DELVE DEEPER INTO SCOTLAND’S ADVENTURE COAST
Argyll’s Secret Coast and the island of Bute are the perfect pairing. These two destinations sit right on each others’ doorsteps, offering you terrific twin break and perfect day out opportunities. Go wild in the great outdoors and explore the hills, forests and beaches of Argyll’s Secret Coast. Then hop on the five- minute ferry to Bute for an island adventure to discover glorious gardens, grandiose architecture and the fabulous Mount Stuart.
Argyll’s Secret Coast – just a whisper away!
It’s hard to keep a secret, especially when the secret is this good. So here you go: there’s a place with some of the most stunning scenery on the west coast of Scotland - yet not many people know about it. You don’t find crowds of tourists. What you do find is wildlife, tranquility and deserted beaches. Argyll’s Secret Coast is tucked away on the south-west tip of the Cowal Peninsula. It feels remote, but it’s just under two hours from Glasgow. Bordered by two beautiful stretches of water, the Kyles of Bute and Loch Fyne, the landscape is wild and scenic, with hills, glens, seaside villages, clear sea lochs, sparkling sands and ancient forests. The coastline itself is rugged and varied. You can while away many a happy hour pottering around the shore, exploring rock pools and beach combing, until you find your own secluded bay. It’s well worth making a special trip to Ostel Bay. This huge crescent-shaped sweep of sand is a twenty-minute walk from the road. There are lots of opportunities to get active in the great outdoors. What better way to explore the lochs, hills and coastline of this beautiful part of the west coast of Scotland than on foot? The most famous walk is the long-distance Cowal Way which begins at Portavadie and takes you through some incredible scenery. The country roads and off-road forest tracks and trails offer fantastic cycling and mountain biking. For a real road bike challenge, try the Bealach Maim, which takes you from Tighnabruaich to Glendaruel and over the frighteningly steep bealach. Or how about checking out the forest trails between Portavadie and Kilfinan? You could also explore the islands and inlets by boat. With protective hills, relaxed tides and no crowds, these are perfect sailing and kayaking waters. Argyll’s Secret Coast is as rich culturally as it is naturally. The landscape and light has inspired generations of artists and there’s a thriving artistic scene. The area is steeped in history and dotted with fascinating ancient sites, ruined castles, chambered cairns and standing stones. If all this activity leaves you feeling a bit peckish, then you’re in luck. Argyll’s Secret Coast is packed with great restaurants and cafés serving up delicious food. You’ll find plenty of local produce on the menus, including Loch Fyne’s famous seafood. Argyll’s Secret Coast is just a whisper away … but don’t tell everyone.