Scotland's best hidden gem with picturesque lochs and quaint villages is the perfect summer escape
Scotland is a land of distinct regions, each brimming with character, charm and identity. While the 32 council areas and traditional counties offer their own appeal, it's often the lesser-known pockets tucked between them that reveal the true beauty of the country.
As Scotland saw the warmest day in two years, the urge to escape the crowds and noise of city life can feel overwhelming. But with so many others chasing the same tranquillity, peace and quiet can be hard to come by. One area, however, may just offer the perfect escape, and it's surprisingly close to the Central Belt.
Tucked within Argyll and Bute, the Cowal Peninsula has long been described as Scotland's 'secret coast'. Though not exactly hidden, this stretch of land is full of hidden gems, a patchwork of glittering sea lochs, dramatic mountains, quiet villages and rugged beaches that offer a more peaceful slice of the country, Scottish Daily Express reports.
Flanked by Loch Fyne to the west and Loch Long and the Firth of Clyde to the east, Cowal's landscapes shift from the towering Munros of the northern Arrochar Alps to gentler, rolling hills in the south.
The contrast makes it a haven for both thrill-seekers and those craving slow-paced serenity.
Dunoon, Cowal's main town and a Clyde resort of old, is home to a charming Victorian pier and seafront promenade.
It's just over an hour from Glasgow via ferry from Gourock, or around two hours by car through scenic mountain passes and past mirror-like lochs.
But Dunoon is just the beginning. To the north lies Benmore Botanic Garden, one of Cowal's crowning jewels. Spanning 120 acres, the garden is famed for its towering redwoods and lush plant collections.
Puck's Glen, the nearby enchanted forest walk, is temporarily closed this summer but remains one of Scotland's most magical trails.
Further north still is Lochgoilhead, a village with Alpine vibes nestled on the shore of Loch Goil. Its remoteness, reached only by winding single-track roads, adds to the charm.
Here, the Boat Shed cafe has gained cult status, with foodies travelling from far and wide just to post a photo with a view.
On the peninsula's quieter southwest, the village of Tighnabruaich gazes out over the Kyles of Bute and is a firm favourite with sailors and cyclists.
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Just a few miles beyond lies Kilbride Bay, also known as Ostell Bay, a breathtaking crescent of golden sand, where space and solitude are never in short supply.
For those driving north along Cowal's western edge, the journey along the eastern shore of Loch Fyne is an experience in itself.
Stop for a night at Inver Restaurant near Strachur, where you can stay in a modern lochside bothy and enjoy ever-changing menus of fresh, local Scottish cuisine.
The peninsula is dotted with castles, both intact and in ruin, as well as sprawling estates, ancient woodlands and twisting trails that seem untouched by time.
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