The Argyll & Bute Travel Guide outlines the interesting local attractions, places of interest and entertainment for visitors and contains useful tourist information for travellers. Located on the west coast of Scotland, the area has dramatic coastal scenery and sea lochs making the region eye catching for visitors. One of the famous glens is Glen Coe, a beautiful nature reserve that presents walkers with opportunities that they can only dream of. Argyll & Bute has some of the best scenery in the UK and whilst not as famous as the Highlands, it certainly holds its own as a place to visit for tourists. There are mountains, coastal scenery and some very idyllic islands here.
Overview and Attractions
A popular place to go is the Crinan Canal, one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland. The canal is a tranquil place and its surroundings are very scenic, there are also hills and the seascape to enjoy here. History fans will enjoy Kilmartin Glen that has a number of ancient sites among these are standing stones and burial cairns. The ruins of Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe are a great place to see some history and culture and are located in a wonderful setting. With a range of attractions for visitors to explore the region is one of Scotland's better kept secrets.
Oban is regarded as the unofficial capital of the Western Highlands. The town and its harbour are at the heart of the economy in this part of Scotland and is the main tourist destination too. The natural harbour made it an important place to send supplies to the islands off the coast. There are ferries that travel from here to the Inner Hebrides and visitors can use these to see the others islands from here. A landmark to look out for is McCaig’s Folly, a circular monument similar in style to a Roman Amphitheatre, it was never completed. Visitors can walk up to the monument on steps from the town centre and the views of Oban harbour are a fitting reward.
Arran has been referred to as a miniature Scotland owning to its many faces. The main town here is Brodick, the road network means navigating around the island is easily assessable and other noteworthy towns are Blackwaterfoot towards the west and Lochranza towards the north. Goat Fell mountain is at nearly 2,900 feet the highest point in the island and a haven for walkers, there is also a nearby castle at Brodwick, making a visit to this island an interesting one.
The Isle of Bute is located off the Cowal Peninsula, it is a beautiful area where visitors can take a guided walk that includes the water foreshore. Rothesay is both the ferry port and the main town on the island and home of the 13th century castle ruins. Jura is a mountainous and rugged area and its west coast is very sparsely populated, visitors can certainly get away from it all here.
Barcaldine Castle is located in Argyll, it is only ancient castle in the area that offers bed and breakfast accommodation too. The castle is the 16th century home of the Campbells of Barcaldine, it is situated 9 miles north of Oban. The castle is steeped in history and character and provides visitors with stunning views from Loch Creran to Glencoe. Witness the snow-capped mountains in spring or the golden colours of autumn here.
Mount Stuart is a splendid Victorian Gothic house located on the Isle of Bute. It was during the 19th century the 3rd Marquess of Bute and his architect built a new Gothic palace from the ruins of the original Mount Stuart, the house was never actually completed. A restoration programme for Mount Stuart began in the 1980s by the late 6th Marquess, aimed to restore and improve this great house. Mount Stuart’s gardens date back to the 18th century and there are constant further developments going on here.
The house is famous for the architecture with intricate details and lavish designs. The gardens are among the finest visitors will see in the UK and include a rock garden, Victorian kitchen garden and a visitor centre. There is a public visual arts programme at Mount Stuart that aims to promote contemporary visual arts and raise public awareness by bringing international quality exhibitions to Bute and Argyll.
Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park is an example of the Scottish countryside at its finest. The national park boasts the deep waters of Loch Lomond, the Trossachs and the wild glens and Breadalbane’s high mountains. The park provides visitors with a place of contrasts these include Ben Lomond that guards over Loch Lomond, which is the largest expanse of freshwater in the UK. The Trossachs, wild glens and lochs between Callander and Aberfoyle Breadalbane and the high country of the north are situated here.
The Argyll Forest of the Cowal peninsula with the Arrochar Alps are also located here. There are plenty of things to see and do here for those that like scenery, there is plenty of beautiful scenery and natural environments here to enjoy, for those that like outdoor activities there are opportunities for walking, cycling, sailing and canoeing. The touring and activities can be enjoyed in the national park that provides an awesome backdrop.
Crarae Gardens are located to the south of Inveraray and are managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The gardens contain rare trees and exotic shrubs from all over the world that thrive in the mild climate. The gardens are located in a wonderful Highland glen with a lively stream flowing though the woodland. The surroundings add to the experience of visiting the Crarae Gardens, they are open all year round however the visitor centre is only open during the main spring and summer season. It is best to check on the website for exact details and timings.
There are in excess of four hundred rhododendrons and azaleas making the spring and early summer particularly good times to visit. Autumn is decorated by the variety of deciduous trees and there are sheltered woodland walkways and the opportunity to relax and reflect on the beautiful thought provoking environment. The visitor centre sells crafts and refreshments.
Loch Visions is a one day wildlife and digital photography experience on the banks of Loch Awe that includes professional tuition with local award winning wildlife photographer Philip Price. Visitors get the chance to experience the wildlife in the area amidst the settings of Loch Awe. The one day experience covers the tuition and access to the photographic zones and a Photoshop session in the digital suite. The day experience is suitable for photography enthusiasts of all standards and abilities.
The Loch Melfort Restaurant is located in Argyll, its large panoramic windows providing magnificent views over Asknish Bay. A nice place to enjoy a romantic dinner or a friendly celebration, there is a Scottish breakfast served together with a large buffet of cereals, fresh fruit salad, croissants prunes fresh grapefruit etc. There are local ingredients used and dinner options include a daily choice of homemade soups and the best of local Scottish meat and fish. Dessert is also something to look forward to with homemade puddings and ice creams together with an excellent selection of Scottish Cheeses. A great choice of wines will appeal to fans of wine and visitors can try the local malt too. The relaxed surroundings make it a pleasant place to enjoy your meal.
Brechin's Brasserie is located in the Isle of Bute. The brasserie offers a good selection of wines and a range of premium continental bottled beers. The speciality here is to use top quality local produce to make delicious dishes to enjoy. The dishes are all home made and we use only locally sourced fresh meat, fresh fish, fresh vegetables and quality market salads. There are themed nights for special events and a Theme Food Nights and the popular jazz and musical suppers.
Argyll & Bute offers a range of attractions for visitors in this lovely area in West Scotland. All too often visitors unfortunately miss the area in the rush to the Highlands and other well known tourist destinations. This presents a great opportunity for the discerning visitor to see and explore an interesting area that more than holds its own against its illustrious neighbours.
Visitors can get away from the crowds and experience the tranquillity and feeling of space here, a great tonic for those trying to get away from it or leave their worries behind. There are a number of historical monuments there to excite history fans and the national park presents visitors with a world of opportunities. The area is best reached by road and visitors can enjoy island hopping to see the various islands here.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
