The majestic mountains , hills, and glens of Argyll are rich with flora and fauna, providing an ideal backdrop for outdoor pursuits such as walking, cycling and watersports. In addition, the scenic beauty of Cowal and Bute is easily accessible by car and ferry, allowing for ease of access to areas further afield such as Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park
The hills of Cowal are abundantly rich in wildlife such as otters, pine martens, red squirrels and red and roe deer. There is also a wonderful variety of birds such as eagles, herons, hawks, peregrines, curlews, sandpipers, buzzards, woodpeckers, kingfishers, and wagtails.
Locally, there is a wide variety of walking opportunities from hills to glens. Beinn Mhor, some two miles west of Loch Eck rises to a height of 741 metres and offers spectacular views over Loch Eck, Loch Tarsan and the Isle of Bute.
The Cowal Way long distance footpath provides a strenuous route from Portavadie to Ardgartan, whereas the Argyll Forest woodland walks such as Bishop's Glen, Bishop's Seat and Puck's Glen are graded easy to extremely strenuous. The West Island Way runs the length of the Isle of Bute. Further afield, the Arrochar Alps provide for more strenuous hill walks and the opportunity to bag a Munro or two.
The Holy Loch Marina provides access to water based activities, including the River Rocket. The Tignabruaich Sailing School provides dinghy sailing for all ages and abilities.
The River Rocket, based at the Holy Loch Marina in Sandbank provides a fun day out for all the family, as it traverses the Firth of Clyde allowing opportunities to view the wild life and the coastal scenery of Cowal.
Benmore Botanical Gardens, Ardkinglass Estate, and the National Trust Gardens of Crarae offer walking pursuits of a more gentle variety.
Several golf clubs are within easy reach of the cottage such as Cowal, Innellan Blairmore and Strone. Further afield there is an abundance of such facilities to be found at locations such as Loch Lomond, Rothesay, Port Bannantyne, and many more.
There are opportunities for sea fishing at Dunoon,Lochgoilhead,Rothesay and Tighnabruaich
Freshwater fishing can be found in abundance throughout Argyll, and in particular, locally at Lock Eck.Opportunities are also to be found at Lochs Ascog, Quien and Greenan on the Isle of Bute
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Pony Trekking
Quad Biking
The Cowal Highland Gathering , which takes place during the last weekend in August, is the largest and most spectacular highland gathering in the world, with over 3500 competitors participating in events such as the Pipe Band Championships ,Highland Dancing, Track and Heavy Athletics, Shinty, and a 5K run.
Visitors and Competitors come from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand Canada, the U.S.A., and South Africa. Visit here for more details www.cowalgathering.com
Cowalfest, is the ten day annual walking and arts festival which occurs in October.
The programme of events incorporates a series of walks, art, cultural and social events including walking, cycling, scenery, wildlife, history, heritage, music, arts and crafts. All events are staged against the scenic backdrop of the Cowal Peninsula. Further details can be found here www.cowalfest.org
An annual event, held in November, which showcases musicians from all over the United Kingdom. Details of the programme can be obtained by visiting www.countrywestern.co.uk
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