Cowal Peninsula, north of Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Loch Eck
Lake
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
1–2 hours to a full day, depending on route
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8Seven miles of freshwater lie between steep, wooded hills in Argyll Forest Park. Beneath the surface lives the powan, a rare fish found only in Loch Eck and Loch Lomond; above it, the loch’s craggy shores and forested slopes make even a roadside stop feel like an invitation to explore.
Loch Eck combines a long, wooded loch with proper scope for exploration: picnic shores, forest paths, a demanding full-day loop and views from the surrounding hills. Its rare, protected powan gives this quiet Cowal landscape a distinctive ecological story.
Peaceful · Atmospheric · Wild
Find your way
Open mapCowal Peninsula, north of Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
Choose a short lochside stop at Jubilee Point, explore a shore path, or plan a full day on the remote Loch Eck Loop. For a broader Cowal day, pair the loch with the trails and giant conifers of Benmore Botanic Garden.
Things to do
Pause at Jubilee Point
Stop at the named picnic site on the shore and take in the loch and wooded hills. Check current site information before visiting.
Flexible
Walk the eastern shore
From Inverchapel, a route follows the eastern shore towards Whistlefield, climbing through woodland at one point and opening to views across the loch.
Check route details before setting out
Take on the Loch Eck Loop
A 21-mile route through remote terrain on the western shoreline. The source recommends it for fit, experienced walkers; plan carefully and check current route conditions.
Full day
Look for red squirrels
Red squirrels forage along the shores. Watch quietly from a respectful distance and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Flexible
Explore the loch by kayak or paddleboard
The loch is described as popular for boating and kayaking and as suitable for kayaks and paddleboards. Check current access, conditions and any applicable rules before launching.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1–2 hours
A lochside pause at Jubilee Point
- 01
Follow the A815 along the eastern shore to Jubilee Point, a named picnic spot.
- 02
Take time to enjoy the views across the water to the steep, wooded hills.
- 03
If conditions and access allow, add a short walk along the shore; check local signage and route information.
Half day · Half day
Shoreline and forest half-day
- 01
Start with a lochside stop at Jubilee Point.
- 02
Walk from Inverchapel along the eastern shore towards Whistlefield, checking the route and conditions before setting out.
- 03
Allow time to pause at the lochside beaches and forest sections, then return by your chosen route or arrange transport as appropriate.
Full Wildland day · Full day
A full Cowal day: Loch Eck and Benmore
- 01
Begin with a walk or picnic stop beside Loch Eck; choose a route suited to your ability and check current conditions.
- 02
Continue to Benmore Botanic Garden, a nearby mountainside garden with walking trails and a giant-redwood avenue.
- 03
Allow time to explore the garden before returning through Cowal.
Hidden details
A rare fish with an Ice Age story — The powan is a protected freshwater fish described by official sources as an Ice Age relic. It is found in Loch Eck and Loch Lomond, but lives beneath the surface and is not a reliably visible visitor highlight.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · An early or quieter part of the day is a good choice for a peaceful lochside stop; check weather and route conditions before walking.
Spring to autumn is the most practical period for combining shore stops, walking and cycling. The loch is also described as atmospheric in misty or wet weather, though conditions can affect route comfort and safety.
Weather can change quickly around the loch and hills. Check the forecast and current route or water notices; take appropriate clothing and avoid setting out on remote routes without suitable preparation.
The route
- surface
- The route includes remote terrain and forest track; check current conditions.
- distance
- Loch Eck is about seven miles long; the Loch Eck Loop is 21 miles.
- duration
- The Loch Eck Loop is described as a full-day route. Other route durations: check before setting out.
- difficulty
- The 21-mile loop is for fit, experienced walkers.
- route shape
- Lochside route / loop; confirm exact route details before setting out.
- start point
- Inverchapel is identified as a starting point for the eastern-shore walk and the Loch Eck Loop.
- parking start
- Check current parking and start-point information before travelling.
- shorter alternative
- Walk a section of the eastern shore from Inverchapel rather than attempting the full 21-mile loop; check route details and return arrangements.
- Views across the loch to steep, craggy hills
- Woodland sections and quiet lochside beaches
- Red squirrels along the shores
- The rare powan habitat
Worth pairing with
Benmore Botanic Garden
A nearby mountainside garden with walking trails and an avenue of giant redwoods; a strong pairing for a broader day in Cowal.
Glenbranter
A nearby forest destination with walking routes; sources describe a waterfall gorge walk and a wildlife hide.
Puck’s Glen
A forest walk in Cowal, listed as a nearby pairing to Loch Eck.
What to look for
Look for red squirrels along the shores and watch the changing view of the craggy hills across the water. The powan lives below the surface, but is not something visitors should expect to see from the shore.
The story
Natural heritage: the powan, a protected fish described as an Ice Age relic, lives in Loch Eck and Loch Lomond.
Best time to go
Spring to autumn for walking, cycling and picnics; the loch and hills can feel especially atmospheric in misty or wet weather.
Spring to autumn suits shore walks, cycling and picnics. For a quieter, more atmospheric visit, go when the weather is settled or mist is lifting from the hills; check conditions before walking or taking to the water.
How long to spend
1–2 hours to a full day, depending on route
Perfect for
Walkers · Cyclists · Photographers · Wildlife lovers · Families
Before you go
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The A815 follows the eastern shore, with places to stop and picnic. The west shore has walking and cycling routes, including the Loch Eck Loop; check current route and local access information before setting out.
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Parking
Picnic stopping places are described along the eastern shore; Jubilee Point is a named picnic site. Check current parking availability and any restrictions before travelling.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
Check before visiting; follow local signage and keep dogs under control around wildlife and other visitors.
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Accessibility
The eastern shore is followed by the A815, with picnic stopping places. Walking routes vary; the 21-mile Loch Eck Loop crosses remote terrain and is recommended for fit, experienced walkers. Check route conditions and suitability before setting out.
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Cost
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Water
Freshwater loch; also functions as a reservoir supplying water to southeast Cowal. Paddling and boating are described in supplied sources; check current conditions, access and any rules before launching. No swimming permission is confirmed.
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Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Loch Eck
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
