Things to do in Kilmun, Dunoon, Cowal and Argyll & Bute

Attractions

Benmore Botanical Gardens

In a magnificent mountainside setting on the Cowal Peninsula lies Benmore, an enchanting Garden steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery. Benmore's 120 acres boast over 300 species of rhododendron; Bhutanese and Chilean plantings and a spectacular avenue of Giant Redwoods. Open daily from April - Oct from 10 am. Parts of the gardens are open during the winter. For more information click here

Mount Stuart (Isle of Bute)

Mount Stuart is Britain's most astounding Victorian gothic mansion. Home to the Stuarts of Bute, descendants of the Royal House of Stuart, this magnificent house sits proudly on the Isle of Bute - ancient stronghold of Scottish kings. Although it feels as if you have escaped to a wild and wonderful kingdom, this award-winning historical attraction lies just an hour away from Glasgow.The flamboyant house and its 300 acres of gardens reflect the artistic, religious and astrological interests of the 3rd Marquess of Bute. Although still a family home, they provide a spectacular private venue for luxury weddings, exclusive parties and corporate events. Mount Stuart is a work of art ... come and see it to believe it. For more information click here

Isle of Bute Discovery Centre (Isle of Bute)

Rothesay's famous Grade A-listed Winter Garden now houses one of Scotland's most innovative and exciting visitor centres, following an extensive and sympathetic restoration programme undertaken by Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling & Trossachs Tourist Board. Your exploration of the beautiful Isle of Bute begins here. We're open every day including Saturdays and Sundays. We look forward to welcoming you. For more information click here

Rothesay Castle (Isle of Bute)

The Stuart Kings spent their summers at Rothesay Castle, a stronghold whose circular design is unique in Scotland. Records tell of a castle in Rothesay under siege from Norsemen. Substantial restoration work has been carried out over the last 120 years. Spend an hour or two exploring the castle, and you'll relive over four turbulent centuries of Scottish history - from when Vikings took control in 1230 to the burning by the Duke of Argyll in 1685. For more information click here

Shopping and Leisure

You won't go home empty handed from Argyll, the Isles, Loch Lomond, Stirling & the Trossachs. You can pick up a bargain at the area's designer outlets, browse through shops in modern centres and bustling towns, and find delightful locally produced art and craft items to remind you of your visit.

Dunoon itself is a delightful traditional seaside town, which still retains the charm of its Edwardian hey-day. It has a promenade for visitors to walk along the beautiful Firth of Clyde, and a shopping centre with a full range of shops offering local produce and crafts, and everything you might need for your self-catering holiday in Kilmun. It also boasts a number of very good tea-shops, cafes and restaurants and to keep fit whilst you're here, there are also first class leisure facilities at various locations throughout the area. You might also wish to check out the evening entertainment available in the local area whilst you are here.

Glasgow

Glasgow is only just over an hour from the cottages and well worth a visit. Steeped in history yet defined by innovation, Glasgow's breathtaking Victorian architecture and traditional welcoming embrace have provided a stately inheritance for the city's commercial resurgence and cultural vigour. Reiterating its status as one of the world's most desirable destinations to work, study or simply enjoy a weekend visit, Scotland's thriving central metropolis is developing and recasting itself to meet the challenge of hosting the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Likened to 1960s Detroit for its music scene, producing Franz Ferdinand, Belle and Sebastian and Glasvegas in recent years, legendary venues like the Barrowland, King Tut's and The Arches stage the world's biggest and most promising new bands, while the City Halls and Glasgow Royal Concert Hall regularly play host to classical performances, all making a contribution to the city's recent honouring as a UNESCO City of Music.

Hailed as the dear green place, Glasgow has plenty of attractive, well-maintained parks, but its aesthetic standing truly rests with its buildings. Charles Rennie Mackintosh's fame draws visitors from far and wide and his distinctive style can still be appreciated in the award-winning refurbishment of The Lighthouse, Scotland's centre for architecture and design, with its panoramic views of the city centre, as well as the Scotland Street School Museum and the aptly named House for an Art Lover, a contemporary edifice built from the Art Nouveau architect's original blueprints.

A cultural treasure trove, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, with its eclectically arranged, eye-catching exhibits, recently welcomed its five millionth visitor and remains one of the largest museums in the UK. Further afield, the Burrell Collection contains a wealth of Egyptian, Chinese and Islamic artifacts, while the Hunterian, attached to the 15th century University of Glasgow, is the oldest public museum in Scotland, its gallery housing the largest display anywhere of James McNeill Whistler.

