Wildlife
Islay is the migratory home to thousands of Barnacle and
White Fronted geese, which can be viewed at the acclaimed
RSPB nature reserve at Loch Gruinart. Keep your eyes peeled
for sightings of seals and deer in Kintyre.
Golf
Machrie Golf Course on Islay and the world famous Machrihanish
Golf Club are just two of the challenging links courses
the area has to offer.
Fishing
Excellent trout and salmon filled rivers & lochs can
be found on Islay and Kintyre.
Sailing
The Crinan Canal, built by Thomas Telford at the start
of the 19th Century, is a great place to view the colourful
spectacle of yachts taking this popular shortcut between
Loch Fyne and the Hebridean islands.
Horse-riding
Where better to experience riding of all disciplines than
in the beautiful Mid Argyll & Kintyre countryside,
with centres at Ardrishaig, Inveraray and Glenbarr, by
Tarbert.
Mid-Argyll, Kintyre & Islay
ARDRISHAIG(pop.
1,000)
Village lying on a shingle inlet of Loch Fyne on the Southern end
of the Crinan Canal. BOWMORE, ISLAY(pop. 800)
World famous for its whisky distillery this attractive, busy little
township is home to the round church built so that the "devil
would have no corner to hide in".
BRIDGEND, ISLAY(pop.
50)
Resting in a splendid setting at the head of Loch Indaal. The River
Sorn which flows through the hamlet is famed as a salmon and trout
run. CAMPBELTOWN(pop. 6,000)
Once home to over 30 whisky distilleries, today only two operate
in this, the largest of the towns in Kintyre. Now a bustling holiday
town and the Scottish port for the ferry link to Ballycastle in
Northern Ireland.
CARRADALE(pop.
350)
Popular with holiday makers, this busy fishing port boasts safe
sandy beaches on which to unwind and relax.
CRINAN(pop. 60)
A bustling little harbour on the Northern extreme of the colourful
Crinan Canal. With its scenic towpath walks it is a haven for yachtsmen.
FURNACE(pop.
200)
Renowned for its granite quarry which paved the streets of Glasgow,
today this charming and historical village welcomes the visitor. INVERARAY(pop. 500)
A number of interesting attractions await the visitor in this pretty
town of white washed buildings perched on the shores of Loch Fyne,
including the magnificent castle and entertaining Jail. The town
is architecturally famous. ISLES OF COLONSAY AND ORONSAY(pop.
200)
Widely regarded as the very essence of a Hebridean island, Colonsay
is graced wih beautiful bays and a fascinating viking history. Oronsay
is accesible at low tide, when you can visit its 14th Century Augustinian
Priory and Celtic Cross.
ISLE OF GIGHA(pop.
120)
A small, fertile island, full of folklore and fine sandy beaches.
Lying close to the Kintyre peninsula, Gigha is home to the famous
gardens of Achamore House, with their wonderfully colourful collection
of rhododendrons and azaleas.
ISLE OF JURA(pop.
70)
Known as the "Deer Island" due to the large deer population,
the island is dominated by the spectacular Paps of Jura. Its small
pretty communities are a delight for the visitor. KILBERRY(pop. 50)
Tiny village in West Knapdale with unspoilt and uncrowded beaches.
KILMARTIN
(pop. 50)
This tiny hamlet sits amidst a glen of historical significance.
The surrounding area is littered with ancient standing stones
and cairns. Discover Argyll's ancient past at Kilmartin House
Museum of Ancient Culture.
LOCHGILPHEAD(pop. 6,000)
This small town on the shores of Loch Fyne boasts excellent
facilities for the sportsman, with fishing, walking and other
outdoor pursuits in abundance.
Lochgilphead
MINARD(pop.
150)
Overlooked by 19th Century Minard Castle, this small village nestles
in an inlet on Loch Fyne.
PORT ASKAIG, ISLAY (pop.
150)
A ferry port with wonderful views from the pier across to the magnificent
Paps of Jura and the distant shores of Mull.
PORT CHARLOTTE, ISLAY(pop.
250)
Lying on the West shores of Loch Indaal, this pretty fishing and
farming community of white washed houses still retains much of its
old Gaelic charm and atmosphere.
PORT ELLEN, ISLAY(pop.
900)
Busy ferry port offering the opportunity to take a tour of the local
distilleries, visit a castle, or simply enjoy the beautiful island
surroundings.
PORTNAHAVEN, ISLAY(pop.
150)
Small village meaning "port of the river" which clings
to the Southern shores of the Rhinns Peninsula.
SKIPNESS(pop.
70)
Small village at North of Kintyre Peninsula with stunning views
over the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Isles of Arran and Bute.
Portnahaven, Islay
PORTNAHAVEN,
ISLAY(pop. 150)
Small village meaning "port of the river" which clings
to the Southern shores of the Rhinns Peninsula.
SKIPNESS(pop.
70)
Small village at North of Kintyre Peninsula with stunning views
over the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Isles of Arran and Bute.
SOUTHEND(pop.
270)
Small resort on the Southern tip of Kintyre famed as the landing
place of Saint Columba on the mainland, it has two fine sandy beaches.
TARBERT(pop.
1,000)
Busy fishing port with a fine natural harbour and lively atmosphere.
This town straddles the narrow slip of land at the head of the Kintyre
Peninsula.
TAYVALLICH(pop.
200)
The charming cottages and traditional homes of Tigh a Bhealich meaning
"house of the pass" crowds around a horseshoe bay on Loch
Sween, a designated nature reserve.
