Strachur, a village dominated by the home of the late Sir Fitzroy McLean, the legendary soldier upon whom it is said the character of James Bond is based, has magnificent views across Loch Fyne. To the south lies Glendaruel with its woodland patched hillsides and meandering river running into Loch Riddon and the Kyles of Bute. The villages of Tighnabruaich and Kames nestle along the shoreline of the Kyles of Bute and are a haven for yachtsmen. To the east, the twisty road to Dunoon is surrounded by rugged and spectacular hills before the Holy Loch and the Firth of Clyde come into view.

Dunoon, 'Maritime Gateway to Scotland's First National Park', sits on the shores of the Clyde Estuary and has unsurpassed views towards Gourock and south to Ayrshire. This is the home of the world's premier highland games " the Cowal Gathering " and is one of Scotland's oldest holiday towns.

Attractions are numerous and include the Castle House Museum, which will entertain with exhibits on everything from ancient history to the heyday of the Clyde steamers. Dunoon Ceramics, the bustling promenade and the Cowal Bird Garden, with its colourful collection of rare birds, will also fascinate. The Benmore Botanic Garden at the head of the Holy Loch has a fine array of floral specimens and rare exotic shrubs. Further down the peninsula, through Innellan, stands the 15th century Toward Castle and the mansion house Castle Toward, built by the threadmakers, Coates.

The Isle of Bute can be reached by ferries from Wemyss Bay on the mainland and from Colintraive on the Cowal Peninsula. The Royal Burgh of Rothesay splendours in Victorian architecture, standing proud round the town's splendid bay, but the island's history dates much further back. Standing stones at Ettrick Bay, the ancient chapel of St. Blane and the vitrified Iron Age fort at Dunagoil provide the evidence that the island was inhabited as far back as 2,000BC.

Rothesay Castle, the island residence of the Scottish Stewart kings, the Bute Museum and the glorious Winter Garden " a unique, circular theatre of cast iron and glass " are popular attractions. The Isle of Bute Discovery Centre within the Winter Garden, provides visitors with the perfect start to a visit to the island as it offers an orientation centre, cinema, bistro and genealogy centre. The Marquess of Bute's Victorian Gothic palace, Mount Stuart - one of Scotland's most stunning stately homes - is surrounded by wonderful gardens and policies. The wildlife of Bute is also varied, with feral mountain goats, buzzards and roe deer in the hills and fine fishing in the lochs and sea, where seals keep a constant eye on proceedings, especially at Scalpsie Bay.

Suggested Itinerary

From south Loch Lomond, take the A82 and A83 through Glen Kinglas to Cairndow (28 miles), and follow the A815 to Strachur (10 miles). Continue along the shores of Loch Eck to the Holy Loch and Dunoon (19 miles - Benmore Botanic Garden, Castle House Museum, Dunoon Ceramics, Cowal Bird Garden). At the head of the Holy Loch, follow the B836 to Glendaruel, and either take the A8003 to Tighnabruaich and Kames (7 miles - Kyles of Bute beaches) or continue on the A886 to Colintraive (7 miles , ferry to Bute). Cross to Bute and south on the A886 to Rothesay (9 miles - Castle, Isle of Bute Discovery Centre, Museum), and then on to Mount Stuart (5 miles , Mount Stuart ). Return to the mainland from Rothesay to Wemyss Bay.

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