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Heart of Argyll
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Welcome to the Heart of Argyll, with our outstanding national nature reserves, abundant wildlife, prehistoric landscape and stunning coastal landscapes, we have it all.
Stretching from the picturesque fi shing village of Tarbert, Loch Fyne in the south to Loch Melfort in the north, over to Knapdale and Crinan in the west, across to Inveraray and Loch Awe in the east; with Kilmartin Glen in its midst, the Heart of Argyll boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe.
Unique experiences include Auchindrain historic township, Inveraray Jail and Courtroom, the stunning Himalayan gardens at Crarae, St Columba’s cave at Achahoish and the Argyll Beaver Centre.
Historic Kilmartin Glen has the most important concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in mainland Scotland. At least 800 ancient monuments, of which 150 are prehistoric, lie within six miles of Kilmartin village. Discoveries are still being made with unique animal rock carvings at Dunchraigaig hitt ing the headlines in 2021.
Boat trips from Crinan and Seil Island take you to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool. If that’s not special enough, the sheer diversity of marine-life and rugged coastal scenery will overwhelm your senses.
A magical wildlife experience can be had at Argyll Beaver Centre, home of the Scott ish beavers, the fi rst reintroduction in UK history.
Take your time and explore the smaller roads and tracks that meander through our rugged natural landscape and deliver you to stunning castles, abandoned sett lements, secret beaches, fi shing villages, pristine nature and “Britain’s most beautiful short cut”, the Crinan Canal.
Visit www.heartofargyll.com to unlock the secrets of a welcoming place to stay, fabulous food and amazing things to do and see. Whether you intend to explore on foot or bike, to sail or kayak, with a guide or just to wander by yourselves, there is an adventure waiting. Please travel responsibly www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot
for more information visit www.heartofargyll.com
HEArT oF ArGYll
HAND PICKED
Top things to see, do and experience
DISCoVEr THE CrINAN CANAl
Walk, run, cycle, or just sit and watch the world go by. 9 miles of towpath joining Loch Fyne to Loch Crinan. Nature and engineering side-by-side.
scottishcanals.co.uk
ExplorE oUr CoAST AND WATErS
Walk or cycle the myriad coastal paths, hill and forest trails, meander through Atlantic rainforest, investigate castles and ancient settlement ruins, discover our secret beaches, follow the footsteps of the early Celtic Saints or take a trip via boat or kayak. Or test your MTB skills on the Fire Tower Trails at Achnabreac. www.heartofargyll.com
SoCIAl HISTorY
Step back in time at a variety of attractions, from the most complete example of rural living in the historic township of Auchindrain, coastal and canal exhibition at the Eggshed in Ardrishaig to 19th Century prison life at Inveraray jail and Courtroom. Be transported to the past through real life stories. Please book ahead.
auchindrain.org.uk; inverarayjail.co.uk mYSTICAl KIlmArTIN GlEN
Stretching between the ancient seat of Kings, Dunadd Fort and architecturally important Carnassarie Castle and peppered with the fi nest prehistoric rock art in Scotland, standing stones, stone circles and burial cairns. kilmartin.org
rEWIlDING WITHIN KNApDAlE ForEST
Visit the Argyll Beaver Centre, in Knapdale’s Atlantic Rainforest, home of the Scottish Beavers. Explore the habitat of these amazing engineers, and the animals and plants that benefi t from their activities.
argyllbeavercentre.co.uk
ExpErIENCE THE CorrYVrECKAN
The third largest tidal whirlpool in the world is on our doorstep. Marvel in the power of the sea, the wild coastal scenery and the astonishing marine and sea-life of the Argyll Hope Spot. You’ll fi nd details on our website of amazing boat tours. Departing from different points along our coast, there’ll be one that’s perfect for you.
www.heartofargyll.com NATUrE rESErVES
The National Nature Reserves at Taynish and Moine Mhor and the wetlands of the Add Estuary show off their Autumn colours, there’s a host of wildfowl, hen harriers, buzzards and roe, red or sika deer to be spotted.
www.nature.scot
GlorIoUS CrArAE GArDENS
The mature Himalayan gardens and designed landscape extends either side of a gorge above Loch Fyne. Rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias nestled amongst towering trees from around the world. Autumn hues burn bright in the mist. Truly a feast for the eyes.
www.nts.org.uk
rETAIl THErApY
Discover our independent shops, galleries, artist studios and exhibitions. Including edible Pick ‘n’ Mix favourites and delicious ice-cream! Treat yourself to a memento of a fantastic visit to the Heart of Argyll.
