Argyll and the Isles
All of our cottages are set in fantastic locations, providing the perfect base to explore everything this stunning region has to offer. From award-winning restaurants just moments away to unforgettable day trips, there’s always something to see and do. To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve put together a list of the best places to visit-whether you’re looking for incredible dining, peaceful relaxation, or fun-filled family adventures.
Yoga Classes & Day Retreats
West Coast Wellness
If you would like to attend a yoga class while you are here, West Coast Wellness have the most magnificent Geodesic Dome overlooking Loch Fyne at Otter Ferry, along the coastal road to Tighnabruaich. It is the perfect place to have a yoga class, we can vouch for what a wonderful yoga experience it is with the fantastic teachers Rosie and Hayley. They also offer day retreats, where you can relax, reconnect with a day of yoga, wild swimming, nourishing food and great company in the most beautiful location.
Holistic Massage, Embodiment Life Coaching, 1 to 1 Yoga and local classes
Joni is a wonderful Yoga teacher, she holds classes locally at a variety of times where she practices her lovely seasonal yoga, you can also arrange for a one to one class. Her holistic massages release any stuck, stale energy leaving you feeling relaxed, renewed and content.
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Pamper Yourself
Holistic Therapies that will come to you.
Take your relaxation to another level and arrange for experienced therapist Suzy Munro to visit you at your holiday cottage during your stay.
Suzy offers a range of therapies such as Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Deep Tissue Massage, Holistic Facials, Hot Stone Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, Indian Head Massage to name a few. Suzy’s wide selection of complimentary massage therapies can remove tension and stress and help you sleep better, relax and revitalise.
As Suzy says, you deserve the best, contact her to discuss the therapies you are interested in and arrange a booking.
Call: 0781 843 1229
Email: aromasuzy@googlemail.com
Bookings are essential, check in and chill out!
Eating Out
Inver Restaurant
Inver is a small, multi award winning, characterful restaurant on the shores of Loch Fyne, on Scotland’s west coast.
Their a la carte dinner and lunch menus feature simply prepared fresh seafood and native meat and game in season. They have a cosy bar serving pre-dinner craft ale, natural wine and fancy drinks. In the evening they also serve a four course tasting menu. Using current cooking techniques and the very best local wild and farmed ingredients they offer a contemporary take on traditional and forgotten Scottish dishes.
It’s a real Argyll treasure which you must treat yourself to, we recommend booking.
The Colintraive Hotel
The cosy Pub with sea views and a wood burning stove, serves fantastic local seafood, the best beef from the Island of Bute and Winston Churchill’s game. They have locally produced gins, whiskies and real ales from across the isles to keep you refreshed in our sunny beer garden. Fine wines are available to accompany your meal in the elegant restaurant and brilliant locally roasted Argyll coffee to enjoy by the fire on those rare rainy west coast days. Even better with a wee dram in it!
Pets are very welcome in the bar – they love all the dogs the visit and will always give them a drink and have a treat available. Colintraive is a delightful coastal village where eagles, red squirrels, seals, deer and basking sharks are regular sights. It is great for country and coastal walks along the Cowal Way. Many Munros are within a short drive. There are thrilling cycle routes, kayaking with seals and the best sailing routes through the Kyles of Bute.
The Oystercatcher
The Oystercatcher is a relaxed, contemporary pub & restaurant on the beach on the east banks of Loch Fyne. They stock a large range of small batch gin and specialise in local seafood.
You can expect a friendly welcome and lovingly prepared, locally sourced food: they are proud to showcase the pantry of the Cowal Peninsula and Argyll. On the menu you’ll find Ballimore Oysters and Evanachan cheese both from within a mile, local mussels and crab, and meat from the surrounding farms of Loch Fyne.
In the bar they have an extensive list of single malt whisky and small batch gin. You can also find a selection of home baking and great coffee from our local roaster Argyll Coffee.
All this can be enjoyed in our restaurant, dog-friendly bar or loch side in the outdoor dining area with stunning views over Loch Fyne, a fantastic family day out.
The Creggans Inn
The Famous Creggans Inn in Strachur is steeped in history and was once owned by Sir Fitzroy MacLean, the man who inspired Ian Fleming to create James Bond.
