Tighnabruaich
Scotland's Secret CoastTighnabruaich is a small village located on the Cowal Peninsula on the west coast of Scotland, better known as part of Argyll’s Secret Coast. Meaning "house on the hill" in Scots Gaelic, the village is a very popular location for visitors who are sailing and yachting.
Tighnabruiach Sailing School is a family-run business providing sailing instruction and unsurpassed sailing experiences on the west coast of Scotland.
Just a few miles down the coast, you will come to Portavadie Marina, home to the famed Portavadie resort, including a spa, perfect for taking a day out to relax, whilst enjoying the views of Loch Fyne.
Tighnabruiach is also home to the well-known Argyll Coffee Roasters for all your caffeine needs.
Why visit Tighnabruaich?
Tighnabruaich sits in an enviable position on one of Scotland's most spectacular stretches of coastline. The village overlooks the Kyles of Bute, a narrow sea channel renowned for its sheltered waters, dramatic scenery, and exceptional sailing conditions. This natural harbour, bordered by rolling hills and ancient woodland, has earned international recognition among yachting enthusiasts whilst remaining wonderfully peaceful and unspoiled.
What makes Tighnabruaich truly special is its vibrant village atmosphere. Discover a selection of independent ahops and restaurants, art galleries and quality accommodation. Only a short drive from Tighnabruaich, you'll also find the spa resort Portavadie with all its amenities.
Discover sea lochs, ancient forests and friendly communities.
This coastal village is off the beaten track but is a magical corner of Argyll
Explore Tighnabruaich
Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do in and near Tighnabruaich.
Argyll Holidays - Stratheck Holiday Park
Nestled between Benmore and Loch Eck, Stratheck Holiday Park is set in a stunning mountainside location, just a short distance from Dunoon, on the Cowal Peni...
Stratheck Holiday Park
Loch Eck
Dunoon
Argyll & Bute
PA23 8SG
Tel: 01369 858523
Lindsaig Mill
Complete with the original wheel, grindstone, gears and mill race Lindsaig Mill Holiday Cottage Scotland is located down a short private drive occupying an e...
Lindsaig Mill
Kilfinan
PA212EP
Tel: 07776385830
The Innellan Cottages
The Innellan Cottages are The Snug and Coach House Cottage. Cosy, detached holiday cottages next door to each other, tucked up a quiet lane in the small vill...
The Innellan Cottages
Trinity Lane
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7TS
Argyll Holidays - Hunters Quay Holiday Village
Perfect for families, Hunters Quay is an award-winning holiday village in Dunoon only an hour or so's drive from Glasgow and just outside the Loch Lomond and...
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 8HP
Tel: 01369 707772
Alt-na-Blathaich
Situated by beautiful Lock Eck, a freshwater loch ideal for kayaking, SUP, canoeing, and open-water swimming. Benmore Gardens and forest walks are also withi...
2 Alt-na-Blathaich
PA23 8SG
Tel: 07970864833
The Snug
The Snug is a cosy detached cottage perfect for a relaxing retreat.
Many years ago The Snug was a haybarn - now it’s a cosy modern cottage which comfortably...
Trinity Lane
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7TS
Tel: 07979784825
The Butlers Quarter
"The Butler's Quarters" is a self-catering apartment within Ardkinglas and a truly unique holiday venue. In terms of accommodation, you are transported back...
Ardkinglas Estate
Cairndow
PA26 8BN
Tel: 01499600261
Coach House Cottage
Coach House Cottage was originally the coach house for a large mansion on the shore front. Many original features remain, such as the cast iron hay feeder fo...
Trinity Lane
Innellan
Dunoon
PA23 7TS
Tel: 07979784825
Explore the Tighnabruaich's coastline
Join a Boat or Sailing Tour
Arguably, one of the best ways to explore the coastline of Tighnabruaich is from the water. There are plenty of fantastic boat and sailing tours to choose from that will take you on an exploration of local history, scenery and wildlife. Alternatively, head out on the water with kayaks or paddleboards during the summer months.
