Getting here
Argyll & the IslesDay trips, short breaks and longer holidays all start with the journey. The joy of Argyll and the Isles is that all routes to and from all areas enjoy beautiful scenery, stop off places, and points of interest. The hardest challenge is doing a straight trip without stopping off, there’s just so much to see, so how will you choose to travel?
Embrace the journey on your way, when travelling between locations, or even on your way home to create a memorable experience.
It's all here waiting for you...
Get to know Argyll & the Isles
Roll over the map to discover more about each areaArgyll and the Isles is a glorious coastal region of glittering sea lochs, islands, hills and glens just waiting to be explored. It’s divided into core areas, each with a distinctive character and offering a unique experience.
Oban, Lorn & the Isles
The seaside town of Oban is a great place for a holiday with much to see and do in wider area and nearby Inner Hebridean islands.
Isle of Bute
There is much for everyone to enjoy on Bute with a coastline of beaches, standing stones, culture, wildlife, arts and music.
Coll & Tiree
The most westerly of the Inner Hebridean islands, Tiree and Coll sit far out in the Atlantic Ocean.
Dunoon & Cowal
Beautiful and diverse, from the towering mountains in the north to the mellow scenery and sea lochs of the south.
Islay, Jura and Colonsay
Big skies, soaring eagles, red deer and peaty malts: visit the Atlantic islands of Islay, Jura and Colonsay.
Mull & Iona
Sandy bays and picture-postcard villages: the Hebridean islands of Mull and Iona are strikingly beautiful.
Kintyre and Gigha
Wild Atlantic coastline and ancient woodland: Kintyre and Gigha feels like another world.
Inveraray Knapdale Kilmartin and Crinan
This ancient coastal kingdom brims with natural and historic wonders.
Loch Lomond and Clyde Sea Lochs
An hour from Glasgow, Loch Lomond marks the first rise of the Highlands.
With a direct rail link from Glasgow to Oban, you can make your journey in good time, and less stress.
West Coast Motors operate a network of local bus services throughout Argyll and the Isles.
Our many islands and peninsulas are accessible by ferry or when sailing to marinas along the coast.
Excellent connections from Glasgow Airport including flights to airports at Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree.
Walking or cycling really is one of the best ways to actively travel throughout Argyll & the Isles.
Driving through the stunning scenery of Argyll & the Isles is an experience in itself.
Argyll & the Isles is increasingly popular destination for motor caravans due to our accessibility.
BY TRAIN
ScotRail
Scotland looks beautiful from a train window. Leaving from Glasgow and delving deep into Argyll & the Isles, you must look out or consider stopping for;
- Mackintosh’s Hill House in Helensburgh
- Arrochar & Tarbet – for Loch Lomond cruises
- Ardlui for unbeatable scenery
- Crianlarich or Tyndrum – to join the West Highland Way
- Loch Awe to visit Kilchurn Castle and St Conan’s Kirk
- Falls of Cruachan – for a tour inside the ‘Hollow Mountain'
- Connel Ferry – to view the Falls of Lora
West Highland Line
The West Highland Line - is considered by many to be one of the great scenic rail journeys in the world. Leaving from Glasgow heading west along the Clyde to Helensburgh, the train passes through deep forests, towering mountains and mirrored lochs to Crianlarich. It then sweeps along the edge of Loch Awe, in the shadow of Ben Cruachan, where you will see Kilchurn Castle.
Rail & Trail
Hop on the Scotrail Highland Explorer with your bike and backpack, for an adventure with friends and family to start a Rail & Trail adventure across Argyll & the Isles - Scotland's Adventure Coast.
The adventure carriages on the Glasgow Queen Street to Oban line are designated for carrying up to 20 bikes and large sporting equipment.
Rail & Sail
The train pushes on to Oban – the Seafood Capital of Scotland and Gateway to the Isles, where it connects with Calmac ferries for onward journeys to Mull, Iona and the Outer Hebrides.
BY BOAT
CalMac Ferries
All our inhabited islands can be reached by CalMac Ferries or Argyll Ferries. You can enjoy sailing between the mainland to island hop or explore the islands.
Foot passengers can buy their tickets at the port and just jump aboard. Bikes go free on ferries, so simply turn up and pay the same as a foot passenger. It is advised that car travel be booked in advance.
Exploring Argyll & the Isles is much easier than you might think and the journey is most definitely part of the experience.
Western Ferries
For crossing the Clyde, Western Ferries operate car and passenger ferries sailing between Hunter's Quay, Dunoon and McInroy's Point, Gourock.
Kintyre Express
West Coast Motors also operates the Kintyre Express, a fast passenger ferry service that opens up Scotland and Northern Ireland with regular services from March to September that link Campbeltown in Kintyre, Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay and Ballycastle on the Antrim Coast.
BY BUS
West Coast Motors
With ever changing scenery included in their fares, West Coast Motors provides bus services across the West Coast of Scotland. As well as operating buses on Citylink routes between Glasgow and Oban or Campbeltown, the company has a range of tickets for local travel stops such as Lochgilphead, Tarbert, Kennacraig plus Dunoon and Rothesay, Isle of Bute.
West Coast Tours
With West Coast Tours you can enjoy a range of great days out across Argyll & the Isles. One of the most spectacular tours in Scotland – The Three Isles Tour - takes in the Isle's of Mull, Iona, Staffa and the legendary Fingal's cave.
BY PLANE
Glasgow Airport
Visiting Argyll & the Isles couldn't be easier for UK and international travellers. There are excellent connections from Glasgow Airport including flights to Highlands and Islands Airports at Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree.
Twice daily flights from Glasgow are provided by Loganair, with connections to and from London.
Highlands & Islands Airports
Loganair is a Scottish regional airline, proudly serving Campbeltown, Islay and Tiree from Glasgow Airport. However, if you are already in Argyll, you can also reach the islands of Islay, Colonsay or Coll and Tiree by air with Hebridean Air Services. There are regular scheduled flights from Oban & The Isles Airport and on a clear day the views are simply marvellous.
SELF DRIVE
Car hire is simple and convenient if you plan on flying into Scotland. There are many car hire branches to be found at Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh Airport.
When on the road, take time to absorb stunning mountain landscapes and glittering loch views as you travel through the majestic west coast scenery.
Scenic Driving Routes
There’s something cinematic about driving through Argyll’s wild scenery. Once you take to the road you’ll soon be heading round lochs and making regular pit stops to take in the stunning scenery, key visitor attractions or cafes and restaurants serving high quality local produce.
Motorcaravan Overnight Parking
A low cost way to enjoy Argyll & the IslesAfter a long day of exploring the rugged beauty of Argyll & the Isles, discover the ideal overnight parking location for your motorcaravan.
Prepare ahead and check out overnight parking providers in the area.
Inspiration
Take the three Isles tour! Go island hopping to Mull, Iona and Staffa
The islands of Mull, Iona and Staffa are just a ferry trip away from Oban. Why not go on an island hopping adventure on Scotland's Adventure Coast!
8 of the best camping and caravan sites on Kintyre and Gigha
The Caledonia Way runs from Campbeltown to Inverness, offering adventurous cyclists the chance to explore some of Argyll's most spectacular regions.
Visit | Kintyre Express | Scotland | Northern Ireland
The Kintyre Express is a fast passenger ferry service which opens up Scotland and Northern Ireland for you explore. Here's what to expect when jumping aboard!
