Argyll and the Isles, known as Scotland’s Adventure Coast, is a glorious region of glittering sea lochs, islands, hills, forests and glens just waiting to be explored. Whether your clients are looking for an exhilarating adventure or space for calm and solitude, they are sure to find it on the magnificent west coast of Scotland. Here are our top tips for the perfect vacation!

Killdaloig, Kintyre Peninsula

Scotland’s Adventure Coast is just 90 minutes from Glasgow and here your clients will discover a rich Highland history. They can dine on the freshest seafood and savour some of the world’s most famous Scotch whiskies, go island hopping, walk in the wilderness, breathe pure air, watch magnificent sunsets and see starry skies that will take their breath away.

Ascending the Taynuilt Peak on the shores of Loch Etive

Explore this wonderful region of Scotland on foot along one of the many walking trails, by mountain bike around rugged forests, or by gliding along the shoreline of a Hebridean island in a sea kayak. From world-class links golf, walking and cycling or watersports, the possibilities for getting active in Argyll and the Isles are endless - perfect for a tailor-made adventure tour!

On the water

The stunning coastline of Argyll and the Isles is home to some of the most biologically diverse marine environments in the UK and the many wrecks beneath the waves are a powerful reminder of Scotland’s maritime heritage. 

Paddleboarding at Castle Stalker (Stephen Sweeney Photography)

For watersports enthusiasts, there is so much to choose from. Your clients can enjoy sailing or wild swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding, fishing, snorkelling and so much more. Families can enjoy sheltered sandy beaches with clear, shallow waters warmed by the Gulf Stream.

Ardrishaig on the Crinan Canal

Whether it’s a gentle sail down the Kyles of Bute, an adrenaline fuelled RIB ride through the infamous Gulf of Correyvreckan or a week-long island-hopping sail on a yacht, there’s a boat trip for everyone. Even a journey on one of the famous Calmac ferries which criss-cross the region can offer the most incredible views!

Nature and wildlife

Argyll and the Isles is truly ‘nature’s paradise’, where towering mountains meet glistening sea lochs, ancient oak forests hug the shoreline and glorious gardens bloom. Argyll’s natural wonders include the Corryvreckan Whirlpool – the third largest in the world - and Fingal’s Cave on Staffa which inspired Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture.

Wander through ancient woods

Woodland covers nearly a third of Argyll and visitors can explore the region’s ‘temperate rainforests’, where mosses, lichens and ferns grow in profusion. The eco-system is home to some incredible wildlife such as otters, deer, red squirrels, basking sharks, beavers and majestic white-tailed eagles.

Beaver at Argyll Beaver Centre

Boat trips are an unbeatable way to explore the coast of Argyll and to discover the wonderful wildlife that inhabits the region’s waters and coastline. Sealife safaris, for example, take place daily from Oban in the summer months.

Food and drink

Taste trails offer visitors the chance to enjoy the area's amazing produce and to learn more about why the local food and drink is so special. Wild About Argyll's Farm Produce Trail, for example, celebrates a wide range of eateries and producers. The Seafood Trail showcases the best fresh fish and shellfish – from The Boathouse on Gigha to Skipness Seafood Cabin on Kintyre.

Caol Ila Distillery – the home of Johnnie Walker whisky

Argyll and the Isles produces a range of spirits all with distinctive characters, shaped by the local history, culture and landscape. With 15 world-class whisky distilleries dotted along the coastline, Argyll and the Isles is known as Scotland's ‘Whisky Coast’, but these days there are also many micro-distilleries producing gin and rum.

Lagavulin Pier, Islay

On the south end of Islay, three of the world’s most famous single malt whiskies can be found within two miles of each other – Ardbeg, Laphroaig and, nestled in the middle, the legendary Lagavulin Distillery.

Castles and heritage

Argyll and the Isles is home to sixty castles, from fabulous forts to terrific tower houses. Steeped in Highland heritage, the landscape is dotted with signs of the past, including chambered cairns and cup-and-ring marked rocks. Visit ruined castles in impossibly romantic locations, marvel at historic houses and gaze in wonder at Bronze Age standing stones. 

Castle Stalker, Loch Laich

From iconic Inveraray Castle, the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell, to medieval Rothesay Castle on the Isle of Bute, which was built by the Stewart family to defend against invading Vikings, there are so many places to discover the rich and colourful history of the region.

St Conan’s Kirk, Lochawe

Iona Abbey, on the beautiful island of Iona just off the Isle of Mull, is one of Scotland’s most historic and sacred sites. The abbey was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563 and became the heart of the early Scottish church. As a celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere.

Glorious gardens

Home to over 20 glorious gardens, from natural woodlands to walled gardens, there’s a huge variety of gardens to explore in Argyll and the Isles, whether amid spectacular coastal landscape or epic mountain scenery. Argyll’s mild climate provides the perfect growing conditions for a riot of native and exotic plants. A number of Argyll’s gardens are part of historic estates, so you can discover the history of the area as well as enjoy the beauty of the blooms.

Inverary Castle and Gardens on the banks of Loch Fyne

Perhaps the most famous gardens in Argyll are at Mount Stuart, an incredible 19th century manor house and estate on the idyllic island of Bute, just a short ferry ride from the mainland. Benmore Botanic Garden, with its magnificent mountainside setting on the Cowal Peninsula is a joy to behold, and Crarae Garden, a beautiful 50-acre woodland garden in Minard near Inveraray is well worth a visit.

Mount Stuart © VisitScotland

Walking and cycling

From gentle beach strolls or family walks in woods to epic long-distance routes, Scotland’s Adventure Coast offers something for all levels of walker. For a spectacular coastal trek try the Kintyre Way, or Loch Lomond and Cowal Way. Alternatively, The Three Lochs Way is a stunning journey through southern Argyll linking Loch Lomond, Gare Loch and Loch Long in four stages.

Hiker on the Isle of Lismore

Argyll’s inner Hebridean islands also provide plentiful opportunities to wander free. The West Island Way runs the length of the beautiful island of Bute and would be perfect for one of our customised walking tours.

Mountain biking near Luss (Pauline Guillouzic Photography)

For road cyclists, there are miles and miles of scenic roads, long straight stretches and plenty of challenging hills and bends that are perfect for clocking up the distance. For mountain bikers, there are acres of forest trails with steep ascents and daredevil drop-offs. And for gravel bikers, there is an intricate network of tracks and trails through our extensive forests, woodlands and along the coastline. 

Sunset over the Firth of Lorne and Mull

If you would like to find out more about tailor-made tours of Scotland’s Adventure Coast, please do contact our friendly team today and we will put together the perfect itinerary for your clients.

With thanks to Argyll and the Isles Tourism Co-operative Ltd for their permission to use the content and photographs in this article.