Argyll Walks is the "go to" tour for visitors to Luss and Helensburgh looking for a bit of history. Moved to Argyll and Bute 14 years ago.
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My Story
ARGYLL WALKS·SATURDAY, 4 MAY 2019·
Gerena Sumen- Tour Guide
Fun Fact: Gerena met her husband Shaun through a hillwalking club. Many years later, completed 284 Munros and climbed Kilimanjaro,Mt. Ararat ,Mt.Whitney,Bonete Peak as well as long distance walks like: John Muir Trail, Cape Wrath Trail, West Highland Way, Skye Trail, Three Lochs Way and The Cowal Way. Volunteered as a guide at Ch
arles Rennie MacIntosh Hill House in Helensburgh and The Burrell Collection in Pollok Park. I learned history of the area as an advisor with VisitScotland in Ardgartan,Tarbet,Helensburgh and Balloch. I am passionate about Argyll and Bute and its many attractions and love sharing my enthusiasm with my visitors.
“ I love showing the tourists Luss, telling of her rich history. My favourite story on the tour was how the Colquhouns captured Dumbarton Castle from the Earl of Lennox. The castle was starving, and Sir John Colquhoun set loose a deer, so that the castle men would open the gates to go hunting. Sir John and his men gained entry to the castle without any bloodshed”.
Great walks for everyone to try one or two.
The Cowalfest festival starts on Thursday 12th September and includes a 6 mile, 4 hour, grade 5 from car park up An Creachan. You can find out more details of all the walks and book your place by visiting www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/cowalfest
Ramblers Scotland Paths for All Argyll Walks Wild About Argyll Western Ferries
We have a few rare spaces in our Summer calendar. We'd love to welcome you!
Summer Soltice Dawn last year on Ben Lomond
Looking for guided walks in ?
The John Muir Way a designated Scotland's National Trail, it begins at and ends at . From the Victorian seaside town of Helensburgh to one of the tiny villages of along the way, you will find Roman forts and Antonine walls. Inland you'll find ancient woodlands and smaller rolling grasslands; canals, country pubs. This variety of landscape makes this cross country series of guided monthly walks ideal for exploring Scotlands central belt. It is a walkers paradise. The John Muir Way Series starts on Sunday 30th June 2024 and ends 20th July 2025.
All guided walks are carefully surveyed on foot and will highlight the best of Scotland and will include , .
You can decide if you agree with an American walker that this is "An adventure of a Lifetime".
Book your space today➡https://www.argyllwalks.co.uk
VisitScotland
On Sunday 30th June at 10:30am, Argyll Walks will present the first guided walk around the beautiful town of then contour to farm with entertaining stories of past occurrences with spirits on Coffin walks.
This is the first of 14 monthly stages of the John Muir Way starting in June 2024 and ending in July 2025.
Connect with nature and see all the beautiful wildlife of birds, flowers and butterflies along the way.
Come and join us on this intriguing guided walk and find out more about John Muir being a terrible camper and why he got lost in New York City.
For more information and how to book go to ➡ https://www.argyllwalks.co.uk
While you are here on holiday, why not visit , in Colquhoun Square on Saturday 29th June 2024 from 10am to 4pm.
Argyll Walks took a stroll over the stoneymollan_loch_lomond by with expert guide Gerena Sumen. In one viewer was inspired to write a poem "West to Inverchaolain"
Read it in here https://bit.ly/3rttTeT (issue 61 pg 174
VisitScotland
Destination Helensburgh
John Muir Trust
The John Muir Way
We spent a lovely few hours between and checking on a route for Sunday's guided walk on the 30th June 2024. The walk starts at the footsteps terminus of Helensburgh promenade and ends at the . This is the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the John Muir Way. is the birthplace of linking up with several points of interest like views over , , - curving round to the moored at the pier.
Booking this guided walk is essential ▶ https://www.argyllwalks.co.uk
🥾Sunday 30th June 10:30am to 3pm Approx
🥾Distance approx. 8 miles
🥾Difficulty rating moderate - pavements, cycleway, track and road
🥾No dogs please
VisitScotland
John Muir Trust
The John Muir Way
John Muir Way Stage 1
Helensburgh to Balloch-Sunday 30th June 2024
Explore the stunning scenery of , rich in and beautiful of with a local expert Gerena the first stage of .
For more details and latest updates please follow Argyll Walks. Please book guided walks at ➡️https://www.argyllwalks.co.uk
Photo Credit: ArgyllWalks John Muir Cabin on Esplanade near the pier.
Walking Britain
Helensburgh Advertiser
We worked with West Dumbartonshire Council to replace faded old signs on the coastal right of way between Dumbarton and Ardoch, and the council's circular path. Thanks to volunteers Jonny & Rachel.
This map shows Scotland in 1066!
This was during the reign of Malcolm III (known as Canmore, meaning ‘bighead’ or ‘great chief’). Malcolm III ruled for 35 years, and during his reign William the Conqueror invaded England, bringing with him Norman families, who soon also penetrated Scotland.
We explore more here: https://bit.ly/3PbADvh
Photo credit: Credit: Historical Images Archive / Alamy
"I'm not lost for I know where I am. But however, where I am may be lost."- Winnie the Pooh.
