Faith in Cowal: Inverchaolain to Ardtaraig

This route should be relatively simple, following the coast, as it does, through two shooting estates (Glenstriven and Ardtaraig). It manages to be anything but, however! Most of this route follows an Argyll & Bute Council core-path. This is somewhat of a joke amongst locals though. Ask anyone you encounter at Glenstriven or Ardtaraig and they'll be able to tell you where the path starts, but this is usually folowed by the phrase "after that.... it's anyone's guess".

The core path from Inverchaolain to Glenstriven is actually a single track road, which runs level with the loch. To make this first section more interesting, I've routed onto the hillside, roughly following the pylon line, which affords much better views toward the head of Loch Striven. New fencework appears tro be in the process of being installed, however, so this option may be unsuitable soon.

The path through Glenstriven is well cared for and easy to follow untill it reaces the very back of the estate, where the surface becomes rougher and more overgrown. The actual footpath between Glenstriven and Ardtaraiig is very difficult to spot in this direction, and it may make more sense to find a way to the shore and folow that as far round as you can.

There is a dotted line for the footpath drawn on OS maps but this represents a route long since reclaimed by nature. A cynic would say that the estates have allowed this to happen in order to discourage walkers. It certainly feels that way! But if you just doggedly follow the dotted line as if there were a path, you'll occasianally see sections of it letting you know you're on the right track. Of course, there being no waymarked route means that it's fair game to choose your own way through; just bear in mind that these are shooting estates.

Eventually you reach a gate, which marks your arrival into the Ardtaraig estate, and from here the path is easier to follow, quickly becoming a roughly surfaced road. Once you can see Ardtaraig Manor, you're on well surfaced paths, which lead easily to Ardtaraig Chapel (accessed by a metal stile).

A full route guide can be found on our website: Faith in Cowal.