Argyll walking festival steps up to the mark

Dozens of keen walkers from across Scotland and the UK stepped out and stepped up as part of another successful Cowalfest walking festival.

Held over five days in mid-September and involving around 20 guided hikes and educational walks, Cowalfest 2025 showcased some of Cowal’s majestic scenery across the peninsula as well as the rich history and magnificent flora and fauna.

Cowalfest chair Andy Armstrong commented: “It’s been another great few days of walking with the weather staying kind for rambling routes that ranged from Glenan Wood near Portavadie to the Arroachar Alps, the famed Coffin route across Cowal to an exploration of the Holy Loch Nature Reserve and the geology of the Innellan shoreline.

“The Cowalfest committee would like to put on record our sincere thanks to all the walkers who took part. As well as hikers from across Cowal and Argyll, we welcomed folks from all parts of the UK and the feedback has been almost universally popular.

“As with any walking festival, there were some last-minute adjustments to the schedule with a couple of the walks cancelled but the vast majority of the programme proceeded with a ‘full house’ for many of the hikes.

“Events like this are a constant learning curve and, after taking a break for a month or two to draw breath, we will be getting together soon to plan Cowalfest 2026!

“We would like to thank all of our partner organisations, such as the Castle House Museum, Friends of Glenan Wood, Historic Kilmun and many more whose involvement proved crucial and the many walk guides and local history experts who led the way.

“The decision to lay on transport for a selection of the walks proved to be a good move with Tom Morton and his team of drivers playing their part.

“It’s been a true team effort and I would personally like to thank all of our volunteer committee and supporters whose tireless efforts over the past twelve months made the festival work,” he added.

Davie Rutherford from Lochgilphead, a regular Cowalfest participant, summed up the feedback received: “It was another great few days of rambling around this inspiring region.”

Lorraine Whitton was similarly enthused: “Thank you for a very interesting tour of the nature reserve, led by a knowledgeable guide and a friendly group of folk. I learnt a lot about this fabulous natural asset.”

The reserve’s famous resident kingfisher even popped by to say hello before the walkers, led by Dr Neil Hammatt, set out on their trek.

The event undoubtedly proved to be an economic success for the region with many walkers booking hotel rooms and using local cafes and restaurants during their stay.

“We will be looking closely at the statistics and how the festival benefited Cowal as a whole but initial conclusions suggest that the event undoubtedly draws people to our part of the world,” explained Andy.

The traditional celebratory ceilidh took place on the Saturday evening with music supplied by Canned Haggis and a host of raffle prizes donated by generous local businesses that included Portavadie Spa, Sauna Mara, Choux Cakes and Kents Butchers as well as Cowal Open Studios members Deb Wing and Michaela Goan.

Andy went on “It went with a swing and a lot of dancing!

“We hope to resume our regular ‘pop up’ walks throughout the year from the start of 2026 and look forward to Cowalfest continuing to build new friendships, boost physical and mental health and showing off the sublime vistas of the Cowal peninsula.

“After all, nothing beats a good walk out in nature!” concluded Andy.

For more details visit www.cowalfest.com