Kilchurn Castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland and can easily be seen from the bedroom windows of suites 1 & 2. Built in 1440 it was unroofed in 1775 and in 1879, a large section blew down during the same great storm that destroyed the Tay Railway Bridge. However, there is still much to see and it is definitely worth the short drive to it.
This beautiful church us one of Argyll’s hidden treasures and is well worth a visit. It is Grade A listed for its location and styles of architecture and recently won public accolade as one of the top 10 20th century buildings in Scotland. Construction was in 3 phases: 1881-1886, 1907-1914, 1919-1930; this was as a result of family deaths and World War 1.
Turn right at the bottom of our drive and follow the footpath until you come to the kirk on your left-hand side. The kirk is opened all year round. During the summer season there is also a tearoom selling light lunches and home-made cakes.
There is room to park your car at the Kirk if you prefer not to walk.
St Conan's Kirk
Beautiful orchard/garden situated on an area of land beside the River Orchy in Dalmally. The committee and volunteers look after the garden and encourage all to visit.
What’s in the Garden?
A bird hide, Fruit trees and bushes, Wild flowers and herbs, Exercise on the Fresh Air Fitness Equipment, Woodland walks, Wooden shelter with seating, Barbecue area and Picnic tables
You can walk, cycle or drive to the garden.
Take a picnic with you and if weather is good also take your swimming gear as you have access to the river from the garden. Walk on for another 5 minutes and you will come to the Highland Critters Tea Room & Gift Shop where you can get a nice cup of tea/coffee and some delicious home baking. If you don’t want to walk back, time it with the train from Dalmally to Lochawe. Great day out.
Hire a boat and visit some of the many small islands on Scotland’s longest Loch or stop off at some of the lovely country house hotels which are actually easier to get to by boat than by car! You may also wish to try your hand at fishing or do some bird spotting or simply appreciate the beautiful scenery. Boats, fishing permits and equipment can be obtained from:-
The Boat Yard, Ardbrecknish, by Dalmally, Argyll, PA33 1BH
07703 112422 | cliff@lochaweboats.co.uk
A day out in Inveraray is a must. Only a 20-25 minute drive from us.
Overlooking the still waters of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is a beautiful, traditional county town of Argyll. It is a former royal burgh and is the ancestral home to the Duke of Argyll.
Things to do during your visit include:-
Visit Inveraray Castle
Open from March to October 10am - 5.45pm
Inveraray Jail & Courthouse
April to October 9.30am - 6pm
November to March 10am - 5pm
Inveraray Gardens
The castle gardens and grounds extend to 16 acres, including 2 acres of formal lawns and flowerbeds and 180 hectares of park and woodland - one of the most designed landscapes in Scotland.
Dun na Cuaiche Woodland Walk and Watchtower
The exhibition in the visitors’ centre and the bus tours into the famous “hollow mountain” have provided very popular outings with our guests – particularly on rainy days! Alternatively, you can walk from the apartments up to the huge dam. Views are excellent. Well worth the effort and a well deserved drink in our local (The Ben Cruachan) on the way back!
Find out about the art of smoking fish through the ages or explore the many walks through the woods or stroll down to Loch Etive. Learn to fly fish in one of the trout fisheries or simply enjoy a smoked salmon sandwich in the little deli/coffee house. A great day out for the whole family.
Dalmally Golf Club is home to a beautiful and peaceful 9 hole parkland course bounded by the river Orchy and set in a rich wildlife habitat with native Scottish woodland. It sits at the head of Loch Awe with its brooding Kilchurn Castle; to the west is the mighty Dalmally Horseshoe of the Cruachan Massif and the the east the majestic slopes of Ben Lui.
Formed in 1987 through the hard work of local enthusiasts, the course boasts interesting par 3s and 4s that put more of a premium on shot making and shaping than on distance. It will test the most able golfer but at the same time offer fair and fun golf for beginners, occasional players, families and juniors. Every hole offers a differing challenge with two tees at 6 of the 9 holes.
Rates available at www.dalmallygolfclub.co.uk 01838 200619
Oban is our closest large town and gateway to many of the islands on the west coast. To drive, it will take you roughly 40 minutes from our apartments, but you can also take the train from Lochawe station and enjoy the beautiful views – this will also take around 40 minutes.
Oban is famous for its excellent seafood eateries but it also has a varied choice of other cuisines and plenty of friendly bars. You can also do your food shopping here as there is a large Tesco, Lidl, Aldi and a Marks & Spencer Foodstore.
Oban Bay
Whilst in Oban, it is worth visiting the Oban Distillery, Dunollie Museum, Castle & Grounds, the War & Peace Museum or walking up to McCaig’s Tower. On a rainy day it might be also worth a visit to the cinema or if your feeling energetic, a visit to Atlantis Sport Centre.
Many of our guests have loved the 3-island trip from Oban. This is a full on day visiting Mull, Iona & Staffa. Or if you don’t have the time, you can simply take the ferry over to Mull and come back again or take your car over and explore Mull at your leisure.
Puffins on the island of Lunga