Our favourite places, food and experiences
Sightseeing
No visit to Taynuilt is complete with out a visit to the Pier and Kelly's Pier. Both are accessed by traveling through the picturesque village towards the shores of Loch Etive. Follow signs for Bonawe Iron furnace and continue down the road.
Taynuilt Pier
B845No visit to Taynuilt is complete with out a visit to the Pier and Kelly's Pier. Both are accessed by traveling through the picturesque village towards the shores of Loch Etive. Follow signs for Bonawe Iron furnace and continue down the road.
Tralee is another favourite beach. Drive to Benderloch and park at the Cafe and follow the signs for the beach.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Tralee Beach
Tralee is another favourite beach. Drive to Benderloch and park at the Cafe and follow the signs for the beach.
When you head towards Arfern, Kilmartin Glen and Lochgilphead it is worth following the signs to Arduaine Gardens and Loch Melfort Hotel. Park and follow the signs for Viewpoint stopping at the hotel for some food and then follow the path down to the beach.
Loch Melfort
When you head towards Arfern, Kilmartin Glen and Lochgilphead it is worth following the signs to Arduaine Gardens and Loch Melfort Hotel. Park and follow the signs for Viewpoint stopping at the hotel for some food and then follow the path down to the beach.
Take a day trip to Lismore Island from Port Appin and discover the island on foot or take the ferry from Oban with a car. You can hire bikes on the island, take an exploration trip, follow local walks and eat some delicious baking.
Lismore Island
Take a day trip to Lismore Island from Port Appin and discover the island on foot or take the ferry from Oban with a car. You can hire bikes on the island, take an exploration trip, follow local walks and eat some delicious baking.
Take a day trip to Lismore Island from Port Appin and discover the island on foot or take the ferry from Oban with a car.
Lismore Island
Take a day trip to Lismore Island from Port Appin and discover the island on foot or take the ferry from Oban with a car.
A great place to visit as part of a trip via Castle Stalker with a lovely village, craft shops and several excellent restaurants. Take a walk over the Jubilee bridge to get some wonderful photos of Castle stalker.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Port Appin
A great place to visit as part of a trip via Castle Stalker with a lovely village, craft shops and several excellent restaurants. Take a walk over the Jubilee bridge to get some wonderful photos of Castle stalker.
Ideal place to visit for sightseeing with many places to stop and view, eat your picnic and walk. Why not stop at the Creagan Inn for some food?
Loch Creran
Ideal place to visit for sightseeing with many places to stop and view, eat your picnic and walk. Why not stop at the Creagan Inn for some food?
The village is a fabulous place, very friendly and supportive with a real community feel. Follow this link to the local village website to find out more https://www.taynuilt.online
Taynuilt
The village is a fabulous place, very friendly and supportive with a real community feel. Follow this link to the local village website to find out more https://www.taynuilt.online
Take the ferry from Oban to Mull for a day trip or add some more days to your holiday after a visit to The Lookout. From colourful Tobermory to the beaches at Calgary, Puffin tours and much more. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzf0ZiWhcOB/?igshid=7p2epk14hig4
Island of Mull
Take the ferry from Oban to Mull for a day trip or add some more days to your holiday after a visit to The Lookout. From colourful Tobermory to the beaches at Calgary, Puffin tours and much more. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzf0ZiWhcOB/?igshid=7p2epk14hig4
Take the turn off from Dalmally to visit Glen Orchy - a wonderful drive and place to walk, cycle, climb and kayak. You can follow the road up to Bridge of Orchy and then if you take a left you will quickly find yourself in Glencoe.
Take a right and head down to Tyndrum and a pit stop at the famous Green Welly stop. Then head back up to Taynuilt on the A85 passing Loch
Awe and Cruchan Dam.
Glen Orchy
Take the turn off from Dalmally to visit Glen Orchy - a wonderful drive and place to walk, cycle, climb and kayak. You can follow the road up to Bridge of Orchy and then if you take a left you will quickly find yourself in Glencoe.
Take a right and head down to Tyndrum and a pit stop at the famous Green Welly stop. Then head back up to Taynuilt on the A85 passing Loch
Awe and Cruchan Dam.
Walking over the Bridge is a must for the views up the Loch to Ben Ben Cruachan and beyond. Walking under it is also good. You can stop at Connel to view the Falls of Lora - it’s worthwhile checking out the tide times so you can see them at their best https://www.fallsoflora.info/times-and-height-predictions/
It is a popular spot for kayakers and there are many boat trips that take you under the bridge.
Connel Bridge
A828Walking over the Bridge is a must for the views up the Loch to Ben Ben Cruachan and beyond. Walking under it is also good. You can stop at Connel to view the Falls of Lora - it’s worthwhile checking out the tide times so you can see them at their best https://www.fallsoflora.info/times-and-height-predictions/
It is a popular spot for kayakers and there are many boat trips that take you under the bridge.
