Things to do near
West Smithy Cottage
Sightseeing
Portavadie needs to be seen to be believed. It’s a St Tropez style luxury marina with fabulous restaurant and incredible spa with indoor and outdoor pools normally only found in the most luxurious hot spots. There is one here in Cowal at the end of a single track road looking towards The island of Arran. It’s very reasonably priced for such incongruous luxury.
It’s just 15 minutes from the cottage and we’ll worth a trip. The outdoor infinity pool is heated to a deliciously warm temperature and so can be enjoyed even on an icy January day. There are steaming hot outdoor jacuzzis too as if the infinity pool wasn’t decadent enough...
14 locals recommend
Portavadie Marina
Portavadie needs to be seen to be believed. It’s a St Tropez style luxury marina with fabulous restaurant and incredible spa with indoor and outdoor pools normally only found in the most luxurious hot spots. There is one here in Cowal at the end of a single track road looking towards The island of Arran. It’s very reasonably priced for such incongruous luxury.
It’s just 15 minutes from the cottage and we’ll worth a trip. The outdoor infinity pool is heated to a deliciously warm temperature and so can be enjoyed even on an icy January day. There are steaming hot outdoor jacuzzis too as if the infinity pool wasn’t decadent enough...
The cottage sits next to the famous Kyles of Bute- ian area of outstanding natural beauty, this narrow stretch of water separates Bute from Argyll.
Feral goats and a variety of birds can be observed. A glorious viewpoint can be enjoyed on the hill road on the way into Tighnabruaich , high above the Kyles of Bute with an information indicator.
Kyles of Bute
The cottage sits next to the famous Kyles of Bute- ian area of outstanding natural beauty, this narrow stretch of water separates Bute from Argyll.
Feral goats and a variety of birds can be observed. A glorious viewpoint can be enjoyed on the hill road on the way into Tighnabruaich , high above the Kyles of Bute with an information indicator.
This is certainly worth a visit. Book a 90 minute on the Portavadie website for the ultimate aquatic experience.
7 locals recommend
Portavadie Gym And Spa
This is certainly worth a visit. Book a 90 minute on the Portavadie website for the ultimate aquatic experience.
The quaint little fishing village of Tarbert is just a ferry ride away. Jump on the ferry at Portavadie for the short crossing to Tarbert. Take the car or just go as a foot passenger. Enjoy some delicious Italian ice cream from the fabulous Ca’Dora Cafe ; buy whisky from the Pot Still Whisky shop; or best of all pick up some amazingly fresh and wonderful scallops from Prentice Foods (located at the ferry terminal at Tarbert ) . You can buy an enormous tub of fresh king scallops or bag of mussels for a bargain price fresh off the fishing boats to bring back to the cottage to cook up a storm!
22 locals recommend
Tarbert
The quaint little fishing village of Tarbert is just a ferry ride away. Jump on the ferry at Portavadie for the short crossing to Tarbert. Take the car or just go as a foot passenger. Enjoy some delicious Italian ice cream from the fabulous Ca’Dora Cafe ; buy whisky from the Pot Still Whisky shop; or best of all pick up some amazingly fresh and wonderful scallops from Prentice Foods (located at the ferry terminal at Tarbert ) . You can buy an enormous tub of fresh king scallops or bag of mussels for a bargain price fresh off the fishing boats to bring back to the cottage to cook up a storm!
One of the finest examples of Victorian architecture to be found in Great Britain. It’s on the island of Bute so requires a ferry trip from Colintraive. Madonna got married to Guy Ritchie here so that’s how fabulous it is. It attracts the A list celebrities. Who knew?
Mount Stuart was built for John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, who was one of the wealthiest men of his day, and had wide interests in history, astrology, archaeology, as well as being an industrial magnate and philanthropist. The sumptuous interiors are a sight to behold.
26 locals recommend
Mount Stuart
One of the finest examples of Victorian architecture to be found in Great Britain. It’s on the island of Bute so requires a ferry trip from Colintraive. Madonna got married to Guy Ritchie here so that’s how fabulous it is. It attracts the A list celebrities. Who knew?
