Although just an hour and a half from Glasgow, the house sits in some of the loveliest scenery in Scotland. The Kyles of Bute are renowned with both walkers and sailors as among the most stunning bits of coast in Scotland. Whatever the weather in Argyll, usually remarkably mild, this is great country for site seeing, with every corner revealing a new variation on the theme of mountain, loch, valley, sky, woodland, sea, rock, and beach. The Cowal peninsula is a fabulous base for an active holiday with marvellous wildlife, numerous gardens, other tourist attractions to visit, and a variety of sporting activities.
The house has grounds of 23 acres, and sits about a mile above the head of Loch Riddon, enjoying complete privacy and lovely views down the glen to the river Ruel. The Island of Bute itself is as little as 15 minutes away from the house – accessed via a ferry from Colintraive – and was a “must visit” destination long before Stella McCartney got married there or former racing driver Johnnie Dumfries moved into Mount Stuart House as the new Marquess of Bute.
Inverary with its famous Jail and Castle, seat of Clan Campbell for the last few hundred years, is only 45 minutes away, as is Loch Lomond. Dunoon is another tourist destination in its own right, and it is just under half an hour away. You can get to Glen Coe in an hour and a half; to Stirling, Oban or Fort William in under two. Loch Ness and Edinburgh are easy enough day trips – reachable in less than 2 and a half hours.
As well as general site-seeing and trips to the Island of Bute, Inverary and further afield, there are a host of other activities you can undertake around Glenaruel. It’s fabulous walking country and you will be provided with twelve mountain bikes for those who want to explore on two wheels rather than four. There are some really excellent routes direct from the house, involving all sorts of terrain and levels of strain!
There’s a lovely 9 hole pay and play course ten minutes away above Tighnabruaich. There are five bags of golf clubs for the house and they probably won’t be too fussed about the usual rules regarding golf shoes provided you don’t arrive in jeans and carve the course up. The same applies to the almost equally spectacular nine hole course at Blairmore & Strone, half an hour away. Cowal Golf Club at Dunoon and Inellan are the 18 hole courses in the area that welcome visitors.
For fishing, there are too many options to go into here, but you can spend anything from £9 per day to over £1,000 for river fishing in the area. You can fish for trout in the nearby stream for nothing or in the Lochen at the head of the river. Mackerel on a line in a boat on the Kyles is a right of passage for hundreds of West of Scotland kids every year. They swim in shoals all around these waters and there’s no permit payable.
It’s a fabulous part of the world for water-sports of all sorts. Horse-riding, climbing, canoeing, caving, archery, quad biking, paint-balling, and clay pigeon shooting are also all available either on site or in the area.
There is a wee shop selling all the basics at the camp-site in the Glendaruel valley, about a mile’s walk away, beside the historic Kilmodan standing stones. You get a slightly bigger choice in the Spar at Tighnabruich five miles away. Dunoon is 16 miles away and is a thriving market/harbour town with award-winning bakeries, cafes and butchers, as well as a big Co-Op and a big Somerfield supermarket.
Scotland is not really well served by pubs in general; this area is definitely an exception. The Colintraive Hotel and Tighnabruich Hotel have a fairly ambitious menus. Chatters in Dunoon is highly recommended, and the Whistlefield and Coylet Inns on Loch Eck are also worth a visit. Less than half an hour away from the house is a wonderful restaurant on Loch Fyne, overlooking the old Castle Lachlan. The Benmore Gardens tea room is not half bad, either, and the Otterferry Inn and Loch Fyne Oyster Bar have good reputations (on which, it might be said, they trade slightly). All in all, though, there are few areas of Scotland where you can enjoy such a variety of excellent, reasonably priced menus.
The Region
Luxury self-catering holiday accommodation in Argyll, Scotland
Welcome to the fantastical world of Oliver's Travels, where luxury cottages, lodges, farmhouses and castles in Argyll await your adventurous spirit! Nestled along the enchanting coastline, on the fringes of remote lochs, in the embrace of mountain foothills or basking in the seclusion of the magical Trossachs National Park, these accommodations are not just places to stay, they are portals of delight, tranquillity, seclusion, beauty, adventure and views that will make your heart skip a beat! You will return home with a burning desire for more, much more!
Argyll, the western gem of Scotland, is not your average region. It is a canvas painted with unparalleled natural beauty, a tapestry woven with rich history and a stage where vibrant culture takes centre stage. Stretching along the rugged coastline, it is a captivating destination where characterful villages, majestic mountains, serene lochs and meandering rivers come together for an unforgettable spectacle
Now, let's talk about Oban, the "Gateway to the Isles." This bustling hub boasts a picturesque harbour adorned with colourful fishing boats and presided over by the majestic McCaig's Tower, a granite structure offering panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. Dive into the warmth of Scottish hospitality, tantalise your taste buds at seafood restaurants with oysters and oak-smoked salmon and get ready for an island-hopping adventure from this gateway to paradise.
Inveraray, a proud town on the shores of Loch Fyne, is not just a pretty face. Surrounded by lush forests and the towering peaks of the Argyll mountains, it is home to the architectural masterpiece known as Inveraray Castle. You will wander through opulent interiors, stroll in expansive gardens and soak in the rich history that whispers through every corner.
Now, let's hop through enchanting villages! Lochgilphead, perched at the head of Loch Gilp, invites you to explore the historic Crinan Canal amidst breath taking scenery. Meanwhile, Tarbert, with its quaint streets and natural harbour, will charm your socks off. Don't miss its annual seafood festival and the wonders of the Kintyre Peninsula, where coastal scenery and historical sites such as Saddell Abbey and whisky-producing Campbeltown, await your exploration.
For nature enthusiasts, Argyll is a playground. The national parks of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs are your vast canvas, with hiking trails winding through pristine forests, leading to viewpoints that will take your breath away. Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, stands tall for those seeking an epic climb.
The coastline is a water-based wonderland! Sailing, kayaking and wildlife watching, take your pick! Seals, dolphins and a variety of seabirds call these waters home. Boat tours offer a unique perspective, letting you soak in Argyll's beauty from a whole new angle.
Argyll is a tapestry of natural wonders, historical gems and vibrant communities. Whether you are strolling through charming villages, conquering majestic landscapes, savouring fresh fish feasts or diving into its rich maritime heritage, Argyll promises an unforgettable journey through the beating heart of Scotland's west coast. Get ready for a ride on the wild side!
