Activities and Places to Visit

Castles and Museums

Auchindrain Township Open Air Museum, Furnace, Nr Inveraray  - Auchindrain is an extraordinary attraction, which brings a historic “farming village” back to life. On entering the Township visitors step back in time to witness how the local community lived, worked and played. The original village buildings are furnished and give a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived and worked at Auchindrain.

Bonawe Iron Furnace, Taynuilt - The most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain, Bonawe was founded in 1753. Displays bring to life the industrial heritage of the area and illustrates the history of the iron furnace.

Carnasserie Castle - Situated above the west side of the valley about a mile north of the village of Kilmartin, Carnassarie Castle commands the southern approach to Loch Awe.

Castle Stalker - Castle Stalker is situated near Portnacroish, about 25 miles North of Oban. It was built by the Lord of Lorn, Sir John Stewart, approximately 1446.

Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, Nr Oban - Built before 1275 on a huge rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn, Dunstaffnage was the mighty stronghold of the MacDougalls. The castle, with its huge curtain wall, was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1309 and remained in royal possession for some years. Dunstaffnage became the temporary prison of Flora MacDonald in 1746.

Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe - Situated at the North East end of Loch Awe, 2.5m west of Dalmally off the A85. Kilchurn has a four-storey tower built in the mid 15th century by Sir Colin Campbell, 1st of Glenorchy. Much enlarged in 1693, it incorporates the first purpose-built barracks in Scotland. The substantial ruins are some of the most picturesque in the country with spectacular views down Loch Awe. Acess to the castle grounds at anytime, but entry to the inner castle is only available in the summer months (April to September). Much photographed by many visitors to Argyll Chalets !!

Kilmartin Glen and Kilmartin House Museum
 

Places to Visit

Crinan and Crinan Canal - A small village at the entrance of the well known Crinan Canal which has 15 locks and stretches from Ardrishaig (north Loch Fyne) to Crinan (Sound Of Jura). A popular destination for visitors to Scotland, with a stunning basin with small boats and probably most well known of all is the Vital Spark puffer which resides here for most of the year.

Cruachan Power Station - The Hollow Mountain - Situated amongst some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery, lying deep within Ben Cruachan is one of the country's most amazing engineering achievements. The world's first high head reversible pumped storage hydro scheme is housed in a gigantic man-made cavern. The Visitor Centre houses the free exhibition area and is the starting point of the guided tour.

Glencoe - Probably Scotland’s most famous and most scenic Highland glen. Visitors from all over the world flock here year after year, inspired by the sheer scale and grandeur of its surrounding mountains and fascinated by the intrigue of its turbulent past. Driving along the A82m your first view of Glencoe is like to be the dominating and impressive peak of Bauchaille Etive Mor, before passing through the great wilderness that is Rannoch Moor and then slowly descending through the glen itself. If you have the time, take a detour down the Glen Etive road - a remove and spectacular glen that runs beneath Bauchaille Etive Mor.

Inveraray - Gateway to Argyll and the islands.

Inveraray Castle and Grounds - The ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.

Inveraray Jail - A living museum and top Scottish visitor attraction where real people portray life in a 19th century prison. Interact with costumed characters, watch courtroom trials, talk to the prisoners, meet the Warder, go to jail and witness cell life, sample the punishments, browse the exhibition of prison artefacts, then make your escape.

Inverawe Smokhouse and Visitor Centre

Oban - Your first view of Oban is one you are unlikely to forget. From the north, you glimpse the bustling port. As you sweep down the hill towards the expanse of the bay, the view opens up before you and one begins to appreciate why Oban has developed into Scotland's most popular west-coast holiday town.

McCaigs Tower, Oban - A prominent folly on the hillside (called Battery Hill) overlooking Oban in Argyll, Scotland. The structure was commissioned, at a cost of £5,000 sterling, by the wealthy, philanthropic banker, John Stuart McCaig. McCaig's intention was to provide a lasting monument to his family, and provide work for the local stonemasons during the winter months. His plans allowed for a museum and art gallery with a central tower to be incorporated. Inside the central tower he planned to commission statues of himself, his siblings and their parents. His death brought an end to construction with only the outer walls completed.

Pulpit Hill, Oban - Fantastic panaromic views over Oban Bay.

Oban Distillery Visitor Centre - Situated beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban, one of Scotland's oldest sources of single malt scotch whisky is but a stone's throw from the sea. Take a tour of the senses at Oban Distillery!