Mount Stuart was built for John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute, who was one of the wealthiest men of his day, and had wide interests in history, astrology, archaeology, as well as being an industrial magnate and philanthropist. The sumptuous interiors are a sight to behold.
Benmore’s magnificent mountainside setting is a joy to behold. Its 120 acres boast a world-famous collection of plants from the Orient and Himalayas to North and South America, as well as an impressive avenue of giant redwoods, one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden. Established in 1863, these majestic giants stand over 150 foot high. Seven miles of trails throughout lead to a restored Victorian Fernery and a dramatic viewpoint at 420 feet looking out to surrounding mountains and Holy Loch. There are also traditional Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions and the magnificent Golden Gates. Keep an eye out for red squirrels and other wildlife as you explore the garden.
Botanic Gardens station
Benmore’s magnificent mountainside setting is a joy to behold. Its 120 acres boast a world-famous collection of plants from the Orient and Himalayas to North and South America, as well as an impressive avenue of giant redwoods, one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden. Established in 1863, these majestic giants stand over 150 foot high. Seven miles of trails throughout lead to a restored Victorian Fernery and a dramatic viewpoint at 420 feet looking out to surrounding mountains and Holy Loch. There are also traditional Bhutanese and Chilean pavilions and the magnificent Golden Gates. Keep an eye out for red squirrels and other wildlife as you explore the garden.
In the summer if you are lucky and your trip coincides with a visit from the Waverley you can take a trip doon the water aboard the last ocean going paddle steamer. It has been plagued with problems for the last few years but hopefully it will make a welcome return to these waters and you would be truly blessed to cruise through the Kyles of Bute to Tarbert aboard this legendary vessel.
6 locals recommend
Paddle Steamer Waverley
50 Pacific QuayIn the summer if you are lucky and your trip coincides with a visit from the Waverley you can take a trip doon the water aboard the last ocean going paddle steamer. It has been plagued with problems for the last few years but hopefully it will make a welcome return to these waters and you would be truly blessed to cruise through the Kyles of Bute to Tarbert aboard this legendary vessel.
Lovely little cafe and art gallery with ceramics and textiles crafted by the resident artist. Tha cafe selling great coffee (locally roasted) and some fabulous homemade baking. It’s just a mile or so -15 minute walk- from the cottage and so is a must!
There’s now also a lovely shop just across the road from the gallery selling handmade soaps, shampoos and other beauty products using entirely natural products and local botanicals and all made by a local gal.
Carry Farm
Lovely little cafe and art gallery with ceramics and textiles crafted by the resident artist. Tha cafe selling great coffee (locally roasted) and some fabulous homemade baking. It’s just a mile or so -15 minute walk- from the cottage and so is a must!
There’s now also a lovely shop just across the road from the gallery selling handmade soaps, shampoos and other beauty products using entirely natural products and local botanicals and all made by a local gal.
Giant's Armchair
Food scene
Cowal is becoming a rich playground for the gastronome with its plethora of great restaurants and cafes.
Locally sourced food in newly refurbished bar/ restaurant with beer garden overlooking the Kyles of Bute
14 locals recommend
Kames Hotel
shore roadLocally sourced food in newly refurbished bar/ restaurant with beer garden overlooking the Kyles of Bute
Stop off on the way to or way back from Ostel Bay beach at The Bothyat Kilbride Farm to sample the delights of this fabulous wee cafe. It’s only open in season but has the best scones in the world and some of the finest cakes too.
Kilbride Farm
Stop off on the way to or way back from Ostel Bay beach at The Bothyat Kilbride Farm to sample the delights of this fabulous wee cafe. It’s only open in season but has the best scones in the world and some of the finest cakes too.
Great place run by Michael who is a great chef and incredible baker too. This is a bucolic dream which is sure to appeal to adults and kids alike with goats to see, hens running round. There’s also a nice wee gallery of artwork for sale painted by Michael’s artist brother.
