Cowal

Cowal is only a short drive from Glasgow, or an even shorter boat trip across the Firth of Clyde from Gourock to Dunoon, but the minutes invested in travelling here can feel like they’ve taken you a millennium away. For those who want to taste the highlights of the West Highlands on a tight schedule, it’s a perfect choice.

Accessibility helped Cowal to become a popular steamer trip destination in the early 1900s, and Dunoon, its main town, grew to its current size largely as a result. Today, you can still enjoy a stroll along the town’s seaside promenade, where fans of Robert Burns will note that the statue of his sweetheart Highland Mary is gazing south towards the poet’s Ayrshire home. Alternatively, browse the shops for local produce and gifts, or uncover local history at the historic Castle House Museum.

Set in lush mountainside just outside Dunoon, Benmore Botanic Gardens boasts 120 acres of exotic and colourful plantations. An awe-inspiring avenue of giant redwoods welcomes visitors to the attraction and further exploration transports you to globally-themed plantings from the Tasmanian Ridge to a Bhutanese Glade. Cowal’s attraction lies largely in its wild landscape, which blends a craggy coast, formidable forests and majestic mountains, so it’s little wonder that it draws those in search of an outdoor adventure, whether they choose to head off the beaten track, or take advantage of the established scenic hiking and biking routes.

This is an exceptional place to sail. The views are memorable and there’s a choice of marinas, inlets and quiet anchorages, as well as yachting events to either enjoy or compete in. Other water sports, from kayaking to paddle-boarding and rib-boat trips, give a fresh perspective on the ocean. Forests define Cowal as much as the coast does, and it is home to the celebrated Argyll Forest Park which includes plenty of marked walks for all abilities and visual treats, including lochs and waterfalls.

For memorable hillwalking here, head to the north tip of Cowal and Glen Croe, home to the Rest and be Thankful (so named because of the inscription ‘Rest and be Thankful’ carved a stone by soldiers who built the old military road at the site in the 18th century) or make the village of Arrochar your base to explore the nearby ‘Arrochar Alps’ which include The Cobbler, one of Scotland’s most popular mountains.

DIARY DATe:

Punk on the Peninsula, June 2 to June 5. a fourday outdoor festival of punk, ska and alternative music, with 40 bands on four stages.