For many years it has been serving some of Argyll’s finest food and drink with diners travelling from far and wide to enjoy a meal by the shores of Loch Fyne.
Current owners Gill and Archie, offer you and your dog a warm welcome in their bar and bistro with an open fire and wood burner, dart board and pool room. Their menu is supplemented with daily specials, which allows them to offer the best seasonal & local produce available. Lunch is served between 12.00 & 2.30pm and evening meals between 6.00 and 8.30pm. Booking is recommended
Ocho
Situated on the banks of Loch Fyne, the historic town of Inveraray and the team at Ocho look forward to welcoming you!
A fully licensed Brunch, Lunch, Coffee and Cocktail venue, we are proud to offer only the freshest ingredients delivered daily from local suppliers, with exceptional views of Loch Fyne.
A great menu that has something for all dietary requirements, they are open most of the year and also serve dinner in the Summer season. Best to book in advance as its a very popular wee place, well worth a visit.
The Kilfinan Hotel
The best of Argyll on your plate
The Hotel’s kitchen serves a seasonal menu that showcases the amazing local produce of the Cowal peninsula and Argyll. Seafood, fish, game and vegetables from our very own garden are particularly prominent, together with classic Scottish dishes for all tastes.
Beautiful location, along the B8000 and follow the road to Tighnabruaich, its about 10 minutes from Otter Ferry.
Argyll Vintners Ltd
This little gem of an independent local wine merchant is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon.
Open till 8pm they offer the most amazing selection of wines, spirits, beers and coffee. They have some delicious, locally sourced food in their deli, where you can select smoked salmon, charcuterie, the best olives, cheese, biscuits and nibbles and they will turn it into a wonderful platter for you to nibble while you try their outstanding wines.
Definitely worth a visit to Dunoon for a platter and a natter!
The George Hotel
The George has always had an enviable reputation for ambiance, friendliness, and its cuisine. With its original solid stone flagstoned floors and four roaring log and peat fires, the George is a lively haunt for both local characters and visitors alike with a wide choice of real ales, 100 malt whiskies and an extensive wine list. It deservedly earns its place in the good pub guide and the good beer guide.
The emphasis on the menu is using the very best of local quality, well hung West Highland beef and lamb. Seafood and fish bought from the local fishing port of Tarbert and the famous Loch Fyne salmon. These ingredients are used imaginatively and simply to produce well cooked meals at a fair and reasonable price.
Food is served all day from 12 noon to 9pm.
The Blairmore
Small cafe on the shore of Loch Long beside Blairmore Pier offering locally sourced produce, lots of home baking, light meals, speciality coffees, teas, wine, cocktails and Loch Fyne Ales. Sit in, sit out or takeaway.
Walk in only, no need to book.
A mother and daughter family business supported by a fantastic team. We have been involved in hospitality not only for all our working lives, but also our childhood lives too! A warm welcome is guaranteed and we are passionate about providing the best locally sourced and homemade produce in a comfortable, friendly environment.
Also a lovely wee shop next door selling local produce and gifts.
Eat In!
Why not treat yourself to a Private Chef during your stay?
Argyll Chefs Table is dedicated to providing an exceptional dining experience, driven by their unwavering passion for culinary excellence. David who possesses a wealth of industry expertise, having successfully established a multitude of highly acclaimed restaurants over the years.
Indulge in the finest Argyll & Bute Seafood & fish, Highland game, Loch Creran Oysters, Taynuilt Bacon, Hand dived scallops from the Isle of Mull, Fort William venison, rest assured that our extensive menu offers something to satisfy every discerning taste. Allow us to bring our expertise, professionalism, and dedication to your doorstep with our Argyll Chefs Table catering service. Experience the pinnacle of dining without leaving the comfort of your own home.
Visitor Attractions
Lochs, Bens and Glens – sight seeing and adventure tours by e-bike
This bike tour business based in Dunoon offers sightseeing tours and adventures tours around the Cowal Peninsula. The tours are for people exploring the area who may not ride bikes regularly but are looking for a unique and sustainable way to explore the area. Included in the tours are: e-bike, helmet, professional bike and tour guide, e-bike orientation session, and gluten-free/vegan snacks.
