Travel & Transport

Because the Loch Lomond & Cowal Way is in a rural area of Scotland (but close to key transport hubs like Glasgow and Prestwick International airports), it is advisable to have car transport where possible. For transport provider websites, please see our Links webpage.

By Taxi
Most taxis are based in Dunoon, because this is the main population centre of Cowal.
A1 Taxis, Dunoon Tel: 07732 714482
Clyde Independent Taxis, Dunoon Tel: 01369 706444
Dunoon Private Hire, Dunoon Tel: 07475 447244
Macab Taxi, Tighnabruaich Tel: 01700 811379
Taxi George, Dunoon Tel: 07913 601442
Thistle Taxis, Dunoon Tel: 01369 704331
Tucker’s Taxis, Dunoon Tel: 01369 701710
Lochgoilhead Taxis. Mob 07876 235657

By Car – starting walk at Portavadie
From Glasgow, take the M8 motorway west towards Greenock/Gourock. Drive through the towns of Port Glasgow and Greenock until you reach Gourock. At the far end of Gourock, on the right hand (water) side, you will see the Western Ferries terminal and the distinctive red boats. Cross on the car ferry to Dunoon (pay onboard), then drive to Portavadie on the B836/A886 roads. The Dunoon to Portavadie car journey will take less than 1 hour.

By Car – starting walk at Inveruglas
From Glasgow, take the M8 west towards Greenock. Just past Glasgow Airport take the slip road on the left hand side to Erskine Bridge. Drive across the bridge, then take the left turn to Loch Lomond (A814/A82 roads). At a road junction at Tarbet turn right on the A82 road heading north. When you reach Inveruglas Visitor Centre park here. Glasgow to Inveruglas, during quiet times, will take approximately 1 hour.

By Bus – starting walk at Portavadie
McGills operates a bus service from Glasgow City Centre to Dunoon (No 907). From Dunoon ferry pier catch a West Coast Motors bus (No 478) to Portavadie, which passes through Glendaruel and Tighnabruaich. The Dunoon to Portavadie bus journey will take approximately 1 hour.

By Bus – starting walk at Inveruglas
Scottish Citylink operates a coach service from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station to Inveruglas. Book the Glasgow to Loch Lomond/Fort William/Skye service (No’s 914/915/916). Get off the bus at Sloy Power Station, which is a few minutes walk from Inveruglas. This coach journey will take just under 1 hour.

By Train – starting walk at Portavadie
There is a very regular train service from Glasgow Central to Gourock. On arrival at Gourock, board the Argyll Ferries (passenger service only) boat to Dunoon, and pay on the boat which will take 25 minutes. On arrival at Dunoon Pier, you will see the bus services for Portavadie.

By Train – starting walk at Inveruglas
There is a train service from Glasgow central to Ardlui train station. Get off the train at Ardlui. The Cowal Way is approximately 2 miles south of the station, on the lochside road.

By Air – starting walk at Portavadie
There is no train station at Glasgow Airport. Get a taxi to Pailsey Gilmour Street train station (5 minute taxi journey), to board the Glasgow to Gourock train. Alternatively, hire a car. Glasgow Airport to Gourock is only 20 miles/35 minutes by car.

By Air – starting walk at Inveruglas
There is no train station at Glasgow Airport. Take a taxi to Inveruglas, or organise an airport collection service via Balliemeanoch Baggage. Alternatively, hire a car. Glasgow Airport to Inveruglas is only 36 miles/50 minutes by car.

Baggage Transfer
Airport transfer services to and from Glasgow Airport can be booked in advance by contacting Balliemeanoch Baggage  www.balliemeanochbaggage.co.uk

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