Step 1
From the clock tower cross the road towards the bank then go right along
the road towards the roundabout. Cross the road over the island toward the
Royal Hotel. Continue along Argyll Square crossing over two roads and keep
following the main road as it curves slightly to the right. Soon you will
reach a church; take the road to the left of the church. Take the second right
turning along Mossfield Drive. At the end of the road turn right, continue
straight across the crossroads and onto the football pitch at the end of the
road. At the far right of the football pitch take the steps down towards a
path. Take the path to the left, going uphill and follow it as it passes
underneath the railway bridge. Continue on the main path, ignoring the faint
forks. At a Y-shaped junction carry on to the left (ignore the fork to the
right heading uphill) and cross a fairly small stream. Continue uphill as the
path enters the trees, ignoring another fork to the right, and take the left
fork as it again crosses the small stream then passes through an old ruined
wall. Continue straight ahead at a short steep section until you meet the main
path.
Step 2
Turn right along this, again heading uphill as it passes through a heavily
forested area.
Step 3
Once out of the wooded area, continue to follow the path as it heads slightly
uphill to the left. Take the first path to the right through some young trees
and on a clear day you will have fantastic views of Ben Cruachan to the left,
which will be a regular companion throughout this walk - if you’re lucky!
Step 4
Follow the path to the bottom where it meets another wider track, turn right
along this. At the end of this track, turn left and then shortly after, turn
right again.
Step 5
Follow this track until it comes to a farm gate.
Step 6
Pass through the farm gate and follow the grassy track through the livestock field,
which eventually reveals spectacular views of Loch Nell and Ben Cruachan.
Step 7
Keep on this track until it comes to another gate on the other side.
Pass through this gate and turn left along the single track road. At the
road’s highest point, it passes a large stile for access to Ballygowan
Woodland area, a rewilding project which is worth exploring if you have
time.
Step 8
Continue along the road, ignoring a turning on the right for Taynuilt,
and take the left turn signposted for Oban. The road eventually passes by
Glencruitten House Woods to your left then Luachrach Loch to your right
before passing under the railway bridge. Continue along the road as it cuts
through the golf course and keep following the road as it curves sharply to
the left. Follow the road downhill after passing a residential area to your
right and continue on until the route merges with the outward route.
