Lochgoilhead: Trails, Nature and History

Lochgoilhead offers several points to consider when planning a trip: the low-level River Walk along the River Goil, the Glen Donich Trail with its slopes and steep steps, wildlife watching on Loch Goil, and a historic church site at the head of the loch. If you are looking for a hotel, your planned activities can help guide your choice of destination.

River Walk and Community Park and Gardens

The River Walk is a low-level, easily accessible path along the banks of the River Goil, starting in Lochgoilhead Community Park and Gardens. There are picnic spots and places to paddle by the river. For cyclists, the River Walk is a 3 km route suitable for all types of bicycles. Dippers, water voles, otters and kingfishers have been spotted along the path, so the sightings include both birds and mammals. By comparison, the Glen Donich Trail features slopes and steep steps.

Community Park and Gardens includes a nature 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. The garden area thus adds its own natural and community spaces to the River Walk starting point.

Walking trails and different routes

The Glen Donich Trail is 4.0 km long and takes 1½ hours. It runs mostly along firm, narrow paths and sections of forest road. The route includes moderate to steep slopes and some steep steps. You can take the length and duration, together with this trail profile, into account when planning your day. Check local conditions before setting out.

A much longer hike is “Northeast Cowal”: it is 35 miles long and follows an old Heritage Trail to Lochgoilhead. The 35 miles differ considerably from the Glen Donich Trail’s 4.0 km; Northeast Cowal is also not quite a circular route, whereas the shorter trail takes 1½ hours.

Loch Goil and wildlife watching

The Donich Waterfalls can be reached at the head of Loch Goil via the old Duke's Path. A visit to Loch Goil by boat or kayak offers an opportunity to watch the loch’s wildlife. Providers and conditions may vary.

Church and historical connections

Lochgoilhead and Kilmorich Parish Church stands prominently at the head of Loch Goil. This was a historically significant 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 church site thus brings together the historical significance of the head of Loch Goil and the monuments’ connections to the clan and the earls.

Plan your journey

A bus running twice daily connects Arrochar/Tarbet railway station with the village of Lochgoilhead. Check the current timetable before travelling and factor the connection into your arrival plans.

Discover more destinations: Cairndow, Ardrishaig, Campbeltown, Ardentinny, Port Charlotte, Dunoon, Connel, Cardross

For the broader travel overview: Argyll And Bute.