9 locals recommend
Botanica at The Barn
Great place run by Michael who is a great chef and incredible baker too. This is a bucolic dream which is sure to appeal to adults and kids alike with goats to see, hens running round. There’s also a nice wee gallery of artwork for sale painted by Michael’s artist brother.
The Oystercatcher is a pub and restaurant right on the beach at Otter Ferry with an amazing beer garden overlooking Loch Fyne, with fresh local seafood, real ales and meat from the isle of Bute.
Otter Ferry is located on the East Shore of Loch Fyne best reached by following the wee road from Millhouse.
27 locals recommend
The Oystercatcher
3 Otter Ferry SalmonThe Oystercatcher is a pub and restaurant right on the beach at Otter Ferry with an amazing beer garden overlooking Loch Fyne, with fresh local seafood, real ales and meat from the isle of Bute.
Otter Ferry is located on the East Shore of Loch Fyne best reached by following the wee road from Millhouse.
Chef and Owner Joe prepares fantastic fresh dishes using local game and fish and foraged produce as well as products sourced as local as possible. Meals are available 7 days a week for lunch and dinners or a cake in between!
14 locals recommend
The Colintraive Hotel
Chef and Owner Joe prepares fantastic fresh dishes using local game and fish and foraged produce as well as products sourced as local as possible. Meals are available 7 days a week for lunch and dinners or a cake in between!
The famous Inver Cottage is Scottish cooking at its best. It opened on the shores of Loch Fyne in spring 2015 to critical acclaim; quickly established as the most exciting new restaurant in the country and listed among the top restaurants in the UK.
Chef Pamela Brunton and restaurant manager Rob Latimer use current cooking techniques and the very best local, wild and farmed ingredients in a contemporary take on traditional and forgotten Scottish dishes.
34 locals recommend
Inver Restaurant & Rooms
The famous Inver Cottage is Scottish cooking at its best. It opened on the shores of Loch Fyne in spring 2015 to critical acclaim; quickly established as the most exciting new restaurant in the country and listed among the top restaurants in the UK.
Chef Pamela Brunton and restaurant manager Rob Latimer use current cooking techniques and the very best local, wild and farmed ingredients in a contemporary take on traditional and forgotten Scottish dishes.
This involves taking the car ferry to Tarbert and it is then about a 40 minute drive at the other side to this Seafood Cabin. Tables are outside so definitely suited to a warm sunny day. It has eccentric opening times and doesn’t open on a Saturday and so it is worth checking opening times before embarking. It is one of the finest places in the world to have lunch though if the gods allow.
15 locals recommend
Skipness Seafood Cabin
This involves taking the car ferry to Tarbert and it is then about a 40 minute drive at the other side to this Seafood Cabin. Tables are outside so definitely suited to a warm sunny day. It has eccentric opening times and doesn’t open on a Saturday and so it is worth checking opening times before embarking. It is one of the finest places in the world to have lunch though if the gods allow.
A bit of a drive away but this roadside establishment is a proper foodie institution and one which many make a pilgrimage to
58 locals recommend
Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
A bit of a drive away but this roadside establishment is a proper foodie institution and one which many make a pilgrimage to
Lovely fresh seafood from whatever the local fishermen have caught. You could dump the car at Portavadie and take the ferry across to Tarbert for a fabulous lunch.
15 locals recommend
Starfish Tarbert Restaurant & Gallery
Castle StreetLovely fresh seafood from whatever the local fishermen have caught. You could dump the car at Portavadie and take the ferry across to Tarbert for a fabulous lunch.
There is a wonderful restaurant here at Portavadie with views out over the marina. It does a remarkably affordable and lovely set price Sunday lunch which feels like a real treat.
14 locals recommend
Portavadie Marina
There is a wonderful restaurant here at Portavadie with views out over the marina. It does a remarkably affordable and lovely set price Sunday lunch which feels like a real treat.
