Towns to visit
Argyll and the Isles is a spectacular region of Scotland that bursts alive with remarkable scenery – its mountains, lochs and islands adorning myriad postcards and etched into the collective imagination and heart of Scotland. What some people don’t realise it is also home to a rich necklace of gorgeous towns and villages that could only be in Argyll and Bute. We’re talking waterfront charmers that make a glorious base for your Argyll and the Isles holiday.
Oban
It may have narrowly missed out on becoming one of the new Jubilee cities, but that won’t hold back Argyll and Bute’s biggest town. It’s a place that is impossible not to like. Trust me - take a walk up McCaig’s Folly and peer over the wide expanse of Oban Bay, with the isles blinking back in the distance, then descend for a fresh seafood platter on the pier at a seafood stall as the ferries busy around and you’ll fall in love with Oban. Oban is Scotland’s busiest ferry port so it’s got a real buzz about it. I’m a huge fan – read my love letter to this oasis here. The town is also a great base for heading off exploring Argyll and Bute’s excellent cycling trails – read my blog on those here.
McCaigs Folly in Oban, Credit: Wild about Argyll
Inveraray
This trim, whitewashed oasis on Loch Fyne revels in a rich panorama of mountains. It’s got it all in Inveraray. There is Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, whose gardens and house are a must see for a window into a world more compelling than any episode of The Crown. Then there is the historical marvel of Inverary Jail and the main street, which is alive with wee shops, cafes and the delight of Loch Fyne Whiskies. Skim stones on the beach, enjoy a spa treatment at the Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa, or just admire Scotland’s longest sea loch.
Inveraray town in Mid-Argyll, Credit: Wild about Argyll
Campbeltown
Right down in the southern reaches of Kintyre is a town with a grand history that people sometimes forget about. Not me, as one of my favourite Scottish whisky distilleries (Glen Scotia) stars here – this is after all the only town in Scotland with its own dedicated whisky denomination. I love strolling the grand streets breathing in the history, catching a film at the spectacular Campbeltown Picture House, easing along the harbour and checking out one of the finest Celtic crosses in Scotland. Campbeltown is part of Scotland’s most exciting new long distance driving route too – the Kintyre 66.
Blue skies in Campbeltown, Credit: Robin McKelvie
Tighnabruaich
Tighnabruaich is a special village on the Cowal Peninsula feels distinctly Highland with its rugged scenery, (very successful) shinty team and remote vibe. I say remote, but the community here is buzzing, with loads going on, from the superb Tighnabruaich Gallery and the famous Argyll Coffee Roasters, through to Carry Farm. At the latter you can visit the Hayshed Gallery, enjoy that coffee in the café, buy art or pick up beauty products from Argyll Botany Company. Then there are the lovely forests walks, the dramatic Ark of Argyll art installation and the famous sailing school. For more about remarkable Cowal read on.
Tighnabruaich at Dusk, Credit: Wild about Argyll
Rothesay
Known simply on the Isle of Bute as ‘The Town’, this old Victorian-era resort is famous from the Doon the Watter years. Rothesay still boasts many old mansions in a deeply dramatic waterfront that curls around the waters of Rothesay Bay, where you often see porpoises and dolphins. The years roll back as you ease along the promenade and its garden, checking out the old Winter Gardens and the grandest public toilets in Scotland – seriously, you have to check them out! A new face of Rothesay is emerging too with Isle of Bute Distillery, Spirit of Bute, and a truffle farm nearby. Yes, I did say a truffle farm! The new Bute Yard development is a must see too. You’ll pass through Rothesay if you’re doing the remarkable West Island Way. It’s one of my favourite walks in Scotland – read all about it here.
Rothesay on the Isle of Bute, Credit: Robin McKelvie
Tobermory
Up there in the running for the most picturesque village in the Hebrides, the pastel-hued buildings of the waterfront are a painter’s joy. It’s a picture-postcard scene with the bay sprinkled with islands and porpoises. That waterfront street is alive with cafes, shops and even a chocolatier. At the end of it is Tobermory Distillery, which conjures up award-winning whisky and gin too. Tobermory has some lovely places to savour the local seafood, with Café Fish on the pier a joy. Tobermory is a hub for exploring the Mull and Iona Food Trail too, which you check out here.
Tobermory waterfront, Credit: Wild about Argyll