Things to see and do in Argyll

Argyll is particularly noted for its gardens, 23 of which are open on a daily basis.

Those nearest to Darroch Beag include the Younger Botanic Garden, at Benmore on the outskirts of Dunoon, which is part of the Royal Botanical Gardens of Edinburgh. It is a magnificent woodland garden set in 140 acres amidst the mountains of Cowal.

Crarae Garden, in its setting of the highland glen has over four hundred rhododendrons and azaleas as well as a superb variety of deciduous trees. Ardkinglass Woodland Garden is set on a hillside with wonderful views of Loch Fyne, and holds one of the finest collections of conifers in the British Isles, including the "mightiest conifer in Europe" dating back to around 1790. It has also been the site of a number of television series and films.

Inveraray is the seat of the Duke of Argyll with a Castle and gardens. Only 20 minutes away, Inveraray also has a town jail visitor attraction and maritime exhibition. Nearby is Glen Shira, and Rob Roy's ruined cottage.

There are numerous forest walks through the Argyll Forest Park, and nearby are woodland and parkland walks and trails. Mountain bikes are available for hire for the more energetic, from the petrol station in Strachur.

Further Afield

All ferries mentioned in the information below are run by Caledonian Macbrayne.

Tarbert, Loch Fyne, is approximately 1½ hours away by car, a beautiful fishing village which attracts many yachtsmen, and acts as host to a number of sailing events. A coffee, lunch, tea or dinner stop at Stonefield Castle Hotel is highly recommended. From nearby West Loch Tarbert you can take the ferry to Islay which abounds in Whisky distilleries, a number of which are open to the public for tours and the odd "tasting" of a "wee dram."

From Cloanaig just beyond Tarbert there is a ferry service to Arran, a wonderful island with tremendous variation in landscape.

Alternatively head further South down the Mull of Kintyre toward Campbeltown, perhaps taking the short ferry trip to the Island of Gigha which made the press when one of its inhabitants decided to retire, freeing up 14 different jobs (part-time of course!).

The Crinan Canal, which links Loch Fyne to Loch Crinan and the Sound of Jura is another great trip. Watching the yachtsmen (and women) work their way through the canal is fascinating, and should you feel inclined to help out at one of the locks you will be very popular! Nearby is the area of Kilmartin with a number of prehistoric sites and standing stones.

On the island of Bute, Mount Stuart, a magnificent and unique 18th Century Gothic Mansion built by the 2nd Earl of Bute, and its gardens are open to the public. Another must!

Head north and visit Loch Awe with its amazing hydro-electric power station housed in a huge cavern in the mountains, there is a visitors centre and the tour is amazing. Then on to Oban with its ferry services to the Western Isles of Mull, Coll, Tiree, Kerrera and Lismore. An evening sail to Colonsay is to be recommended, with simple fare available on the ferry as you travel!

A trip to Rannoch Moor and Glencoe is surely a must for everybody, and a personal favourite of ours, with Fort William beckoning in the distance. On the way stop at Tyndrum and visit the Green Wellie Shop, a great place for all walking clothing - even if you do not walk the West Highland Way!

Glasgow City Centre is just 1¼ hour's drive, and Edinburgh can be reached in approximately 2 hours.

There are a number of golf courses in the area. Pony trekking is available near Inverary and Dunoon, and there is an all weather leisure centre at Lochgoilhead.

Fresh water fishing is available (with permit) on nearby Loch Eck and Loch Awe. Sea fishing can be attempted off the rocks opposite the cottage, but there are no guarantees of success!

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