The best walks and hikes around Loch Eck

Yes, the Loch Eck area is great for walking with dogs. Many of the forest trails are suitable. For example, Ardentinny Forest is a popular spot for dog walkers, known for its beautiful scenery. As always, please keep your dog under control, especially near wildlife and livestock.

There are several easy walks perfect for a family outing. The Fallen Silver Fir Tree loop from Ardentinny is a great option, offering a relatively short and gentle walk through the woods. Another choice is the Hiking loop from Rashfield, which is mostly flat and follows paths along the lochside.

For waterfalls, Puck's Glen is the standout destination. It's a magical gorge walk featuring a series of cascading waterfalls, lush ferns, and charming wooden bridges. The trails here are well-maintained, making it an accessible way to experience this unique landscape.

Yes, the mountains surrounding the loch, often called the 'Cowal Alps', provide excellent challenges. Peaks like Beinn Mhor and Clach Bheinn offer demanding climbs with the reward of panoramic views over the Cowal Peninsula and beyond. These routes involve steep ascents and are best for experienced hikers with good navigation skills.

There is a 22-mile (35 km) circular route around the entire loch. It primarily follows forestry roads and hardcore paths. Due to its length, many people choose to hike it in manageable sections rather than all at once. The western shore is particularly remote and offers a sense of solitude.

Benmore Botanic Garden offers more than just a garden visit; it has several waymarked walking trails. You can explore the world-famous collection of rhododendrons and giant conifers on paths of varying lengths. The Benmore Botanic Garden – Picture Perfect Pond loop from Rashfield is a lovely moderate trail that showcases the beautiful ponds and diverse plant life within the garden grounds.

There are over 50 designated hiking routes around Loch Eck available on komoot. These range from easy, family-friendly forest walks to difficult mountain ascents, providing plenty of options for all fitness levels.

The trails around Loch Eck are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning lochside scenery, the mystical atmosphere of Puck's Glen, and the variety of walks available, from peaceful forests to challenging peaks.

For stunning roadside views, the A815 along the eastern shore of Loch Eck offers fantastic photo opportunities of the loch with the craggy tops of Clach Bheinn rising opposite. For views earned by hiking, the summits of the 'Cowal Alps' provide sweeping panoramas. Jubilee Point is also a picturesque picnic spot right on the shore, perfect for loch-level shots.

The immediate area around the Loch Eck trails is quite rural, with a focus on natural landscapes rather than commercial establishments. It's best to bring your own food and drink. Jubilee Point is a well-known picnic spot, and Holy Loch Nature Reserve also has picnic benches available.

Puck's Glen is a deep, atmospheric gorge renowned for its Victorian-era pathways that wind past a series of waterfalls and rock pools. The trail involves many steps and narrow sections, creating a fairy-tale-like experience. The Puck's Glen Car Park – Puck's Glen loop from Ardentinny is a popular route that fully explores this enchanting area.

Yes, parking is available at several key locations. There are dedicated car parks for Puck's Glen, Glenbranter Forest, and Benmore Botanic Garden. You can also find informal lay-bys along the A815, such as at Jubilee Point, which can serve as starting points for lochside walks.