Their Adventure Tours are for avid cyclists who can bring their own bikes. They guide individuals and groups on the best road and offroad routes on the Cowal Peninsula – no need to stress about route planning or logistics. Included in our Adventure Tours are a professional bike guide, ferry fares (where applicable), bike mechanic, and gluten-free/vegan snacks. Visit their website for loads of information
Afternoon Tea with naughty sheep
A traditional tea in the garden looking at panoramic views. Hilarious pet sheep will come and join you for cuddles and a bit of naughtiness and trying to eat all the wrong things…
When you have finished your home-made cakes there might be the chance to give lambs a bottle of milk.
Appalling table manners up close and cuddly from Baaad Boys. You will enter the secret world of sheep- a wholesome joy!
This fantastic idea is just part of what the Naughty Sheep team offer, a great day out.
Fyne Den
A unique wood and sand indoor play area featuring climbing, clambering, balancing, hiding, sand play and many other opportunities for outdoor style play in a natural indoor setting. Suitable for all ages up to 12, must be accompanied by an adult. Located at the head of Loch Fyne at Cairndow, just in between Fyne Ales and Loch Fyne Oysters. Open 7 days a week.
Check website for playtimes and to book :
Old Castle Lachlan
Old Castle Lachlan, a tranquil ruin set on the beautiful shores of Loch Fyne, Argyll, is a popular place for visitors. It’s only a few miles from most of our cottages, sitting on the shores of the loch beside Inver Restaurant.
There are gorgeous walks surrounding it, its a very special place.
It is an important part of Scotland’s heritage, a scheduled ancient monument and ‘A’ listed building that has legal protection because of its significance.
We hope you will learn about, visit, explore and discover the Castle, the ancient clan of Maclachlan and the wider area of Strathlachlan. This beautiful spot once discovered is never forgotten and remains fondly in many hearts around the world.
Portavadie Marina
Portavadie is a great place to visit for the day, the building at the Marina has a lovely restaurant overlooking the boats serving great local food. There is a childrens play park and a super wee gift shop, its also where you can enjoy a trip with Fyne Sea Tours.
There is also a spa and Leisure Experience offering the ultimate in indoor and outdoor pool fun and relaxation for all, featuring a 16 metre indoor pool, toddlers’ pool with water features, outdoor spa pools, Scandinavian sauna and we think the largest heated outdoor infinity pool in Scotland. You can also get the ferry to Tarbert from here.
Visit their site to find out all that they have to offer and make a day of it.
Strachur Smiddy
Another chance to step back in time as you enter an 18th-century blacksmith’s smiddy, carefully preserved with forge, bellows and anvil, cobbled floor, tools of the trade and beamed ceiling. The Strachur Smiddy dates back to at least 1791, and continued as a working Smiddy until 1955. It has since been repaired and restored to its original state and now acts as a working museum with regular weekend demonstrations and a well-stocked craft shop.Browse through the Smiddy’s collection of fascinating artefacts and tools. Chat to Smiddy staff about the Smiddy’s story and its place in Strachur’s history. Purchase a souvenir such as a genuine horseshoe, a fire poker made by the Strachur blacksmith, or treat yourself to a locally made gift from the craft shop.
Operates Summer opening hours check times on their site.
Ardkinglas Gardens
Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares. Ardkinglas house is an architectural gem and provides a very special setting for weddings, family parties and other events. For holidaymakers there is a self catering apartment within the ground floor. The Woodland Garden is open all the year round with an outstanding collection of plants and trees, including the “Mightiest Conifer in Europe”.
The lower Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, often referred to as The Pinetum, was initiated in around 1875 by the Callander family. This area now provides a home for a number of Champion Trees, the tallest or broadest of their species in Britain.
Ardkinglas’ favourable growing conditions lead to the exceptional size and longevity exhibited by many of the coniferous species introduced to this area of the Garden via the 19th century plant-hunters. The Champion Trees at Ardkinglas also include ‘the mightiest conifer in Europe’ a remarkable European Silver Fir (Abies alba) with a girth of nearly ten metres. Other champions in Ardkinglas Woodland Garden are Patagonian Cypress (Fitzroya cupressoides), Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), Western Red Cedar (Thuya plicata) and the unusual Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana var. jeffreyi).
