We are ideally located to explore the beautiful West Coast of Scotland, and the Argyll islands.
Oban, known as the ‘Gateway to the Isles’ makes island hopping easily accessible whether by bus, boat, bike or car.
Local
Tralee beach is just a 10 minutes walk from Hawthorn, or you can continue for another 1.5 hours down the coast to reach Ledaig point, a great sand bar to be experienced at mid tide.
Ben Lora
Ben Lora is another great viewing point, around 200m climb to the top of the forrest walk, Eagles Eyrie, or much better still is the 308m climb to the top of Ben Lora. There is a car park at the bottom and the Ben Lora Cafe is open Wed-Sun for a well deserved cuppa after your decent.
Connel Bridge
There is a lovely new footpath across the bridge, great views of the seals on the small island covered at high tide. Also on the sea side of the bridge you can walk out to Ledaig point, check the tidetimes to be sure to not to get your feet wet, it covers the walk in the centre around 2.8m. It is a wonderful experience to stand on the very end and have around 300 degrees of ocean around you as the tide comes in. You are walking mainly on rounded sea stones, so not for anyone unstable on their feet.
Sutherland’s Grove
Sutherland’s Grove forest walk is just 3 miles north up the road in Barcaldine. It offers several nice forest walks and can go right up to the damn.
Oban
Oban has many areas to visit, MacCaigs tower, Oban distillery, Dunollie castle, Witches trail to the Dog rock and Ganavan beach.
Kerrera
Lying alongside the coast at Oban is the peaceful island of Kerrera. Accessed by passenger ferry from just south of Oban, Gallanach with free parking at the side of the road. The island is perfect for a day out or even half day, as you can walk south (turn left) from the ferry slip and enjoy the views before heading down to the cafe and ruins of Castle Gylen, approximately 3km each way. Alternatively, head north (turn right) through the farm yards, and passed the restaurant and marina until you reach Hutcheson’s monument, approximately 4km each way. The restaurant does run a boat directly back to Oban if you dine with them, however, you’ll be several miles from where your initial ferry left. If you do wish to walk around the whole island catch an early ferry as the last one returns around 6pm and it will take you a full day for sure especially around the scenic west side of the island.
Seil Island – Easdale Island
Just south of Oban about 35minutes drive from Hawthorn you can cross the Clachan bridge, they say the only stone bridge that crosses the Atlanta Ocean, to Seil Island. It is a lovely spot for a half day out, and another 10 minutes drive will take you down to the old slate quarry village in Ellenabeich. This is also where you can take the Seafari Tours, or you can cross to the quaint small Easdale Island, it’s a lovely 45 minute (~1.5km) walk around the island after you get off the small boat. The island is filled with old quarries now filled with sea water and some large jelly fish. In the summer months many people will swim or drive around the quarry pools. The views south down the sound are beautiful and the old short stone builds and single bar/cafe have a lovely air to them.
Appin area and Lismore
To the north lies the narrow island of Lismore, which can be reached by car ferry from Oban, or by passenger ferry from Port Appin. Make the most of the quiet roads by cycling to the cafe and heritage museum. Bikes can be hired in Port Appin.
Fort William and Glencoe
Known as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ there are a large range of activities in the area including walking, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, white water rafting, gorge walking …. the list is endless! And of course there is always the stunning scenery to enjoy. A stop off at Glencoe’s Craft and Things Cafe before 4pm homemade food and a great coffees behind the small craft shop.
A lovely flat walk under an hour is around Loch Lochan (~1.5km), beautiful setting under the shadow of the Pap of Glencoe and the small loch is surrounded by an array of Canadian trees. There is a less flat part of the path you can take if you need to burn a few more calories but the view is much the same.
At minimum you must stop at the top of Glencoe (the hidden valley car park) for a photo and to take in the amazing sights of this glen, sharp edges down both sides of this gorgeous valley flowing down to the sea. The hidden valley itself is a lovely walk/hike up the side of a small mountain river around 1200ft with magnificent views at each turn. There is a small river crossing near the top depending on rainfall at the time you might have to take the socks off to cross. Not recommended to walk if its just been raining, since a lot of the path is stoned and gets very slippery.
Kilmartin and Crinan
To the south of Oban lies historic Kilmartin Glen, home to 800 historic monuments including standing stones, cup and ring markings and burial mounds. Why not spend an hour or two at the museum and their excellent cafe, before heading further south to Crinan Canal and Knapdale, home to the reintroduced beavers.
Isle of Mull
Just 45 minutes on the comfortable CalMac ferry takes you to Craignure on Mull, from where you can get a bus or drive to either the south-western end with the historical sites of Iona and Duart Castle or head north to the picturesque village of Tobermory. Along the way keep an eye out for the famous Mull wildlife including Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Red Deer and Otters – they can all be seen form the road if you are lucky! If you fancy getting closer to the wildlife then take one of the many wildlife tours on offer, or head out to the Treshnish Isles where you can walk amongst nesting puffins on the cliffs.
Inverarary
Heading inland you are treated to the breathtaking scenery of Loch Awe, Ben Cruachan and the surrounding mountains. Stop off at Cruachan Power Station and travel deep inside the mountain to see how electricity is generated there. Continue on to Inveraray with its castle, jail and maritime museum on board the schooner Arctic Penguin.
Activities
There is plenty of opportunity to take part in sporting activities like sea kayaking, sailing, golf, tennis, fishing, cycling etc. We have storage space available under cover for the use of guests, that would suit kayakers, cyclists and motor bikes. Please mention this when booking. The gardens open to the public ( Arduaine, Achnaclioch, Ardchatten Priory and Crarae near Inveraray) are a joy in the summer months for everyone.
Evening entertainment ranges from Ceilidhs to eating out at local pubs and restaurants. Oban has a wide variety of shops for your pleasure. These range from Supermarkets to small family owned specialty shops (butchers, bakers, fishmongers etc.)