The Lost Village in Glenan Woods
In the second in our series of stories about Argyll’s Secret Coast, come with us on an adventure int...
Immerse yourself in Argyll's Secret Coast
At the south-west corner of Cowal you’ll come to Argyll’s Secret Coast, an undiscovered area of sparkling sea lochs and ancient forests. Discover fabulous seafood, welcoming pubs, a wide range of holiday accommodation, a vibrant arts scene, breathtaking scenery, ancient sites and loads of outdoor activities.
This is world-class sailing country, with islands, natural harbours, sheltered beaches, anchorages and shore-side facilities. There’s also excellent walking, cycling and kayaking on offer. Make sure you visit Ostel Bay, a stunning white sandy beach.
Image and Video Credit: James F E Raeburn
Meet The Locals
Blogs
Four coastal dog walks in Cowal, Argyll
The Cowal Peninsula has a stunningly diverse coastline, with fantastic beaches, hills sweeping down ...
Five places to walk your dog on Argyll's Secret Coast
There are great places to walk your dog, on Argyll's Secret Coast, from short coastal strolls to longer rambles.
Events & Festivals
Featured Event
The Secret Regatta
In light of the cancellation of the Fife Regatta, join us in an online celebration, via our social media channels, of life on the waters of Argyll's Secret Coast.
Everything there is to see and do in Argyll's Secret Coast
Argyll Cruising
Argyll's Secret Coast
Tours, trips and trails
Relax, kick back and enjoy the sights and sounds of a cruise with Argyll Cruising.
Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
Argyll's Secret Coast
Walking and climbing
The Loch Lomond & Cowal Way, is one of Scotland’s Great Trails. It runs for 57 miles (92 km) across the Cowal Peninsula, starting at Portavadie on Loch Fyne and ending at Inveruglas on Loch Lomond shore.
Ostel Bay
Argyll's Secret Coast
Beaches and islands
This crescent-shaped sweep of sand is the jewel in the crown of Argyll’s Secret Coast.
DC Marine Boat Trips
Argyll's Secret Coast
Tours, trips and trails
Join ex-naval commander Donald Clark on board his refurbished fishing boat Morag for spectacular views of Argyll’s Secret Coast from the sea.
Dunan’s Castle
Argyll's Secret Coast
Landmarks and attractions
Dunans Castle sits at the head of Glendaruel. The seat of the Clan Fletcher, the historic structure was shown on maps as far back as 1590.
Dunoon to Portavadie Cycle
Argyll's Secret Coast
Cycling and mountain biking
National Route 75 of the National Cycle Network connects Leith with Portavadie and Tarbert via Edinburgh, Glasgow and the ferries between Gourock and Dunoon.
Glenbranter Forest
Argyll's Secret Coast
Wildlife and nature
Glenbranter Forest is part of the Argyll Forest Park, a magnificent stretch of rugged hill country
Kyles of Bute Golf Course
Argyll's Secret Coast
Golf
The Kyles of Bute course offers truly panoramic views across the water to the Island of Bute.
Tighnabruaich Gallery
Argyll's Secret Coast
Music, art and culture
Tig Gallery is a fantastic art gallery sitting at the heart of the seaside village of Tighnabruaich on Argyll's Secret Coast.
Portavadie & Ascog Loop Cycle
Argyll's Secret Coast
Cycling and mountain biking
This cycle route near Portavadie may be short, but it’s a gem. It offers stunning scenery, epic views, a loch, a ruined castle and some great, but not too challenging, off-road riding.
Tighnabruaich Back Road Walk
Argyll's Secret Coast
Walking and climbing
This is a short walk takes you high above Tighnabruaich along the Back Road and returns along the shorefront. It gives you amazing elevated views.
Carry Farm Shore Walk
Argyll's Secret Coast
Walking and climbing
This circular walk around Carry Point is a cracker, with magnificent views of Bute, Inchmarnock and Arran, a flock of Hebridean sheep and some fabulous wildlife.
Kilfinan Community Forest
Argyll's Secret Coast
Walking and climbing
Kilfinan Community Forest is a wonderful woodland environment to explore, with a range of walks and wildlife to discover.
Botanica at The Barn
Argyll's Secret Coast
Food and drink
Enjoy locally roasted coffee and the very best of local produce at this lovely rural cafe.
The Oystercatcher
Argyll's Secret Coast
Food and drink
The Oystercatcher is a pub and restaurant on the east banks of Loch Fyne at Otter Ferry. The location is pretty unbeatable, as it sits right on the beach looking out over the loch.
Evanachan Farm
Argyll's Secret Coast
Food and drink
Pick up seasonal organic produce from Evanachan Farm, eggs, fresh flowers, jams, chutneys and Fi's cheese made with milk from her Jersey cows.
Kames Village Store
Argyll's Secret Coast
Food and drink
Kames Village Store is a traditional grocers based in the heart of Kames on Argyll’s Secret Coast.
Carry Farm
Argyll's Secret Coast
Accommodation
Carry Farm sits in 60 acres of coastal wilderness on the Kyles of Bute about two miles south of Kames. It’s an idyllic spot for a self-catering holiday. You can also enjoy The dairy Gallery
Portavadie, Loch Fyne
Argyll's Secret Coast
Accommodation
Portavadie provides stunning four- and five-star holiday accommodation right on the banks of Loch Fyne.
Tregortha B & B
Argyll's Secret Coast
Accommodation
Tregortha is a traditional stone-built Victorian villa from the 19th century in the village of Tighnabruaich.
Acharossan House
Argyll's Secret Coast
Accommodation
This beautifully renovated 18th-century Georgian laird’s house provides luxury self-catering accommodation for eleven.
Home Farm Cottages
Argyll's Secret Coast
Accommodation
The seven pretty holiday cottages at Home Farm at Glendaruel sit in the peaceful wooded valley of the River Ruel.
The Hollies
Argyll's Secret Coast
Accommodation
The Hollies is a new luxury, exclusive use holiday home in the beautiful village of Tighnabruaich on Argyll's Secret Coast. Opening early 2021.
Argyll Botany Company
Argyll's Secret Coast
Landmarks and attractions
The Argyll Botany Company is small natural skincare business based in Tighnabruaich on Argyll's Secret Coast.
Crossroads Pet and Garden Centre
Argyll's Secret Coast
Food and drink
Crossroads Pet & Garden Centre on the Crossroads in Millhouse near Tighnabruaich is a treasure trove of a shop.
Northern Lights Cakery
Argyll's Secret Coast
Food and drink
Northern Lights Cakery is an artisan baker of bespoke cakes and treats based in Glendaruel on the beautiful west coast of Scotland
Hayshed Gallery
Argyll's Secret Coast
Music, art and culture
The Hayshed Gallery is a new space for exhibiting textiles and ceramics all made at Carry Farm.
Ascog Bay
Argyll's Secret Coast
Watersports and diving
You can walk here from Portavadie across the headland or follow the farm vehicle access path past Stillaig Farm. A narrow isthmus separates two shallow bays, which are both great places to beach comb at low tide and lovely for a summer swim.
The Secret Regatta
Argyll's Secret Coast
In light of the cancellation of the Fife Regatta, join us in an online celebration, via our social media channels, of life on the waters of Argyll's Secret Coast.
