(March - June)

Spring Activities in the Heart of Argyll

Recommended by Heather Thomas-Smith from Heathery Heights

The Heart of Argyll is a great place to visit any time of the year. Spring is when wildlife and nature start to wake up and show off all their beauty. You can enjoy longer daylight hours to explore and enjoy the benefits of the season opening with activity operators ready to welcome you.

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Background image - Chaotic Scot Argyll Beaver Centre 21 2048X1365

Wildlife in Spring

Bird watching is very rewarding in Spring, as you see the speicies build their homes and families grow and thrive.

Places such as the River Add, Crinan Canal and National Nature Reserves at Taynish and Moine Mhor are all good places to start. Further information on sites can be found on the SOC site.

The Argyll Bird Club is open to new members for a small fee (you don’t have to live in Argyll) which allows you to join both field trips (usually monthly) and to attend indoor events.

Take a wildlife boat trips with Venture West, Fyne Sea Tours, Sealife Adventures, Crinan Classic Charters to get closer to sealife responsibly and safely.

Or consider a Beaver Walk at the Argyll Beaver Centre and see the protected and endearing creatures at home.

Flora and Fauna

Get closer to nature, responsibly and learn more about the area's flora and fauna - a whole world ready to explore!

  • Crarae Gardens potentially reopening in April after Storm Damage but currently closed
  • Arduiane Gardens opening 1st April
  • Spring Foraging experiences and events with Heathery Heights
  • Community Joint Venture – Above and Below Heritage Tours with Heathery Heights and Swim Dan the Merman in conjunction with Highlands Rewilding
Background image - Heathery Heights Foraging (5)

Art Exhibitions and Cultural Events

A great time of year to soak up local events and enjoy the buzz and energy of spring.

  • Continuous Art Exhibitions at the Dochas Carers Centre, Lochgilphead. Winter /Spring: Arther Kerr will be exhibiting until the end of February followed with an exhibition by Ann Thomas from March to May
  • Continuous Art Exhibitions from local artists at The Archway, Lochgilphead
  • Continuous Art Exhibitions from local artists at The Old Library, Tarbert
  • The Harbour Galleries in Tarbert and Inveraray showcasing works by the late Stuart Herd
Gallery

Eventful Times

A mix of events and festivals you'll not want to miss

  • Scotland's Wild Medicine Festival 2025 (Tarbert), Tarbert Holiday Park, 11th Apr 12:00 - 14th Apr
  • Easter Foraging Walk & Wild Firepit Lunch Sat 19th April
  • Argyll Kayaks Midwest Sea Kayak Symposium Fri 2nd to Mon 5th May
  • Scottish Series, Tarbert, May 23rd to May 26th
  • Campbeltown Whisky Festival, 19 - 24 May 2025 (Kintyre)
  • Kintyre Ultra 10th May (Kintyre)

 

Kayaking Loch Gilp

Natural Habitat Exploring

Get ready to explore the local area and all its natural beauty. As well as the wildlife, flora and fauna highlights above, here's some more inspiration of places to explore at your own pace.

  • Ally’s Bike Hire, Tayvallich
  • Argyll Kayaks, Ardrishaig
  • Kayak Majik, Tarbert
  • Taynish National Nature Reserve
  • Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve
  • Ancient Sites
  • Crinan Canal
  • Argyll Hope Spot
  • Highlands Rewilding
  • Navigation & Hill Skills courses and guided walks with Heathery Heights
  • Horse riding & lessons at Lunga Stables
  • Cold water immersion/wild swimming with Swim Dan the Merman
  • Cladich Tours
  • Jura Passenger Ferry from 29th March
  • Argyll Kayaks
Crinan Canal Basin (1) Drone Portrait

Activities to liven up your spring

Step into spring and enjoy the brighter and longer days with some amazing activities, both indoors and outdoors!

There's so much on offer in the Heart of Argyll in the great outdoors:

  • Walking, cycling, kayaking, cold water immersion, wellbeing activities, winter wildlife watching, historic sites, navigation & hill skills courses, star gazing, cosy trips away, photography, gift and book shops, art and craft workshops, food and drink, sea fishing (as per law), golf, horse riding, swimming pool

Or opt to stay inside and invigorate your mind, taste buds, creativity and skills:

  • Inveraray Jail
  • Kilmartin Museum
  • Inveraray Castle open from 27th March
  • Fyne Ales Brewery Trips
  • Vic 32 Day Trips (from May)
  • Weaving Workshop Short Breaks
  • Basketmaking
  • Glass Art Workshops
  • The Fyne Den
  • Argyll Kayaks
  • Zing Organics Therapy and Workshop
  • Bespoke Car Tours
  • Private Hire
  • Yoga Retreats
  • Food and Drink activities and breaks
Inveraray Jail

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Ready to plan your Heart of Argyll trip?

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.

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

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