Argyll has to be one of the best outdoor activity areas in the UK. Explore Argyll’s Secret Coast, plunge in nature and enjoy activities as walking, wildlife watching, fishing to name a few or get a taste of the wild food available in Argyll.
Cowal Way and other walking opportunities
The long distance footpath, the Cowal Way in Argyll is known as “Scotland in 57 miles” and offers beautiful coastlines, dramatic scenery, engaging heritage and abundant wildlife. It runs the length of the Cowal Peninsula, passing through some of the most beautiful and varied landscape.
The Cowal Way begins at Portavadie and winds its way up through the peninsula to end at Inveruglas at Loch Lomond. The views are varied and
stunning, including shorelines, forests, hills and lochs.
Nature & wildlife experience
Bird watchers will enjoy the great variety of birds to be seen in Glendaruel and in the adjoining sea lochs where birds gather to feed on the sand
banks at low tide. Seals, otters, porpoises, dolphins, basking sharks and whales can be spotted around the coastline. Watch too for eagles, ospreys, red deer, pine martens and red squirrels.
Fishing
The River Ruel is a 14 mile long spate river, fly fishing only. The river has been very lightly fished in recent years and currently 10-15 salmon and 100 sea trout are being caught annually. Also the local rivers Massan, Cur and Finart and hill lochs such as Loch Tarsan can provide good sport. Day permits are available through the Dunoon and District Angling Club. Loch Riddon can be fished for mackerel, pollock and cod, either from the shore or by boat. DC Marine offers boat fishing trips.
Stalking
Winston Churchill Stalking offers the chance to explore the wildlife in one of the most beautiful parts of the Scottish Highlands. Stalkers interested in red deer or roe deer stalking can best contact Winston directly. The two full time stalkers, Paul and Angus, they are both extremely fit and competent (Deer Management Qualification level 1 and 2). Given the rugged, steep nature of the land, access is poor and the sport is very physically demanding but very rewarding!
Sailing
The sea is part of life here on Argyll’s Secret Coast, bordered as we are by two beautiful stretches of water, Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to go to the water. Scenery, Victorian houses, silent anchorages and no crowds – Argyll’s Secret Coast is a worldrenowned sailing destination. The sheltered waters of the Kyles of Bute are perfect for kayaking too. Tighnabruaich has a sailing school.
Argyll and the Isles is a glorious coastal region of glittering sea lochs, islands, hills, forests and glens just waiting to be explored. It’s divided into eight areas, each with a distinctive character and offering a unique experience. From surfing to kayaking, quad-biking to mountain biking, get off the beaten track and find your own adventure.
Go island hopping, walk in the wilderness, breathe pure air, watch magnificent sunsets and see starry skies that will take your breath away. You’ll also discover incredible wildlife, a rich Highland history and fabulous local food. Dine on the freshest seafood and savour some of the world’s most famous Scotch whiskies.
And all of this is just a hop and a skip from Glasgow. We’re going the extra mile to make it a trip you’ll remember!
Food From Argyll
Argyll’s food producers are not only set in the stunning scenic heaven, but they also enjoy clear air from the Atlantic and the pure salty West Coast sea having a great influence on the quality of each and every Argyll producers offerings.
Food from Argyll – a unique natural larder and passionate people who love their food. From our hills and glens and pastures to farm and harvest plus miles and miles of coastline to fish and cultivate.
Living and working in one of most scarcely populated areas of Scotland with landscapes and seascapes as diverse as anywhere in Europe, a group of passionate producers strive to bring good food to their customers, working, learning and conversing together to achieve common goals and a unique quality of life. Meet a few of them here, then come and visit us in Argyll.
Events and Festivals
To name a few: Bute Fest, Agricultural show Bute, Cowal Highland Gathering Dunoon, Tarbert Seafood festival, Inveraray Highland Games, ….
Restaurants and Pubs
The unique positioned Colintraive Hotel, the Kames hotel and The Royal an Lochan Hotel on the other side of Loch Riddon, the very much established Loch Fyne Oysters, the cosy OysterCatcher, the suburb Inver restaurant and the famous George Hotel in Inveraray are all fine restaurants to give a try.
Places of Interest
There are many interesting sites in the vicinity that are worth visiting in day trip, to name a few:
o Benmore Botanic Gardens
o Castle Lachan
o Ardkinglas Woodland Garden
o Tighnabruaich Gallery
o Portavadie Marine
o Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
o Gruffalo Trail
o Puck’s Glen
o The Isle of Bute & Mount Stuart