Coast to Coast Day 13 Camp Build Burn Fetteresso Forest to Dunnottar castle
Distance 29km Ascent 789m
Total Distance 216 miles Total Ascent 30,876ft Total 13 Days
Highlights- A very damp start out of the forest with plastic bags over my dry socks. I did not stay dry for long. I squelched my way along paths, tracks and minor roads to the famous castle. My friend Winnie the Pooh at hand and my husband Shaun holding the other hand we finish the challenge together. What an adventure! Scotland has it all everything you could want and need to make it a magical place.
A big thank-you to Challenge Control, Vetters and Volunteers. Saving the best for last all TGO challengers I met. I will be forevermore your company. Collected my completion certificate for my second crossing. Also, I bought another tent from a former challenger a flamescreed lanshan 1 person, So, maybe thinking about next year!
Blowin' in the wind...
Coast to Coast Day 12 Tarfside to Builg Burn Camp in Fetteresso Forest
Distance 24km Ascent 978m
Highlights- A very wide LRT to the the summit of Mount Battock 778m a Corbett. A useful shelter at a shooting lodge further on but not good enough to stay. Always looking for Right of Ways as I like walking on the ancient pathways called Cryne's Corse Mounth. The weather deteriorated and looking for water and a flat ground was becoming a challenge. Finally, stopped at 7.30pm to set up camp in the rain.
Good morning sunshine...
Coast to Coast Day 11 Sheiling of Mark to Tarfside
Distance 23km Ascent 902m
Highlights- What a beautiful morning? Cannot believe the weather we are having for . Decided to follow Alva and Ann's advice to go south, then east to find the LRT to Glen Lee. Great information. There was red flags up for shooting in the area but we were to keep to the path. A welcome sight to Tarfside and St Drostan's church. A very beautiful place situated in Glen Esk. Ann and Alva were making egg and bacon rolls and lots of homemade cakes to satisfy anyone's cravings. Well done to all the volunteers at Tarfside that help the TGO challengers. There was a BBQ at the Mason's pub. I had a G&T and it only cost £2. Glenesk Museum delivered evening meals to the church which was much appreciated. This is a very sociable stop on the crossing where you meet up with your fellow challengers.
Climb every mountain...
Coast to Coast Day 9 Wild Camp below Bynack More to Corndevon Lodge
Distance 25km Height 940m
Highlights- A lovely misty morning to climb Creag Mhor 895m and descend to Faindouran bothy. Unusual cup marks at the summit.The Glen of Avon and Glen Builg are so beautiful and peaceful. Saw a few TGO challengers along the way. Camped beside the lodge.
There is something for everyone. Come and join the walks Cowal Fest 2024
I should be so lucky…
Coast to Coast Day8 Boat of Garten to Wild Camp below Bynack Mor
Distance 26 Km Ascent 857m
My Host Harry @ Boathouseguesthouse suggested a short cut of 4km via Loch Garten to get to Forest Lodge, then Ryvoan Bothy. This where serendipity enters and I decide to visit the osprey centre. Spoke to Rachel and joined the RSPB. I saw my first male osprey sit on the nest! Saw a red damselfly and the pine trees were so big and majestic. Worth a visit and join if you can.
Met Humphrey from the borders at Ryvoan Bothy. I decided to walk on as the Bothy was too busy.
We are having a heatwave…
Coast to Coast Day 7 Glenmazeran to Boat of Garten
Distance 23km Ascent 453m
Highlights - early morning over Inverness sky and misty morning near some hut circles on General Wades Military Road. Tomatin to Slochd 3 miles.
Practice river crossings in cool water beside Sluggan bridge. Great to see Shaun walking towards me in Boat of Garten. Staying at the boathouse hotel very nice and comfortable. Tomorrow is a rest day. Wander in Aviemore for a look around the outdoor shops! Listening to podcasts and .
trust
The Water of Life
Coast to Coast Day 6 Glenmazeran to Tomatin
Distance 16km Ascent 232m
Highlights A visit to Tomatin Whisky Distillery. It is one of the few still making single malts. The name means the hill of the juniper. It is now owned by a Japanese company called Shirakawa since 1986.
I am in training to acquire a taste for whisky before our sailing holiday around the Scottish islands. It was a good start.
Who pays the ferryman?
Coast to Coast Day 5 Drumnadrochit to Glenmazeran
Distance 28km Ascent 878m
Highlights- Crossing Loch Ness under the superb Gordon conning the boat. Saw some one week old hatchlings under the seats as stowaways. Met Barry from Yorkshire who made it to the same camp spot as me. Great company. Birds were singing loudly.
Lost in Translation
Coast to Coast Day 4 Stuy to Drumnadrochit
Distance 28km Ascent 720m
Highlights- Climbing two deer fences and finding a gate to escape the Eskadale Triangle. Met a friendly smooth snake basking in the sun. Nearly missed the grave of Bambi the oldest recorded red deer aged 32 years old. Finally, some yellow pollen from Birch trees on loch Neaty. I followed the advice of don’t drink yellow water!
