Explore Argyll & Bute’s Long Distance Routes
- Five long distance paths that form part of the network of Scotland’s Great Trails are wholly in Argyll & Bute. A further two of Scotland's Great Trails pass through including the West Highland Way.
- Walk over 200 miles of Scotland’s Great Trails in Argyll & Bute.
- Cycle 180 miles of the National Cycle Network which links communities across the Argyll & Bute
- Paddle the 93 mile Argyll Sea Kayak Trail from Oban to Helensburgh
Walking Routes - 200 miles of Scotland’s Great Trails in Argyll and Bute
The Loch Lomond and Cowal Way – 57 miles
The Cowal Way is a 57 mile long-distance walk, which was established at the turn of the century. It runs the length of the Cowal Peninsula, passing through some of the most beautiful and varied landscape in the Highlands. The Cowal Way begins in the south of Cowal at Portavadie and winds its way up through the peninsula to end at Inveruglas on the shores of Loch Lomond. The route makes use of existing footpaths, forestry tracks, quiet roads and traditional rights of way. The terrain is varied and can be challenging, encompassing forests, shorelines, hill passes and lochs.
The John Muir Way – 134 miles
The John Muir Way stretches 134 miles across Scotland’s heartland, running between Helensburgh in the west through to Dunbar on the east coast and Muir's birthplace.
The Kintyre Way – 100 miles
More island than mainland, the wonderfully unexplored Kintyre peninsula boasts hidden coves, deserted beaches along the wild Atlantic coast, tiny fishing communities, gentle hills, fabulous local produce and a welcoming friendly people. Stretching from Tarbert at the north end of the peninsula, to Dunaverty in the south, the way-marked Kintyre Way criss-crosses the peninsula, connecting communities and landscape, people and produce.
The Three Lochs Way – 34 miles
Gentle landscapes are gradually replaced by the scenic drama of mountain, crag and loch as the Three Lochs Way crosses the Highland Boundary Fault and heads towards the mountains of the Southern Highlands. With Loch Lomond, The Gareloch and Loch Long as recurrent scenic backdrops, the Three Lochs Way takes you on a fascinating journey through place and time as it links a necklace of communities strung along the Clyde Sea Lochs fringe of Scotland's first national park.
The West Highland Way – 96 miles
Starting in Milngavie the way passes through Mugdock Country Park, follows the shores of Loch Lomond, passing Ben Lomond, through Glen Falloch and Strathfillan, crossing Rannoch Moor, past Buachaille Etive Mor to the head of Glencoe, climbing the Devil’s Staircase, descending to the Loch Leven before entering Lairigmor and Glen Nevis and finishes at Gordon Square in Fort William..
The West Island Way – 30 miles
The route runs the length of the island and can be accessed from various points if you want to split the journey. The views of the island and the seascapes are fantastic and make a walk along the route more than worthwhile. The route is waymarked, running the complete length of the island. It crosses a dramatic landscape, with a beautiful coastline, beaches, farmland, the moors, and forests.
Cycling Routes - 180 miles of the National Cycle Network which links communities across the Argyll & Bute
National Cycle Network – 2,100 miles in Scotland
Route 78 Campbeltown to Oban – 120 miles
The southern leg of the Caledonian Way which when complete, will connect Campbeltown with Inverness. This mainly on-road route offers adventurous cyclists the chance to explore the spectacular peninsula of Kintyre, Knapdale and Lorne. There are traffic-free sections along the Crinan Canal and Kilmartin Glen.
Route 78 Oban to Fort William – 46 miles
The Caledonian Way is largely traffic free route follows the spectacular coastline between Oban and Fort William. The route is still under development and there remain three short sections where cyclists have to use the main road.
Route 75 Dunoon to Portavadie / Tarbert – 30 miles
This is the western most section of the Forth & Clyde Route which connects Glasgow with Edinburgh. This route follows single track roads across the Cowal peninsula to the Portavadie ferry terminal. From here you can take a ferry to link up with the Oban to Campbeltown route on the Kintyre peninsula.
Regional Route 40 Balloch - Luss - Tarbet - 17 miles
The West Loch Lomond cycle path follows the western shore of Loch Lomond mostly on paths and sections of quiet and closed-off roads, parallel to the A82 road. A level, linear route taking in the pretty village of Luss with spectacular views of Loch Lomond and its famous islands, Conic Hill and the most southerly Munro Ben Lomond
Regional Route 41 Arden - Helensburgh – 5 miles
A route mainly on roadside paths leaving the Balloch to Tarbet Regional Route 40 at Arden, next to Loch Lomond, and linking over the hill to Helensburgh.
Regional Route 42 Helensburgh - Rhu – Garelochhead – 8 miles
A route partly on roadside paths and partly on-road from Helensburgh, through Rhu, then along the Gare Loch to Garelochhead, following the A814 road.
The Argyll Sea Kayak Trail - 93 miles
The Argyll Sea Kayak Trail links Oban and Helensburgh, incorporating nine access points and the Crinan Canal. This route offers some of the best sea kayaking in Europe. Rich in wildlife, naturally diverse coastline, sheltered waters, islands, sandy beaches, caves and much more, it is everything you want from a paddling destination.