Toward Point and Toward Quay, Cowal Peninsula
This walk connects the highlights of Toward on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyle and Bute. It includes a coastal walk, ruins, a lighthouse and small quay. The views along the coast are breath-taking.
Description
(S/E) From Toward Quay, turn right by the Gatehouse to Castle Toward (not open to the public) and walk along the road (A815) with caution as there is no footpath.
(1) You will reach a layby on your right, on your left will be a gate and a well worn track. Take this track to see the ruins of the old Castle Toward and Chinese Lakes.
(2) Turn left (East-South-East) and follow main castle road, if the gates are closed follow the grass path along the wall, you will emerge through a gap in the wall.
(3) Turn left and continue walking along the road, you will pass a car park and picnic area on your left.
(4) Carry on the A815 and when you reach Toward Church, turn sharp right (South) into the village, you will find some pavements here, please use them.
(5) Walk through the village until you reach the telephone box, the lighthouse is a short walk down the path in front of you. After visiting the lighthouse, retrace your steps to the telephone box and turn left (West) continuing through the village. When you reach the junction with A815, turn left (South-West) and retrace your steps along the road towards Toward Quay (S/E).
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 3 m - Toward Quay
- 1 : km 0.6 - alt. 9 m - Parking Layby
- 2 : km 1.03 - alt. 7 m - Sign for Chinese Lakes
- 3 : km 1.66 - alt. 3 m - Picnic Area
- 4 : km 2.73 - alt. 11 m - Toward Church
- 5 : km 3.41 - alt. 4 m - Telephone Box
- 6 : km 6.12 - alt. 5 m - Castle Toward Gatehouse
- S/E : km 6.22 - alt. 3 m - Toward Quay
Useful Information
Transport: There is a car park midway on this walk or at the quay where I have started this walk. There are several layby/pull-ins along the road between the Lighthouse and the Quay to stop and visit the Chinese Laeks if you don't want to do the entire walk. Bus 489 Ardentinny to Toward stops at Toward Lighthouse and Toward Quay.
Facilities: There are no toilets or cafes on this walk, the nearest facilities are in Dunoon approximately 7 miles north.
Accessibility: As a large proportion of this walk is on tarmac a large part of it is accessible. The walk to the Chinese Lakes and old castle however are on dirt paths.
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
- Toward Quay
- Toward Castle
- Toward Lighthouse
- Chinese Lakes
- On the way back, stop at the beach by the layby (1) there are lots of rockpools here to investigate. Continue westwards along the road towards the quay checking out Castle Howard Gatehouse (6) before reaching the quay
