As part of ArtsFeastCowal, Nick Lewis (above right) prevailed on his friends in the music business, and with help from the Wind Farm Trust, dragooned them into the Glendaruel Hall for an Midsummer evening of music.

What ensued was an eclectic and exciting mix of music that, had it been held in a city, would have attracted a massive audience who would willingly have paid five times the modest entrance fee of £5. (Under 16s free.)

Alison Sikora likewise dragooned friends into onion chopping and spud peeling to produce an Argyll Supper of Venison Stovies and Cowal Clangers - don’t ask!

The whole event was well attended and the bar did a roaring trade. We are grateful to Nick for his inspiration, initiative and hard work. He’d better start planning for Saturday June 20th 2009.

Martin and Michael would like to express their gratitude to those who helped clear up on the Sunday morning. So, thank you Cara, Moffat and Calum!

For reasons too complex to detail here, but not the least being the uncertain future of  The Glendaruel Hotel, it was decided by the committee not to hold a Cowal Way Day at the Clachan this May. However, the ever resourceful Nick Lewis suggested that we hold a Midsummer Music Festival instead. To quote him, “The people I’ve got on board so far are all songwriters, so I’m thinking of going with that angle. Five bands / performers with DJ sets and an hour or so of Ceilidh dancing courtesy of Gramps to finish off. Hopefully we can put a barbie on or something.”

So, what d’ye think? Any suggestions or offers of help to Nick, Gramps, Annie or Michael. All culinary offers of help to Ann Lamb.

The celebration of the Cowal Way took place in the Clachan of Glendaruel on Saturday 5th May. This vibrant and popular community-led event now in its fourth year draws visitors and locals alike to the Glen and each year succeeds in raising the awareness of this remarkable, remote and truly breath-taking walk. Running the length of the Peninsula, the walk covers 47 miles and climbs 5050 ft (1540 m) along the way, drawing together some of Cowal’s most beautiful and remote landscapes.

Starting in the South West at Portavadie beside Loch Fyne and ending in the North East at Ardgartan by Loch Long, the ’spine’ of the Cowal Way is separated into six sections of varying length and difficulty with an additional seven circular walks, each linked to the main route. Wildlife, spectacular scenery, forest plantations, moorland, prehistoric and heritage sites are but a few of the focal points on a route which is detailed in full in the Cowal Way Guide Book. (more…)

Bring your own drink and donations for the Food table. At Colintraive Village Hall from 9pm onwards.

with Tigna a’ Truish + friends.

We provide the music, you provide the wine and food.

£5 and kids free. from 8.30pm at Glendaruel Village Hall