Five exclusive new Scottish nature-based trails, featuring insider tips from the local community, have been launched to help visitors 'slow down', travel responsibly and find some unique natural discoveries at sea and in the sky along the Argyll and the Isles coast in the west of Scotland - home to the UK's first ever Mission Blue Hope Spot and four internationally recognised dark sky sites.

Part of an innovative pilot green recovery Slow Tourism initiative, the self-led Above and Below touring routes, revealed earlier this month, showcase the most unique and idyllic coastal locations in Argyll and the Isles (Scotland's Adventure Coast). The trails are designed for those who love adventure or simply want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and feature key sites for wild swimming, snorkelling, beach hunts, sunsets and some of the darkest skies in Europe.

Argyll and the Isles is a unique area to explore above and below, and soak in the wonders of the sea and the stars The region's Hope Spot, encompassing the Sound of Jura, Firth of Lorn, Sound of Mull, Loch Sunart and Loch Linnhe, has been scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean. Following a proposal by the local Coastal Communities Network (Scotland), Mission Blue (a global marine protection network) selected the region for its “intricate coastline of sea lochs, peninsulas, deep water sounds, narrows and islands, encompassing existing Marine Protected Areas, Special Areas for Conservation and a host of Priority Marine Features.” In addition to this, four sites in the region have been recognised as being among the best places in the world for stargazing free from light pollution – there are three Dark Sky Discovery Sites in Argyll, and the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) has officially designated the Isle of Coll as an International Dark Sky Place.

Launching the new Above and Below guides, Cathy Craig, CEO at the Argyll and Isles Tourism Cooperative said: “Located on the west coast of Scotland, warmed by the gulf stream, Argyll and the Isles is known globally for its stunning idyllic scenery, great outdoor adventure, and rare and endangered wildlife. Often referred to as Scotland's Adventure Coast, there is so much to discover here, with a wide range of experiences to suit almost every interest. Our marine environment is internationally significant, and our night skies are some of the darkest in the world.

“It's the perfect place to really slow down and immerse yourself in authentic local experiences and the wonders of our natural world above and below the land. With some fantastic insider tips shared by experts in our community, our Above and Below guides are designed to do just that. By following these guides and taking the time to explore the area in these ways, visitors will make a positive impact on our local environment and gain a better understanding of how they can continue to do so elsewhere. We're delighted to have been involved in such an innovative green recovery project.”

The new Above and Below self-led trails have been developed in partnership by Argyll & The Isles Tourism Cooperative (AITC), NatureScot (Scotland's nature agency) and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. Emerging from a national scoping exercise by NatureScot, this innovative pilot green recovery initiative focuses on encouraging people to slow down and look Above and Below Argyll and the Isles' outstanding landscape and scenery, highlighting great places along the coast to snorkel, wild swim, beach hunt, watch beautiful sunsets or marvel at dark skies.

The trails were produced in collaboration with the local community, who shared insider information about the coastal sites they treasure and tales of the marine wildlife, sunsets and dark sky experiences on offer. Some of the best sites along this diverse stretch of coastline were identified by community-led organisations such as Argyll Coast and Islands Hope Spot, Adventure Oban, Seawilding and Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation, alongside local outdoor experience providers Dan the Merman (a wild swimming guide), Basking Shark Scotland (eco-conscious wildlife adventure tours) and Heathery Heights (walking guides). These local experts provided key safety considerations, important tips and local insight for each site featured the guides. Using these community insights, the final guides focus on places with good public transport links and the most accessible cycling routes, with plenty of food and drink stops along the way, so that visitors following the guides can easily tread lightly on the earth as they safely explore the area.

The trails encompass the Sound of Jura, Firth of Lorne and Loch Linnhe. They also reflect the diverse beauty and value of the marine region; and highlight local facilities and family-friendly attractions such as the Ocean Explorer Centre, where visitors can have some of the best days out in Scotland.

Speaking about the production of the guides, Simon Brooks, Strategic Planning Manager at NatureScot said: “It has been great to see the community share their knowledge and enthusiasm for Argyll's amazing nature, which has made the Above and Below project such a success. These trails will encourage everyone to experience these special places responsibly, ensuring they can be enjoyed long into the future.”

The Above and Below snorkelling trail has been developed with the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is the seventh trail in the Scottish Wildlife Trust's growing network, which aim to make oceans more accessible and to connect people with the incredible marine life found in Scottish seas. The snorkel trail network is part of the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Living Seas programme, supported by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation. Some of the snorkelling locations, such as the stunning Ganavan Sands, are hubs of activity whilst others, such as Queenie Reef, feel like a true wilderness adventure.

Printed versions of the new Above and Below Map and Guide can be found locally in Argyll and the Isles within venues around the trails. An interactive map and downloadable guide with more information can be found at wildaboutargyll.co.uk/see-do/nature-and-wildlife/above-and-below.