The best walks and hikes around South Cowal

Yes, South Cowal is a great place to walk with your dog. Many trails run through forests and along coastlines where dogs are welcome. For a well-regarded walk, consider the Puffin Rock loop from Larkfield, which offers a gentle coastal experience. The Ardentinny Forest area is also a popular choice among dog owners for its scenic forest tracks.

For a straightforward and accessible walk suitable for most family members, the Bishop's Glen Reservoir loop from Dunoon is an excellent choice. It's a relatively short, easy circular path around a scenic reservoir. Another option is the Bullwood Nature Trail, known as a quiet, hidden gem for a peaceful walk.

Absolutely. Many trails in South Cowal are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same place without retracing your steps. A great example is the moderate Ardyne forest and castle circuit, which combines woodland paths with fantastic views over the isles of Bute and Arran.

Yes, the most significant long-distance path is the Loch Lomond & Cowal Way. This 90km (57-mile) trail traverses the entire peninsula, starting from Portavadie on the west coast and finishing at Inveruglas on the shores of Loch Lomond. It showcases the region's diverse landscapes, from sea lochs to mountains and forests.

For rewarding views, the hike to Kames Hill provides excellent panoramas over the surrounding landscape. For more challenging ascents with breathtaking vistas of the Clyde Estuary and the Highlands, consider tackling peaks like Beinn Mhor, the highest in Cowal.

South Cowal is part of the Argyll Forest Park, offering numerous woodland trails. The Cormonachan Community Woodlands are praised for their peaceful and beautiful paths. For a walk that combines forest scenery with coastal views, the trails in Ardentinny Forest are highly recommended by visitors.

The coastline, known as Argyll's Secret Coast, offers wonderful walking opportunities. You can find trails that follow the shores of sparkling sea lochs and lead to quiet beaches. A lovely coastal walk is the Rothesay Castle – Rothesay Harbour loop from Port Bannatyne, which combines history with seaside scenery.

There are over 80 designated hiking routes to explore around South Cowal. The selection is diverse, with 44 easy trails perfect for casual walks, 33 moderate routes for those seeking more of a challenge, and 5 difficult trails for experienced hillwalkers.

The region is highly rated by over 2,000 komoot users, who have given the trails an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hikers frequently praise the variety of scenery, from the rugged hills and extensive forests to the beautiful coastline of Argyll's Secret Coast. The mix of well-marked paths and quieter, more remote routes is also a major highlight.

Many popular trailheads and walking areas have dedicated parking, though it can be limited at peak times. For example, Ardentinny Forest has a car park which serves as a good starting point for its trails. For town-based walks like those starting in Dunoon, it's best to use public car parks in the town centre.

While the famous Puck's Glen is currently closed, you can still find impressive waterfalls elsewhere. The walks around Glenbranter, part of the Argyll Forest Park, include a gorge walk where the waterfalls are particularly spectacular after a period of rain.

The varied habitats of South Cowal support a rich array of wildlife. Keep an eye out for red squirrels and a variety of birdlife in the forests, particularly at Benmore Botanic Garden. Near the coast and lochs, you might spot ospreys, herons, and other seabirds. The Holy Loch Nature Reserve is another excellent spot for birdwatching.