Love the soup and baking and it has fabulous views of the castle.
45 moradores locais recomendam
Castle Stalker View
Love the soup and baking and it has fabulous views of the castle.
Historic Kilbride
fabulous guides who really bring the place to life
City/town information
Oban itself is compact and it's easy to get around on foot. There are plenty of small galleries and independent stores to browse through, as well as the centrally-located local distillery, chocolate shop, and museum. Wander along the seafront to the ruined Dunollie Castle and the sandy beaches beyond - the sunsets here are phenomenal. When it's time to relax or refuel, take your pick from the town's offering of pubs, cafés and restaurants. Ganavan Sands are loved by locals and visitors alike.
This local website provides lots more information about this wonderful town. https://www.oban.org.uk
124 moradores locais recomendam
Oban
Oban itself is compact and it's easy to get around on foot. There are plenty of small galleries and independent stores to browse through, as well as the centrally-located local distillery, chocolate shop, and museum. Wander along the seafront to the ruined Dunollie Castle and the sandy beaches beyond - the sunsets here are phenomenal. When it's time to relax or refuel, take your pick from the town's offering of pubs, cafés and restaurants. Ganavan Sands are loved by locals and visitors alike.
This local website provides lots more information about this wonderful town. https://www.oban.org.uk
Fabulous local grocery shop run by Ian with huge variety of essentials and much more - lots of gluten free and other dietary requirements met. At present only 3 allowed in shop and wear a mask.
13 moradores locais recomendam
Grahams Grocers
1905 B845Fabulous local grocery shop run by Ian with huge variety of essentials and much more - lots of gluten free and other dietary requirements met. At present only 3 allowed in shop and wear a mask.
Food scene
Restaurants, takeaways and so much more. Fresh organic produce, delicious meals and all supporting local people.
On your way back from a trip down Loch Awe stop at Black Rock Curries and get a delicious curry to take back and save yourself cooking. We can confirm that these are some of the tastiest curries around - not too spicy and full of flavour and our freezer is well stocked.
WWW.blackrockcurries.co.uk. 01866833266
Black Rock Curries
On your way back from a trip down Loch Awe stop at Black Rock Curries and get a delicious curry to take back and save yourself cooking. We can confirm that these are some of the tastiest curries around - not too spicy and full of flavour and our freezer is well stocked.
WWW.blackrockcurries.co.uk. 01866833266
Taste of Argyll
5 Aird's PlA hidden gem that serves the most delicious food - well worth a visit.
Etive restaurant
43 Stevenson StDelicious and you must try and eat here.
If you like fish eat here and enjoy the views over Oban Harbour as there is always something to see.
55 moradores locais recomendam
Eeusk
If you like fish eat here and enjoy the views over Oban Harbour as there is always something to see.
The cafe and shop are my favourite treat place to visit. Do try a sharing waffle plate or share a gourmet chocolate dip. Take your chocolate and hot coffee or chocolate and sit on the beach admiring the views.
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Oban Chocolate Company
34 Corran EsplanadeThe cafe and shop are my favourite treat place to visit. Do try a sharing waffle plate or share a gourmet chocolate dip. Take your chocolate and hot coffee or chocolate and sit on the beach admiring the views.
Lovely cafe with a good variety of food and it does takeout pizzas at the weekend.
15 moradores locais recomendam
Ben Lora Cafe & Bookshop
2 A828Lovely cafe with a good variety of food and it does takeout pizzas at the weekend.
Airds Hotel and Restaurant
Good bar food
Lovely food for evening or lunch or for a coffee and cake.
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The Pierhouse Hotel
Lovely food for evening or lunch or for a coffee and cake.
Lovely coffee shop in the village, check opening hours
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The Robin's Nest
Main StreetLovely coffee shop in the village, check opening hours
Tasty burgers and lush ice cream to eat in or take out. Do try the adult cocktails and burgers.
10 moradores locais recomendam
Gelatoburger
14 George StTasty burgers and lush ice cream to eat in or take out. Do try the adult cocktails and burgers.
Taynuilt Inn
A85Brander Lodge Hotel
Kilchrenan Inn
Mike’s food is amazing. He provides wonderful afternoon teas and can cater to all dietary needs, he has cooked some very tasty meals in our home and we can’t recommend him enough.
Argyll Exclusive
Mike’s food is amazing. He provides wonderful afternoon teas and can cater to all dietary needs, he has cooked some very tasty meals in our home and we can’t recommend him enough.
Oyster Inn
Under new management and refurbished.
The terrace has a wonderful view and the meals and cakes are just what you want. Highly recommend seafood or antipasto platters for 2 sharing.
25 moradores locais recomendam
Poppies
ByThe terrace has a wonderful view and the meals and cakes are just what you want. Highly recommend seafood or antipasto platters for 2 sharing.