In Bloom
Day 3 Coast to Coast
Loch Monar to Stuy- Cnoc Hotel
Highlights- a great variety of trees in three different estates. Too much tarmacing for me over ten miles. Luckily I brought KEEN river shoes and they were great. I almost thought this Glen Strathfrarrar was very remote but along came 20 motorbikers thundering up this Glen. I guess no where in Scotland is that remote? I was so happy to arrive at The Cnoc Hotel.
Distance 29km Ascent 566m
Solitude
Day 2 Coast to Coast
From Gerry’ Hostel at Craig to Loch Monar
Highlights- Beautiful walk to Glenuig Lodge below Meall Lundaigh. Crossed the river to go up and over Abhainn Strath Muillch to camp near Loch Monar.
Another stunning location. No aurora borealis tonight though. The terrain up to the highest point was path less on a very hot day.
Distance 22km Ascent 765m
Reflections
Day 1 Coast to Coast
Started finished at Gerry’s hostel
Highlights the views to Loch Torridon and the amazing geology
The weather was brilliant too!
Distance 22km Ascent 918m
Cowalfest is delighted to announce that we have recently received a generous grant from the The National Lottery Community Fund Scotland ...this will help us immensely and means that we can deliver a fantastic five day event in September (12-16) as well as plan for future events with community involvement. To view a list of guided walks and events (further updates and booking details to follow soon) please visit www.wildaboutargyll.co.uk/cowalfest
And a big thank you to Argyll Walks for help with the bid!
Ramblers Scotland Western Ferries Wild About Argyll
We're very excited to announce that our new website is now open. A Big thank-you to Adolfo from for the new website. Super excited to launch the guided walks in monthly stages over 14 months.
Other walking tours are available in Helensburgh and Luss too!
Have a look through and see what appeals to you and please share if you can with friends and family. Booking Details ▶️ https://www.argyllwalks.co.uk
CowalFest 2023, a five-day family friendly walking festival that showcases the beautiful scenery and heritage of the spectacular Cowal peninsula in Argyll.
| Monday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00 - 17:00 |
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Excited to start this soon! John Muir Way- section 1 Helensburgh to Balloch starts on Sunday 30th June 2024 and we hope to do one per month until complete. Book your space today ➡https://www.argyllwalks.co.uk #lochlomondandtrossachsnationalpark #LochLomond #outdoors #nature #visitscotland #scotlandnow #destinationhelensburgh #balloch #helensburgh
Stage 4 John Muir Way Great place to see views of the Campsies on Bar Hill. Fancy a cuppa and cake The Fells Coffee House in Lennoxtown. Nice to see butterburs,catkins and pussy willows blossoming with the sunshine. Have a Happy Easter everyone! #easter #JMW #Croy #hill #lennoxtown #barhill #argyllwalks #thefellscoffeeshop #guidedgroupwalks#johnmuir
Great Corbett with views towards Mull, Ben Nevis & Anoach Eagach #thinkwinter #visitscotland #peaktopub #snowwalks #scotland #argyllwalks
Great Day to catch the rays and snow
Photo credit Shaun Breen on Ben Lomond sunrise
❄️winter walks❄️#luss #lochlomond #guidedwalkingtour
Overnight in #balmaha Climbing Ben Lomond tomorrow. Looking forward to the summit celebration for #sunnyadventures round three Munro completion. #lochlomond #oaktreeinn #lochlomondandthetrossachsnationalpark #argyllwalks
Guess Where? 🏴
Beinn an Lochan last year... I challenged myself to climb this steep slope and was very happy to reach the summit. Sometimes to take risks is to grow in confidence. #womenshistorymonth
Mornin’ Deer! Great to see at 7.45am outside my window. #wildlife #wilddeer #arrochar
A guided tour in the village of Luss... Love Loch Lomond❤️Prettiest village😀Beach and sand. Loads of history about Clan Colquoun. ⬇️https://www.argyllwalks.co.uk #lovelochlomond #luss #lusstour #history #marketargyll #bbc #visitscotland #argyllwalks
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Gerena Sumen- Tour Guide
Fun Fact: Gerena met her husband Shaun through a hillwalking club. Many years later, completed 284 Munros and climbed Kilimanjaro,Mt. Ararat ,Mt.Whitney,Bonete Peak as well as long distance walks like: John Muir Trail, Cape Wrath Trail, West Highland Way, Skye Trail, Three Lochs Way and The Cowal Way. Moved to Argyll and Bute 14 years ago. Volunteered as a guide at Charles Rennie MacIntosh Hill House in Helensburgh and The Burrell Collection in Pollok Park. I learned history of the area as an advisor with VisitScotland in Ardgartan,Tarbet,Helensburgh and Balloch. I am passionate about Argyll and Bute and its many attractions and love sharing my enthusiasm with my visitors.
“ I love showing the tourists Luss, telling of her rich history. My favourite story on the tour was how the Colquhouns captured Dumbarton Castle from the Earl of Lennox. The castle was starving, and Sir John Colquhoun set loose a deer, so that the castle men would open the gates to go hunting. Sir John and his men gained entry to the castle without any bloodshed”.
