Argyll and the Isles
3,175 miles of coastline, 60 castles,
25 inhabited islands, 14 world-class distilleries
Where Gaelic is still spoken
“Thig crioch air an saoghal, ach mairidh gaol is ceòl”
The world will pass away, but love and music will endure
Why not get off the main tourist drag onto the roads less travelled to visit some of Argyll’s best kept secrets that tour guide Christine MacIntyre knows well. Writing them down here would be giving secrets away! So please get in contact for the adventure that is Hidden Argyll.
Also available for wider tours of the Highlands & Islands.
Let Christine take the strain. Leave your car for the day and go on roads less travelled.
Pick ups and drop off’s can be arranged.
And Christine, a keen amateur photographer, knows the best places for that perfect shot!
“….Time spent in Dalriada, the Argyll heartland will leave you with a great sense of belonging, peace and understanding”
Columba's Trail Tours 
From Sheila and Jim Carrol…
“Christine has a genius for guiding. We just completed a 10-day pilgrimage in Argyll with her, following in the footsteps of St. Columba. Each day took us step-by-step from Columba’s landfall, to his cave, and on to abbeys, castles, and remote locations, such as a lighthouse at the foot of a steep hill. Christine’s van (affectionately known as Columina) made the experience comfortable. Tea by the roadside after a climb up an ancient hill fort site or returning from Iona are sweet memories. Many thanks, Christine, for this deeply spiritual adventure!”
Had a fantastic trip around the coast, Christine was absolutely amazing. She knows so much about the history around argyll without even hesitating, what’s more is her understanding of the gaelic language which I found astonishing. Having taken my grandmother from South Africa on this tour she has been astounded by the beauty and culture of the area, and I have noticed how important it is for young teenager’s like myself to see such natural splendour around Scotland and how much of a difference it makes to my life to be able to have seen the west coast in such a way. This tour is definitely for a those who have a photography passion and an enthusiasm for for interesting drives and walks. There is no doubt a greater way to enjoy the west coast of Scotland.
We had a lovely day tour round Gigha today with Christine in the van. We went to all the best spots to get photographs and learnt a little history as well. A highly recommended day trip with beaches, gardens and churches to keep us amused.
Had a fantastic trip to Gigha two weeks ago, the weather wasn’t too great but Christine’s enthusiasm definitely made up for it. Her vast knowledge of the west of Scotland and it’s history is truly fascinating. So thank you Christine for the lovely day out.
Your’e welcome. It was a fun day
Hi Christine. Thank you so much for taking members of our band on day trips out of Glasgow while were there for the 2015 World Pipe Band Championships. Everyone had a great time with you and they all would love to come back again someday!
Scott Williams, Pipe Major, The Clan Thompson Pipe Band, from Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada.
Thanks I had a great time with you all too
Thank you Christine for a fantastic day tour. Your took us to places that I never thought I would get to see in my lifetime. Truly memorable and the history lessons were an added bonus. We are still talking about it and have some wonderful pictures as a remembrance. Not to mention the scotch bought in Oban (but I somehow don’t think that will last as long as the memories).
Anne Marie (Colbert), Wally, and Robert Caldwell
Slainte!
It would be difficult to talk about the highlights of our visit to Scotland without mentioning our day trips from Glasgow up into the highlands. Whether on busy motorways or narrow lanes, with Christine at the wheel, we were always in good hands, and her knowledge of Celtic languages and history coupled with all the wonderful scenery made each excursion a most memorable experience.
It was great fun with you guys
Donn MacCara
2 hours ago
It would be difficult to talk about the highlights of our visit to Scotland without mentioning our day trips from Glasgow up into the highlands. Whether on busy motorways or narrow lanes, with Christine at the wheel, we were always in good hands, and her knowledge of Celtic languages and history coupled with all the wonderful scenery made each excursion a most memorable experience.
Anne Marie Colbert
11 hours ago
Thank you Christine for a fantastic day tour. Your took us to places that I never thought I would get to see in my lifetime. Truly memorable and the history lessons were an added bonus. We are still talking about it and have some wonderful pictures as a remembrance. Not to mention the scotch bought in Oban (but I somehow don’t think that will last as long as the memories).
Anne Marie (Colbert), Wally, and Robert Caldwell
Christine … Where to begin? Let’s start with your willingness to accommodate our special request: a bagpipe factory, then a castle. Then, your patience in changing our day with a few hours’ notice. On our day out, we laughed all the way to the factory, we shared a tour and tea and a huge walk uphill to the castle … And then the real magic happened. My daughter took out her pipes, you requested a jig and in the end the entire top of the castle was full of music and mirth. My daughter played, my son actually danced and I laughed through tears while drinking it all in like a dram of rare Scotch. Our day went from special to priceless thanks to your wit, knowledge and gift of connecting us with the world. We can’t wait to do it again!
– Jennifer, Luke and Clare, Clan Thompson Pipe Band, Nova Scotia
Thank you, It was special for me to hear Clare pipe but also to SEE the happiness on her face. That’s worth more than money in my book. The entire morning was fun and laughter all the way and I still hate that Satnav!
I’m enjoying your book by the way
I like your website and would like to explore the idea of a Pilgrimage Trail connecting The Kintyre Way through Mid Argyll to Oban.
Thanks. My email is
howbeg@gmail.com