Sea Life Centre and Marine Aquarium, Benderloch - Nestling in a mature spruce forest on the shores of beautiful Loch Creran, the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary is home to some of the UK´s most enchanting marine creatures. Explore over 30 fascinating natural marine habitats containing everything from Octopus to Sharks. Visit the SOS seal rescue facility which includes a busy seal pup nursery and find out about the work involved in caring for the numerous stray, sickly or injured seal pups which we receive every year. 
 

Eating Out

Coast, Oban - Contemporary restaurant on Oban’s main street. A relaxed setting to enjoy the best local shellfish, fish and Scottish meats.

Ee'usk, Oban - Award winning seafood restaurant, situated on the North Pier with views over Oban Bay to Kerrera.

Glenorchy Lodge Hotel, Dalmally - Relaxing, informal, and friendly atmosphere combined with good quality, wholesome food ensures visitors return time and again to the Glenorchy Lodge.

Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Cairndow - The world famous Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is situated on the shores of the picturesque Loch Fyne. Enjoy a feast of the most delicious and sustainable seafood and local produce.

Piazza, Oban - Pizza/pasta restaurant situated on the North Pier with spectacular views out over Oban Bay.

The George, Inveraray - the George is a lively haunt for both local characters and visitors alike with a wide choice of real ales, 100 malt whiskies and an extensive wine list. The emphasis on the menu is using the very best of local quality, well hung West Highland beef and lamb. Seafood and fish bought from the local fishing port of Tarbert and the famous Loch Fyne salmon. These ingredients are used imaginatively and simply to produce well cooked meals at a fair and reasonable price.

The Oban Fish and Chip Shop and Restaurant, Oban - Takeaway and 40 seater restaurant, popular with locals and tourists alike.

The Real Food Cafe, Tyndrum - Excellent stop for fish and chips, burgers, pies, breakfasts, all home made. Found on the main A82 just before the junction forks for either Oban or Fort William.

The Tight Line, Lochawe - Family friendly pub. Home made food and a warm welcome awaits you.
 

Sport and Leisure

Argyll Adventure, Inveraray - Located on the shores of beautiful Loch Fyne beside Inveraray, and offering activities suitable for children and adults, corporate groups or parties. Activites include horse riding, pony rides, paintball, laser clay pigeon shooting, bungee trampolines, climbing walls, cafe and picnic area.

Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries - Discover some of Scotland's most beautiful islands by ferry.

Dalmally Golf Club - A beautiful 9 hole course by the lazily flowing River Orchy and surrounded by the majestic mountains of Argyll. The flat parkland set up is suitable for all standards of golfer.

Loch Awe Boats - Motor/row boats and canoes for hire on Scotland's longest inland loch. Loch Awe is renowned for large stocks of wild brown trout, rainbow trout, salmon, char, roach, perch and monster pike. Loch Awe Boats, The Boat House, Ardbrecknish, By Dalmally, Argyll, PA33 1BH. Tel: 01866 833256. Email donald@lochaweboats.co.uk

Loch Visions, Loch Awe - Multi award winning Scottish wildlife photography and tour business with local photographer, Phillip Price.

Lunga Riding Stables, by Ardfern - Western or british riding in spectacular coastal scenery in Argyll, the West Coast of Scotland. Beautiful and well behaved Appaloosa borses.

Sea.fari Adventures, Easdale, Nr Oban - Specialising in high adventure and pure exhilaration with the thrill of close encounters with Scotland's magnificent sealife and beautiful scenery. Range of marine wildlife tours include visits to the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home of the World’s Third Largest Whirlpool, whale and dolphin watching, trips to the Garvellach Islands (The Holy Isle) and full day boat tours to Colonsay, Iona and Staffa. Porpoise, Dolphins, Whales, Basking Shark, Otter, Eagle, Deer and a wealth of seabirds are common sights. Interactive tours with full information from wildlife to folklore and history.
 

Gardens to Visit

Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens - Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas House is an architectural gem. Open all the year round with an outstanding collection of plants and trees, including the tallest tree in Britain!

Crarae Garden - On the banks of Loch Fyne on the west coast, immerse yourself in Britain's finest example of an exotic Himalayan-style woodland garden. A tranquil site, with its dramatic gorge, rippling burn, waterfalls and cliffs.

Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute - Comprises 20 gardens varying in size, style and maturity, dating from the 13th to the 20th century. They are spread throughout the mainland of Argyll, often in dramatic scenery, and to the islands of Bute, Colonsay, Gigha, Jura, Mull and Seil.