Ardkinglas Gardens
Enjoy a fun family day out exploring the world of Julia Donaldsons family favourite book The Gruffalo. The trail takes you through the book page by page with a short walk between each part and there is a lovely figure from the Gruffalo at each one. Quite a magical day out for the kids and a fantastic walk for all of any age, with fun things to see and do throughout. Rathos Byres Forge, Edinburgh, were commissioned to make the Mouse and Gruffalo figures in galvanized steel and have produced exceptional examples of the contemporary blacksmith’s art. This original approach works well alongside the metalwork gates and benches that the team at Ratho Byres Forge have previously designed for Ardkinglas. The lattice structure of the sculptures links in with the intertwining branches of the surrounding trees and magically captures the book’s principal characters while allowing the children’s imagination to bring them to life.
Fyne Ales
Fyne Ales is a family owned farm brewery in the beautiful Achadunan Estate at the head of Loch Fyne. Drawing water from the surrounding hills and brewing in converted farm buildings, they create modern, ambitious and progressive beers in a wide variety of styles.
You can visit them to see what makes them so special yourself, book a tour of the brewery and visit their on site tap bar and shop which also has a courtyard for lovely Summer Days. There are also many great walks from the brewery so you can earn yourself a pint of their finest and make a day of it.
For opening times and booking brewery tours visit their website.
Inverary Bell Tower
In 1914 the 10th Duke of Argyll, Niall Diarmid Campbell, became the Honorary Colonel of The 8th Battalion of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. When the First World War ended he decided that there should be a fitting memorial to commemorate the Clan Campbell dead.
The construction of the 126 foot high tower was begun in 1921 and completed ten years later in 1931. The striking outline of All Saints Bell Tower can be seen for miles along Loch Fyne, dominating the town of Inveraray.
The peal of 10 bells was cast by John Taylor and Company in Loughborough in 1920. The heaviest bell, the Tenor, weighs 2112kg making Inveraray the second heaviest peal of 10 bells in the world (the heaviest being Wells Cathedral, England).
Auchindrain Highland Township
Step back in time and discover Scotland’s rural history at Auchindrain, the most complete and well-preserved example of a Scottish Highland farm township. Vividly imagine life in the old Highlands as you walk through the settlement and see how ordinary people lived and worked. Step into the restored longhouses, see the objects of everyday life and learn about the past inhabitants. Explore the byres, stables and fields to understand how groups of families worked the land in common. Uncover a fascinating, long-vanished Scottish way of life deep in the hills of Argyll.
Crarae Gardens
A spectacular 50-acre woodland garden in a dramatic setting. Crarae has a wonderful collection of woody plants centred on the Crarae Burn, which is spanned by several bridges and tumbles through a rocky gorge in a series of cascades. A wide variety of shrubs and trees chosen for spring flowering and autumn colour grow in the shelter of towering conifers, and the lush, naturalistic planting and rushing water gives the feel of a Himalayan valley.
Since acquiring the garden in 2001, the National Trust for Scotland has restored the infrastructure, replacing bridges, steps and paths, and new plantings include many recently collected, wild-origin Rhododendrons. The National Collection of Nothofagus is to be found at Crarae.
Benmore Gardens
Benmore with its magnificent mountainside setting is a joy to behold. Its 49 Hectares/120 acres boast a world-famous collection of flowering trees and shrubs including over 300 species of rhododendron and over one third of the world’s hardy conifer species plus fine collections from North and South America, the Orient and the Himalaya.
Visitors are welcomed by an impressive avenue of Giant Redwoods, arguably one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden in the world. Established in 1863, these majestic giants now stand over 50 metres high.
The Garden is glorious throughout the seasons, from the vibrant blooms of rhododendrons and azaleas in early spring, striking Eucryphias of late summer and breathtaking displays of rich autumn fruit and foliage.
Arduaine Gardens
Arduaine is a twenty acre coastal garden situated on the southern slope of a promontory beside the Sound of Jura, twenty miles south of Oban and just off the A816.
