A short tour of the unspoilt peninsulas of the Cowal and Kintyre, which encompasses spectacular roads, including the awesome Mull of Kintyre, made famous by Sir Paul McCartney in song. You will find it hard to believe that such an unspoilt area exists within a few hours of Glasgow!

Day One

Your route will pass Loch Lomond and the so-called Arrochar Alps, before turning south, and after a stop at a viewpoint to enjoy one of the best views in Scotland - a perfect introduction to your tour - you reach your first hotel.

Your hotel

Enjoying spectacular views of the Isle of Bute, this is an imposing Victorian establishment dominating the rocky shore. Look out for the exquisite mosaic floor in the entrance – laid by Italian prisoners of war. Attention is paid to the tiniest of details here, from the complimentary whisky liqueur from a secret family recipe in your room to the dramatic display of local art in the public areas. During your stay you will learn about the local lady who dives for the scallops, the stalker who sources the venison (he really is called Winston Churchill) and the rugged fisherman who lands the langoustine. The hotel’s “Shinty Bar” offers local real ales and simpler snacks and is crammed with memorabilia, aptly enough, from the local shinty team.

Day Two

Tighnabruaich is perfectly placed to explore the many treasures of the Cowal peninsula, from the nearby white sands of Kilbride Bay to the tranquil shores of Loch Fyne and the myriad rhododendron species of the Benmore Botanic Garden. You can also take the short ferry to the nearby Isle of Bute - the “unexplored island”, with its fine sandy beaches, glorious gothic house Mount Stuart (scene of Stella McCartney’s wedding last year) and listed Victorian toilets. (really!)

Day Three - Kintyre

Depart the hotel for the nearby ferry terminal, where you will take a short crossing to the attractive fishing village of Tarbert on Kintyre. You should spend the day discovering the dramatic scenery, rich history and deserted beaches of this our favourite Scottish peninsula. Start by taking the rugged east coast road, where Skipness Castle, the crescent beach at Carradale and the magical Saddell Abbey should not be missed. Continue through Campbeltown- perhaps stopping at the Springbank Distillery and on to the far south and the Mull of Kintyre. The energetic should walk to the Lighthouse - everyone can enjoy - in good weather - the views to Ireland, just 12 miles away. In nearby Southend stop to watch for seals and to visit the spot where St Columba first landed after leaving Ireland on his way to Iona. After a full day head up the west coast road to the small harbour of Tayinloan where you catch the 20 minute ferry to Gigha.

Your Hotel

Your comfortable and extremely welcoming hotel exudes Hebridean charm and, in its position a few minutes walk from the ferry terminal, is very much the social hub of this tiny island. A favourite haunt for locals, the bar features fascinating old photographs which give the visitor a flavour of the island’s history - the ideal place to enjoy a few drams of single malt and listen to tales of Gigha life which have been handed down through the generations. Practically every room in this comfortable and simple hotel offers stunning views, either of the island’s gently undulating landscape or over the wide sweep of Ardminish Bay, where colourful yachts and ferry boats ply back and forth to the Kintyre peninsula on the mainland. The lively dining room is no exception and serves an array of local produce, including freshly caught prawns, clams and lobsters. And make sure you try the Isle of Gigha cheese!

Day Four - the Isle of Gigha

Known by the Vikings as ‘the Good Isle’ – and later as ‘God’s island’ – Gigha, the most southerly of the Hebrides, is a place of complete escape. As you cross the Sound of Gigha on the ferry from Tayinloan, you feel as though you are leaving behind far more than just the mainland. Walkers can take in stunning panoramic views from wildflower-strewn hillsides and cyclists will discover perfect picnic spots on tiny beaches of pure white sand. The island’s history makes fascinating reading – especially the recent community buy-out, ensuring Gigha’s future for islanders and visitors alike. Sitting in the friendly Gigha Hotel Bar, the locals’ passion for their island is apparent as you quiz them on the ancient Bronze Age burial cairns, the spectacular banks of rhododendrons in Achamore Gardens (not to be missed!), the 13th century church of Kilchattan or the best place to watch the sun rise over Kintyre.

Day Five

Your return journey will take you north along the shores of Loch Fyne, where the picture postcard village of Inveraray is well worth time to explore.

From £259 per person for holidays in March 2008, £290 for April & October and £305 per person for May to September , based on 2 people sharing, for 4 nights between March and October 2008 on a bed & breakfast basis.

Price includes ferry crossings from Dunoon to Gourock, Portavadie to Tarbert and return to Gigha for car and passengers.

This tour is equally practical with a start and finish at Glasgow or Prestwick airports, or if coming from England by road.

All our touring holidays include a map of Scotland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £7 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.