This lovely big area of parkland adjacent to Larkfield Road in Gourock used to be called 'Darroch…read morePark', but was renamed by the council some years ago. The lower slopes are great for walking amongst the trees and neat flower beds. The park staff seem to keep everything looking lovely and I enjoyed a stroll there a week or two ago. The Gourock Burn flows down the west side of the park and there is a 'Swan Pond' as well. Further up, there's a bowling green and tennis courts. There are marvellous views to be had across the Clyde from the top!

As you head out of Dunoon, through Sandbank and along the A815, it's almost impossible to miss the…read moreBenmore Botanic Garden on the left hand side. It's a popular attraction for both tourists and locals. However, about a mile before you get there, on the opposite side of the road, you'll spot a little car park marked "Puck's Glen", and it is every bit as charming as the name suggests. In my free time I like to write, and as I'm frequently on the road I do much of my writing on my netbook, in my car, often in quiet little car parks, and for over a year I've been stopping every so often in the Puck's Glen car park. I'd seen the trail leading up into the wooded hill, but didn't take the time to venture out of my car and explore it until one day, in Autumn of last year, when, in the late afternoon as I sat writing, a deer wandered out of the trees and so close to my car if I'd opened my window I could have reached out and touched it. When it left I got out of the car and made my way along the trail, but as I was pressed for time I wasn't able to explore too far. It wasn't until last week that I was able to walk the length of the trail in full, and my God I don't regret it. The first thing I will say is that it isn't a walk for those looking for a gentle stroll. Nor is it a walk for those with bad knees or hips. The first part of the walk is a steep climb, though you're rewarded with a nice little bench in a shaded area when you do make it up the first leg. Then you have another steep climb that seems to go on forever and by the time you reach the top you're too exhausted to appreciate the outstanding views, particularly if the sun is out in full force. However, the climb is essential if you want to enjoy what has to be one of the most spectacular sights I've ever seen. If you follow the path markers around you come to a crossroads. The main path goes straight ahead, but there is a narrower, shaded path that goes left to right across it. The path to the right goes uphill, and after all the climbing I'd done already that day I couldn't stomach another ascent, but the path to the right goes down. It's a combination of a dirt track, gravel track and wooden steps that lead down several hundred feet to a concrete track that leads back to the car park, but it is the most wonderful experience imaginable for alongside the path runs a little stream that breaks into a series of dozens of mini-waterfalls and pools. The path is shaded and cool, with wooden railings to help you keep your balance on the tricky spots. There are a few bits where you need to walk across large stones which can be slippery when wet, but believe me, it's worth the effort. The waterfalls are simply magical and though the path, complete with wooden bridges that crisscross the stream at several points, has clearly been constructed by the forestry commission, it's easy to believe that you're the first person to ever see these magical sights. My favourite spot was about halfway down where the moss-covered rock-face to the right was literally dripping with water, an endless cascading shower of droplets. Wildlife fans won't be disappointed either. I counted eight deer on my ascent - I believe five were red deer (one a stag) and three were roe deer, but don't quote me on that. I encountered a couple of birds I don't think I'd ever seen before, including one that was black and white with a beautiful red chin, and at least half a dozen red squirrels. As I say, it's not a gentle stroll, and while you'll certainly sleep afterwards I don't think I'd call it relaxing, but it is spectacular and an experience not to be missed.

A hidden gem which your Julia Donaldson loving little ones will love to visit!…read moreWe call this Gruffalo Wood because of the Gruffalo-themed carvings dotted near the entrance of the Loch. The Loch itself is fairly small, taking only 15-20 mins to walk around. There is lots of nature and wildlife to explore here from toadstools to frogs to wild raspberries to dragonflies... We met a particularly large, and bold, swan today whilst feeding the ducks! On our last visit we stumbled across hundreds and hundreds of baby frogs migrating across the pathway to the Loch. This has become a regular location for us to visit with our little Julia Donaldson fan. There is a play park at the far end of the Loch from the little car park off Kilmardinny Avenue and if you need something to eat or liquid refreshments after your walk there is a recently opened Waitrose with a lovely cafe minutes away by car or foot!

We visited here after discovering Gruffalo Wood through Ali's review :)…read more My friend was visiting with her 6 and 3yr old girls and we took A in his pram. We really enjoyed walking round the loch in the sunshine, the path is pretty easy going for littles and the pram alike, and there are a few places to stop along the way and see the ducks or discover the awesome carvings. We couldn't find the play park, perhaps a little sign would help, but we asked someone and soon found the little path leading up to it. There were some different play areas to explore including an awesome rope swing that the adults enjoyed too! We had a great, free day out and it worked well to tire out the kids. Would highly recommend.

A lovely park between Greenock and Gourock with fantastic views across to the mountains of Argyll…read more There are children's play areas, a skateboard park, and two grass football/rugby pitches. There is also a pavilion with toilet facilities and a cafeteria. A popular place for strolling to admire the views. There are also various events staged here from time to time, like firework displays. It's very close to the Fort Matilda railway station, too, though you can scarcely see it from the park.

Again, loved going there for a walk, and it is bit small, but great for wee children, as it is big…read moreand well enclosed away from the road. Great for the kids to play football around the green. The views are great. Even there is a wee play park provided for the kids. And there is a cafe with selections of foods/ drinks as well. it is a nice place to go out for a day. Even the views across the Clyde are still beautiful

Great wee (actually quite big) walk surrounded by wonderful woodland and a fast flowing…read moreriver/waterfall. There's a great history to this place as well - worth stopping to read the various signposts. And those benches in the car park... MADNESS!

