Walking and Cycling
The whole area is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains that are ideal for the hill-walker. The highest local mountains are Beinn Ime (3318ft), The Fiddler (2660 ft) and behind the cottage, Cruach nan Capull (1854 ft). For something flatter there is the Old Shore Road (now just a track road) in front of the cottage which winds along the banks of the Loch. Walk or cycle all the way to the pub at Cairndow - (5 miles) or the Creggans at Strachur (2 miles).

The highly popular October walking festival known as the Cowalfest is now firmly established as a highlight of the year in the Cowal calendar, with all the walks graded and numbered. There are also cultural and social events to accompany this event, which usually lasts about 10 days around the middle of the month - A 'must' for walkers! You may choose to sample a part of the Cowal way which is a long distance footpath split into 6 sections, running the length of the Cowal Peninsula. It starts at Portavadie, beside Loch Fyne, and finishes in Ardgartan, by Loch Long. It is 47 miles (75 km) long, climbing 5050 ft (1540 m) on the way. The route follows existing rights of way and public roads, most of which are extremely quiet, or cross Forestry Commission land. For more information on guided walks, please contact Nikki Dayton Tel 01369 860324 or www.aboutargyll.co.uk

You can hire bikes daily / weekly from the petrol station in Strachur and quad biking is available from Quadmania Ltd, Stronchullin Farm, Blairmore 01369 810246.

Gardens
Ardkinglass Woodland Garden at Cairndow (approx 6 miles) is set on a hillside with wonderful views of Loch Fyne, and holds one of the finest collections of conifers in the British Isles, including the "mightiest conifer in Europe" dating back to around 1790.

Benmore Gardens situated on a magnificent mountainside on the Cowal Peninsula (on the A815 beyond Strachur) is a specialist woodland garden of the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. Extending to over 120 acres it boasts over 250 species of rhododendron and has an impressive display of Giant Redwood trees planted in 1863 which form a spectacular avenue that greets each visitor. Refreshments are available and the Botanics Shop sells a range of gifts and plants.

Hidden away on the Cowal Peninsula, Puck’s Glen is a magical place filled with gushing waterfalls and enchanting rock pools. There are three woodland walks, all pet friendly and start at the Forest Enterprise car park just off the A815, beyond Strachur.

Fishing
Fishing and sea angling is available on your doorstep in Loch Fyne. It is renowned - for it’s excellent sea fishing and you can catch cod, sea trout, pollack, coalfish, conger, plaice, turbot, mackerel and ling. Loch Eck is also good for fishing and there are plenty of nearby rivers for Trout, Salmon and Sea Salmon.

Boats can be hired through the Inverary Tourist board. Fishing permits for Loch Fyne can be obtained from the the Creggans Inn Tel 01369 860279 at just £10 per day (maximum catch 2 fish). Fishing Equipment and fishing advice and tackle can also be hired from the tackle shop in Dunoon. I.C. Purdie 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon. Tel. 01369 703232.

Boating
Loch Fyne is excellent for sailing and Boats can be hired from Quebec Marine at the Argyll Caravan Park, 3 miles south of Inverary (01499 302285). For those wishing to cruise on Loch Eck, motor or rowing boats are available to hire from the Coylet Inn.

Diving
Diving is very popular in Loch Fyne as the conditions and wildlife is excellent. Though the water is cold at depth there is usually good visibility with superb diving sites up and down the loch, varied marine plant life and dolphins visiting the area and basking sharks frequenting the lower stretches of the loch from June to August each year. Find more details on www.fyne-diving.co.uk

Swimming & Spa
Swimming is of course possible from the beach in front of the cottage. Alternatively there is a pool and spa at the Loch Fyne Hotel in Inverary and also a small pool at the Drymsynie Hotel in Lochgoilhead (approx 9 miles).

Golf
There are 4 golf courses within easy reach: Inverary, Blairmore, Innellan (all 9 holes) and the Cowal golf course (18 holes). Inverary consists of two par threes, one par five and six par fours. The course is set on the shore of Loch Fyne For more details see www.scottishgolfcourses.com

Horse riding
The Argyll Trail Riding Centre is situated at Ardishaig and there is also “Argyll Adventure” www.argylladventure.com located just outside Inverary.a