Bonnie banks and impressive architecture
Entry into Argyll from Glasgow is on the banks of Loch Lomond, which attracts day trippers and visitors for boating, picnic sites, beaches and the exclusive Loch Lomond Golf Club. Scotland's first national park is cenbtred on Loch Lomond and takes in eastern parts of Argyll including a large part of the Cowal peninsula..

The three villages of Arrochar, Tarbet and Succoth grew up at a natural crossroads through the mountain landscape. Tarbet lies on the banks of Loch Lomond and boat trips operate from the pier. The road south from Arrochar winds through Glen Croe and over the mountain pass known as the 'Rest and Be Thankful', reflecting the sentiments of weary travellers in the days before motorised transport.

An alternative route into Argyll makes its way through the village of Cardross which dates back over 800 years. It has historic links with Robert the Bruce and houses a National Trust Garden at Geilston House, a 600 year old chapel at Kilmahew and the Ardmore nature reserve.

Helensburgh is the largest town in Argyll and Bute. Named after Lady Helen Sutherland the wife of Sir James Colquhoun of Luss, the town's founder,it is set on a south facing slope overlooking the Clyde estuary. A fine example of Victorian heritage, its streets are lined with flowering trees and its conservation area boasts houses designed by such notables as Charles Rennie MacKintosh and Alexander 'Greek' Thompson

It is a thriving centre with extensive shopping facilities and many visitor attractions, while at the same time being only a short distance from Glasgow.
It boasts a golf course, a Yacht Club and a Sailing Club, 2 tennis clubs and public courts and bowling greens.

Trains and buses link the town with Glasgow city centre (30 minutes) and destinations in Argyll. A half-hourly train service operates to Glasgow, with additional express services at peak times and Helensburgh Upper station, on the scenic West Highland line, connects with Argyll. It is also only a 35 minute drive away from Glasgow International airport.

The town, which was the birthplace of John Logie Baird the inventor of television, celebrates its bicentennial in 2002.

Lying at the north end of the Rosneath peninsula, Garelochhead, is one of the stops between Glasgow and Oban on the West Highland Railway line. It is the only station on the line which still retains the original Swiss style buildings. Garelochhead lies at the centre of the largest military area in Scotland. The village is the closest settlement to the Clyde Naval Base at Faslane. Also adjacent to the village is Garelochhead Training Camp, the largest Army training establishment in Scotland. It is due to the military presence in the area that the largest employer in Argyll and Bute is the Ministy of Defence.