Background image - Aird Point Craignish Marc Pickering

Credit Marc Pickering

Couples Weekend in The Heart of Argyll

Recommended by Heather Thomas-Smith from Heathery Heights

Escaping the humdrum and finding peace in this corner of Argyll is why most visit, whether for a quiet romantic break, an activity holiday on the water or to enjoy the wildlife, history and amazing scenery.

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Places to Stay

There are some lovely paces for couples to stay whether wanting a quiet rural retreat, a hot tub or sumptuous room in a quality hotel. Here are a few options:

The George in Inveraray is a great place to stay with many eateries within walking distance although the food at The George is pretty amazing too!

Not far south Fyne Glamping offer luxury ‘pods’ with the added treat of a hot tub overlooking Loch Fyne. And if you have brought your pooch Killean Farmhouse offer excellent B&B accommodation as well as access to a designated exercise paddock for dogs.

Loch Fyne Hotel will have you pampered whereas Loch Melfort Hotel and Corrie House have west coast sunset views that are hard to beat.

The Barn offers lovely views over Loch Awe and Ederline Estate offers a truly rural retreat with the option to hire a rowing boat or go fishing on one of their estate lochs.

Nestled in the lower reaches of Knapdale The Kilberry Inn offers cosy accommodation and excellent food whereas on the shores of Loch Fyne you could find yourself indulging in a little baronial luxury at the Stonefield Castle Hotel. If you are a nature lover then Kates Cottage is a lovely retreat down the Tayvallich peninsula within the Argyll Hope Spot.

For a special treat there is Winterton B&B where you can enjoy Champagne in a roll top bath, or stay at the nearby Crinan Hotel with its iconic seaside views and excellent seafood. And if you can afford it then why not – just hire a castle (Kilmartin to be precise) and be king and queen of your own realm.

Immerse yourself in the area

Taking time to enjoy your surroundings and the experiences on offer is paramount. The wildlife, scenery and coastline are stunning, and it is certainly worth exploration.

Kilmartin Glen is a treasure trove of historic sites from the ancient burial cairns, carvings and standing stones that date back thousands of years, the hill fort of Dunadd that formed the centre of the Kingdom of Dalriata to the 16th Century remains of Carnasserie Castle and the slightly older Kilmartin Castle, which is now offered as luxury accommodation.

Nearby Kilmartin Museum is an excellent start point from which to learn more about the local history before perhaps joining one of the museum’s free weekly history walks or employing the bespoke services of a local guide (Argyll Bespoke Car Tours, Heathery Heights, Inveraray Private Hire).

To the north Inveraray boasts a fine day out with a visit to Inveraray Castle and Gardens, Inveraray Woollen Mill and the historic Inveraray Jail. The small town also has a bell tower housing some of the country’s finest bells and an excellent choice of cafes, restaurants and shops. If you fancy seafood or the opportunity to tour a local brewery lunch can be had at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar with a tour around the Loch Fyne Brewery in the afternoon (note tours are weekends only but beers can be enjoyed in the taproom or beer garden every other day). The George, Ocho, Campbell Coffe, Cottage Restaurant and Samphire all offer superb food and drink.

Exploring the ancient rain forest, Taynish National Nature Reserve, Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve, wildlife and coast of this incredible part of Argyll is not to be missed.

There are many walks from easy saunters along the canal and around the Beaver Lochs to more rugged woodland, hill and coastal walks to fuel the appetite. In summer Polly’s Coffee Stop is a popular place to grab a coffee and cake whilst walking along the canal and it’s not far to the Crinan Hotel or Tayvallich Inn for an excellent seafood lunch.

From Waterways to Villages

There are a number of boat tours available which offer wildlife and sightseeing trips including Venture West, Fyne Sea Tours, Sealife Adventures, Crinan Classic Charters and the Jura Passenger Ferry.

Where available privately chartered boat trips can offer tailored experiences to suit. For example Crinan Classic Charters offers on board dining or the opportunity for ‘painting expeditions’ and Fyne Sea Tours and Heathery Heights can offer trips down Loch Fyne to include coastal foraging and a Wild Food Picnic. A truly immersive experience.

In summer the Vic 32 also offers day trips through the Crinan Canal or down Loch Fyne (which can be booked as a bespoke privately catered trip).

Waverley Excursions, the only seagoing paddle steamer in the world, offers seasonal trips from Tarbert and Ardrishaig.

If heading down to the fishing village of Tarbert it is worth exploring the ruins of Robert the Bruce’s castle to gain excellent views over the picturesque harbour. Tarbert has several galleries and some excellent eateries including Lulabelles, The Red Herring, The Gather and Stonefield
Castle Hotel a short drive to the north set in its own gardens.

Sea fishing trips can also be arranged with Jenny Wren Boat Charter based near Craobh Haven. If heading that way there is the opportunity to drop into Lucy’s of Ardfern for lunch or afternoon tea.

Days out ready to explore from water and land. What will you do?

Unique Cultural Experiences

For an immersive experience in nature and Gaelic culture Heathery Heights and Swim Dan the Merman (in conjunction with Highlands Rewilding) offer bespoke heritage and wellbeing tours connecting the
land and sea near Tayvallich with guided foraging, calming cold water immersion, a three course wild food picnic, Gaelic culture, language and traditions in a precious landscape that forms part of the Argyll
Hope Spot.

Heathery Heights and Swim Dan the Merman can also offer separate guided and immersive experiences including guided history walks, foraging experiences and wild swimming.

Nearby the Argyll Beaver Centre offers weekly public walks with the opportunity to book a bespoke private 2 hour guided beaver walk with a Ranger near the fresh water lochs of Barnluasgan and Loch Coillebharr
which offers an excellent insight into the area’s wildlife.

Arts & Crafts

For those who like to immerse themselves in art and crafts the area has a wide number of local artists, gift shops and local galleries as well as the popular Artmap Argyll Open Studios every August.

Several local makers offer bespoke workshops including Weaving Workshop Short Breaks and Basket making.

Stones & Ruins

Knapdale, between Tarbert and the Crinan Canal, has several old chapels and sites with Celtic carved stones including Keills Chapel near Tayvallich, Kilmory Knap Chapel south of Castle Sween, and the Kilberry Stones in South Knapdale. Standing stones and cup and ring marked rocks dot the landscape with old Crannogs hidden amongst the freshwater
lochs.

At Kilmory a delightful beach can be reached on foot and the drive round the Kilberry road gives tremendous views over to Jura with the option to stop at the lovely little Kilberry Inn for dinner (from April - prior reservation only, rooms also available).

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Heart of Argyll in Pictures

Dun Mor Crinan Woods Viewpoint Marc Pickering (2)

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All you need to know

This list is just a suggestion of how you could spend your time in the Heart of Argyll. The region has a range of activities and experiences to suit everyone, across all seasons.

VISIT HEART OF ARGYLL

A place rich in natural and historic wonder, surrounding the scenic and popular waterway of the Crinan Canal.

Explore Kilmartin Glen Explore Inveraray

Crinan Canal on YouTube

STAY HERE

Find your place to stay from luxury hotels for a relaxing retreat to holiday parks and self catering options for adventure seekers, and everything in-between.

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