Sailing
Excellent sailing school just a few minutes from the cottage offering sailing courses, power boat courses etc courses and Designed to get you out on the water when it suits you. If you are visiting the area and would like to experience sailing on the Kyles of Bute, they can provide tuition for you individually, or as a small group.
Tighnabruaich Sailing School
Excellent sailing school just a few minutes from the cottage offering sailing courses, power boat courses etc courses and Designed to get you out on the water when it suits you. If you are visiting the area and would like to experience sailing on the Kyles of Bute, they can provide tuition for you individually, or as a small group.
Golf
I’m told that this is quite some golf experience and not for the faint hearted what with the steep hills! Like crazy golf but on a larger scale and probably equally as enjoyable.
Kyles of Bute Golf Course
I’m told that this is quite some golf experience and not for the faint hearted what with the steep hills! Like crazy golf but on a larger scale and probably equally as enjoyable.
Walking
Cowal is great for walkers as the Cowal Way – one of Scotland’s Great Trails – runs right across the Cowal Peninsula, starting at Portavadie on Loch Fyne and ending at Inveruglas on Loch Lomond
This is an absolutely delightful natural harbour frequented by yachties but can also be enjoyed by walkers as there is a lovely coastal path leads here from Tighnabruaich past the boat yard.
Caladh Harbour
This is an absolutely delightful natural harbour frequented by yachties but can also be enjoyed by walkers as there is a lovely coastal path leads here from Tighnabruaich past the boat yard.
Great circular walk around the point right from the cottage door . The path is quite faint in part but start at the house walk along the farm track down past the farm to the shore and around the point to Ardlamont beach and then walk back to the main road and follow the road back to the cottage. It is a beautiful walk.
Ardlamont Point
Great circular walk around the point right from the cottage door . The path is quite faint in part but start at the house walk along the farm track down past the farm to the shore and around the point to Ardlamont beach and then walk back to the main road and follow the road back to the cottage. It is a beautiful walk.
This boggy but very scenic shorter walk passes through oakwoods and climbs up to the abandoned village of Glenan, a lonely spot, as well as visiting an attractive bay and shoreline. It starts just near to the ferry terminal at Portavadie and is pretty well signposted from there taking you on a circular walk along shore and then up through the woods and back to Portavadie
Glenan Bay
This boggy but very scenic shorter walk passes through oakwoods and climbs up to the abandoned village of Glenan, a lonely spot, as well as visiting an attractive bay and shoreline. It starts just near to the ferry terminal at Portavadie and is pretty well signposted from there taking you on a circular walk along shore and then up through the woods and back to Portavadie
Pucks Glen
Hillwalking
The jewel of the aptly named “Arrochar Alps” is not too far away if hill walking is your thing. . It’s craggy tops are not for the novice!
28 locals recommend
The Cobbler
The jewel of the aptly named “Arrochar Alps” is not too far away if hill walking is your thing. . It’s craggy tops are not for the novice!
The highest peak in the so-called Arrochar Alps to the west of Loch Lomond and one of several Munros, Beinn Ime offers a superb walk from the shore of Loch Long.
The Arrochar Alps are distinctive landmark summits which combined with the Rest and Be Thankful Pass in the nearby Glen Croe make a dramatic landscape transition between the mountainous National Park and the Argyll area beyond.
The route up is signposted from a car park close to the village of Arrochar and follows a zig-zagging route through forestry before you reach a wide and beautiful glen.
7 locals recommend
Beinn Ime
The highest peak in the so-called Arrochar Alps to the west of Loch Lomond and one of several Munros, Beinn Ime offers a superb walk from the shore of Loch Long.
The Arrochar Alps are distinctive landmark summits which combined with the Rest and Be Thankful Pass in the nearby Glen Croe make a dramatic landscape transition between the mountainous National Park and the Argyll area beyond.
The route up is signposted from a car park close to the village of Arrochar and follows a zig-zagging route through forestry before you reach a wide and beautiful glen.
Boat trips
Portavadie Ferry Terminal station