Tighnabruaich
It lies only a couple of hours from Glasgow but once you have made the journey there you will feel as if you are in another world. Argyll’s Secret Coast is becoming one of our true favourites and now we want to share the secret!
Most tourists have never heard of it, and many Scots are the same. With a lifetime of exploring Scotland ourselves it has taken us a while to get to this special place. Surprisingly stunning mountains, many long, meandering sea lochs, seals on rocks and birds of prey flying over the rocky crags.
Cowal Peninsula
The Cowal Peninsula is an ancient seat of rival clans and has seen Scottish Kings and Lords passing through over the centuries. Today it is a great place for walkers, cyclists, fisherman and sailors. The peninsula is bounded by famous Loch Fyne and the beautiful Kyles of Bute. Loch Fyne oysters, crab, and other seafood is a delight in many of the picturesque seafront villages such as Tighnabruaich, Kames or Tarbert.
There is a chance of seeing Scotland’s “big five” - golden eagles, red deer, seals, otters and red squirrels. There is an even bigger chance of enjoying a pod of playful dolphins if you take to the water. With luck you might even see the occasional basking shark offshore.
Dolphin hunting on Loch Fyne
Our tours around the fabulous area include options for a side trip on a refurbished fishing boat. You try your hand at fishing for pollock or cod as you cruise through the Kyles of Bute. Perhaps you might enjoy a sailing lesson and learn new dingy skills.
Cowal Way and Argyll's Secret Coast
Waymarker on the Cowal Way
For walkers and cyclists the forest tracks, pathways and small roads are a paradise. Enjoy the chance to follow the well signposted Cowal Way as it crosses the hillsides, golf courses and wild open landscapes. The coastline is never far away and the views over to the mountainous Isle of Arran are special indeed.
Enjoying the Kyles of Bute
The Cowal Way takes you through some of the richest archaeological sites in the region. The carvings of the Kilmodan Sculptured Stones bring to life the true craftsmanship of the late-medieval stone masons. Tucked away in the church yard near the village of Clachan in Glendaruel this collection of West Highland grave slabs will leave you in awe of the people in these lands, four hundred years earlier.
The thing we love most about Argyll’s Secret Coast is its size. The Cowal Way is only 57 miles long. As a result there is so much to see in a day without the need for hours in the car. Explore on foot, on the water, or simply relax and watch the world go by. Keep the secret – that is all we ask!