Glaswegians enjoy a bit of retail therapy and the city has cemented its reputation for offering the UK's best shopping outside London, from the Italian Centre in the Merchant City, to the exclusive, designer label parade of Ingram Street, right through to the delicatessens and boutique shops of the fashionable West End, where the weary and shopped-out drag a chair onto the Ashton and Cresswell Lane cobbles at one of the countless bars and cafes. For more information click here

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond has the largest surface area of fresh water Loch in the UK. The Loch is 24 miles long and five miles wide and at its deepest point is some 600 feet deep. On the Loch there are approximately 38 Islands, some of them inhabited and there is even a Hotel on one, Inchmurrin. Loch Lomond must be the world's most famous Loch and has been much written about, both in song and verse. The area is renowned for its beauty and tranquility and offers picture postcard views around every corner. The Loch is crossed by the Highland Boundary Fault and exhibits the physical characteristics of both highland and Lowland Scotland. Some 200 species of birds and over 25% of Britain's wild plants have been recorded in the area. For more information click here

Events

The Cowal Gathering

The Cowal Highland Gathering is the world's largest and most spectacular Highland Games and an event second to none in the Highland Games calendar. From the very first gathering on 11th August 1894 Cowal has become a world famous institution and has gone from strength to strength. Cowal Gathering has continued and will continue to seek to foster the traditions and match the achievements of earlier generations and provide for enthusiasts and participants in everything For decades thanks to Cowal's reputation as a major promoter of Highland music, dance, and tradition, exiles over the world have turned to Dunoon for advice and practical assistance in setting up their own gatherings. Now Cowal attracts more than 3500 competitors - many from Scottish Communities-in-exile as far flung as British Columbia (Canada) and New Zealand. Enjoy playing your part in this unique experience. For more information click here

Loch Fyne Food Fair

The Loch Fyne food fair is a feast of West Coast food, wine and entertainment that takes place in early May every year at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar in Cairndow. The restaurant is situated on the banks of Loch Fyne, only 10 miles from Inveraray and just over an hour from Glasgow. It hosts a Farmers Market with a wide range of foods, sold by the producers.

Alongside Loch Fyne Oysters own sea food stands, stalls in 2008 included Winston Churchill Venison, Isabella's Preserves, Lambros Quality Foods, the Inverloch Cheese Company, Orkney Herrings, Barbreck Farms, Bumble Puddings, The Really Garlicky Company, ,Great Glen Game, Isle of Bute Bakery, Delicious Celebration Cakes and Ayrshire Confections.

There is a beer tent with live music through the weekend with ales supplied by Fyne Ales plus specially selected wines from Europe and New Zealand. For more information click here

Activities

The 'Visit Scotland' web site is a rich source of detailed information about where to find or book or buy what you need for fishing, horse-riding, walking, mountain biking, bird-watching, etc. For photographers, this is an area rich in opportunity as the colours and light alter with amazing rapidity and offer, at different times of the year, and day-by-day, an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty. 'Stunning' is not an exaggerated description here!

Walking

The 'Visit Scotland' web site is a rich source of detailed information about where to find or book or buy what you need for fishing, horse-riding, walking, mountain biking, bird-watching, etc. For photographers, this is an area rich in opportunity as the colours and light alter with amazing rapidity and offer, at different times of the year, and day-by-day, an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty. 'Stunning' is not an exaggerated description here!Walking
The Cowal Peninsula is where the Scottish Highlands meet the Firth of Clyde, presenting a breathtaking vista of lochs, glens, sea, mountains and forests. Those who enjoy walking will find a great variety of walking routes and hiking trails in the area.

The number of trails is overwhelming - for example, you might prefer an easy ramble along the Cowal Way, or perhaps the entire 47 miles of it! Or maybe some vigorous hillwalking in the Arrochar Alps is more appealing. You might also be interested in Cowalfest, an event dedicated to walking and arts in the area.

Fishing

Dunoon and District Angling Club welcomes visitors to its waters . Few waters now hold truly wild fish and those that do need conserving. Dunoon and District Angling Club however can offer brown trout fishing in surroundings approaching the ideal, amongst some of the most beautiful scenery in Scotland, and all within 15 miles of Dunoon.

For salmon and sea trout, the Club's river fishings provide a wonderful backdrop. The catches of these fish now appear to be improving after the shortages of recent years which affected most west Highland rivers. The Club provides angling for 200+ members and the Club waters consist of 3 trout lochs - Dunoon Reservoir (rainbow), Loch Loskin and Loch Tarsan (brown trout) and Loch Eck (salmon, seatrout), as well as Rivers Finnart, Cur, Massan and Ruel for salmon, seatrout and brown trout.

All the Club's rivers are "late and spate", ie fish best from June onwards, and need a fair head of water to fish well. For the inevitable times when the brown trout are "off the take" and the rivers are running low, the Club has a popular rainbow fishery where a low rod limit applies and where there is a good chance of a decent fish from those regularly stocked. Details of prices and how to book can be found here.

Cycling

The landscape on the Cowal peninsula makes it a perfect spot for all types of cycling but particularly for mountiain and forest trails. For more information on routes visit the forestry commission here

Horse Riding

With quiet trails and beautiful countryside, Cowal makes an ideal place to go horseriding. Velvet Path Trekking and Riding Centre in Innellan offers beach and forest rides for experienced riders, riding courses and trail riding. It also offers excellent pony trekking for beginners and is a specialist in disabled riding (RDA). Their wonderful ponies include Icelandic and Fell. TRSS and RDA approved.

