Loch Goil

Loch Goil is one of my favourite lochs in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park; there is certainly lots to see and do here.

Loch Goil is a sea loch flowing from Loch Long and located on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute.

Arriving (by land) is an adventure via a single track road. From the Glasgow/Loch Lomond direction, the turning is just after the Rest and Be Thankful (another scenic drive!). Alternatively, it can be reached on the road from Dunoon if travelling from the Cowal Peninsula.

 

Loch Goil has a small population, boosted in the summer by many accommodation options with hotels, caravans and B&B’s and holiday lets, mainly located at Lochgoilhead. The loch is sometimes used by the Royal Navy’s Nuclear Submarine Fleet, based nearby.

Here are some Loch Goil highlights, starting at Lochgoilhead and then working down along the western shores to the end of the road at Carrick Castle.

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Lochgoilhead

Lochgoilhead is home to Drimsynie Holiday Village includes a recently renovated hotel, plus lodges and caravans. The village features an attractive lochside public area with gardens. Meanwhile, the community is developing new outdoor spaces and parks on the old curling rink and rifle range.

Drimsynie Holiday Village, Lochgoilhead

Lochgoilhead

Lochgoilhead

Along Loch Goil

These landmarks are along the 5 miles of a single track road that connects Lochgoilhead with Carrick Castle. You’ll need to take this road slowly and be prepared to back up for the busses! You also won’t want to miss some of these points of interest along the way. I’ve put them in order as you head towards Carrick Castle.

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Ardroy

Ardroy Outdoor Centre has been open for over 50 years. Over that time, many thousands of people have enjoyed inspiring outdoor activities. Many of the participants are primary school children from all across Scotland, some experiencing their first nights away from home. It will also be the first time that they will have taken part in these outdoor activities.

These residential experiences are a significant part of the curriculum, developing life skills and promoting good teamwork. One of the attendees' favourite and most memorable activities is Jacob's Ladder experience (pictured below).

Jacob’s Ladder, Ardroy Outdoor Centre

The team at Ardroy have battled over the years with the challenging financial demands of keeping the centre operational. Currently, there is a campaign to help raise much-needed funds for the not for profit centre. To find out more and provide support, please visit their website.

Loch Goil Cruisers

Loch Goil Cruisers has an extended pontoon, allow their large fleet of self-drive motorboats to operate during low tides. Their boats are available for hire by the hour for fishing trips and viewing the lochs wildlife.

Boat Shed Cafe

Loch Goil Cruisers also has The Boatshed Cafe, a modern building serving excellent food and drink. Just outside the wooden building are feeders for red squirrels, so you may get lucky and see some of the beautiful animals. The Boatshed’s walls are decorated with a range of boat propellers. The cafe also has some very sensible eco-friendly policies.

Plan Your Visit 

If you plan to visit Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, consider ordering our book ‘101 things to do in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs’, a photo guidebook of things to do and places to explore. Click here to purchase. 

Cormonachan Woodlands

Cormonachan Woodlands is one of the best places to see red squirrels, thanks to their hides and feeders, created by volunteers. The woodlands are just under 60 ha in size, featuring oaks that are around 300 years old. The pathways have excellent views over Loch Goil, with one of the best from the Contemplation Shelter. See our guide to the woodlands via the link below.

Carrick Castle

The community of Carrick Castle is literally at the end of the road. From here, you can walk onto Ardentinny. The small village has the lochside 14th-century castle, which Mary Queen of Scots once visited; it is now privately owned. Carrick Castle is one of the most stunning settings in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs and a great way to round off our guide to Loch Goil.

Visit Loch Goil

I love Loch Goil because of its exciting and picturesque places, all packed into a relatively small area. As you can see, there is wildlife, boat trips, good food and drink, a treehouse, an outdoor centre and more. There are lots of interesting walks, and I recommend below a good walking book by a local. If you’ve visited Loch Goil, please share your experiences in the comments section below.

Discover More 

Loch Goil local Leonard Gow has produced an excellent book detailing 21 scenic walks around Lochgoilhead. The book is sold at outlets around Loch Goil, priced £5.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

Please let us know if you found the guide helpful in the comments section below.