Lochgoilhead – Paths, Water and History on Loch Goil

Lochgoilhead brings together riverside landscapes, mountain paths and the history of Loch Goil in a small area, creating a wide range of travel experiences. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house can take their preferred pace into account when planning: short walks by the water, more challenging hiking sections, wildlife watching or cultural and historical discoveries each offer a different focus.

Hiking between the Shore and Mountain Paths

For a compact hike, the Glen Donich Trail is a good option. The route is 4.0 km long; 1½ hours are allocated for it. It runs mostly along firm, narrow paths and sections of forest roads. Moderate to steep slopes and some steep steps are part of its character. This makes the trail easy to fit into a day’s itinerary if you are looking for a clearly defined mountain hike with varied terrain.

The River Walk offers a different way to experience Lochgoilhead. The route is at a low elevation, follows the banks of the River Goil and begins in Lochgoilhead Community Park and Gardens. There are picnic areas and places to paddle in the river. The River Walk is also a 3 km route for cyclists with bicycles of all kinds. Dippers, water voles, otters and kingfishers have been observed along the route. This allows you to combine exercise by the water with attentive wildlife watching on the same route.

Loch Goil, Waterfalls and Long-Distance Routes

Anyone who wants to get to know the landscape from the water can visit Loch Goil by boat or kayak while looking out for the loch’s wildlife. The Donich Waterfalls can be reached at the head of Loch Goil via the old Duke's Path. For longer excursions, the Loch Lomond & Cowal Way passes along paths, beaches, forest roads, mountain climbs and minor roads. The “Northeast Cowal” walk is 35 miles long and follows an old Heritage Trail to Lochgoilhead.

The Community Park and Gardens also adds a place for quieter discoveries to the outdoor experiences. The grounds include a wildlife pond, formal planting, raised vegetable beds, community food growing, a historic orchard, lawns and an outdoor stage. The park is free for everyone to use and visit. Depending on whether you are planning a hike, a cycling trip, a wildlife-watching tour or a relaxed time in the open air, you can shape your stay in different ways.

Church History by the Loch

Lochgoilhead and Kilmorich Parish Church occupies a prominent position at the head of Loch Goil. Historically, this point was significant on the route from Glasgow and the east to Inverary and the Western Isles. The monuments of Lochgoilhead Parish Church point to close connections with Clan Campbell and the later Earls of Argyll. Anyone wishing to combine days in nature with culture will find another way here to explore the history of the area without having to focus the trip on a single activity.

Choosing Lochgoilhead as a Base

When looking for accommodation in Lochgoilhead, one simple priority can help: first decide whether the River Walk and the water, the Glen Donich Trail and the mountain landscape, longer long-distance hikes or local history should be the main focus. For travelling there, a bus running twice a day connects Arrochar/Tarbet railway station with the village of Lochgoilhead.

More Places for Your Trip Planning

If you would like to discover more places besides Lochgoilhead, you can continue your search with Appin, Dalavich, Crinan, Tarbert, Minard, Kirn, Colintraive and Kilmelfort.

For the higher-level travel overview: Argyll And Bute.