For a taste of the magnificent West Highlands, consider West Cowal. Spectacular mountain scenery, gentle burns trickling through rugged glens, cosy shoreside inns and dramatic seascapes combine to make this area a nature lover's paradise. The northern road to this enchanting corner of the countryside passes through splendid Glen Kinglas, and following a left turn it quickly drops downhill towards the peaceful village of St Catherines - but not before passing the road through the appropriately named 'Hell's Glen', which fails steeply down to Lochgoilhead. This is the domain of birds of prey and massive red deer, adding to the sense of Highland isolation.
  South of St Catherines, on the shores of Loch Fyne with its bountiful supplies of seafood lies the picturesque village of Strachur. The tiny community is dominated by the home of the late Sir Fitzroy Maclean, the legendary soldier upon whom it is said 007 - James Bond - is based. The Strachur Smiddy is a fascinating, fully restored 18th century Highland blacksmith's with occasional demonstrations. Shore fishing is a popular pastime in this area, with a wide variety of species waiting to be lured.
  Following the twisting road along the rocky Loch Fyne shore, unparalleled views across the loch to Inveraray and the Kintyre Peninsula open out with every turn. The turbulent history of the 15th century Castle Lachlan, though largely in ruins, makes it well worth a visit. This was the ancestral home of the Clan Lachlan until it was ordered to be destroyed following the last Jacobite rebellion, in 1745-6.
  Then on to the quaintly titled otter Ferry, a name which serves to remind the visitor that this is largely natural, unspoilt country, where the sight of an otter is just reward to the persevering wildlife watcher. On the hillside above the village, the intrepid walker is treated to a magnificent vista over the hilltops as far as the Isles of Mull and Jura.
  The road then meanders through tiny hamlets and the country estate of Kilfinan, with its neatly maintained walls and hedges. Some glorious walks can be taken through the leafy woodlands of this most southerly tip of Cowal and shoreline picnic spots abound. The golden stretch of sand at Kilbride Bay affords magnificent views south to the Isle of Arran. Continue up through Millhouse with its scenic nine-hole golf course to the apparently unpronounceable Tighnabruaich, set perched around a bay jostling with colourful yachts and surrounded by the forest covered hillsides. The road north from Tighnabruaich is one of the most beautiful in Scotland,, as it climbs steeply to a viewpoint above the romantic Kyles of Bute. From there the drive through the picturesque forests and valley hillsides of Glendaruel brings you back over the hill to Strachur - your travels through this microcosm of Scottish landscape are complete.