Cowal

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN COWAL THIS SPRING

The Cowal Peninsula is in the south of Argyll & Bute and is often referred to as ‘the Gateway to the Highlands’. It is a beautiful and diverse area. Flanked by Loch Long & Loch Fyne, the Cowal Peninsula offers a tantalising taste of the Scottish Highlands. Stunning stretches of water characterise its coastline, from sparkling sea lochs to the Firth of Clyde.

Cowal is packed with places to visit and things to do. Sailors, walkers, cyclists and artists are all drawn to this area for its natural beauty. The wild and rugged waters and land of Cowal make the area one big adventure playground.

Rich in heritage, wildlife and culture, Cowal has a wide range of activities and attractions on offer. The area boasts spectacular highland hills, ancient forests, dramatic glens, lochs, gardens and stunning coastal spots, offering a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Many visitors to Cowal arrive by boat, ferried across the Firth of Clyde to the main town of Dunoon which is on the western shore of the Firth of Clyde. Among other events, Dunoon hosts the Cowal Highland Gathering, the biggest Highland Games in the UK and Europe. As it is more easily accessible by sea, than by land, this gives the area a very attractive island feel.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience Cowal from and on and around the water, including ribboat trips, sailing, cruises, kayaking, quad-biking, hiking and cycling. A whole season could be spent exploring the area. The great marina facilities, inlets and quiet anchorages all add to the magic.

Cowal’s coastal paradise is waiting to be discovered this spring.

Photo: Rachel Keenan Photography

This time of year is perfect for an amble through the profusion of flowers, foliage and fragrance at Benmore Botanic Garden.

Located at the gateway to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Benmore’s renowned rhododendrons bloom all the way through August. But the star of July’s show is eucryphias, with splashes of white fountains among the lush greenery. Desfontaines also take centre stage in mid-summer with an abundance of blooms against the backdrop of heather-covered mountains. Summer flowering trees and shrubs burst into a riot of colour and fragrance – sweet-smelling yellow jasmimum humile, New Zealand hoherias, American snowdrop, Oriental snowbells and the striking epaulette tree, festooned in perfumed white bells. With more than 3,000 plants of around 300 species, Benmore is famous for its rhododendron collection. However, its west coast setting also makes the garden particularly suitable for collections from Bhutan, Chile, Japan and Tasmania. On sunny days in spring, magnolias are spectacular pink and white against blue sky between the Viewpoint and Golden Gates Avenue. Colour is not just for blossom. Rhododendron barbatum produces plum-coloured flaking bark and Rhododendron thomsonii a striking gold and sea-green peeling bark and vivid red flowers. Young shoots bring sharp freshness to evergreens. Visit the Tasmanian Ridge and look out for a shock of brilliant new leaves of red and bronze produced by the myrtle beech, Nothofagus cunninghamii. The air will be fragrant with Pieris japonica at this time of year. Don’t miss a visit to the garden’s restored Victorian Fernery. The Fernery was built in the 1870s at a time when Britain was gripped by “fernmania”. With the restoration of the fernery, a part of Benmore’s history has been brought back to life. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and life-cycles of ferns and to admire their intricate and diverse beauty. Make sure you find the time to visit our magnificent grade-A listed Golden Gates. Benmore is suitable for all ages and is a great day out for the family. Keep an eye out for the Garden’s resident red squirrels who are likely to make an appearance. Admission costs adult £7.50; Concession £6.75; under 16s and essential carers go free. Prices include a small donation to the Garden.

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top things to see, do and experience

bEnMoRE botanIC gaRdEns Walk along Benmore’s avenue of towering redwoods and you gain a sense of the age and stature of this mountainside garden. Highlights include spring rhododendron displays and the Victorian fernery. rbge.org.uk

dunoon This Victorian resort retains its traditional seaside charm. Explore the shops, stroll along the promenade (under the gaze of a statue of Robert Burns’ sweetheart, Highland Mary) or paddle at West Bay. PuCk’s glEn A magical spot with an appropriately magical name, Puck’s Glen is a deep gorge with a cascade of waterfalls,set in shady forest near Benmore Gardens. Will you encounter the forest sprites?

loCh ECk A seven-mile ribbon of fresh water, Loch Eck teems with fish, including the rare powan, salmon, and arctic char. There are paths for walkers, including to the Paper Caves, where key local documents are said to have been hidden.

CastlE housE MusEuM Dunoon Castle was abandoned in the 17th century, but its site still boasts impressive views. Nearby Castle House Museum is a treasure-trove of local artefacts and was built partly using stone from the original castle. Castlehousemuseum.org.uk

aRdEntInny bEaCh Keep your eyes peeled on Ardentinny Beach – for seals in the water, raptors above and treasures like pebbles and shells at your feet. Picnic on the beach, or explore buggy-friendly trails nearby. glEnFInaRt WallEd gaRdEn Originally the kitchen garden or the Glenfinart Estate, this Victorian walled garden is now community owned and run. Explore the sensory garden, children’s area, orchards and raised beds. Dogs welcome on leads.

WalkIng Cowal has walking routes for everyone, from challenging routes to the rocky Arrochar Alps (such as the Cobbler and Ben Vorlich) to flatter loch-side paths just right for buggies and bikes. forestryandland.gov.scot thE sMIddy This 19th-century blacksmith’s forge remains operational as the heart of a tiny, fascinating folk museum in the village of Strachur.

aRgyll FoREst PaRk The UK’s first Forest Park, stretching from the Holy Loch to the peaks of the Arrochar Alps. Highlights include Glenbranter’s Allt Robuic gorge, once owned by music hall star Harry Lauder. forestryandland.gov.scot