Loch Melfort

Friday, midday

Check into the Loch Melfort Hotel (doubles from £139, www. lochmelfort.co.uk). Make sure to book a room with an epic sea view.

1pm

Enjoy a relaxed light lunch at the hotel bistro. From the outdoor tables marvel at Hebridean isles such as Luing, Jura and even distant Islay.

2:30pm

Head down to the rocky shore and be dazzled by the aquarium clear waters. You can take a dip – the hotel offer extra towels for the brave.

5:30pm

Enjoy an aperitif of Lussa Gin (distilled on Jura).

7pm

Savour dinner in the Melfort’s restaurant, tucking into the likes of Gigha halibut spiced with truffle mash and pine nuts.

8:30pm

Snare a gate code from reception and enjoy private access to Arduaine Gardens, a botanical oasis alive with vaulting trees, an explosion of flowers and paths that snake charmingly between ponds to a viewpoint.

Saturday, 9am

Head south to peel back the centuries at Kilmartin Glen. Wander amongst standing stones, stone circles and cairns as you explore the pre-scotland world of the Gaels.

11am

Don’t miss Dunadd just to the south, a rugged wee hill where the kings of

Dalriada drank claret as they received French courtiers and oversaw their vast aquatic empire.

1pm

Push on south to Crinan, where the Crinan Hotel offers boat fresh seafood in its oyster bar. Tuck into langoustines and, of course, oysters.

3pm

Take a stroll along the Crinan Canal watching the yachts seeking to avoid a tumultuous trip around Kintyre.

4:30pm

Enjoy a cuppa and a homemade scone at the relaxed wee café that overlooks the canal locks and basin.

7pm

Enjoy hearty pub grub at Kilmartin Hotel.

Sunday, 9am

Just savour that Hebridean view, or wander around the flora at Arduaine. ■

A car is the best way to get to Loch Melfort, though there is a bus service to Oban; ww.visitscotland.com