Argyll and the Isles

You'll discover a land of contrasts in this stunning part of Scotland.

Stretching from the shores of Loch Fyne to the tip of Tiree, this is an area of staggering natural beauty which was dominated by the powerful Lords of the Isles who contributed to the areas colourful and sometimes turbulent past.

Whether based on the mainland or an island like Mull, you'll find a wonderful choice of landscapes for walks here. Explore a coastline of beaches and cliffs, or walk through forests or between mountains. With long fingers of sea loch extending far inland, nowhere is far from lapping salt water. There are also numerous opportunities to spot wildlife and both golden and sea eagles nest in the area.

Moderate Walks

Some of the best easy walks are near towns such as Oban, Campbeltown and Dunoon. Around Lochgilphead you can follow trails through Kilmory Woodland Garden or stroll beside the Crinan Canal. The same applies to island towns and villages, with a range of walks from places like Tobermory on Mull, Bowmore on Islay and Rothesay on Bute.

There are also excellent walks in natural woodlands and planted forests, many of which have marked trails. Purpose-built paths run through several ancient oak woodlands, as at Dalavich on Loch Awe and above the Atlantic entrance to the Crinan Canal.

Longer Walks

Stretching south from Oban to the tip of Mull of Kintyre, the ancient kingdom of Argyll is a unique part of Scotland. Although the majority of walks are near water, there are also longer routes in forests and, further inland, through mountainous glens. The gulf stream ensures a mild climate with lush vegetation.

At Loch Etive, where the sea extends far into the hills, you can walk for miles watching the tide ebb and flow and enjoying reflections of Ben Cruachan. Glen Strae near Dalmally and Glen Shira near Inveraray also offer good through routes and shorter circuits.

Long Distance Routes

In this area you will find three long distance routes - The Cowal Way, which follows a route through Argyll's Cowal peninsula from Portavadie to Ardgartan; The West Island Way - the shortest long distance route in Scotland, which follows a 42km/26 mile trail through the rolling countryside of the Isle of Bute; and the West Highland Way, Scotland's original long distance path running 95 miles from Milngavie, north of Glasgow to Fort William.

Hill Mountain Walks

Few areas of Scotland have such a tremendous variety of hillwalking as Argyll and the Isles. Inland some of Scotland's best known and most accessible peaks provide stunning views and nearer the coast and on the isles, quieter hills offer a real chance to escape from the pressures of everyday life.

The prime locations for hillwalking in the isles are Mull, which has Ben More (the only island Munro outside Skye) as well as many lower hills, and Jura, with its famous Paps - three scree-covered conical hills that make an energetic day's round.

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