Cowalfest expands to include 'pop-up' walks

The first of a series of ‘pop-up’ walks under the Cowalfest banner has also been announced for Saturday March 8, with a two-hour hike from Glenmorag to Sandbank that is open to all.

Speaking after the successful recent AGM, which attracted a number of new volunteers, Cowalfest chairperson Andy Armstrong explained: “The 2025 programme of walks and events is coming together with the full schedule to be made public in the coming weeks through our new website, www.cowalfest.com.

“The addition of a foraging walk in partnership with renowned Greenock-based expert Sharon Kerrigan of Wander and Wonder is sure to be a popular event, as well as the old coffin route through Glen Kin.

“Several new volunteers came forward at the AGM with a desire to get involved and this will help us immensely in the delivery of Cowalfest 2025. We have already arranged transport for the five-day event that will run from September 18-22.

“We have been mulling over the idea of pop-up walks for a while, in partnership with the established Cowal Walking Group, to complement the main festival dates, and I’m delighted to announce our first trek in early March, featuring outstanding views from forestry trails above Dunoon and the Firth of Clyde,” added Andy.  

First held in 2003, the event has become one of Scotland’s biggest and best walking festivals, with ramblers of all ages and abilities taking part in a programme of guided and special interest walks, as well as other associated events including a ceilidh.

Cowalfest hit the comeback trails in 2024 after a four-year hiatus due to the pandemic and bad weather.

Committee member Nina Sabine Diment added: “We will have walks to suit all fitness levels, with families made more than welcome, and dog walkers able to participate on many of the routes.

“We look forward once again to welcoming local people, tourists and visitors alike to what will be another great festival of walking,” added Nina.

For more details visit www.cowalfest.com or email info@cowalfest.com or follow the event’s regularly updated social media channels on Facebook and Instagram.