June is the month for exploring the great outdoors. We are never short of things to do in Argyll – so take your pick from walking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, horse riding…. the list is endless.
Read on to find out more about upcoming events this June and get inspired.
Food, Drink and Music
Fyne Fest: It all starts with beer, with the festival taking place on the grounds of the Loch Fyne Brewery attached to the estate of the same name. At Fyne Fest you’ll find a selection of over 30 of the best ales and scrumpies from around the UK, together with delicious food from Loch Fyne Oysters and Winston Churchill Venison. Together with live music, it is three days of entertainment in a great location. 2nd to 4th June 2017.
Oban Live: held at the famous shinty ground Mossfield Stadium 2nd to 3rd June, Oban Live is the biggest live music event in the region of Argyll & Bute. Organised by Skerryvore, you’ll find a great line up of Scottish and international bands.
Port Gala Day: It’s fun for all the family at the Port Gala Day on the 4th June in Port Bannatyne Park on the island of Bute. With live music, bouncy castles, face painting, tug of war, dog show, stalls, BBQ and more, there’s something for everyone.
Sandbank Gala: a great family day out in Dunoon with live music, entertainment, stalls, crafts, refreshments and displays including Tug O’ War, Highland dancers, Pipe Band and a dog show. Why not enter your four-legged friend into the dog agility or the junior dog show?
Iona Village Hall Music Festival: The tiny island of Iona once again is hosting its fantastic Music Festival – an intimate music festival with an incredible line-up of musical talent. This is one not to be missed. 30th June to 2nd July.
Sporting events
Mull Sportive: Why not take part in a unique island-based sportive on the 4th June that combines scenic beauty with a challenging ride. With a choice of two routes (43 miles or 87 miles) which wind their way along miles of twisting single-track past the wildest, most beautiful coastline you will find on any ride in the UK, this is definitely one for any bucket list.
Islay ‘Eat Sand’ Beach Rugby Tournament: this is the only beach rugby tournament in the UK. With a large grassy bank providing the perfect spot from which spectators can enjoy the action, and with plenty of stalls to keep you watered and fed, this is a great day out. 10th June.
Scottish Enduro Series Mountain Bike – Round 3: promising to be an unforgettable event, hundreds of top class mountain bikers will descend on Dunoon to race on the world class trails on the 17th and 18th June. On Saturday evening why not enjoy the spectacle of them racing against each other in the town’s Castle Gardens in a sensational time trial from the top of Castle Hill down to Dunoon Pier.
Round 5 – Scottish Rally Championship: once upon a time ‘Argyll’ and ‘rallying’ were synonymous in motor sporting folklore. Many of the forest stages on the Cowal Peninsula and Argyll were known, and some feared, throughout the UK and even further afield. Well, the 24th June sees some of the most iconic forest stages in British rallying return to the national series. Can’t wait!
Round Bute Race: Hosted annually by the Isle of Bute Sailing Club, this 45-mile race takes place in some of the best sailing grounds in the world. With the spectacular backdrop of the beautiful Isle Of Bute and lots of classes, giving everyone a chance to bring home a trophy (whatever your skill level or yacht type) there is every excuse to take part. 24th June.
Lorne Highland Games: with all the Highland favourites including caber tossing, hammer throwing, tug o’ war, the Games on the 25th June is quite a spectacle. You can even take part in the track and field events or just relax and enjoy the bagpiping and Highland Dance Championship.
Explore
Mid-Summer Mirror Loch: see the landscape from horseback and overnight by the side of ‘the mirror loch’ between the 16th and 18th June – the still waters of Loch Eck reflecting the surrounding steep and craggy mountains. The short riding break takes in spectacular views and ancient woodland.
Island hopping: Ever heard of Hopscotch? No, it isn’t just a playground game, it is also the opportunity to go and discover some of the 20 or so islands that are part of Argyll and the Isles. Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries offer island hopping tickets which allow you to plan your journey around the isles, be it a day trip, one or two nights, or a full holiday of island hopping. With many sailings out of Oban, you will find Loch Melfort is a good base to explore the Inner Hebrides. You can also push on from there to the Western Isles, with Skye and the Outer Hebrides. Islay is a good island to visit for a day trip, with year-round sailings.
