Argyll Coastal Route: An Epic Guide
A western coast road trip which shows the best of Scotland’s loch and islands between Loch Lomond and Fort William. The Argyll Coastal Route covers 129 miles of sheer beauty.
Also, the coastal route is one of the longest Scottish road trips. The routes offer the opportunity to check out the most glorious sunsets in the British Isles.
Some of the country’s best wildlife and sea air can be found on this coastal route. Also, you can taste delicious locally sourced food.
Thus, this compact West Highland route has something for everyone. The easiest way to complete this coastal route is to drive.
It is a perfect way to spend a long weekend in Scotland. Also, you can follow this route and then go on to explore the other amazing parts of Scotland.
Glasgow to Inveraray
1 hour 15 minutes, 55 miles
The first part of the drive includes leaving Glasgow and entering Loch Lomond and Trossachs Park.
This is a particularly nice drive which takes you through Dumbarton and past Balloch and it is not long until you are met with the towering mountains in Loch Lomond. Take your time off this part of the journey as the scenery is well worth savouring.
Luss
The first town to stop at in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park is Luss. Luss is a beautiful village with charming slate and limestone cottages.
You can enjoy a pint at Loch Lomond Arms, walk the Luss Pier or search for the fairies at Loch Lomond Faerie Trail.
Nearby Accommodation: Roselea Cottage, Craigton Smiddy
Tarbet
The next town to turn to is Tarbet. Here, it is important to soak in the amazing views of Loch Lomond on the east.
Also, from Tarbet, you can see Ben Lomond on the opposite side of Loch Lomond.
Tarbet roughly translates from Scottish Gaelic to a narrow strip of land. In this case, Tarbet is located between two lochs, Loch Long and Loch Lomond.
Nearby Accommodation: Ben Reoch Cottage, Shore House
An Ceann Mor
From Tarbet, you can take a small detour and continue to drive alongside Loch Lomond to reach the Inveruglas Pyramid – An Ceann Mor. This is an excellent viewing point across Loch Lomond.
There is a small car park with toileting facilities. Also, you can view the Sloy Hydro Electric Power Station climb up high on the side of the mountain.
This car park is a place to park if you are considering climbing Ben Vorlich or Ben Vane.
Rest & Be Thankful
After Tarbet, you drive around Loch Long before climbing up the mountains and reaching the famous Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint. This is a glorious viewpoint which is located 803 feet above sea level.
There is a small car park which may be busy, especially in the summer months. However, you do not have to walk far to find some peace and tranquillity.
From this viewpoint, you can see the Old Military Road. The road was built in 1753 by General Wade to give English troops a quick route into Argyll to prevent any further uprising after the Jacobite rebellion.
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden
Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens offers stunning views across Loch Fyne, the Old Mill on the banks of River Fyne which runs through the gardens. The gardens are open all year round and offer a range of walks.
Also, the gardens are home to one of Britain’s tallest trees, a grand fir, which stands over 200ft tall. Tickets start from £5.
Loch Fyne
After you have passed the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint you will enter the next valley. In the next valley, you will find the wonderful Loch Fyne.
Loch Fyne Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Loch Fyne is well known for its seafood. They serve great quality oysters, mussels, shellfish and Scottish smoked salmon, which is ethically sourced from the pure waters of Loch Fyne.
The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is the perfect place to stop for a lunch break.
Samphire
Samphire is an absolute gem set in the cute loch side village of Inveraray. The food is delightful and the service is spot on.
Samphire serves refined plates of fresh local seafood and responsibly sourced meat and game in a quiet setting.
Inveraray Jail
Inveraray Jail is a must-see as it is a very enjoyable and interesting visit. It is an eye-opening experience to see the justice system in Scotland.
History comes to life with audio guides, plaques and personal stories. The courtroom is clever and it is great fun sitting amongst the models.
Inveraray Castle
On the shores of Loch Fyne, you can discover one of Scotland’s finest homes, Inveraray Castle.
The present castle was believed to have been built between 1746 and 1789. Visitors describe the castle as a fairy tale facade house with enchanting interiors.
Inside the castle, you can view the Armoury Hall which houses 1,300 pieces including Brown Bess muskets, Scottish broadswords from the 18th century, Lochaber axes and swords preserved from the Battle of Culloden.
Also, the castle has a state-of-the-art Dining Room and Tapestry Drawing Room. You can admire the precious tapestries, magnificent artworks, China collections, silver and family heirlooms.
