Touring the Area: Argyll's roads may not be the best in Scotland but the dramatic views, lovely villages, ancient castles and beautiful nature compensate that fact more than enough. The A82 and A83 roads are among the most scenic roads in Scotland and takes you to places such as Loch Lomond and the Rest and be Thankful mountain pass. The A83 to the south passes the historic village of Inveraray, the Kintyre peninsula with the Mull of Kintyre and is the gateway to the southern islands of the Inner Hebrides. To the west lies Oban, the biggest town in Argyll and gateway to the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Mull. In between is a network with hundreds of miles of b-roads with just as many places to discover. There is always something new around every corner and almost everywhere is the sea, or a sea-loch within reach. There are numerous visitor centre's all over the area, there are museums and the area is steeped in history which can be seen by the historic monuments such as high crosses, standing stones, ancient settlements and stone circles.

Wildlife and Nature: There are nine nature reserves in Argyll which offer spectacular wildlife for even the most spoilt visitor. What to think of the 50,000 geese that migrate to Islay each autumn from the Arctic. And there are the ancient deciduous woods of Taynish whose ferns and mosses support over 300 species of plants, 20 kinds of butterflies and a rich marine life on the loch shores, or the puffins on Staffa and the Eagles on Mull, Jura and Islay. On the Isle of Jura alone are 6,000 deer outnumbering the 200 inhabitants. It is said that Argyll has more miles of coastline than the whole of France and there is wildlife to be found everywhere and seals are just as common in some places as gulls.

Castles: Same as in the rest of Scotland, Argyll has some extraordinary castles. One of them is Duart Castle, a 13th century fortress, the oldest lived in castle on Mull, home of the Chief of the Clan Maclean. Another great castle is Inveraray Castle, home to the Duke of Argyll, Head of the Clan Campbell, whose family have lived in Inveraray since the early 15th century. Designed by Roger Morris and decorated by Robert Mylne, the fairytale exterior belies the grandeur of its gracious interior. Besides many castles there are also great historic houses such as The Hill House in Helensburgh which is the finest of Charles Rennie Mackintoshs domestic creations, The Hill House sits high above the Clyde, commanding fine views over the river estuary.

Gardens of Argyll: The group comprises 21 gardens varying in size, style and maturity, dating from the 13th to the 20th century. They are spread throughout the mainland of Argyll, often in dramatic scenery, and to the islands of Bute, Colonsay, Gigha, Jura, Mull and Seil. More information is available at www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk

Walking: Oban is the gateway to the Islands and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Scottish Highlands. It is the capital of Argyll, an extensive area of the Highlands. The scenery varies from the delightful coastline, the mighty Munros such as Ben Cruachan to softer, forested landscapes further south, split by long sea and fresh-water lochs. Everything you want to know about walking in Argyll can be found at www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll

Whisky Distilleries: Islay is perhaps most famous for its eight distilleries on a relatively small island but there are other distilleries in Argyll as well. You can find two distilleries in Campbeltown, one on the Isle of Jura and one in Oban. Interesting fact is that Campbeltown was once the whisky capital of the world with 29 distilleries operating simultaneously in 1835.

Sailing: With so much water, stunning coastline, dozens of islands and the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean, sailing in Argyll is probably the best in Scotland. There is a huge variation in sheltered lochs, picturesque harbours and beautiful islands to visit such as the Isles of Islay, Jura, Gigha and Colonsay in the south to the Isles of Iona, Mull, Coll and Tiree in the north.

Activities: Argyll has around 30 Golf clubs and courses on the mainland and on the islands, such as the famous Machrie Golf Links on Islay. Other islands with a golf course are the Isle of Bute, Mull, Gigha, Colonsay and Tiree. Horseriding is available in several places and with so much water there are good opportunities for water sports and fishing.

Here is a link to the official tourist information website for Argyll and Bute: www.visitscottishheartlands.com. The Argyll Directory is another good starting point to plan your trip to this beautiful part of Scotland!