April, August & September 2017In April (1st – 27th) we'll be exploring Argyll’s Secret Coast, a hidden gem with a fabulous range of exciting riding opportunities including secret coves and bays, woodland trails, open hill land and lochs. In the evening you have the opportunity to relax in an infinity pool and hot tub, always a truly magical end to a hard day in the saddle. It’s hard to believe that all this wonderful wilderness is less than 2 hours from Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city; renowned for its mix of arts, culture and unique Celtic charm.
|
'Argyll’s Secret Coast' describes a beautiful stretch of South Argyll, overlooking the Mull of Kintyre and the Isles of Arran and Bute. It is a total back-water, well off the beaten track to the tartan trail, yet it encapsulates the rugged, wilderness fantasy of the Scottish West Coast. It boasts great beaches with swathes of open white sand and ancient woodlands festooned with moss and lichen where we might almost spot a unicorn.
Find out more about this area and what else there is to see and do at Argyll's Secret Coast. If you're feeling active you could try kayaking, mountain biking, hiking or sailing or take an amble round the coast and enjoy watching our spectacular wildlife. Our count last year included eagles, deer, otters and a basking shark, some of these even from the ride!
|
This area is also rich in history and heritage. You can find the hidden ruins of Ascog Castle near to our base, or visit the 12th century ruin of Castle Lachlan. Check out the ongoing restoration of Dunans castle, a fascinating project, or marvel at the fairy-tale castle at Inveraray, home of the Duke of Argyll.
|
There are ancient monuments on the hillsides and the Kilmodan stones are a fabulous collection of Medieval Celtic carved grave slabs tucked in the back of a tiny kirk. We might just spot the walls of Glenan deserted village through the ferns where we ride past. Look out to sea and you could see Britain's last working paddle steamer, The Waverley, go by; go aboard and see Argyll's beautiful coast from the water.
To get an overall feel of this majestic landscape, click here to watch World Cyclist Mark Beaumont's epic 12 day challenge journey set to a brand new chart topping single by local Celtic rock band Skerryvore. As part of the Wild About Argyll campaign, Mark undertakes 32 adventures over 12 days including running, quad-biking, climbing, cycling, even riding - he just tries everything - and through it all is the magnificent backdrop of wild Argyll. |
Overnight you can stay and eat in the comfort of Portavadie Marina with its fabulous infinity pool and outdoor hot tubs on the shores of Loch Fyne, and choice of lodge bar or Marina restaurant, both serving high quality locally sourced food. Or 'go local' and try a few beers at the Kames Hotel an old drovers pub where cattle and sheep drovers stopped on the long march to Stirling Market. Our favourite sea-food dinner is to be had at the Colintraive Hotel a welcoming and authentic Scottish Inn with log fires and fabulous locally sourced food.
|
Contact Wilder Ways at adventures@wilderways.scot or call +44 1369 860 732 or +44 7826273291.
Directions (from Glasgow)
Portavadie
By Car
- Follow the signs out of Glasgow for the M8 West and take the exit at junction 30 over the Erskine Bridge.
- Immediately after the Erskine Bridge, turn left onto the A82 to Tarbet.
- At Tarbet keep straight on. The road becomes the A83 and crosses the mountains on the 'Rest and Be Thankful' Pass.
- As you come down off the mountains, turn left at the A815, signposted Dunoon.
- At Strachur, turn right onto the A886, signposted Colintraive.
- Turn right again after about 10 miles onto the A8003, signposted Tighnabruaich.
- At Tighnabruaich, you will come to a T-junction on the shore. Turn right onto the B8000 and stay on this road through Kames, bearing right towards Millhouse at the junction in Kames village.
- At Millhouse crossroads, go straight on towards Portavadie.
- Our pop-up centre is on the right just before Portavadie Village (after the sign for Stillag Farm) postcode PA21 2BY - look out for our Wilder Ways sign in a tree on your right.
Alternatively, we can pick you up from Portavadie Marina (by arrangement) if you have travelled by public transport.
By Taxi We can arrange a taxi pick-up from your arrival point to Portavadie, price dependent on requirements. The closest airport is Glasgow International from which prices start from £35 per person (assuming a full car). By Bus You can also get a bus from Glasgow (Buchanan St Bus Station) to Cairndow using either the Campbeltown service (Bus No. 926) or the Oban service (Bus No. 976). You can book both of these through www.citylink.co.uk. We can arrange a taxi from Cairndow to Portavadie by arrangement. |
By Train, Ferry & Bus
Alternatively you can get a train from Glasgow (Central) to Gourock on the west coast (~£15). The train connects to the Dunoon ferry, about a 20 minute sail (~£4). You can check the timetables via 'national rail enquiries' www.nationalrail.co.uk and check availability/book cheap tickets using www.thetrainline.com. From Dunoon Ferry Terminal, you can get a bus to Portavadie (Bus No. 477 478 or 479) www.westcoastmotors.co.uk. Alternatively we can organise a taxi from Dunoon by arrangement.
Alternatively you can get a train from Glasgow (Central) to Gourock on the west coast (~£15). The train connects to the Dunoon ferry, about a 20 minute sail (~£4). You can check the timetables via 'national rail enquiries' www.nationalrail.co.uk and check availability/book cheap tickets using www.thetrainline.com. From Dunoon Ferry Terminal, you can get a bus to Portavadie (Bus No. 477 478 or 479) www.westcoastmotors.co.uk. Alternatively we can organise a taxi from Dunoon by arrangement.
Following the week long point to point ride you will be dropped off in the village of Strachur from where you will need to arrange onward travel (unless otherwise arranged with us).
Strachur
By Car
If you have driven to Portavadie, we will provide transport back to Portavadie to pick up your car.
By Taxi
The closest airport is Glasgow. We can arrange a taxi from Strachur to Glasgow airport which is the simplest journey. Price dependent on requirements but start from £35pp. Or we can arrange a taxi to Cairndow or Dunoon from where you can get public transport for your onward journey.
By Train, Ferry & Bus
Alternatively there are numerous public transport options. You can use the Dunoon ferry to Gourock, the train from Gourock to Glasgow Central, then a bus to the airport. There are also buses from Cairndow straight to Glasgow. Visit www.westcoastmotors.co.uk and www.citylink.co.uk for bus timetables and www.nationalrail.co.uk for rail travel.
If you have driven to Portavadie, we will provide transport back to Portavadie to pick up your car.
By Taxi
The closest airport is Glasgow. We can arrange a taxi from Strachur to Glasgow airport which is the simplest journey. Price dependent on requirements but start from £35pp. Or we can arrange a taxi to Cairndow or Dunoon from where you can get public transport for your onward journey.
By Train, Ferry & Bus
Alternatively there are numerous public transport options. You can use the Dunoon ferry to Gourock, the train from Gourock to Glasgow Central, then a bus to the airport. There are also buses from Cairndow straight to Glasgow. Visit www.westcoastmotors.co.uk and www.citylink.co.uk for bus timetables and www.nationalrail.co.uk for rail travel.