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Argyll Self Catering Holidays

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Argyll is both accessible and remote. It begins at the outer limits of Glasgow, with part of Scotland's first National Park Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. It runs out to Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point in the UK. It climbs to the famous peaks of Glencoe in the north. It has 26 inhabited islands, reached by ferries from its own coastline longer than that that of France and a rich haunt for divers. Its principal centres are Helensburgh, Dunoon, Campbeltown, Lochgilphead and Oban.

Argyll is the birthplace of the Scottish nation - first established as the Kingdom of Dalriada in 500AD - with Dunadd Fort eventually crowning the first King of a unified country, Kenneth MacAlpine, in 843AD. Dunadd Fort is in Mid-Argyll, in Kilmartin Glen, described as a megalithic paradise as intriguing as the pyramids.

Argyll is also the birthplace of the Gaelic language in Scotland, and brought Celtic Christianity to Scotland through St Columba's establishment on the Isle of Iona in 563 AD. This was supported by the work of lesser-known monks, like St Blane, who founded his church at Kilgarth near Dunagoil on the Isle of Bute in the sixth century. His later monastery became the site of the Cathedral of Dunblane in Stirlingshire.

Arrochar

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Arrochar sits nestled between mountains which tumble down into the sea loch of Loch Long. An excellent base for walking, climbing, fishing or simply getting away from the city, Arrochar is only an hour away from Glasgow and very easy to reach.

Campbeltown

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Campbeltown is situated near the Mull of Kintyre in Argyll, Scotland. Close to the Gulf Stream, the temperature is generally above the UK average, as witnessed by the many streets and gardens with unprotected palm trees.

Dunoon

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Dunoon, known as Dun Omhain in Gaelic, is perched on the Firth of Clyde, which is west of Gourock and south of Holy Loch. By far the biggest town in the Cowal peninsula in historic Argyll, this beautiful and picturesque resort is renowned for its ancient past. On one side is an imposing hill and on the other two sides a massive body of water. Due to its geographical position, it has long held an important place in the history of Scotland. The most astonishing feature of the resort is its natural surroundings, bringing the visitor a deep sense of peace of mind.

Helensburgh

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The most spectacular approach to Helensburgh is from Loch Lomondside. Arriving in the town only four miles along the B832 road, visitors see it from its highest point, looking down over a wide-spreading bay flanked by the wooded peninsulas of Ardmore and Rosneath. The mountain peaks of the Isle of Arran rise on the southern skyline. There may be fleets of dinghies racing offshore, grander yachts heading out for the West Highland sailing grounds, Royal Navy vessels making their way to or from the nearby Clyde Submarine Base, one of the river ferries, and perhaps a luxury cruise liner moored across the water at the port of Greenock.

Inveraray

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Inveraray is the traditional county town of Argyll and ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, who founded the town in 1745, alongside his new dwelling, Inveraray Castle. Much of the town, including the church, was designed and built by the Edinburgh-born architect Robert Mylne between 1772 and 1800. There is lots to do and see in Inveraray, the gateway to the Highlands and Islands. It offers access to national parks, mountains, glorious gardens and beautiful islands. There is a massive choice of historic sites including castles and monuments where stories of Scotland's turbulent past will entertain you. Take to the seas for breath-taking seascapes and marine life including porpoises and dolphins. You can even visit Inveraray's famous Whisky Shop and taste our national drink.

Lochgilphead

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Lochgilphead stands, as the name suggests, at the head of Loch Gilp, a short loch leading north west from Loch Fyne. The town was first laid out as a planned settlement in about 1790, only a few years after the completion of the road from Inveraray to Campbeltown. Lochgilphead's position became still more important in 1801, with the opening of the Crinan Canal providing a short cut across the Kintyre peninsula. After passing down Lochgilphead's western side this meets Loch Fyne at Ardrishaig, two miles to the south. From 1819 Ardrishaig had a regular steamer connection to Glasgow, with an onward connection along the canal to Lochgilphead. In 1831 Lochgilphead acquired its own pier, and by then it had also been linked to Oban by road.

Oban

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As you sweep down the hill towards the expanse of Oban bay, the view opens up before you and one begins to appreciate why Oban has developed into Scotland's most popular west-coast holiday town.Beyond Oban ("little bay" in Gaelic - Scotland's ancient Celtic language) lie the islands of the Inner Hebrides: Kerrera, which protects the town from Atlantic storms; the low, green island of Lismore; majestic Mull, and the granite mountains of the Morvern peninsula. Beyond them, the sacred island of Iona, Coll, Colonsay and Tiree.

Oban today has a resident population of 8,500 and is the unofficial capital of the West Highlands - the "Gateway to the Isles". The panoramic views of the mountains, lochs and islands which have captivated artists, authors, composers, and poets for centuries are as striking now as they were when Dunollie Castle, a ruined keep which has stood sentinel over the narrow entrance to the sheltered bay for around six hundred years, was the northern outpost of the Dalriadic Scots.

Tarbert (Loch Fyne)

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Tarbert Loch Fyne is an idyllic Scottish village also known as the gateway to the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre. The shops, pubs, hotels and houses settled snuggly around Tarbert's welcoming natural harbour, one of the very few in Scotland. Tarbert has a great selection of accommodation. You can view Tarbert Hotels, Tarbert Self Catering and Tarbert B&B accommodation here in north Kintyre. Most bed and breakfasts in Tarbert provide early morning breakfasts and transport for the early ferry to Islay.

Tighnabruaich

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Tighnabruaich sits on the shores of the beautiful Kyles of Bute. A popular location for sailing and yachting, shinty is also popular locally, with the town being home to Kyles Athletic, who have won the prestigious Camanachd Cup on numerous occasions. Tighnabruaich is also one of the most popular locations for trips aboard the Paddle Steamer Waverley, the world's only remaining sea-going paddle steamer. Come to Tighnabruaich to be charmed by this very beautiful part of Scotland.