The garden was begun on a bare promontory in 1898 by James Arthur Campbell and continued by two succeeding generations of his family. In 1965 Arduaine House was sold and became the Loch Melfort Motor Inn, later the Loch Melfort Hotel. The garden was sold in 1971 to Edmund and Harry Wright who in turn passed the garden on, as a gift, to the National Trust for Scotland in 1992.
Quadmania
Is the perfect for having some outdoor summer fun! Quad Bike Trekking is suitable from aged 12 and for all abilities. Everyone can have a fabulous time, whether it is simply to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the stunning views, or by taking on the ultimate Quad Biking challenge, our inspirational Mammoth ATV Quad Trek. Archery is suitable for anyone from aged 8 and Clay Shooting rom aged 14 or over.
Based just outside Dunoon check for details:
Scottish Wildlife
Home to over 90,000 species, Scotland has a rich and diverse natural history which attracts thousands of wildlife-enthusiasts each year.
Scotland’s land, seas and skies support a wide range of native mammals and birds, as well as six amphibians, four reptiles and over 50,000 different invertebrates.
From adders and Arctic skua to wildcats and wood anemones, Scotland is home to a huge diversity of wildlife.
To find out more about Scottish Wildlife please visit :
The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)
The Cobbler (also known as Ben Arthur) is a perfect objective for a walk in the Arrochar Alps. Although not reaching Munro status at 2884 ft (884 m.) it is nevertheless a memorable hill. The Cobbler rises to the west of Arrochar on Loch Long and the route described provides an enjoyable way to the summit offering the opportunity to enjoy the scenery in the area. The true summit of the Cobbler requires some scrambling skills and a head for heights so many who follow this route may not actually reach the true summit.
The start is the car park (Grid ref NN294048) adjacent to the A83 on the Inverary side of the village of Arrochar. After parking cross the road and enter the forest. You have two options either taking the new path that zigzags up the hillside or to follow the old tramway that heads directly up the hillside. This route takes the latter option which offers a steep but relatively rapid ascent of just over 1000 ft. The new path will be used for the descent.
Get the full details for the route here:
Beinn Bhuidhe
Beinn Bhuidhe is a neglected Munro, being shyly hidden away between Glens Shira and Fyne at the head of Loch Fyne. Its uppermost ridge is suprisingly steep and rocky and is a tremendous viewpoint.
Region: Argyll
Other routes and challenges
The other possible ascent route is up Glen Shira, although most are deterred by the forestry plantations. Head for the bridge over the Brannie Burn at NN158165 before braving the very steep slopes directly above – the forestry here has been felled which makes finding the line of an old firebreak difficult. From Tom a’ Phiobaire a long ridge continues to the summit.
Kilbride Bay
Also known as Ostell Bay, Kilbride Bay is clean, safe and a great beach for families.
Located on the southern coast of Tighnabruaich on the Kyles of Bute, Kilbride Bay is a crescent-shaped beach with magnificent dunes and beautiful views of the Isle of Arran.
Known as one of the best beaches in the area if not Scotland, Kilbride Bay is a wonderful destination for paddling and swimming. Look out for a variety of fascinating wildlife including seals, otters and porpoises.
To reach Kilbride Bay, take the B800 from Tighnabruaich and Kames to the crossroads at the village of Millhouse, turn left towards Ardlamont and follow the single track road until you reach Kilbride Farm. Park your car in the lay-by at the side of the road, and from here it’s a 30 minute walk to the beach.
Inverary Castle
Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.
Browse around our website to find out more about the Castle and its history and take a trip around our beautiful grounds & gardens. You’ll also find out what’s on at the Castle and in and around the stunning scenery of Argyll.
Of course you can also purchase your tickets right here on the site and browse our online gift shop if you fancy some official merchandise.
We hope to welcome you to Inveraray soon!
Local Boat Hire , Charters & Trips
Cowal Cruises – boat trips from Tighnabruaich
Located in the village of Tighnabruaich on the shores of the Kyles of Bute, in the beautiful county of Argyll.
We provide short boat tours during the spring & summer round the Kyles of Bute, focusing on local history, scenery and wildlife.
