Glen Shira
Date: 05 October 2025
Leader: Gerry
Grade: C+
Number on walk: 12.
Length 20.6 km. Ascent 200 m.
Hills climbed: None.
Click here for GPX track of the walk
Our walk proceeded from the waterfront in Inverary, where we could see the 'Vital Spark' moored next to the pier
(The 'Vital Spark' is one of the last seagoing puffers in Scotland, a class of vessel once common for supplying remote communities and servicing islands. She was built in 1944 by Brown's shipyard in Hull for the Royal Navy as VIC 72 and underwent many alterations and name changes before being re-registered as the fictional Clyde puffer 'Vital Spark' in Neil Munro’s Para handy tales.)
We walked through the grounds of Inverary Castle before following a track above the main A83 road to the beginning of Glen Shira
Our route provided views of Inverary Castle through the trees
(Inverary Castle was built in the mid 1700s to replace an earlier 15th century castle. It is the seat of the Dukes of Argyll and chiefs of the Clan Campbell. It is still the family home (with private apartments) of the Duke of Argyll.)
As we entered Glen Shira, we enjoyed splendid views across Dubh Loch
We soon arrived at Maam Steading
(This Gothic-style building, constructed in 1790, was designed by the architect who also worked on sections of Inveraray Castle. The structure is a two-storey barn featuring crenelations and pointed arches).
Glen Shira also provided us with interesting stone arch bridges to visit during our walk
We walked back along the west side of the glen, stopping for lunch beside the River Shira
As we approached the old road bridge on the final leg of our walk we were treated to the delightful lighting effect of the sun reflecting off the water under the bridge