Golf
Tee off at the variety of courses throughout the area
and the islands, including the 9-hole course across the
Bridge over the Atlantic, on the Isle of Seil.
Arts
There is a range of entertainment venues throughout the
area, including the world’s smallest professional
theatre at Dervaig, Mull.
Sailing
Moorings and marinas are dotted around the coastlines
providing a sheltered haven for yachts sailing around
the island-speckled triangle of Loch Linnhe, the Firth
of Lorn and the Sound of Mull.
Wildlife
Choose from a sealife cruise around the islands for seal,
seabird or even whale and dolphin spotting, or a wildlife
safari on Mull to spot Golden and Sea Eagles. Your mode
of transport varies from high-speed inflatables to landrovers.
Rainy Day?
Busy yourself with indoor diversions such as swimming,
at the superb Atlantis Leisure Centre or ten-pin bowling
at Pro-bowl, both situated in Oban.
Oban, Mull & Lorn Ardfern
Forest fringed lochs echoing to the
sound of seabirds, fret the western seaboard of South
Lorn, whilst the outlying islands, small and numerous,
protect the coast from the Atlantic swell. To the north,
the towering mountains and glens are ribboned by rivers
and waterfalls.
This
stretch of the west coast epitomises all that is beautiful
in Scotland. Forest covered hillsides, punctuated by the vast
Loch Awe, give way to more fertile lowlands and valleys, whilst
the many sealochs and islets provide a safe haven for colourful
yachts sheltering from the Atlantic’s might.
Glorious Gardens
Warmed by the waters of the Gulf Stream, the area is also
a horticulturist’s paradise, with gardens such as Arduaine,
Ardmaddy, Barguillean and Ardanaiseig appropriately colourful
names for these glorious gardens of Argyll. Castles also abound,
with fine examples at Craignish and Ardmaddy.
This is an area for gentle, shoreside
walks, where nature’s peace and tranquillity can be enjoyed
to the full. Wildlife abounds and the ‘eagle-eyed’
enthusiast may glimpse rare seabirds and , if lucky, an otter
or two. Pony trekking is an excellent way to enjoy the scenery
and trekking centres abound.
Arduaine Gardens, near Oban
Bridge Over the Atlantic, Isle of Seil
Transatlantic
The outlying islands of Shuna, Scarba and Luing provide a beautiful
backdrop to the seascape, whilst the Isle of Seil boasts the
‘Bridge over the Atlantic’.
The off-lying island of Easdale, at one time the provider of
much of the slate for roofing in the surrounding area, boasts
a fine folk museum relating the history of the area and offering
local arts and crafts for sale.
Picture postcard sealochs like Melfort and
Craignish provide excellent shelter for the yachts which are drawn
to these unsurpassed, west coast waters. Full marina facilities are
available, for example, at Craobh Haven, a tasteful modern development.
The architects have attempted to recreate a Highland village, with
the buildings designed accordingly.
This northern corner of Lorn is steeped in history, ancient and more
recent, as the abundance of castles and abbeys testify. Magical Castle
Stalker, on an islet on Loch Linnhe, Dunstaffnage Castle near Oban,
Barcaldine on the shores of Loch Creran and the Gardens at Kinlochlaich
and Ardchattan Priory all have their own atmosphere.
The Hollow
Mountain
To the east of Lorn, the scenery changes dramatically. The high
peaks surrounding Loch Etive and the northern shores of Loch
Awe stand starkly above the lower reaches of Rannoch Moor to
the north. Although readily accessible, this area is one of
the wildest in Scotland, with vast open spaces, fine hillwalking
and stunning mountain views.
Through the steep-sided Pass of Brander is Ben Cruachan, north
of Loch Awe, where a dammed reservoir halfway up the mountain
provides the potential energy for the Cruachan Hydro-Electric
Power Station.
Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe
Visitors can explore how the process operates
at the Visitor Centre, then travel deep underground into the heart
of the mountain to view the turbines in their vast cavern - by electric
bus, of course!
The loch side village of Taynuilt is home to the Bonawe Iron Furnace,
a restored charcoal furnace for iron-smelting, dating back to 1753.
Close by on the banks of the River Awe is the Inverawe Smokery,
which demonstrates the processes through which fish are cured and
smoked. Loch Etive can be explored by boat, with cruises leaving
from Taynuilt daily, whilst cruises on Loch Awe leave from Lochawe
village, site of the beautiful St Conan’s Kirk.
The road east passes Kilchurn Castle, dating from 1440 and one of
Scotland’s most picturesque, at the head of Loch Awe. The village
of Dalmally has the only crofting township east of Loch Awe and
makes a fine base for hillwalking. To the north east, the road through
glorious Glen Orchy wends its way through spectacular mountain terrain.
The River Orchy, famed for its salmon, has some spectacular falls
and pitted rocks, where centuries of turbulent waters have left
their mark.
Area Overview
