Scenic Journeys of Argyll and Bute

Today we depart on excursion to the little Hebridean island of Gigha. Nestling close to the mainland just off the Kintyre peninsula, this is a gem of an island often overlooked by the island hopper. Later, we continue to Achamore Gardens, the former home of the Horlick family. The mild climate combined with high levels of rainfall means that there is always something in bloom.

We take a scenic drive around the head of Loch Fyne and south to Colintraive, from where we take the short ferry crossing to Rhubodach on the Isle of Bute. Here we visit the spectacular house and gardens of Mount Stuart, which is one of the largest, most spectacular High Victorian Gothic houses in Britain and yet one of the least known. The gardens were only opened to the general public for the first time in June 1995. These 300 acres of woodlands and gardens are a real treasure trove for the garden enthusiast. The temperate effect of the Gulf Stream on Bute ensures that there are always many exotic plants, palm trees and Mediterranean blooms to be seen here. There is a pavilion glasshouse in the grounds which nurtures rare species from the tropical rain forests of south-east Asia while native British plants thrive in the fertile soils and mild climate.

We begin at Ardkinglas, considered to be one of architect Sir Robert Lorimer’s masterpieces. Following a private tour of the house there will be time to look around the Woodland Gardens. Here huge conifers planted in the nineteenth century provide a high canopy for rhododendrons and other shrubs. This afternoon we have a guided tour of Inveraray Castle, which has been the seat of the Duke of Argyll, chief of the Clan Campbell, since the 17th century.

This morning we visit the National Trust for Scotland’s garden at Arduaine, full of the most magnificent plants. It is most rewarding to keep going to the viewpoint which gives an exquisite panorama of the calm waters of Loch Melfort below. After a farewell lunch, we drive north to Oban and take the afternoon train along the West Highland Line back to Glasgow Queen Street. This will give us the opportunity to enjoy the section of track between Oban and Dalmally, which takes us along the shores of Loch Etive and Loch Awe, at the head of which lies the much-photographed Kilchurn Castle, before re-tracing our route back to Glasgow.