Things to Do.
Loch Awe Boat Hire Donald Wilson, Hill House, Ardbrecknish 01866833256 / 07703112422
Fyne Tackle: LAIA permits, fishing tackle & equipment, online store www.fynetackle.com based in Lochgilphead.
The Whisky Coast, Scotland’s west coast whisky trail, presents “Spirit of the West”, a spectacular weekend event on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2009 at Inveraray Castle, Argyllshire. Spirit of the West is part of the year long Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrations and is a key feature of its “Whisky Month” in May. The ticketed two day event will be a celebration of Scotland’s west coast whisky, fine food, history, heritage, rich culture and dramatic scenery in which it is created. www.spiritofthewest.co.uk
Loch Visions A one day wildlife and digital photography experience, on the magnificent banks of Loch Awe, with local award winning wildlife photographer Philip Price. www.lochvisions.co.uk
Tailored Tours offers high quality, personalised tours of the West Highlands of Scotland. Andrew, 23rd Lord Gray will show you some of the most beautiful scenery and share with you the best of Scotland's rich history and culture. www.tailoredtoursonline.co.uk
Sea Life Sanctuary Over 30 fascinating marine life displays, seal pup nursery, and otters, see the seals being fed, nature trails adventure area, gift shop. Found between Benderloch and Appin. www.sealsanctuary.co.uk
Sea-fari Adventures Choose from a range of exciting trips and enjoy wildlife, the Corryvreckan (the worlds third largest whirlpool) and lots more. Advance bookings are essential 01852 300003 Seil lsland. www.seafari.co.uk
Horse riding is available at Lunga, by Ardfern. A choice of pony trekking, an afternoon's hack or a lesson in tuition is available. Beautiful and well behaved Appaloosa Horses trained also for disabled riders. 01852500 632
Cruachan the hollow mountain power station. Unique visit inside the mountain. Free exhibition explains how the construction took place. Between Taynuilt and Dalmally. 01855 831100 www.scottishpower.com/cruachanvisitorcentre
Treasures of the Earth Stunning collection of priceless gemstones beautiful crystals and exotic minerals. Near Fort William 01397 772283
Loch Etive Cruises. Offering spectacular views of Glen Etive and Buachaille Etive Mor. Taynuilt sailing from Easter to October. 01866 822430
Edge of the World Rib Rides Varied and Exciting excursions from Tobermory. Wildlife, whale watching and tailor made packages 01688302808 www.sealifesurveys.com/touroperators
Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions Land rover wildlife expeditions, see eagles, otters, red deer and lots more. 01688 500121 www.torrbuan.com
Guideliner Hebridean Wildlife Cruises The specialists in wildlife cruises in western Scottish waters. Photographic trips to St Kilda. www.guideliner.co.uk
Fly Fishing Learn to fly fish at Inverawe Fisheries just outside Taynuilt. www.inverawe-fisheries.co.uk
Accommodation
www.roineabhal.com
Castles and Museums
Argyll is steeped in history and Loch Awe itself has the remains of 4 ruined castles, Kilchurn being at the head of the Loch and undoubtedly one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. Kilmartin is where the start of civilisation has been recorded and is full of standing stones and burial chambers. The museum is well worth a visit and includes a cafe and book shop. www.kilmartin.org
Inveraray is full of history, a visit to the castle the seat of the Campbells is to be recommended along with a visit to the Jail, a living 19th century prison. www.inveraraycastle.com
Ardchattan Priory Across from Connel over the bridge first right and approximately 3 miles down this road you will find Ardchattan Priory.
Bonawe Furnace The most complete remaining charcoal-fired ironworks in Scotland.
Dunstaffnage Castle 13th Century Castle with beautiful architectural detail remaining in the Chapel.
Gardens to Visit
www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk
Arduine Gardens Beautiful gardens on the west side by Kilmelford. Well worth a visit. Open all year
Ardanaiseig Garden used for vegetables and large herbaceous border. Woodland walks with flowering
trees and shrubs
Ardkinglass Woodland Garden Spectacular display of rhododendrons and one of Britain's finest collections
of trees.
