Start point:

  • Large carpark at Kilchurn Castle entrance (NN139:280).  Short walk under railway bridge to water.  River flow at this point but eddie at put-in point and able to flow shore line to point where flow dissipates.   Good point to practice crossing flow.    

    Pros / Cons:
    Benefit is large parking area and good option as day trip – 14k option 
  • Pier at Portsonachan Hotel (South Port) – NN208:049 – 26k return trip

  • Slipway on first layby on the left (A85) after St Conan Church, past the bridge with traffic lights (NN094:259).    Two large laybys on right which can be used for overflow parking if launch layby is busy.    This is only real access to loch as banks are steep.  This area has a nice flat beach area making for easy launch and space for approx. 5 cars to park.

Pros / Cons:
Close to islands of interest Due to access point parking area may be busy.   Option for short trip (6k) or launch point for longer trip with shuttle ad Dalavaich (20k)

Tidal Considerations

No tidal considerations but river flow at Kilchurn Castle bridge (carpark put in site) and some flow at mouth of River Awe.  

Weather Considerations

Area can be exposed and wind speed should be consideration.    Landing sites but limited road access.  

Key Points of Interest:

  • Inishail “Green Island” (NN098:245) – 13th Century Chapel Ruins with tombstones which show images of warriors and knights

  • Fraoch Eilean (NN109:252) – ruined 13th century castle showing hall and courtyard

  • Kilchurn Castle (NN134:278)

Notes:

  1. Dalavich Camping Pods includes café (Wild Rowan Café – 10am – 3pm) and carpark.  Good option to launch for island fortress, Innes Chonnel Castle.   Best to buy things before requesting to launch from campsite.   01866 844256
  2. Difficult to access launch points from either side of the loch

Coffee Stop:

Ben Cruachan Inn, Dalmally –   01838 200880