Tarbert (12 miles / 19 km) - a picturesque fishing village on the route to Campbeltown. The coast of the bay is rocky and the cliffs are fringed with young firs. Overlooking the harbour are the ruins of a castle built by Robert I of Scotland in 1326.
Crarae Gardens (16 miles / 25 km) - north on the A38, the gardens total 25 acres of diverse flower, tree and shrub collections. The main garden is set on a hillside which expands down the Crarae Burn, in a way reminiscent of a Himalayan Gorge.
Arran (25 miles / 40 km) - take a ferry trip to the largest island in the Firth of Clyde. Home to more than 30 villages; neolithic stone circles and the historic Brodick Castle.
By car:
- Take the A83 towards Campbeltown.
- Shortly after you pass Kilmory Castle, the road will begin to bend round into a long U-turn.
- As you come out of this (heading south once again), you will rapidly approach Ardrishaig. Be sure to keep a look-out for the hotel on your left.