Torosay Castle and Gardens Twelve acres of splendid gardens with dramatic views
Interesting Shopping and Art Galleries to visit.
Orsay 2,Stevenson Street, Oban. Oban's newest craft shop a must for visitors wanting to take that something a little different back home.
Oban Crafts In George Street. Local crafts are available here. Stock improving all the time.
Grahams the Grocers - Taynuilt, One of the last few remaining village stores and hubs of the community, Ian who has worked there every day for decades offers a warm welcome and will remember that loaf you bought from the store twenty years ago. Never forgetting a face, and always eager to please finding the very last jar of capers you needed for that fish marinade.
Argyll Pottery At Barcaldine just before the sea life centre you will find Argyll Pottery. A large range of dishes and individual pieces available, all made in a wood fired kiln. www.argyllpottery.co.uk
Green Welly Shop Tyndrum - An excellent range of gifts for all ages. www.thegreenwellystop.co.uk
Glencoe Craft Shop One of the finest Scottish craft shops by far.
Ardfern Unusual crafts and gifts available next to the tea room.
Kranenburg Fine Art Stevenson Street off Argyll Square, Oban offers a fine selection of paintings by Scottish Artists. www.kranenburgfineart.com
Artlines Lochilphead A selection of unusual gifts and cards.
Square Peg Lochgilphead A large variety of cards, gifts and Scottish crafts.
Whisky Shop Inveraray For those wishing to sample or purchase whisky while on their holiday will find an amazing supply of bottles with varying prices at the whisky shop in Inveraray. www.lfw.co.uk
John McLaughlin's Woodcraft Kilchrenan, a local sculptor, John-Andrew will work to commission.
Tackle and Books Tobermory waterfront. For those who love fishing or a good read will enjoy visiting this
shop.
Mull Pottery Tobermory again on the waterfront you will find Mull Pottery. lovely gifts to take back home.
www.mullpottery.com
Ferry Shop Fionnphort. A post office, craft, gift and food shop. Handy stop before or after a visit to lona.
Inverawe Smokeries Apart from treating yourselves to some of our finest Scottish Smoked Salmon amongst many other tempting items at Inverawe there is now a very interesting salmon museum which one can visit while purchasing those last minute presents to take back home. www.smokedsalmon.co.uk
Eating Out
Oban
The Temple Seafood Restaurant a highly acclaimed fish restaurant situated near the main pier. www.templeseafood.co.uk
Ee'usk an award winning fish restaurant situated on the North Pier www.eeusk.com
The Waterfront another good fish restaurant on the South Pier www.waterfrontoban.co.uk
Piazza a pizzeria situated next to Eeusk on the North Pier
Coast contemporary restaurant situated in George Street www.coastoban.co.uk
Taynuilt
In Taynuilt we boast a wonderful tea room in Taynuilt. The Robins Nest is well worth a visit to sample some of the finest home baking.
Inveraray
The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is well worth a visit too. Fresh fish to buy is also available at the shop next door to the restaurant. www.lochfyne.com
The George Hotel offers food all day with log fires and atmospheric bars. Ancient inn dating back to 1770.
www.thegeorgehotel.co.uk
Glencoe
Here you will find a busy well staffed tea room with a well sampled menu. One of the best local craft centres adjoined.
Bridge of Orchy
Driving back from Glencoe before taking that right turn towards Dalmally through Glen Orchy is the Hotel.
The bar meals are highly recommended. www.bridgeoforchy.co.uk
Tyndrum
The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum. Excellent stop for quick food on the way here or on their way home. Wonderful fish and chips, burgers, pies, breakfasts, all home made. Found on the main A82 just before the junction Oban/Fort William - www.therealfoodcafe.com
Other Links
British-Breaks.com & Ireland-Breaks.com
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