The things I love about this place is that if you take the anti-clockwise route, the waterfalls are…read morehidden and are a lovely surprise when going downhill. When the light is right, it hits the falls and looks beautiful. The return walk is approx 1hr, with some steep hills and slippy surfaces. Car parking is free I think, but if not, you can always park for free in the town itself and it is only a 5 minute walk to the start of the Birks. A gem and a must go!

We stopped here on a slightly rainy day, there was ample parking (no other cars) and a nice grass…read morearea with toilets and picnic tables. There are several walks to choose from, we opted for the coastal path to Tobermory. The views of Tobermory as you approach are stunning, then there is a large pub right at the end of the walk on the edge of Tobermory with a large beer garden to the front for some well deserved refreshments.

The Aros Park is a foresty commission park on the outskirts of Tobermory. There are various…read moredifferent trails through the park, including one which starts in Tobermory and has stunning views of Calve Island and back to Tobermory. There's also a small loch in the park, with a path around it - and it's stocked with fish. There's much plant and bird life - we saw a huge variety of wildflowers, and saw and heard many birds including a cuckoo and a woodpecker. If you don't want to walk from Tobermory, there's a car park with ample parking and a good sign with a map, and a supply of small map leaflets showing all the trails for visitors to take. There's also a 'barbecue area' which we didn't use - but plan to use next time we go back. Hopefully the smoke from the barbecue will keep away the dreaded midgies!

Magnificent! Couldn't have asked for a better wedding! My new hubby works in the hospitality…read moreindustry so he's a tough sell. He had nothing but rave reviews. If you're staying in the castle, Ian is perfection! Our entire group of 8 absolutely adored him. The kids said he was 'cool' and he was our go-to man if we had any requests or inquiries.

The perfect family day out. With it being a national trust property the admission prices are a bit…read morespendy, we used Tesco Clubcard voucher exchange to bring the cost down. But even if we had paid £25 (just for the grounds) it would have been money well spent. Having brought the puppy we decided not to bother with paying the extra to go into the castle and to be honest even without the dog we wouldn't have had time to do everything. This place is huge. The grounds are perfection, the coast on one side and woodlands on the other with spectacular ornamental gardens, swan lakes and quirky wee buildings like the ice house, pagoda, etc. As per usual our first stop was for something to eat and we were really impressed with the offering from the courtyard cafe. Firstly that there were outside tables so that we could eat without running the gauntlet of leaving the dog in the car free to munch on the upholstery. There was plenty of family entertainment on offer, watching g throw his food around and suppress squeals of terror in the face of wasp attacks. The food was good, basic but hearty sandwiches, baked potatoes and tasty tray bakes. Smudge adored the newly opened adventure playground and it was the perfect way to finish off a brilliant day out. It also meant that both girls were sufficiently knackered to sleep all the way back home meaning that g and I got a chance to actually exhale and savour a great day out.

I'd normally start by telling you a little about the history. There's just way too much to…read moresummarize here. Just know that the castle was once in ruin like the others in the area. We can thank George Stuart (14th Earl of Moray) for repairing it by adding a new roof in the 1880s. That makes it very worth the £10 admission fee for an inside tour of the castle. It's worth a stop even if you don't plan on taking the tour. Have you ever seen the British comedy, Monty Python and the Holy Grail? It's the castle that you see in the funniest part of the movie when the French soldier is taunting King Arthur. There were other movie scenes filmed in and around the castle as well. What's cool is that there's a free transcript of the audio guide on their website that tells you where all the scenes took place. It was fun just to retrace the steps of the Trojan Rabbit on the pathway in front of the entrance. So funny! It's definitely a dry & satirical form of humor that I didn't quite understand the first time I saw it, but now I do. Duone Castle was also seen in Game of Thrones (the pilot episode) and Outlander. It's just a great filming location since it's out of the way, and along the River Teith. There are walking trails that will take you to the site of where a Roman fort used to be. The village is also nearby if you want to get a bite to eat. It was a nice stop on our way to Glencoe.

We were staying in the area for a few days. Didn't have much time though, got lots of plans. But…read morestill made some time to check out the famous Doune Castle. And since we are members of Historic Environment Scotland the entrance was free of charge. The carpark was full though - so we parked on the public lot behind the Co-op in town. An easy 10 minute walk away. The Castle is famous - many will know it from Game of Thrones or Outlander. But for me - and many many others - it will always be connected to Monty Python and the Holy Grail! The Audio-guide is even narrated by Terry Jones! The way the castle looks today is largely down to 'Scotland's uncrowned king'. Doune was the seat of Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany and Governor of Scotland. He acquired the castle in 1361. What we see today is probably only half a castle. Whether Doune was completed, and what might have been lost, is unclear. But even what remains today is very impressive and in great shape. If you do not feel like paying the entrance, you still can enjoy the outside views and even walk around it or enjoy the grounds outside. But going in (we took turns - since we were travelling with our Bulldog) is well worth the price and time. Monty Python used the exterior for shots as well as the interior. The courtyard inside is where the wedding party was taking place with John Cleese (as Lancelot) going berserk. But there's a lot more to see inside. Besides all the big halls inside, there are lots of small corners and hideaways to be discovered. As well as a lot of history to read (or listen to). A really good visit and not to be missed for fans or history buffs! Staff was wonderful, really friendly and welcoming. Surely a highlight on this years Road Trip through the UK. Highly recommended.

My goodness, this small pier could do with a good spruce-up, if not a total renovation (see my…read morephotos)!! It's in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable and a peaceful place to stand and admire the breathtaking views. This is where the north shore of the Holy Loch becomes the west shore of the Firth of Clyde and it's one of my favourite places. The pier (built in 1847) has lain derelict now for many years, although it was once a regular stopping place for the Clyde steamers. You can park on the roadside near the pier and there are also local buses from Dunoon which visit Strone.