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5 Outdoor Spring Adventures from Glasgow

Author: Lara Ehmler

Argyll & the Isles is a natural playground. This is Scotland’s Adventure Coast, and it’s a spectacular setting for a host of activities on land and water. This spring, escape the city, get off the beaten track and try something new in Argyll.

It doesn’t matter if adventure to you means trying a new sport, going on a big hike or relaxing at a nature wellness retreat, your Argyll & the Isles adventure is just a hop and a skip from Glasgow.

Need some inspiration? Here are some of the best spring adventures in Argyll & the Isles.

Get Outdoors this Spring and discover Argyll & the Isles

Easily accessible as day trips form Glasgow – for the whole family!

1. Learn to sail in Tighnabruaich

The coast of Argyll has some of the best sailing grounds in Britain. You could learn the ropes this spring on world-class sailing waters. Tighnabruaich Sailing School has been teaching people to sail in the Kyles of Bute for over 50 years. As well as learning new boating skills, you’ll also get the chance to get up close to the area’s abundant wildlife.

Tighnabruaich itself makes for a fantastic weekend trip. Pop by the Tighnabruaich Gallery to browse local art, refuel at the Coffee Bar at Hayshed Gallery and head for a stroll along the beautiful beach of Ostel Bay, near the village.

2. Explore the Isle of Bute

Argyll's most accessible island, the Isle of Bute makes for a fantastic day (or weekend) out during spring. Spend the morning exploring the vast gardens of Mount Stuart, usually carpeted in primroses during this time of year, before heading into Rothesay town for some lunch and browsing. Why not bring your bikes on the ferry and explore the various beaches, hidden trails, and woodlands of Bute? Alternatively, you can always hop on the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus, too.

Getting to Bute from Glasgow is easy. It’s just 50 minutes away from Glasgow by road or rail, followed by a 35-minute CalMac ferry crossing from Wemyss Bay to Rothesay. Another CalMac ferry runs from Colintraive to Rhubodach, taking less than five minutes.

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3. Discover Historic Inveraray

Head to the historic town of Inveraray for the day or overnight to enjoy spectacular landscapes steeped in history. When heading towards Inveraray, you’ll be passing through Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, which has plenty of beautiful scenery, wonderful wildlife, and fantastic stops. Stop for a coffee break at the conservation village of Luss, to take in the tranquil scenery around Luss Pier.

A trip to Inveraray isn't complete without visiting Inveraray Jail, a unique, award-winning living museum, where costumed guides tell stories of former inmates. On your way back, stop at Cairndow's Ardkinglas Estate and Gardens, which is home to the well-known Gruffalo Trail, making it a perfect day out for families.

The drive from Glasgow to Inveraray is about 1 ½ hours one way, making it a great short-trip destination.

4. Go wild swimming

With 3,723KM of coastline, 23 inhabited islands, over 40 freshwater and sea lochs and several easily accessed beaches and rivers, Argyll & the Isles' west coast waters are a wild swimmer’s paradise. Just a stone’s throw from Glasgow, you can explore Loch Lomond'swaters with Inchbaggers Island Swims.

Alternatively, you could jump on the Highland Explorer train from Glasgow Queen St Station and head to Oban, Scotland’s Seafood Capital. Wild Swimming Coach Bekah can take you out on a custom wild swimming adventure before you return to the bustling coastal town. Stay in one of many excellent accommodations in and around Oban and discover one of Scotland’s most popular coastal towns.

If you're looking for a multi-day wellness retreat, join Emma from Wild Hebridean Swimming on a 3- and 5-night dipping retreats and guided swim holidays. She will take you to unique and hidden swimming spots some of which require a short hike to get there; we'll do Pilates on the spiritual island of Iona, birthplace of Christianity and where the emerald green waters are simply too stunning not to have a dip!

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5. Cycle the Caledonia Way

It’s time to dust down your bike and have a two-wheeled adventure. The Caledonia Way, National Route 78 of the National Cycle Network, could be the one for you! It runs from Campbeltown to Inverness, and the first section is a 122-mile, mainly on-road route between Campbeltown and Oban, offering cyclists the chance to explore Lorn, Knapdale and the spectacular Kintyre peninsula.

If you’re feeling adventurous, it’s possible to cycle to Campbeltown from Glasgow via the Gourock/Dunoon ferry and the Portavadie/Tarbert ferry. You can catch a train from Oban back to Glasgow, part of the world-famous West Highland Line.