Oban Seafood Hut.. (Green Shack)
The Olive Garden
Aray Fish Limited
Upper RiochanHistory and Castles
If you are interested in Scottish history these places and and Castles are all worth a visit.
Combine this with a visit to the Kelly's Pier where iron ore came from Cumbria under sail. The owners of the iron furnace made a deal with the local landowners to use their oak to make charcoal.
The combination of the oak charcoal and cumbrian iron ore resulted in a superior iron, which was used to produce Napoleonic cannon balls.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/bonawe-historic-iron-furnace/
16 moradores locais recomendam
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace
Combine this with a visit to the Kelly's Pier where iron ore came from Cumbria under sail. The owners of the iron furnace made a deal with the local landowners to use their oak to make charcoal.
The combination of the oak charcoal and cumbrian iron ore resulted in a superior iron, which was used to produce Napoleonic cannon balls.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/bonawe-historic-iron-furnace/
The churchyard is beside the Kilmartin Glen Museum and Cafe and is a great introduction to the history and magic of this area. A visit to the Cafe is recommended after all the graveyard explorations.
Kilmartin Church and graveyard
A816The churchyard is beside the Kilmartin Glen Museum and Cafe and is a great introduction to the history and magic of this area. A visit to the Cafe is recommended after all the graveyard explorations.
Dominating the Oban skyline is the tower. It is a great walk up a steep hill to the Tower for some fabulous views. If you don’t feel up to the walk you can take your car and find a car parking space but beware of the one way roads and very narrow roads. From personal experience you definitely don’t want to be lost here and in a camper van!
89 moradores locais recomendam
Torre de McCaig
Duncraggan RoadDominating the Oban skyline is the tower. It is a great walk up a steep hill to the Tower for some fabulous views. If you don’t feel up to the walk you can take your car and find a car parking space but beware of the one way roads and very narrow roads. From personal experience you definitely don’t want to be lost here and in a camper van!
An ancient castle with lots of history and superb views. I love walking from the castle to the Chapel and on to the beach.
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Castelo e Capela de Dunstaffnage
Castle GroundsAn ancient castle with lots of history and superb views. I love walking from the castle to the Chapel and on to the beach.
The Temple Wood Stone circles and Nether Largie stones are a must see if you are in Kilmartin and warrant a journey to just see them. Whether you are an Outlander fan, history buff or just like stones do visit.
Nether Largie Standing Stones
The Temple Wood Stone circles and Nether Largie stones are a must see if you are in Kilmartin and warrant a journey to just see them. Whether you are an Outlander fan, history buff or just like stones do visit.
You can walk along the esplanade to Dunollie and explore more local history. You need to book at present. If you love castles and views this is where you should come. Afterwards take the road down to Ganavan Sands to wander along the beach, admire the views and watch the sunset.
55 moradores locais recomendam
Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds
You can walk along the esplanade to Dunollie and explore more local history. You need to book at present. If you love castles and views this is where you should come. Afterwards take the road down to Ganavan Sands to wander along the beach, admire the views and watch the sunset.
A romantic castle set out in the sea. The owners still visit at times. The loop walk around the castle bay is worth doing and then pop down to Port Appin or visit the local cafe which does the best soup ever.
45 moradores locais recomendam
Castle Stalker View
A romantic castle set out in the sea. The owners still visit at times. The loop walk around the castle bay is worth doing and then pop down to Port Appin or visit the local cafe which does the best soup ever.
St. Conan’s Kirk
I would recommend you take a walk around the the front of the castle for stunning views up Loch Awe.
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Castelo de Kilchurn
I would recommend you take a walk around the the front of the castle for stunning views up Loch Awe.
Castelo de Inveraray
Conselho para os viajantes
Costumes e cultura
Covid 19 information
Please check the relevant Covid regulations and tiers on the Scottish Government Website https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/ and if travelling out with Scotland please not that the tier level restrictions are stricter than corresponding English tiers. Wear a mask on all public transport, including ferries, and in shops, restaurants and pubs
Transporte
Driving is the easiest
Using your own car is the easiest way to get around just be sure you know how to use single track roads as there are loads of them round here. This site has good advice https://www.scotlandinfo.eu/driving-single-track-roads-in-scotland/. Round here you may well get stuck behind logging lorries. If there is a passing place opposite you just stop there - do not drive across the road to it. You might well get stuck behind cows, tractors and horses and my advice is just take it slow and enjoy the scenery.
O que levar
All weather gear and layers and layers
Us Scots think anything above 20 degrees is “taps aff” weather whilst many visitors still think it’s a bit chilly. The wonderful thing about our weather is that is changeable and you can get all 4 seasons in one day. It does rain quite a bit so waterproofs and layers are essential, decent walking boots that you don’t mind getting muddy are advisable. We have a washing machine and tumble drier for your use in the garage below so you can always wash and dry your clothes.
Transporte
Taxis, bus services and trains
01631 569999 Tower Taxis or if you'd like to prebook with discount you call 07476328887