Golf

There are 5 golf courses in the local area including Cowal Golf Club and Strone Golf Club both of which are within a few minutes drive for Hollytrees Cottages. More information on Golf clubs in the area can be found if you click here

Sailing

When it comes to sailing, the Cowal Peninsula is every yachtsperson's dream.The beauty and tranquility of the waters of the Firth of Clyde and its many sea lochs make Cowal a truly exceptional sailing destination. The Marina at the Holy Loch offers competitive rates for long and short term berthing, storage and handling. To find out more click here

Tighnabruaich Sailing School provides quality instruction in an idyllic location for hundreds of students every year who are eager to start sailing or improve on existing skills. Families come back year after year and kids progress from unsure beginners to confident and daring young sailors, all drawn by the magnetic pull of Tighnabruaich. Courses are run between the months of May and September. Individuals, families or larger groups are welcomed. To find out more click here.

Quad-Biking

If you prefer your adventures to be on dry land, why not try a thrilling quad-bike ride with Quadmania. In addition to taking the quad-bike on the trail, Quadmania can organise other adventures to complete your day. You can go kayaking on secluded lochs, exploring ancient gorges, clay-shooting, abseiling or rock climbing - whatever your fancy. You can even combine your quadbiking with some River Rocketing! Quadmania will organise your dream day in the stunning scenery of Argyll in Scotland. To find out more click here.

Wild-Life Spotting

Cowal is home to birds of prey and red deer, and many species may be spotted in Argyll Forest Park, and parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. At the northern end of the Isle of Bute feral mountain goats can be found, as well as buzzards and roe deer, while at Scalpsie Bay a large colony of seals have made their home. They gaze curiously from their rocky perches at those who gather to watch their antics. Red squirrels can still be spotted in some of the inland glens, and have been seen in our garden! And large birds of prey often soar above us - a spectacular sight! So do bring your binoculars with you.

Eating Out

Argyll is famed for its seafood and has many of the most acclaimed seafood eateries in Scotland in the area. The Scottish food landscape has changed indelibly over the last 15 years and now claims some of the finest restaurants in the UK and is littered with wonderful restaurants using the best Scottish produce fresh from the hills or lochs. We have listed a few local favourites below and encourage you to investigate the local food establishments and if you find anything we haven't mentioned then please tell us!

Loch Fyne Oyster Bar

Now well known throughout the Uk the Loch Fyne names started here at the original restaurant site on the banks of Loch Fyne. Food is served throughout the day. The menu includes shellfish and smoked fish along with white fish dishes, Scotch beef, lamb and venison and a vegetarian option. Home made desserts and Scottish cheese. Prices range from £ 3.95 to £22.50. The wine list is especially chosen to complement the fish & shellfish.

The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Shop started in a small shed in the lay-by at the head of Loch Fyne in the early 80's then in 1985 moved into the old cow byre at Clachan Farm. We are proud to have been listed in the Good Food Guide every year since then. The Oyster Bar building now features the Birlinn Bar - based on the highland galley. Loch Fyne Restaurants have now branched out from this site and have opened restaurants throughout England. For more information click here

Chatters

Chatters is an award winning restaurant in the heart of Dunoon. It is a dining experience to be treasured and returned to time and time again. The very best of Scottish produce is expertly prepared and served in unique surroundings, with a superb selection of wines and a pudding trolley that has been accurately described as an experience not to be missed! For more information click here

Inver Cottage

Inver Cottage restaurant and coffee house is a warm and welcoming restored croft situated on the beautiful shores of Lachlan Bay, Loch Fyne. It's the perfect place to unwind and sample some superb cooking based on local produce and is an ideal starting point for exploring Scotland's west coast. Old Castle Lachlan, home of the MacLachlan clan for over one thousand years, is close by, while the Inver Cottage craft gallery and shop sells an unusual selection of artwork and gifts.

Whether it's a cappuccino and some wickedly tempting home baking, a light and flavoursome lunch dish or something special from the dinner menu - check out our sample menu - such as fresh Loch Fyne langoustines, Inver Cottage uses the very best local ingredients in a fresh and imaginative way, serving delicious food in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Private dining is available in The Boathouse, which is a great location for a celebratory meal or party, with stunning views across the bay to Old Castle Lachlan.

The Craft Shop and Gallery at Inver Cottage has an unusual range of handmade pottery, sculpture, artwork and clothing as well as cards and gifts for all ages. Working closely with selected west coast artists and designers, Inver Cottage commissions original work for the shop, providing a local outlet for local high quality craftsmanship. For more information click here

Creggen's

The Creggans Inn has a wonderful position on the shores of Loch Fyne with expansive views enjoyed from all areas of the hotel. The surrounding sea loch and hills combine to provide exceptional scenery whatever the weather. Soak it up from the comfort of one of our lounges, your bedroom, from the pier opposite the front door or during a stroll along the shore.

This landscape is also our larder. We source locally whenever possible and our chefs revel in the freshness of our produce. We serve an a la carte menu in our bar restaurant with a specials board which may list scallops, langoustines, mackerel, mussels or other especially fresh seafood, often caught by ourselves. Our award winning dining room serves a table d'hote four course menu with canapés and petit fours, again with an emphasis on fish.

The Creggans Inn is a family owned and run hotel of 14 bedrooms where our guests comfort and enjoyment during their stay or during a short visit, is our true ambition. For more information click here