wanda@thebuffeys.wanadoo.co.uk
 The Dunoon area has a good choice of restaurants, bars & shops to suit all tastes & budgets. The immediate area is renowned for some of the best walking in Scotland and is a great base for exploring the west coast and the Highlands and Islands. There is a wide variety of cycling and walking in the area. Numerous gardens, forest trails, and sporting activities (e.g. sailing/boat cruises, golf, fishing (river & loch), stalking, pony trekking, quad-biking) are all within easy reach. A Royal Yachting Association approved sailing & windsurfing school is located nearby in Tighnabruaich.

Walking The area is a hill-and-trail-walker’s paradise with a fantastic variety of walking to suit all tastes and abilities. Some nearby walks are Puck’s Glen, Ardnadam Heritage Trail, Glen Finnairt, Ardentinny Forest and The Cowal Way.

Cycling Whether on roads, the designated cycle routes or the many forestry roads, there is cycling to suit all abilities and levels of challenge. The Argyll Forest Park or Forestry Commission websites have more information.

Golf There are three 9 hole courses; Blairmore and Strone Golf Club’s pretty course (5.9 miles), designed by James Braid, has stunning views down the Firth Of Clyde; Innellan Golf Club (7.4 miles) and Kyles Of Bute Golf Club (21.2miles) at Tighnabruaich with beautiful views over the Kyles of Bute and one 18 hole course Cowal Golf Club (2.7 miles). Visitors are welcome at any time when there are no competitions on at all four courses, please check current details with the relevant golf club.

Skiing & Snowboarding When snow conditions are conducive and you fancy a day on the slopes, Nevis Range and Glencoe ski areas near Fort William are easily reached for a day’s skiing or snowboarding. See Ski Scotland for details of the ski areas, snow conditions, equipment hire and passes.

Paddle Steamer Trips Since the heyday of the paddle steamer in the 1800s, Dunoon’s Victorian Pier has seen the berthing of every famous Clyde steamer and countless other vessels as well. The last seagoing paddle steamer in the world, The PS Waverley, still calls in regularly at Dunoon, Blairmore and Tighnabruaich piers throughout the summer months. Check out the website (www. waverleyexcursions.co.uk) for details of cruises available.

River Rocket An adventure boat ride combining the wildlife & scenery of the beautiful Firth Of Clyde, suitable for families and anyone with a love of the outdoors.

Benmore Botanic Gardens is located on the A815, 7 miles north of Dunoon, in a magnificent mountainside setting. It is an enchanting garden steeped in history and surrounded by dramatic scenery. Benmore’s 150 acres feature over 250 species of rhododendron and some of the tallest trees in Britain, including a spectacular avenue of giant redwoods. Some of these trees, which were planted in 1863, reach over 40 metres in height. A series of delightful trails lead past the beautiful pond and the historic formal garden to hillside woodlands with dramatic viewpoints. The garden is glorious throughout the seasons, from the vibrant blooms of azaleas in spring to spectacular displays of rich autumn foliage.

Some information is available in the apartment or further  details may be obtained from the Dunoon Tourist Information Office telephone 01369 703785.