Activities & Day Trips
There’s lots to discover at Argyll’s Secret Coast! Head out onto the water or spend the day exploring architectural wonder — there’s an adventure for everyone.
Endless walking opportunities
The wild Cowal peninsula is designated a temperate rainforest and is an endless source of walking opportunities, many of them taking in ancient ruins and standing stones, mountains, water, wildlife and phenomenal views.
Walking from the Bothy door you can stroll along the quiet single-track coast road, enjoying fabulous views across Loch Riddon. You may be lucky enough to spot gannets diving for their dinner, seals looking at you inquisitively, otters playing or even osprey diving for their prey.
Walking in the opposite direction you can turn up a rugged track which works its way up to the top of the hills that run behind the bothy. From here there are panoramic views from the north of Loch Riddon towards Glendaruel.
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Fearnoch Chapel
Fearnoch Chapel is a mile or so away. There is the short walk to the ruined Chapel complete with baptismal pool with stunning views over the Burnt Islands, and across the water towards Tighnabruaich.
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Colintraive
The village of Colintraive is on a single track road which extends right around Strone Point and into Loch Striven. Any section of this road is wonderful walking country.
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Loch Lomond and Cowal Way
Directly across Loch Riddon from the bothy is the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way. It follows the single track road along the west side of the loch, continues to Rhubaan, Caladh and finally into the village of Tighnabruaich.
Head to the Isle of Bute
A bit further afield, is an interesting walk around the north end of the Isle of Bute. You can catch the ferry as a foot passenger from Colintraive to Rubodach on Bute in order to complete this circular walk.
You may see red and roe deer, a whole variety of fungi, protected bird species, archaeologicial sites and a WWII decoy village bunker. There are stunning views across the Kyles of Bute and north into Loch Riddon.
Also on Bute is the wonderful and unique Mount Stuart with a huge house and extensive gardens and grounds.
On the water activities
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Wild swimming
Wild swimming is an invigorating experience all through the year. Local swimming coach Dan the Merman often takes group or individual bookings for your first wild swimming adventure.
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Kayaking & Paddling
This part of Scotland is wonderful kayaking country with endless little inlets and bays inviting exploration. Kayaks can be launched from close to the Bothy or lessons and kayaks are available from Sea Kayak Argyll.
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Sailing
For sailing instruction there is no better place to start than the renowned sailing school at Tighnabruaich who offer a wealth of courses to suit all ages and abilities.
If you’d like to experience a larger yacht then skipper Jock Hamilton on his 50 foot yacht Yemaya at Beagle Cruises in nearby Tighnabruaich would be a great option.
Cycling & mountain biking
The quiet roads and network of forest tacks mean that the area is popular with cyclists and mountain bikers. If you are doing the fabulous 5 Ferry Challenge the route takes you right past the bothy door!
Argyll Forest Parks stretches across much of Cowal with a whole network of tracks that can be accessed from Ardgartan. Glenbranter is another area with stunning walking and cycling opportunities.
Venture out on these day trips
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Paddle Steamship Waverley
The Waverley is the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. In the summer it spends some time cruising around the Clyde and Loch Fyne often stopping at Tighnabruaich only 20 minutes away by car. There are a wide variety of cruises available from under an hour to a whole day.
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Mount Stuart House
Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute is architectural journey is a story in itself. The Georgian architecture of the wings presents a striking contrast to the otherwise Victorian design, providing a completely unique architectural blend.
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Loch Fyne Oysters, Fyne Ales and Inverary
A little further afield, a day can be happily spent around the head of Loch Fyne and the picturesque village of Inveraray complete with castle.
Loch Fyne Oysters sits at the head of Loch Fyne and is famous across the UK for its seafood. Around the corner is Fyne Ales, a family owned Scottish brewery. The farm is open to visitors and also hosts the annual Fynefest beer and music festival at the beginning of June.
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