Revel in the stunning scenery and rich Scottish culture of Argyll and Bute, a famously beautiful region on Scotland’s west coast. The area is famed for its archipelago of dramatic, windswept islands, charming towns and a huge collection of world-famous whisky distilleries.
Start your journey in the mainland towns of Argyll and Bute. Oban features a famous whisky distillery, a harbor with boats to the islands and a popular aquarium. Explore the ruins of Dunollie Castle and take a trip to the Falls of Lora, a set of tidal rapids on Loch Etive.
Tranquil Campbeltown lies toward the bottom of the Kintyre Peninsula. The sheltered town offers a quiet beach, three celebrated distilleries and boating excursions for fishing and wildlife watching. Visit Inveraray, which is further up the peninsula, to see a vast castle and historic jail.
Argyll and Bute is alive with wildlife. Its countryside and coastline feature some of the best places for seeing golden eagles, whales, dolphins, red deer and otters. Join one of the walking trails around Loch Lomond and the Trossachs for some of the best hikes in the country.
Tour the picturesque islands of Argyll and Bute. The Isle of Mull is famed for the storybook port town of Tobermory and castles such as Duart and Glengorm. Join pilgrims on a trip to Iona, a crucial location in Scotland’s religious history.
The island of Islay is most famous for its whiskies it even counts as a separate whisky-making region. Tour the distilleries of Lagavulin, Bowmore and Laphroaig, among many others, to sample the famous spirits of the island that come with a distinctly peaty flavor.
Head to Argyll and Bute by train, traveling on the famously scenic rail routes that lead to Oban’s station. Oban is then your gateway to most of the islands. Summer is the best season for weather and wildlife, but it is also when the region welcomes the most tourists. Head to one of the smaller islands, such as Tiree or Bute, to find a quiet escape at any time of year.