Couples Weekend in the Heart of Argyll
Recommended by local HeatherEscaping the humdrum and finding peace in this part 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.
Immerse yourself in the Heart of Argyll
Taking time to enjoy your surroundings and the experiences on offer is paramount. The wildlife, scenery, and coastline are stunning, and it's certainly worth exploring.
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.
The nearby Kilmartin Museum is an excellent starting point for learning more about the local history. You can also join one of the museum’s free weekly history walks or hire a bespoke service from a local guide.
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. Suppose you fancy seafood or the opportunity to tour a local brewery. In that case, lunch can be had at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, followed by a tour around the Fyne Ales brewery in the afternoon. The George, Ocho, Campbell Coffee, Cottage Restaurant and Samphire all offer superb food and drink.
Exploring the ancient rainforest, the Taynish National Nature Reserve, and the Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve, as well as the 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. Where available, privately chartered boat trips can offer tailored experiences to suit, which could include coastal foraging and a Wild Food Picnic—a truly immersive experience.
In Summer, the Vic 32, the last steam-powered Clyde Puffer, 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, and The Gather.
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 the 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 freshwater 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).
Explore the Heart of Argyll
What are you looking for?
Wild at Art Ltd
Our immersive creative experiences combine art workshops with handpicked accommodation and eateries, private tours and talks, visits to galleries and exhibit...
Wild at Art Ltd
North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7SB
Adventure Zone at The Fyne Den
Indoor and outdoor adventure play area
A place for children and families to immerse themselves in an active, fun and creative play. Amazing natural wood st...
The Fyne Den
Clachan
Cairndow
PA26 8BL
Tel: 01499320429
The Stable Cottage by Loch Fyne
Newly refurbished, luxurious and historic 3-bed cottage in a private location with stunning views to the shoreline of Pennymore Point and onwards down Loch F...
The Stable Cottage
Pennymore House, by Furnace
Argyll and Bute
PA32 8XN
Westie Whisky Tours
The west coast of Scotland is home to some of the best, if not the best, distilleries in Scotland. Westie Whisky is run by a self-confessed whisky geek, who...
Head Office: Ramsay House
Glenalmond
Perth
PH1 3RY
Tel: +44 (0)7946 839738
Heart of Argyll in Pictures
A place rich in natural and historic wonder, surrounding the scenic and popular waterway of the Crinan Canal.
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.
