10 Lake/ River/ Ponds to Explore in Argyll and Bute Council

Checkout places to visit in Argyll and Bute Council

Argyll and Bute Council

Argyll and Bute is one of 32 unitary authority council areas in Scotland and a lieutenancy area. It has miles of coastline with truly stunning views and is known as Scotland’s Adventure Coast with all its experiences available for the visitor. The islands are a great attraction for visitors each with something different to offer, sandy beaches, stunning scenery, remoteness, wildlife, seabirds and island hospitality.

Activities Around

Lake/ River/ Ponds to Explore in Argyll and Bute Council

Crinan Canal

A wonderful waterway to explore by canoe or kayak, surrounded by the stunning scenery of Argyll & Bute. The nine-mile-long canal links Ardrishaig at the Firth of Clyde with the picturesque village of Crinan and the spectacular scenery of Scotland’s west coast. The Crinan also offers the chance to see some incredible wildlife. Visitors can catch a glimpse of deer and rare red squirrels in the surrounding pine forests.

Loch Awe

It is the longest lake in scotland measuring 24 miles from northeast to southwest, situated in Argyll and Bute council area. It has also given its name to a village on its banks, variously known as Loch Awe, or Lochawe. There are islands within the loch such as Innis Chonnell and Inishail. Traditionally Loch Awe was the home of Clan Macarthur, later followed by Clan Campbell. Highlights to see include 2 picturesque castles, a remarkable early 20th-century church, an 18th-century industrial site.

Loch Creran

Loch Creran, situated at the northern end of the Firth of Lorn, is a typical fjordic sea loch. This loch has four deep basins separated by rocky sills. The conditions change from the entrance of the loch to its head. The site is particularly notable for biogenic reefs of the calcareous tube-worm Serpula vermicularis, which occur in shallow water around the periphery of the loch.

Loch Eck

Loch Eck is a freshwater loch located on the Cowal peninsula, north of Dunoon, Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is a great place for wildlife. Red squirrels forage its shores and deep under its surface swims Scotland's rarest freshwater fishes.

Loch Etive

Loch Etive is a 30 km sea loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It reaches the sea at Connel, 5 km north of Oban. It measures 31.6 km long and from 1.2 km to 1.6 km wide. Its depth varies greatly, up to a maximum of 150 m. The narrow mouth of the loch results in its most unusual feature, the Falls of Lora. Part of the north bank has been designated a Special Area of Conservation in particular due to old sessile oak woods.

Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond sits at the heart of the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. It is the largest lake in Great Britain by surface area. There is some great walking and cycling to do around Loch Lomond. The loch contains many islands, including Inchmurrin, the largest fresh-water island in the British Isles.

Loch Tulla

Loch Tulla is a small loch near Bridge of Orchy and Glen Coe in Scotland and in the central highlands. It contains salmon some of which are bred locally. It lies north-east of the Inveroran Hotel, a popular West Highland Way stop off point close to Bridge of Orchy.

Pucks Glen

Puck's Glen is a river-formed ravine on the Cowal peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, with a popular scenic walking trail beside the Eas Mòr stream. It comes under Forestry and Land Scotland which has highlighted it as a feature of the Argyll Forest Park, and described it as "One of the most magical forests in Scotland, with a delightful trail along a rocky gorge.

River Orchy

The river Orchy is a rain fed pool drop river. Recent gold mining exploration has occurred in one of the river's glens just outside the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park. There are islands within the river including a large wooded one about 1 mi above Inverlochy Castle. The river is famous for kayaking, whitewater rafting, and fishing. Recent gold mining exploration has occurred in one of the river's glens just outside the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.

The Loch Long

Loch Long is a body of water in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It measures approximately 20 miles in length, with a width of between 1 and 2 miles. The loch also has an arm, Loch Goil, on its western side. It was historically the boundary between Argyll and Dunbartonshire; however, in 1996 boundary redrawing meant that it moved wholly within the council area of Argyll and Bute.

Map of Lake/ River/ Ponds to explore in Argyll and Bute Council