Explore Lochgoilhead starting at Community Park and Gardens on the River Walk: this low-lying path is easily accessible and runs along the banks of the River Goil. Picnic spots and places to paddle complement the route. If you are planning your days, you can combine a riverside walk and the park with longer hikes and other nature and cultural attractions.

Riverside walks and longer hikes

The River Walk is also a 3 km route for cyclists, suitable for all types of bicycles. The Glen Donich Trail offers different planning details: allow 1½ hours for the 4.0 km route. It runs mostly along firm, narrow paths and sections of forestry road, with moderate to steep slopes and some steep steps. Check local conditions before setting out on a hike.

The route descriptions therefore focus on different features: the River Walk centres on its low-lying setting and the riverbanks, while slopes and steps are explicitly part of the Glen Donich Trail. The 1½-hour time estimate applies to the Glen Donich Trail; no equivalent walking time is given for the River Walk.

A longer option is the “Northeast Cowal” hike: it follows an old Heritage Trail to Lochgoilhead, is 35 miles long and does not form a complete loop. Check conditions before setting out on this route, too. Donich Waterfalls at the head of Loch Goil can be reached via the old Duke's Path; this is a different access route from those given for the two River Walk options.

Park and wildlife watching

Lochgoilhead Community Park and Gardens includes a wildlife pond, formal planting, raised vegetable beds and community food growing. The grounds also include a historic orchard, lawns and an outdoor stage. The park and gardens are free for everyone to use and visit. Its features range from planted areas and beds to open lawns and a stage.

Dippers, water voles, otters and kingfishers have been spotted from the River Walk. You can also enjoy views of the loch’s wildlife from the water: visiting Loch Goil by boat or kayak is one way to do so. Operators and conditions may vary.

Church and historical connections

Lochgoilhead and Kilmorich Parish Church stands prominently at the head of Loch Goil. Historically, this was an important point on the route from Glasgow and the east to Inverary and the Western Isles. The church’s monuments point to close connections with Clan Campbell and the later Earls of Argyll. The local history thus adds a specific historical connection to the nature and walking attractions, without requiring an additional route.

Getting there and planning

A bus running twice daily connects Arrochar/Tarbet railway station with the village of Lochgoilhead. If you plan to use this service, check the current timetable before travelling. For other activities, it is worth considering each route description and its details on distance, time or terrain separately: routes differ in these respects, and the times given apply only where expressly stated.

Discover more destinations: Dalavich, Isle Of Colonsay, Innellan, Port Charlotte, Cairndow, Rothesay, Inveraray, Port Bannatyne

Go to the wider travel overview: Argyll And Bute.