itinerary suggestions
Morning walk around our shore stopping at the Hayshed Gallery to browse the textiles and ceramics, followed by an Argyll Coffee in the coffee shop next door. Pop across the road to Argyll Botany situated at the end of the farmhouse, and enjoy the delights of handmade skin care products made locally in Tighnabruaich. Afternoon trip to the village with walk along the promenade with stunning views, pretty boats and the excellent Tighanbruaich Gallery.
Morning walk through the ancient Glenan woods followed by lunch at Portavadie Marina.
A day trip to the Island of Bute via the Cal Mac ferry at Colintraive, visiting Mount Stuart House and Gardens, Ascog Fernery, St Blane’s Chapel, Ettrick Bay and Rothesay Castle.
Explore our local Kilfinan Community Forest with excellent walks up into the hills behind the village, victorian falls and hidden dens.
Take the Calmac ferry across to Kintyre and head south for 20 minutes to the legendary Skipness Seafood Cabin - you won’t be disappointed!
A day trip to the gardens on Ardkinglas Estate with particularly stunning walks in the spring time, visiting the tallest tree in Britain. Followed by a 10 minute drive to Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and deli with its excellent selection of local produce for a coffee. Or alternatively, stop at Fyne Ales and enjoy a locally made beer.
A day trip to the pretty conservation village of Inveraray with the famous Castle, home of the chief of the Campbell clan, Inveraray Jail and Maritime Museum.
Morning walk to Ostel Bay (take your bucket and spades/kites/swimming costume) .
Leave your car at Portavadie and get the ferry to Tarbert on Loch Fyne and spend the day exploring the traditional fishing village with its ancient castle built by Robert the Bruce. Bring back some delicious local seafood purchased fresh from the fisherman at the ferry terminal.
Bring your bike and cycle (or walk) the Ardlamont 10 mile circular route now famous for the Kyles 10 Miles. Perhaps stopping for lunch at Botanica in Millhouse at the half way point!
For the keen golfer a morning on Tighnabruaich Golf course followed by a delicious lunch in the nearby Kames Hotel.
Book into a two day powerboating course at Tighnabruaich Sailing School and learn the basics of boat control amidst the stunning scenery and sheltered waters of the Kyles of Bute. Alternatively book a five day dinghy sailing course and come away with a good grasp on the basics of sailing. Experience the Kyles of Bute from the sea and enjoy all the wildlife it has to offer. Pre-booking is essential.
Take a packed lunch, buy a fishing permit in Kames Village Store and spend a peaceful day fishing the inland lochs in the hills behind Tighnabruaich.
On a wet day, treat yourself to a day at the new Portavadie Spa and Leisure Centre with its infinity pool overlooking Loch Fyne.
A day trip to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Benmore near Dunoon, with a small detour on the way home to visit Colintraive Heritage Centre, stopping at The Colintraive Hotel for dinner..
Bring your tennis shoes and racket and spend the morning playing on a court with stunning views south down the Kyles of Bute.
Take the car to Otter Ferry and enjoy a walk along the shore with lunch or afternoon tea in the Oystercatcher.
Enjoy a day doing nothing in particular, doing your grocery shopping locally at Kames’s Village Store which stocks local produce from Winston Churchill’s Venison to Bute cheese. Cook yourself a delicious meal and enjoy sitting on your lodge balcony with a glass of wine in hand watching boats sailing down the Kyles and the children playing on the beach.