It's forecast to be a cracking week on Argyll's Secret Coast. It's time to get outdoors and have some fun in the spring sunshine. Here's a round up of the top ten things to do on Argyll's Secret Coast this season.
1. Walk around Carry Point at Carry Farm. It’s a short stroll but there’s plenty to see along the way, including magnificent views of Bute, Inchmarnock and Arran, a flock of Hebridean sheep and some fabulous wildlife. And at this time of year you’ll find the the front field full of adorable black lambs leaping around by the shore. You’ll also meet the two donkeys, Barney and Louis. When you’ve finished your stroll, pop into the Dairy Gallery at Carry Farm.
2. See the bluebells in Glenan Wood. Argyll’s Secret Coast has some lovely old oak woodlands that support a vast range of flora and fauna. And in May you’ll be treated to a carpet of bluebells on the forest floor. Glenan Wood at Portavadie is easily accessible and has a range of walks, from easy coastal rambles to slightly more strenuous hilly ones. Follow the sign for the ‘Coast Path’ and head back by the ‘Forest Path’ for a stunning loop with plenty of beautiful bluebells. Listen out for woodwarblers and cuckoos too.
3. Watch the Scottish Series boats racing in Loch Fyne. The Scottish Series (25th to 28th May 2018) is a fantastic weekend of yacht racing based around Tarbert on Loch Fyne. The yachts make for a magnificent sight and there are great vantage points from which to watch the racing on Argyll’s Secret Coast, including Portavadie. Or you could hop on the ferry to Tarbert to enjoy the shoreside fun.
4. Visit the standing stones at Stillaig. The walk from Portavadie across the headland to the standing stones at Stillaig is stunning at this time of year. The views across Loch Fyne are wonderful and you can spot the ferry ploughing backwards and forwards between Portavadie and Tarbert. Listen out for the ravens, which nest in the cliffs close by, and the cuckoo which calls at this time of the year.
5. Go on a boat trip. Join ex-naval commander Donald Clark on board his refurbished fishing boat Morag for a wildlife watching boat trip. Look out for seals and and the many sea birds that inhabit the Kyles of Bute close up.
6. See the Argyll Collection exhibition at Tighnabruaich Gallery. This exhibition is a real treat. The gallery is showing a selection of works from the Argyll Collection displayed alongside work by their own gallery artists. The exhibition runs until 1st June, so there’s plenty of time left to catch it.
7. Watch the ganets diving from the infinity pool at Portavadie. Portavadie’s Spa & Leisure Experience is the perfect place for some water-based fun and relaxation this spring. You’ll love the views from the biggest heated outdoor infinity pool in Scotland! Sit back in spa pool and look out for ganets diving in the loch.
8. Go for a spin around Ardlamont Point. This 10-mile loop is perfect for family cycle. The route spins you along the coast road, hugging the water’s edge where grey seals bask on the rocks. Right now, the fields are full of lambs and the air is rich with the smell of gorse flower.
9. Take a walk along Otter Bay. Nothing beats a walk along Otter Bay at Otter Ferry on a sunny spring day, with lambs in the fields, ganets diving and beautiful views. Enjoy lunch at The Oystercatcher.
10. Feast of local food. You’ll find plenty of seasonal, local food on the menu in the area’s many cafes, restaurants and pubs, from foraged treats to the freshest seafood to free-range pork from Auchinbreck Farm. Try Botanica in Tighnabruaich, The Oystercatcher at Otter Ferry, Colintraive Hotel, The Kames Hotel, Portavadie Restaurant & Bar and the Royal an Lochan. The next Producers’ Market is on 23rd June.