Out and About in Argyll

Information

Inveraray and Argyll has much to offer the visitor to the area, and t he following information gives you ideas for eating out, golf, fishing, horse riding and walking as well as castles and gardens to visit along with other attractions.

Inveraray Information Centre telephone: 01499 302 063
West Scotland Tourism website: This site offers great ideas about what to do and see in and around the west coast of Scotland.

Walking

There are many walks in the area including a number of short walks within Inveraray Castle grounds.
Dun Na Cuiache is the hill overlooking the town, with the Watch Tower built in 1748. There is a steep climb up (muddy at one point), but worth it for the fabulous views.
The Forestry Commission has produced a series of maps with recommended routes.
The Tourist Board and Woodland Trust maps are available in-house or from Inveraray Information Centre.
Local Walks Guides (Publications) are good value at £1.99 each. Tel : 08707 200620

Cycling

The area is ideal for off-road cycling. Many of the routes are the same as those shown on walking maps. We can personally recommend cycling from Ardrishaig to Crinan along the canal tow-path (20 mile round trip).

Cycle hire from Crinan Cycles of Lochgilphead is available at the canal basin in Ardrishaig through a plant hire company. Tel. 01546 602992

Climbing

There are several Munros to be bagged in the area, and the Aracher Alps are a short drive away. Glencoe and all it has to offer is not too far for a day's outing. Ben Lomond is well worth climbing for views of the loch and access can be gained by ferry from Inverbeg (summer only), organized by reception at Rowerdenen Hotel - Tel : 01360 870273

Golf

There are 23 golf courses within 30 miles if Inveraray. The tourist board offers a Golf Discount Pass for over 30 courses : Hotline 01259 769696. There are more golf courses further down the Mull of Kintyre including Machrihanish Golf Club, but these are further than 30 miles.

For full details, see the uk golf guid website which has a page on golf courses reached from Inveraray.

Fishing

Fresh water fishing is available on Loch Awe, close to Inveraray. The rental of fishing boats is popular (contact Norman Clark, 01866 844 209)
Loch Awe Boats, Ardbrecknish, has fishing tackle, hire and sale Tel: 01866 833256. Mob.:07703 1122422
Fishing tackle supplies, permits and advice can be had from 'Fyne Tackle' 22 Argyll Street, Lochgilphead. Tel. 01546 606878.

Swimming

The Loch Fyne Hotel is a 4-minute walk from the house and has a 15m swimming pool; sauna; steam room and spa pool. Day swim passes are available for non-residents. Tel. 01499 302148. There is also a larger, public pool at Lochgilphead.

Riding

Dalchenna Farm, Inveraray, provides horse riding for beginners to advanced, from one hour upwards, April to October. There are sister stables at Brenfield, Ardrishaig. Phone/fax 01499 302 611.

Boating

We can thoroughly recommend hiring a boat on Loch Awe and visiting the islands - the Campbell chiefs are buried on one of these islands and another has a ruined castle. (Great value). Contact Norman Clark 01866844209 or Loch Awe Boats (motor boats, row boats and canoes) Tel: 01866 833256, Mob: 07703 112422

Cruises

Eilean Eisdeal, Scotland's last working Clyde Puffer, in Inveraray Harbour, is available for cruises. Tel 01499 302213.
Ruby Cruises are based at Ardfern Tel. 01852 500616.
Steam Boat Rides to Kilchurn Castle, Lochawe, leave from Loch Awe village. Tel. 01838 200440.
Day Cruises from Oban with Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries sail to a variety of destinations. Tel. 01475 650100.
Gordon Grant Tours travels to Mull, Iona and Staffa - and includes Fingal's Cave. Tel. 01681 700338.
Sea.fari Adventures operate from Oban. Tel. 01631 563122.
Inter-Island Cruises, Ardrioch, Dervaig, Isle of Mull. Tel ; 01688 400264

Gardens

This is a wonderful area to view gardens, renowned for their azaleas and rhododendrons, best viewed in May. There are over 20 gardens to visit in Argyll including the National Trust's magnificent Crarae Gardens 10 miles away. Tel. 01546 886614.

Castles

Inveraray Castle is open from April to mid-October.
Although there are many castles in the area, few of them are occupied and most lie in ruins.
Barcaldine 'The Black' Castle is open June to September. Tel. 01631 720598.

Historical

Inveraray Jail, Scotland's living 19th century prison, is open all year round. Well worth a visit.
Auchindrain Township, an open air museum, is an original West Highland Township, presenting a taste of what life was like for the Highlander in past centuries.
The Maritime Museum, Inveraray, gives a voyage back in time aboard the 'Arctic Penguin', a 1911 three-masted schooner
Kilmartin House - over 5000 years of human history are traced across Kilmartin Valley. At least 150m prehistoric sites lie within 6 miles of the village. It incorporates an excellent cafeteria.
The Bell Tower of All Saints Episcopal Church. If you want to impress a campanologist, the bells have the second heaviest ring of 10 in the world! Good views of Inveraray from the top of the tower.
St Conana's Kirk, Loch Awe, is a church well worth a visit if in the area.
Hill House, Helensburgh, is a National Trust for Scotland property, designed by Charles Renee MacIntosh. Worth a visit if you enjoy interior design.

Driving

All roads in the area are scenic and a Mecca for those who enjoy driving. Many classic vintage car rallies pass through the area.

Achray Forest Drive, near Aberfoyle, consists of seven miles of forest road within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, and has many parking areas for views and picnic stops.

Steam Railways

Mull Rail :There is a narrow gauge steam railway on Mull, which is a great day out for all interests. Take the ferry from Oban to Mull then a short walk from Craigmuire Pier to the railway station, and board a train for Torosay Castle and gardens, making for full day. (Mull Rail tel: 01680 812 494).
The Jacobite steam train runs on the main line from Fort William to Mallaig. Tel 01524 732100.

For more ideas follow the link below:

Other Attractions

148 Newhaven Road,
Edinburgh ,
EH6 4PZ,
Tel: +44 (0)131 5544257
Fax: +44 (0)131 5544257
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