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Great Places to Visit

The area surrounding Lochgilphead has much to offer in the way of Scottish Visitor Attractions. Taking a family holiday, golf break or quietly fishing or walking alone there is something to suit you. You may enjoy water sports, sailing or cycling and, at the end of a good day out, excellent food, good wine and maybe a wee dram!

Listed below are some of the many attractions you may wish to visit:

The National Trust for Scotland has two gardens – Arduaine Garden in Oban and Crarae Garden in Inverary, both open all the year round, daily from 9.30 to sunset. The Visitor Centres in Argyll are not open all year so it is wise to check before you go. Entry for members is, naturally, free, however it is possible to take out a membership whilst visiting – thus reducing the cost of your visit.

Ardkinglas Woodland Gardens – Cairndow to the south of Loch Fyne is full of the most wonderful conifers including Britain’s tallest tree – a Grand Fir – over 70m tall. This is a Scottish Visitor Attraction that delivers! Enjoy the sight of the wildlife and beautiful plants as you wander through these stunning gardens.

Crinan Canal – Crinan
Days out in Scotland don’t get more interesting or enjoyable than this! Discover the Canal whilst you walk or cycle it's course, enjoy a boat trip, sea fishing, and sailing, swimming or diving. Perhaps a days outing, to the Islands, by water taxi service – Crinan has a lot to offer.

Kilmartin Glen – (Dunadd Fort & Kilmartin)
This is one of the greatest Historical sites in Scotland and one of great Archaeological interest. It covers an area of six miles encompassing the village of Kilmartin, over 300 ancient monuments and the remains of Dunadd fortress with the River Add at it's feet. Once the crowning seat of Dalriadic Kings the site is now owned by Historic Scotland (with free access). Visit the Kilmartin House Museum of Ancient Culture at the old manse in Kilmartin to learn more of this awesome site.

Auchindrain Folk Museum – 3 miles from Inverary (towards Furnace)
This is a fascinating old township of some 20 buildings depicting faithfully life before the Clearances. Original furniture, straw on the floor and chicken wandering freely create an amazing “lived-in feel” of that period in history. The sensation created is not easily forgotten. This Argyll Visitor Centre, on site, is very informative with a good bookshop and tearoom. The same spring that served the original township now supplies the tearoom – an interesting point to note.

Loch Fyne Oysters – Clachan, Cairndow, Argyll
Based at the head of Loch Fyne, the longest sea loch in Scotland you will find, not only an Oyster Bar, but also a Shop and Smokehouse. Sited beside the Inverary Road at the foot of Glen Fyne, it is a mile across the water from the mussel and oyster fishery at Ardkinglas. Meat and game is also supplied to individual and trade customers around the world. You’ll find there is so much more to learn if you visit!

Furnace – by Loch Fyne, Argyll
The village, situated on the shores of Loch Fyne, takes its’ name from the old Craleckan Iron Furnace, completed in 1775 by Duddon of Cumbria. The plentiful supply of charcoal, power from the Leacainn Burn, the proximity of sea transport and eagerness of the ‘locals’ to work, all contributed to its success. However, with the advent of coal and the steam engine charcoal production ceased and the furnace was closed in 1813. The furnace now stands as a monument to these ‘locals’ and is managed by Historic Scotland.

Inveraray – by Loch Fyne, Argyll
This 18C town of Georgian architecture - home to the Duke of Argyll head of the Campbell Clan – was built to distance Inveraray Castle from the “hoi polloi”. It is a jewel of quiet dignity, whose startlingly white painted arches of Front Street are reflected in the still waters of Loch Fyne. The interior of the church has some interesting period wood panelling worth a look. To the east of the Church lies Inverary Jail an attractive Georgian courthouse and grim prison block boasting an extremely informative Museum – an audio trial may be heard in the courthouse.

Moored at the pier is the Arctic Penguin – an elegant triple-masted Dublin built schooner. Dating from 1911 she is now a floating maritime display, showing items really only of interest to a naval enthusiast or a wet weather pursuit. An old-time Clyde puffer runs short boat trips on the Loch and there are several shops of Scottish oriented goods for your enjoyment.

Melfort Pier and Harbour - Kilmelford, by Oban, Argyll
Located on Loch Melfort this is one of the most scenic areas of Scotland – the bonus is that it can be enjoyed whatever the season. A relaxing venue from which to enjoy walking or watching wildlife with plenty of leisure activities on hand should you feel more energetic. The distant, tantalising, views to Jura, Mull and Colonsay may even entice you away!

 

The Lochgair Hotel, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8SA
tel: +44 (01546) 886 333 - fax: +44 (01546) 886 217