Inveraray Castle is one of my favourite castles in Argyll and Bute.
Inveraray to Oban
62 miles, 1 hour 40 minutes
The second part of the journey is a scenic drive from Inveraray to Oban. This is a long scenic route which will take you down the west side of Loch Fyne before heading across to the coast.
Inveraray Accommodation: The Old Jail Apartment, Inveraray Hostel
Oban Accommodation: Glenbervie Guest House, Argyll Mansions
Dun Na Cuaiche
Dun Na Cuaiche is an 18th-century watchtower, which is ideally situated at the top of the hill. Despite being struck by lightning a couple of times, the watchtower just stand tall over for the past few hundred years.
You can complete a nice walk from Inveraray Castle to the top of the hill where you will be rewarded with gorgeous views.
You can walk pass decorative bridges, old lime kilns, and trees that were planted by Queen Victoria to commemorate her visit to the castle in 1975.
The walk takes approximately one hour, it is a lovely walk through the woods which are packed with bluebells in the summer.
Furnace
Furnace is a small excellent village where there is an excellent number of walks to choose from. Also, you can visit the old iron furnace and gunpowder works if that takes your fancy.
Nearby Accommodation: Maggie’s
Auchindrain Township
The Auchindrain Township is an insight into the forgotten Highland life. Auchindrain is the last surviving Highland surviving township from the middle ages until the late 18th century.
In the 18th century, the industrial revolution and new ways of farming led to most townships disappearing, however, Auchindrain lasted until in the 1960s.
Nowadays, the site is a museum where there are interactive displays so visitors can learn about the history and daily life of their ancestors.
There is a lovely tea room which serves great hot drinks. Also, there is a lot of free parking.
Lochgilphead
Lochgilphead is where Loch Fyne meets the ocean and is also known as the gateway to Kintyre.
Here, you will be blown away by the amazing views across the Kintyre peninsula, into the Firth of Clyde and out to the mountains of the Isle of Arran.
Nearby Accommodation: Empire Travel Lodge
Knapdale Forest
At Knapdale Forest you may be able to spot beavers. Beavers have hunted to extinction over 400 years ago but they were reintroduced to Knapdale Forest in 2009.
Now, the beaver population is thriving and if you are lucky enough you may be able to spot some. The Scottish Beaver Trail is a three-mile walking trail where you can enjoy nature and search for beavers.
Kilmartin Glen
Kilmartin Glen has a highly important collection of Neolithic and Bronze Age archaeological remains.
There is so much to explore including standing stones, burials, cairns and the dramatic castle. Also, you can learn about the history at Kilmartin Museum before getting a cuppa in the café.
Clachan Bridge
Clachan Bridge is a sight detour and it is often known as the ‘Bridge over the Atlantic’. The bridge covers the narrow channel which separates the Isle of Seil from the mainland.
Isle of Seil
On the Isle of Seil, you can drive along the single-track roads to reach the most northerly of the Slate Islands, the village of Ellenabeich. One of the main attractions on the island is the An Cala gardens.
Here, you can enjoy the views from the coastal walk. Also, you can hop on the tiny boat to the small island of Easdale. Make sure to give the Puffer Bar a visit.
McCaig’s Tower
McCaig’s Tower is an iconic feature of Oban and you can not miss it as it is on top of a hill at Battery Park. The popular sight is quite unusual as the structure looks like an unfinished replica of Rome’s Colosseum.
McCaig’s Tower is only a steep 10-minute climb from Oban’s George Street, just follow the signs to get there. Nowadays, it is a garden which provides excellent views across the Sound of Kerrera.
Corran Esplanade
Another walk around Oban is the Victorian Corran Esplanade. Here, you can admire some historical landmarks of Oban including Columba’s Cathedral, and Oban War Memorial before reaching Dunollie Castle.
Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds
On the outskirts of Oban you can stop and visit the Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds. In the 15th century the castle was established and was the home to the Clan MacDougall.
Now the site is a museum, with interactive displays, guided tours, weaving demonstration and an inviting garden café.
Visit the Islands of Mull, Staffa, Iona or Treshnish
One of the possible side tracks to the Isle of Mull is to take a ferry and visit one of the Islands. The closest island is the Isle of Kerrera.
