📌 Cowal, Argyll & Bute
★★★
Eilean Aoidhe isn’t actually an island; it’s connected to the mainland near of Portavadie by a grassy isthmus. This walk doesn’t actually visit the island either, but there are good views of it from the southern tip of the circuit, as well as even better outlooks over Portavadie and the Isle of Arran elsewhere in the route.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish at Pollphail Village, minor road 0.5 mi east of Portavadie Marina
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NR 933692
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.871185,-5.305258
🚌 Infrequent bus passes the start – nearest official stop is at Portavadie ferry terminal (0.5 mi)
🚗 Verge parking
📝 Key info
▶ 5 km / 3 mi | ▲ 110 m | ⌛ 1.5 hr
Features: 📷 Kirsty’s Bench viewpoint; 📷 Eilean Aoidhe viewpoint
⬤ Easy | Generally clear paths for outward route – some boggier / narrower sections. Track & minor road return.
Download file for GPS➡️ Anticlockwise circuit: start – Kirsty’s Bench on west shoulder of Cnoc Pollphail (involves slight detour) – north side of Eilean Aoidhe isthmus – track north to road beyond Stillaig Farm – start via road
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Stonechats, twites, other small birds, annoying clegs, grasshoppers.
Weather: Sunny intervals with some threatening clouds, a moderate breeze at times, temperature in high teens.
July 2023