We also run short fishing trips ideal for beginners and family’s looking to try out boat angling. All depart from the Pontoon in the centre of the village next to the RNLI Station.
Join us for an authentic Argyll experience!
www.cowalcruises.com
Tel: 0776595889
Fyne Sea Tours -unfortunately Fyne Sea Tours are not operating for 2025 but will be back next year.
A family run local company who have sailed and explored the lochs and islands off the west coast of Scotland for over 20 years.
Join them on board and they will share with you their passion for the area around Loch Fyne and maybe beyond….
The team at Holiday Cottages West Coast can highly recommend this as a fantastic family trip, we were lucky enough to experience it and it was just fantastic. You can even take your dog and a picnic on board.
Based at the pontoon in Strachur and also the pier at Inverary.
Boat trips or private charter.
Tel: 07961 530974
Loch Goil Cruisers
Welcome to our small and friendly business, nestled within stunning scenery in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Whether you’re planning a fishing trip on the sea loch or looking for a family outing, hire one of our self-drive motorboats.
On Loch Goil, you can see a seal colony, diving Gannets, porpoises and oystercatchers, you may also see otters and even whales or dolphins occasionally. Look out for Red Deer grazing at the side of the loch, as well as the imposing Carrick Castle, with 14th-century ruins.
Our boats are cruising vessels (not specifically fishing boats) but are popular and well suited for fishing. You may catch mackerel, wrasse, pollock, or even cod, depending on the season. We have a selection of rods for hire that are perfect for children and novices.
Before, or after your adventure on Loch Goil, call into our Boat Shed Café for coffee, lunch or a treat or two!
Coastal Connections
This company make the islands and lochs of the west coast of Scotland more accessible than ever before.
Their services range from commercial exercises to scenic tours of the Western Isles as well as private charters.
Day Trips
The Isle of Bute, one of Scotland’s most accessible Islands.
There is so much to explore on the island, it is only 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, but is bursting with history, culture, wildlife, arts, and music with so much to see and do for all of the family!
When visiting one of our cottages you can drive to Colintriave and take one of the shortest ferry trips in the world to get there!
In the centre of Rothesay you will find the impressive ruins of Rothesay Castle, built for the Stewarts of Scotland in the 13th century and cared for now by Historic Scotland. The impressive corner towers were added to the castle after the attempted invasion by the vikings in 1263, but today all nationalities are warmly welcomed across the drawbridge to visit the castle.
Walk through the atmospheric ruins and visit the restored Gatehouse to see the displays that detail the history of this ancient building. You can even peer down into the windowless prison!
The Castle is not only a popular attraction for the tourists that visit Bute, but it is also a magnificent venue that can be hired for weddings, events and conferences. Just one of the many attractions visit for more info:
Isle of Gigha
Gigha is the most southern isle in the Inner Hebrides, its only seven miles long by half a mile wide and it is surprisingly mild, which is why their famous Achamore Gardens flourish: 54 acres of woodland filled with rare and beautiful plants. Gigha’s secluded sandy bays and quiet roads are perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. You can hire bikes and kayaks from the island shop, and the island has great spots for golf and fishing. Don’t miss the taste of the island: Gigha Halibut is farmed here, fresh or smoked it’s an absolute treat, normally seen on the menus of top restaurants you can enjoy it on Gigha at The Boat House and Gigha Hotel restaurants.
Gigha is green and fertile with some of the most beautiful beaches of the area. You will also find prehistoric standing stones and stunning views over the water to Islay and Jura or back towards the mainland Kintyre. The world-famous Achamore Gardens are well worth a gentle stroll around the 50 acres of woodlands, ponds, walled garden and rare and interesting plants and trees. Regular ferries with Calmac from tayinloan but always check the timetable.
Kintyre Peninsula
Kintyre is in the southwest of Argyll and Bute. The peninsula stretches about 30 miles (48 km), from the Mull of Kintyre in the south to East Loch Tarbert in the north. The area immediately north of Kintyre is known as Knapdale.
