Spring & Summer in the Heart of Argyll

Recommended by local Heather

Experience a warm welcome from the Heart of Argyll this summer. Early rises, adventure-packed days and long evenings are the perfect mix to take in the mix of activities and natural landscapes and sites on offer.

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Wildlife in Spring & Summer

Bird watching is very rewarding in Spring and Summer, as you see them build their homes and their families grow and thrive.

Places such as the River Add, Crinan Canal and National Nature Reserves at Taynish and Moine Mhor are all good places to start. Further information on sites can be found on the SOC site.

The Argyll Bird Club is open to new members for a small fee (you don’t have to live in Argyll), which allows you to join both field trips (usually monthly) and to attend indoor events.

Take a wildlife boat trip to get closer to sealife responsibly and safely.

Or consider a Beaver Walk at the Argyll Beaver Centre and see the protected and endearing creatures in their natural habitat.

Flora and Fauna

Get closer to nature, responsibly and learn more about the area's flora and fauna - a whole world ready to explore!

  • Crarae Gardens
  • Arduiane Gardens
  • Spring Foraging experiences and events with Heathery Heights
  • Community Joint Venture – Above and Below Heritage Tours with Heathery Heights and Swim Dan the Merman in conjunction with Highlands Rewilding

Check websites for up-to-date opening times.

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Natural Habitat Exploring

Get ready to explore the local area and all its natural beauty. As well as the wildlife, flora and fauna highlights above, here's some more inspiration for places to explore at your own pace.

  • Ally’s Bike Hire, Tayvallich
  • Argyll Kayaks, Ardrishaig
  • Kayak Majik, Tarbert
  • Taynish National Nature Reserve
  • Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve
  • Ancient Sites
  • Crinan Canal
  • Argyll Hope Spot
  • Highlands Rewilding
  • Hill Skills courses and guided walks with Heathery Heights
  • Horse riding & lessons at Lunga Stables
  • Cold water immersion/wild swimming with Swim Dan the Merman
  • Cladich Tours
  • Jura Passenger Ferry (from March)
  • Argyll Kayaks
Crinan Canal Basin (1) Drone Portrait

Activities to liven up your Spring & Summer

Stretch out your summer with day trips, long breaks or stay a while longer, and enjoy all the Heart of Argyll has to offer this summer.

There's so much on offer in the great outdoors: Walking, cycling, kayaking, cold water immersion, wellbeing activities, winter wildlife watching, historic sites, navigation & hill skills courses, star gazing, cosy trips away, photography, gift and book shops, art and craft workshops, food and drink, sea fishing (as per law), golf, horse riding, and swimming.

Or opt to stay inside and invigorate your mind, taste buds, creativity and skills:

  • Inveraray Jail
  • Kilmartin Museum
  • Inveraray Castle
  • Fyne Ales Brewery Trips
  • Argyll Estates stag stalking (July - Oct)
  • Vic 32 Day Trips (until mid-July)
  • Waverley Excursions
  • Weaving Workshop Short Breaks
  • Glass Art Workshops
  • The Fyne Den
  • Argyll Kayaks
  • Zing Organics Therapy and Workshop
  • Bespoke Car Tours
  • Private Hire
  • Yoga Retreats
  • Food and Drink activities and breaks
Inveraray Castle

Art Exhibitions and Cultural Events

A great time of year to attend seasonal festivals and events!

  • Artmap Argyll Open Studios
  • Continuous Art Exhibitions at the Dochas Carers Centre, Lochgilphead 
  • Continuous Art Exhibitions from local artists at The Archway, Lochgilphead 
  • Continuous Art Exhibitions from local artists at The Old Library, Tarbert 
  • The Harbour Galleries in Tarbert and Inveraray showcasing works by the late Stuart Herd


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Eventful Times

A mix of events and festivals you'll not want to miss

  • Family Fun Day Lochgilphead Sat 28th June
  • Lochgilphead Celtic and Pictish Festival, Sat 2nd Aug
  • Tayvallich Regatta, Sat 10th August
  • Open air craft market at Inveraray Castle Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th September

Check out our Whats On Page for the latest events!

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Explore the Heart of Argyll

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Artmap Argyll

Artmap Argyll is a network of Artists who work across Argyll, from Kintyre in the south, up to Ballachulish in the north and out to the Isle of Tiree. Our me...

No 1 Balliebeg
Castleton
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RU

Tel: 07708461081

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McKinlay Kidd Ltd

Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...

Head Office: McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ

Tel: 0141 260 9260

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Crinan Canal Cruises

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of 'Britain's most beautiful shortcut' - the perfect way to experience the sights, wildlife, and history of the famous...

Crinan Basin
Crinan
PA31 8SW

Tel: 07443 371109

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Selkie Tours

Selkies are magical and marvellous creatures, they are kind, caring and intelligent. When in human form, our seals curate unique Itineraries, hosting fabulou...

Oban
Argyll
PA34 5NJ

Tel: 07554371630

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Ready to plan your Heart of Argyll trip?

All you need to know

This list is just a suggestion of how you could spend your time in the Heart of Argyll. The region has a range of activities and experiences to suit everyone, across all seasons.

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A place rich in natural and historic wonder, surrounding the scenic and popular waterway of the Crinan Canal.

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Find your place to stay from luxury hotels for a relaxing retreat to holiday parks and self catering options for adventure seekers, and everything in-between.

 

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