Sailing in Tighnabruaich
Tighnabruaich is also steeped in sailing history. It was a boat-building centre in the early 20th century. 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.
Learn how to sail
Tighnabruaich is home to the Tighnabruaich Sailing School, which has been providing unsurpassed sailing experience on the Kyles of Bute for over 50 years. Courses run from May to September and cater to all ages, offering an unforgettable way to experience these sheltered waters.
Image credit: Phil Wilkinson
Get active outside
With plenty of stunning scenery and a wealth of waymarked trails surrounding Tighnabruaich, it's a brilliant spot to spend a day out walking.
Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
Two sections of the popular long-distance trail can be walked to and from Tighnabruaich. The first section takes you from Portavadie to Tighnabruaich, boasting magnificent coastal scenery. The second section from Tighnabruaich to Glendaruel takes you along a lovely coastal track – look out for otters, seals and porpoises. Either section can be walked in reverse as well. The quiet country roads and forest tracks are great for cycling and mountain biking, too.
Head on a beach walk
You can spend many happy hours pottering around the shoreline of Tighnabruaich, exploring rock pools and beachcombing. If you're driving, the short journey to the huge crescent-shaped sweep of sand of Kilbride Bay is well worth the drive! Another glorious spot is Otter Bay, which must have one of the best sunset views in the west.
Taste of Argyll
Where to Eat in Tighnabruaich
Tighnabruaich is home to a selection of welcoming cafes, pubs and restaurants, serving fresh seafood landed at nearby harbours, locally sourced meat and game, and seasonal specialities. You'll also find the award-winning Argyll Coffee Roasters here. Make sure to pop by their cafe at the Hayshed Gallery for a delicious coffee.
Tighnabruaich's 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. In the heart of the village, you'll find Tighnabruaich Gallery, which often displays the work of local artists.
Further afield
It's well worth spending a few days exploring Tighnabruaich's surrounding villages, trails and attractions.
Kames
The neighbouring village of Kames offers beautiful coastal views, whilst the scenic drive south along the Ardlamont Peninsula provides stunning panoramic vistas and remote beaches.
Portavadie
If you feel like treating yourself, head to Portavadie to enjoy a day at their award-winning Spa, featuring a hydro pool, Scandinavian sauna and steam room – all with breathtaking floor-to-ceiling views across Loch Fyne to the Isle of Arran.
Isle of Bute
Head for a coastal drive towards the village of Colintraive to hop over to the Isle of Bute, where even more adventure awaits!
How to get to Tighnabruaich
By Car & Ferry
The easiest way to reach Tighnabruaich is by car. Two ferry routes can help you access this corner of Cowal.
The Calmac ferry from Tarbert on the Kintyre peninsula will take you across Loch Fyne to Portavadie, while the Calmac ferry from Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute will take you to Colintraive.
By Bike
If you are feeling active, why not try bringing your bike and exploring on two wheels instead of four? You can cycle from Dunoon to Tighnabruaich via the A8003. The ride itself might be strenuous, but it is an absolute cracker in terms of views! And for the off-roaders, the network of forestry roads and trails provides endless gnarly choices.
DUNOON & COWAL
Beautiful and diverse, enjoy the towering mountains and forests to the mellow scenery and sea lochs.
ISLE OF BUTE
Bute is perhaps the most accessible of Argyll’s islands and is a popular holiday spot.
TARBERT
The fishing heritage is of utmost importance to the personality and character of the village
Looking for more inspiration?
Head to our blog for more information about things to see & do around Tighnabruaich.
Why Tighnabruaich is Cowal's best kept secret!
There's lots to see & do in Tighnabruaich, making it the perfect short trip destination from Glasgow.
Visit Beautiful Ostel Bay on Cowal Peninsula | Argyll & the Isles
Ostel Bay near Tighnabruaich and Portavadie is simply stunning. This crescent-shaped sweep of sand is the jewel in the crown of Argyll’s Secret Coast.
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