Kintyre is long and narrow, at no point more than 11 miles (18 km) from west coast to east coast, and is less than two miles wide where it connects to Knapdale. The east side of the Kintyre Peninsula is bounded by Kilbrannan Sound, with a number of coastal peaks such as Torr Mor. The central spine of the peninsula is mostly hilly moorland. The coastal areas and hinterland, however, are rich and fertile. Kintyre has long been a prized area for settlers, including the early Scots who migrated from Ulster to western Scotland and the Vikings or Norsemen who conquered and settled the area just before the start of the second millennium.
The principal town of the area is Campbeltown (about 5.5 miles (9 km) by road from the Mull), which has been a royal burgh since the mid-18th century. The area’s economy has long relied on fishing and farming, although Campbeltown has a reputation as a producer of some of the world’s finest single malt whisky. Campbeltown Single Malts include the multi-award-winning Springbank and the rejuvenated Glen Scotia.
Walk on some of the most remote, stunning beaches at Westport.
And of course made renowned by Paul McCartney.
Cruachan Power Station – The Hollow Mountain
Situated amongst some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery, lying deep within Ben Cruachan is one of the country’s most amazing engineering achievements. Hidden deep within the mountain of Ben Cruachan on the shores of Loch Awe is Cruachan Power Station. Here, a short distance from Oban, you can discover one of the hidden wonders of the Highlands. A power station buried one kilometre below the ground.
At its centre lies a massive cavern, high enough to house the Tower of London! Here enormous turbines convert the power of water into electricity, available to you in your home at the flick of a switch.
Kilmartin Glen
Kilmartin Glen is one of the world’s most significant archaeological landscapes. The Glen’s unique archaeological remains and rich natural heritage were the inspiration for the creation of Kilmartin Museum, which opened in 1997.
Sites include the largest collection of standing stones in Europe, stone circles and rock art dating back thousands of years.
Carnasserie Castle
Carnasserie Castle is a roofless ruin today, but it was once a fashionable residence incorporating many of the latest Renaissance influences. It was the home of the first Protestant Bishop of the Isles, Master John Carswell, and its design is befitting of a man of his stature.
The castle is an accomplished piece of architecture, laid out as a single building integrating both a five-storey tower house and a hall range. Its masonry matched the design, with finely-carved features throughout.
From the parapets there’s a magnificent view down to Kilmartin Glen, which is home to a range of marked rocks, cairns and standing stones, some of which are visible from the tower.
Dunadd Fort
Clamber to the top of a spectacular rocky outcrop fort that’s been occupied since the Iron Age.
Dunadd Fort rises proudly from Moine Mhor – the ‘great moss’ – an expanse of bog that carpets the southern end of Kilmartin Glen. It was home to a fort 2,000 years ago, and a royal power centre of Gaelic kings in the 500s to 800s AD.
Below the mighty fort site are some extraordinary features carved into the rock, including two human footprint shapes – similar to a pair found at Clickimin Broch.
Crinan Canal
The canal, which opened in 1801, takes its name from the village of Crinan at its western end. Approximately nine miles (14 km) long, the canal connects the village of Ardrishaig on Loch Gilp with the Sound of Jura, providing a navigable route between the Clyde and the Inner Hebrides, without the need for a long diversion around the Kintyre peninsula, and in particular the exposed Mull of Kintyre. Great walks and places for a bite to eat, great family day out.
Inverawe Smokery and Fisheries
Inverawe has something for everyone, be it fishing, finding out how salmon is smoked, exploring the many trails and tracks, feeding the fish, trying their new play area, browsing through the shop, or enjoying their delicious food in the Smokery Café.
Isle of Mull Wildlife Tours
Daily tours from Oban to the islands of Mull, Iona, Staffa and Treshnish are now available to book online. Tours start from 26 March through to October 2021. Whatever journey you decide the take, we are confident you will have an amazing experience and create wonderful memories of Scotland’s west coast.
Druim Mhor, Craignure
Tel: 01680 812440
Isle of Staffa Tours
Boat Tours to Iona, Tobermory, Staffa, Treshnish, Mull & Fingal’s Cave (staffatours.com) Discover the most beautiful and interesting places on the West Coast of Scotland with our tours to the Isle of Staffa, home to the world-famous Fingal’s Cave, the ornithological heaven of the Treshnish Isles, the sacred Isle of Iona and the wildlife mecca of Mull.