The biggest island that most people visit from Oban is the Isle of Mull which is where the town of Tobermory is located. Also, tours are available to the Isle of Staffa which is where the famous Fingal’s Cave is located.
Distillery Tours
There are plenty of distillery tours in Oban where you can learn about the distilling process and you can sample some of the single malts.
Oban Distillery was established in 1794 and is one the oldest and smallest distilleries in Scotland.
Oban to Fort William
45 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes
The third part of the drive takes you from Oban to the highland outdoor capital of Fort William.
The drive has the stunning Loch Linnhe on the west for almost the whole part of the journey. Also, to the west, you will pass the Isle of Lismore, Isle of Eriska and Shuna Island.
Oban Accommodation: Tigh Beag, Barriemore Oban
Fort William Accommodation: The Brevins Guest House, Victoria House B&B
Connel Bridge
Connel Bridge is an old railway bridge which is now a road bridge. The bridge goes over Loch Etive where it approaches the Firth of Lorne.
It is lovely to walk along the bridge on a sunny day. Also, it is very beautiful around the bridge with the beach and the marina for yachts.
Moreover, there are great views out to the Falls of Lora, the Isle of Mull, Loch Etive and Ben Cruachan.
Falls of Lora
The Falls of Lora is a tidal rapid which is located at the seaward end of Loch Etive. This is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the water level in Loch Etive is higher than the tidal level in the Firth of Lorn.
The falls are a stunning site for visitors and photographers. Also, the Falls of Lora is a popular destination for divers and kayakers.
From the car park viewpoint in Connel village, you can get amazing views of the falls.
Loch Creran
Next on the route is the sea loch called Loch Creran. Loch Creran is a beautiful place and it is a great place to go for a walk.
It is a lovely peaceful and tranquil place with excellent views of the mountains. Also, it is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
Pixel Spirits
Pixel Spirits is a Scottish gin and rum distillery set on the scenic grounds of Loch Leven Hotel.
You can get an insight into gin-making and the workings of the distillery. The combinations of herbs for your own gin are countless and you will have a really nice time here.
Castle Stalker
The picturesque abandoned castle is located on a small island in the middle of Loch Linnhe. Built in the 14th century and was home to the Stewarts of Appin.
Also, the castle is famously featured in the film Monty Python and Holy Grail. Book rides to the island are available from April through September.
Glencoe Folk Museum
Glencoe Folk Museum is located in the 18th century, heather thatched croft cottages. The museum shares stories from people in the local area and displays what life was like from 600 BC to the 1970s.
The small, traditional museum explores history including the Jacobite Uprisings, the role of the area in the World Wars and looks at slate quarrying.
Inchree Falls
This waterfall is a stunning two-tier drop falls, it is even more beautiful after a period of heavy rain. There are great views along the way, especially over Loch Linnhe and you can have the chance to spot a red squirrel if you are lucky.
The walk takes one hour and a half and you can start the walk in the Glenridge Forestry car park.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is Scotland and the United Kingdom’s tallest mountain peak. The east, most popular route up Ben Nevis begins at the Glen Nevis Visitor Centre.
At the top of the mountain, you will be rewarded with panoramic views across the glen which stretch as far as Northern Ireland.
Also, from the top, you will get views of other peaks including Torridon Hills, Ben Lomond and Morven at Caithness.
Fort William to Glasgow
110 miles, 2 hours 40 minutes
The fourth and final part of the Argyll Coastal Route is optional. This part will take you back to Glasgow, however, you can continue driving to explore any part of the country that you wish to explore.
Please follow this guide: Epic Things to do in Fort William and Glen Coe for more things to do in this area.
This part features a drive back down through Glen Coe Valley, to Bridge of Orchy, Tyndrum or Crianlarich.
On the way back to Glasgow, if you have time, you can take a detour to the dramatic Falls of Falloch.
The falls are approximately a 20-minute drive each way from the main route. This stop is more worthwhile after a period of rainfall, as the cascade will be as dramatic as ever.
Final Note
Argyll Coastal Route is arguably one of the best coastal routes in Scotland.
It offers so much diverse scenery from the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond to the highest peak in Britain – Ben Nevis. I hope this guide has inspired you to visit these magnificent parts of Scotland.
Enjoy the Argyll Coastal Route or many other tourist routes in Scotland including the Forth Valley Tourist Route, the Clyde Vally Tourist Route and the Deeside Tourist Route.