Walkers will take annual Cowal Fest in their stride
Next week sees the beginning of the annual Cowal Walking Festival, which runs from October 5 to 12.
This year’s varied and exciting programme of walks, talks and outdoor events includes 14 new walks out of a total of 43 available, plus some evening activities to keep everyone entertained.
Serious challenges await the experienced walker with ascents of Cowal’s highest mountains - and they are every day if participants fit enough.
If anyone needs a break between, they can choose one the wooded glen or lochside social walks. For those who just want to chill out and relax, or need something to occupy a non-hiking partner, CowalFest offers guided heritage, nature, photography, culture and geology tours.
With experienced, friendly guides, folk can discover local clans, birds, botanic gardens, meditation and Gaelic.
In addition, the festival offers taster sessions in yoga, tai chi and creative writing.
For 2018, the CowalFest Hub during the festival week will be in the reception area of the Queen’s Hall, available for information, cash and card bookings, and all things CowalFest.
Buy a raffle ticket for £1 and win £100 cash prize, or £25 worth CalMac vouchers, or a Scottish salmon voucher. For further information and to book head, go to www.cowalfest.org.
Some of the limited walks are filling up, including both Cowal Way sections, Strachur to Lochgoilhead on Tuesday October 9, and Portavadie to Kames on Thursday October 11, and a new walk, called From Hill to Shore, on the final Friday, October 12.