Things to See & Do in Tighnabruaich
Learn How to Sail
Tighnabruaich is also steeped in sailing history. It was a boat-building centre in the early 20th century. Local men Chester and Duncan Currie skippered and crewed J-Class yachts, including Endeavour and Velsheda, built in the 1930s and still racing today.
Today, Tighnabruaich remains a popular destination with world-class sailing waters and marine facilities. The local hotels all have dedicated visitors' moorings, and Portavadie, with its ‘Five Gold Anchor’ award-winning marina, is just around the coast. Tighnabruaich also has a new pontoon for dinghies and tenders, so sailors can come ashore and enjoy everything the village has to offer. And if you fancy learning the ropes, the long-established Tighnabruaich Sailing School runs dinghy sailing courses for all levels.
Go on a boat trip
Cowal Cruises runs a variety of short boat tours during the spring & summer around the Kyles of Bute, focusing on local history, scenery and wildlife. They also run short fishing trips ideal for beginners and families looking to try out boat angling.
Discover the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way
If you’d rather keep your feet firmly on shore, one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery of Argyll’s Secret Coast is on foot, and there are some lovely marked coastal and forest walks. The most famous are the long-distance Loch Lomond and Cowal Way. The quiet country roads and forest tracks are great for cycling and mountain biking, too. The coastline itself is rugged and varied. You can spend many happy hours pottering around the shore, exploring rock pools, and beachcombing. It’s well worth making a memorable trip to Ostel Bay, a huge crescent-shaped sweep of sand. Another glorious spot is Otter Bay, which must have one of the best sunset views in the west.
Enjoy the thriving art scene.
Tighnabruaich's landscape and light have inspired generations of artists, and there’s a thriving art scene. Stop at the Hayshed Gallery at Carry Farm, which sells locally produced ceramics and textiles. Whilst at the gallery, drop by the Argyll Botany Company and take in the wonderful smells of their various natural skincare products.
Grab a bite at one of many local restaurants & cafes.
You’ll find fabulous restaurants and cafés, too. For fine dining in truly stunning surroundings, head to Portavadie, which is also home to the stunning new Spa & Leisure Experience. The Kames Hotel is a great place to enjoy local produce cooked to perfection. The Colintraive is another brilliant gastro pub and hotel, approximately 20 minutes' drive from Tighnabruaich.
Looking for something sweet? Visit the Five West for a homemade piece of cake and a cup of coffee. Alternatively, you could also head out of town to visit the Argyll Coffee Roaster cafe at the Hayshed Gallery, which serves you freshly roasted local coffee.
A short drive away from Tighnnabruaich, you'll find The Blairmore. Mother-and-daughter team Helen and Morgan run this brilliant wee cafe. Expect delicious home-baked treats, an extensive breakfast and lunch menu and locally sourced food – all served with a warm smile.
The secret’s out. Well, it’s hard to keep a secret, especially when the secret’s this good! So, if you want to avoid the tourist crowds and see some of the most stunning scenery on the west coast of Scotland, make a break for Tighnabruaich. Just don’t tell everyone…
