📌 Village & marina in Argyll & Bute
★★
For a moment you could be fooled into thinking you’ve been teleported to the Mediterranean. Then gaze inland (or just wait for the wind to blow again) and remind yourself you’re actually in deepest Cowal, Argyll. It all feels slightly surreal: the extensive marina and spa complex complete with restaurants, infinity pool, shops and accommodation opened in 2010 and is located in one of the most remote parts of the Scottish mainland: it’s nearly 100 miles by road to Glasgow, the closest city. Is it a stroke of genius, or a ridiculous concept? We’re not quite sure: it probably makes more sense to those who own a boat. Our star rating refers to the “village” as a whole, which also includes a handful of older houses and a vehicle ferry to Tarbert, both of which existed before the leisure complex was built). Paying guests are surely treated to an altogether more luxurious experience, but for the rest of us it’s still a fascinating place to wander around in a mild state of bewilderment.
🌍 Location
📌 Argyll & Bute
🧭 O.S.Grid Reference: NR 928695
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.874519,-5.314088
🚢🚌 Portavadie is the terminus for infrequent bus routes from Dunoon, Tighnabruaich and the Isle of Bute. There’s also a ferry to Tarbert on the Kintyre peninsula.
Explore nearby
<1 mi away
>> Walk: Stretching the legs & the truth at Eilean Aoidhe ★★★
<3 mi away
>> Kilbride Bay ★★★ (3 mi →)
