Argyll is a beautiful and unspoilt part of Scotland with an ancient story to tell reaching back into prehistory. It has a huge range of things to do, sights to see and places to go, from the spectacle of busy fishing and yachting centres like Crinan and Tarbert to the shops, cafes and local activity of towns such as Oban and Lochgilphead.

As the ancient homeland of the original 'Scots' who came to claim the kingdom of Dalriada as their own, Argyll has a unique place in Scottish history and there are many sites of historical and architectural interest. The government agency Historic Scotland provides access and interpretation to many, and there is a new archaeology centre at Kilmartin House, just south of Craobh Haven, which is rapidly becoming an unmissable attraction for visitors in the area.

What makes the area so special, whether it is simply the views from the hilltops (or even the bedroom window of the cottage) or for places to seek out and visit, is the fascinating scattering of islands off this bit of coastline. Jura, Scarba, Shuna, Seil, Luing and Mull can all be seen from the cottages and Easdale is only a short drive. Oban is known as the 'Gateway to the Isles' because of the many ferry routes and daily boat trips which originate in the small port. Mull is an easy day trip from the cottages and has many popular visitor attractions such as a narrow gauge steam railway, a unique 'Little Theatre', a distillery and more. And, of course, Iona is famous for its Abbey and religious community.

There are many places to eat within a few miles, from good pub grub to fine restaurants specialising in the local seafood, including the Loch Melfort Hotel just five minutes away on the way to Oban and, of course, the renowned Crinan Hotel.

Argyll is also ideal walking, golfing and fishing country and is renowned for many fine and special gardens such as the awesome Crarae Gardens. Because the coast is so spectacular, the 'interior' of Mid Argyll, around Loch Awe, is often overlooked despite offering wonderful countryside and holiday activities.  Much of the landscape is forested at lower levels, and this offers a wide variety of forest walks within easy reach.

Within a short drive there is much education and entertainment to be found at places such as the Oban Marine and Seal Centre, the Rare Breeds Farm, Inveraray Castle and Inverary Jail, Cruachan Power Station, Argyll Wildlife Park, the Caithness Glass Visitor Centre and Auchindrain Township Museum. There is even a Poultry and Waterfowl Park for those with a particular interest in domestic birds! Many famous areas of Scotland are easily within reach of a day out, including Glencoe, Ben Nevis, Kintyre and Campbeltown.

And although the weather is not always perfect, come rain or shine, you should be able to find so many things to do that you have to come back next year to complete the list! 

Full details of local attractions are given in a special information folder in each cottage.