Tighnabruaich and The Kyles of Bute is truly one of Scotlands best kept secrets, off the tourist route means the coach loads of tourists miss it, joy!

Most of my photographs are taken in the winter because the light is fantastic bringing out the stunning colours. Look at my Gallery, these photos have been taken within a few miles of the house.

All the village amenities are within easy walking distance of the house including a very well stocked grocer and off licence. The nearby Kames Hotel offers fantastic food and a great atmosphere all just a few minutes walk away. Also a drive away there is an outstanding restaurant and pub with the most outstanding beer garden in the world, probably! The Oyster Catcher.

The Kyles of Bute golf course is a walk up the hill, a fabulous place to take in the scenery. It is a 9 hole course and the fees are very reasonable at around £10 for the day. The local standard of golf is very high, so don't play the locals for money!

Sailing and Canoing is outstanding in the protected waters of the Kyles offering many anchorages and places to explore including the nearby Isle of Arran, Inchmarnock and Bute. Slipways are available free to launch and the house has plenty of space to park a boat or two. Click here for a chart of the Kyles

Walking has really grown in the area due to the Cowal Way, a fantastic walk that can be done in sections or all at once, there are stunning walks straight from the house too many to list!

Boat trips are available in the summer months from Donald at the pier, in a lovely ex-fishing boat called Morag. Donald can be found at the Tighnabruaich Pier or emailed donaldinter@aol.com.

Diving, the waters are clear and deep with a nice selection of Scallops within a mile or so of the house, air is available in small amounts and in Sandbank there is a fully equiped diving centre with decompression chamber etc.. I am not sure what that all means as I don't dive, but see the links!

Cycling, from the house there is a great circuit around Ardlamont which takes in views to Arran, The Kyles and takes you past the beach at Ostel Bay, stunning large sandy beach and on a busy day you may see 4 families down there!

Fishing - Sea fishing off the pier, off Donalds boat and off the beach, it is easy to cast into 80ft of water from the shores of Tighnabruaich. Fly fishing is available at the many Lochs, you do need a license, available from the local shop.

Here are some links to other activities in the area

http://www.riverrocket.co.uk/ Rib rides, fantastic fun!

http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/ Waverley, last sea going paddle steamer, unforgettable experience!

http://www.quadmaniascotland.co.uk/ Quad bikes

http://www.inveraray-castle.com Proper Castle, stunning!

http://www.inverarayjail.co.uk/ Jail, great to take the kids- and leave them!

Benmore Gardens Really very good with American Redwoods, massive!

Loads more stuff to do as well.