Cowalfest promises a celebration of 'all things Cowal'

Walking festival makes a welcome return after October 2023 storms

This year's Cowalfest walking festival, scheduled for September 12th to 16th, will include 24 guided and special interest walks with key partners such as Castle House Museum, the Dunoon Bothy Project and Sunbeams Nursery involved in the delivery of free events.

The five-day festival makes a welcome return after cancellations caused by the pandemic and bad weather. Guided walks up the iconic Cobbler near Arrochar, an exploration of the area around Kilfinan Castle under the guidance of an expert from the Clan Macewan and an ascent up Cowal's highest peak, Beinn Mhor, form part of the programme.

In addition, there are a number of special interest walks across the peninsula covering nature, geology, local history, art and foraging supported by experts in their field.

The Dunoon Bothy Project will be delivering a health walk and guided cycle ride on the first two days of the festival with Castle House Museum hosting two events covering 'Dunoon of 200 years ago' and a 'Suffragette history' walk and talk.

On Saturday 14th September (11am-3pm) Sunbeams Nursery will be holding a Forest School open day in Innellan aimed at children across Cowal.

Cowalfest chair Andy Armstrong explained: "We have been very encouraged by initial interest in all of our events and bookings are steadily coming in for all of the free events and many of the walks we have planned.

"We have folk from across Scotland and the UK heading up to Cowal for the festival and the opportunity to learn about the diverse nature of our wonderful corner of Argyll.

"The support of Wild About Argyll, Western Ferries, the National Lottery Community Fund and key partners such as the Dunoon Bothy Project and Castle House Museum will go a long way to making this year's Cowalfest one of the best yet.

"A full list with details of all the walks and events, including a Ceilidh at Innellan Hall on Saturday evening with live music from Canned Haggis, can be viewed online at www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/cowalfest. Bookings can be made on the site with visitors and walkers encouraged to secure their places as soon as they can.

"It promises to a fantastic celebration of all things Cowal" added Andy.