Argyll

Scotland > West of Scotland > Argyll

Famous, historic, beautiful, a visitor's paradise - Argyllshire is all of these and more. Lying to the west and northwest of Glasgow on Scotland's west coast, this County covers an area from Appin in the north to the Mull of Kintyre in the south and from Loch Lomond to the Isles of Coll and Tiree.

Argyll is the second largest County in Scotland but has been cut in size, politically, as Ardnamurchan, Morvern, Sunart, Moidart and Ballachulish and Kinlochleven are now part of the Highlands! But for YesScotland purposes they all remain where they should be - in Argyll!

Mainland Argyll is characterised by a number of deep "fjord"-like indents formed by lochs such as Linnhe, Leven, Sunart, Etive, Creran and Fyne. These and the western islands offer exceptional sailing opportunities and sailing festivals are a popular in summer.

Castles abound: Ardtornish (Lochaline, Morvern); Castle-nan-Con (near Drimnin, Morvern); Barcaldine (North of Oban and noted for its "haunted" reputation); Carnasserie (Kilmartin); Carrick (Lochgoilhead); Stalker (Portnacroish, mid way between Fort William and Oban); Sween (Kilmory); Tioram (Acharacle, recently the subject of a "controversial" proposal to re-build - a move supported by YesScotland! Too many ruins in the Highlands!); Dundarave (Inveraray); Dunstaffnage (Oban); Gylen (Oban); Inveraray (home of the Dukes of Argyll and the Campbell dynasty); Kilchurn (Loch Awe); Mingary (Kilchoan); Saddell (northern Kintyre on the eastern coastal road). There are probably many others but these are the main ones on the mainland at least. Mull also has Duart Castle watching over the entrance to the Sound of Mull and Torosay Castle which is open to the public.

The islands include Mull with the jewel of Iona as its toe. Ulva, Staffin and the Treshnish islands are also close to or just off-shore. There is also beautiful Islay only 2 hours sailing from Tarbert - the colours in late May and June of the Rhododendrons and Azaleas especially in Bridgend are breathtaking. Machrie also has an 18 hole championship golf course - it was very popular in the '30s. Over the Feolin ferry lies Jura.

The mountains of Jura, known as the Paps can be seen for miles and almost all the way down the west mainland costal road of Kintyre. Jura is where George Orwell wrote "1984". I know where, but it is for you to find out!

Between Kintyre and Islay lies the Island of Gigha - recently bought by its own populace - well worth a day trip at least and a long walk around its coastline. Between Jura and Scarba exists a nautical hazard, the Corryvreckan whirlpool which it is best to avoid if sailing in these magnificent waters.

This leaves three other major islands to explore, Colonsay, just west of Jura, and Coll and Tiree to the west of Mull, all accessed from Oban. If you are planning a remote and peaceful location for a break, these are the places to choose.

Finally two other places to mention but this time on the mainland, Ardnamurchan first. The most westerly point on the UK mainland, not that it means very much, is Ardnamurchan Point. There is a famous lighthouse there and the views from the Point on a sunny day are excellent. You can, in fact, occasionally see Barra on the horizon but do not expect to see it on too hot a day. Best seen on a frosty, sunny winters day - but you are not likely to be there then.

There is some great walking to be had on Ardnamurchan but do beware of walking rights especially during deer stalking time. Deer stalking is important for the local economy so please respect this. Also keep out of Mingary Castle. View it from outside but do not attempt to enter - this is a ruin, remember. Well worth getting up very early when staying in Kilchoan - early morning is when you see the wildlife and there is lots to see including otters, plenty of Red Deer and the occasional Golden Eagle.

Finally, Kintyre. I can understand why Paul McCartney loves it so much. Fantastic seascapes from both sides (and of Ulster from Southend), great Atlantic beaches, historic locations like Saddell on the east coast overlooking Arran, great golf at Machrihanish (1st hole, the favourite first hole in world golf as voted by the world's best players) and the Mull itself. Very fertile and rich in agriculture. Just a pity it is so difficult to get to - or is it. Perhaps easier access would spoil it?