Activities

See separate page on walks, there are so many! If you fancy a guided walk contact Heather at Heathery Heights in Lochgilphead – www.heatheryheights.co.uk or call 07899 765240. Heather is an experienced mountain leader offering outdoor adventures and discovery ( with dog-friendly walks) with local history and nature tips included, showcasing our amazing local scenery.

Will Self, based at Tayvallich, runs a company called Wild Argyll offering fantastic exploratory nature trips around the area on foot, by car or by kayak. www.explorewildargyll.com or call 01546 870235. Lots of information on his website.

Fishing. We own three miles of the River Add, which is a famous little salmon river. It’s a spate river so conditions are only ideal occasionally but contact Ross on 07850 913936 and he can lend you the appropriate tackle. Fishing for guests is free. Locally, there is both loch and sea fishing available, the best place for information and booking permits is Fyne Tackle on the main street in Lochgilphead, 01546 606878.

Cycling is scenic and safe here – if you don’t have bikes contact the Rusty Shed at Oban www.rustycycleshed.co.uk Cost £25 a day or £100 a week and they deliver. Unfortunately at the moment there isn’t bike hire in or near Lochgilphead but I will keep updating if this changes.

Kayaking and paddle-boarding – lovely to launch from Tayvallich and kayak gently around Loch Sween. Hire and tuition from Argyll Kayaks – www.argyllkayaks.co.uk or call 01546 327888. Based in Ardrishaig. Hire is about £50 a day or £250 for the week. See also ‘Wild Argyll’ who can hire kayaks and the appropriate clothing.

Wild swimming. Such a fast-growing sport and very popular here. See our Facebook page, Mid Argyll Wild Swimmers, for local swims with fellow enthusiasts. You’ll need a wetsuit apart from in the height of summer – available from Argyll Kayaks, see above. If you need tuition – and safety is a big issue here - contact Dan the Merman who will take you on guided swims with instruction and also tell you about the local history – www.swimdanthemerman.com

Our local swimming pool in Lochgilphead is great for lane swimming – see opening times at www.macpool.org.uk. Good café.

Riding. Our nearest riding stables is at Lunga, off the road to Oban, which is about 25 minute drive from here. Offers lessons and trail rides, with an outdoor school. Also offers Western style riding. www.lungaridingstables.co.uk

Argyll Adventures at Inverary offers trail riding for beginners to experienced riders. Contact them on 01499 302611.

Wilder Ways at Southend near Campbeltown is quite a long drive away ( an hour and a half) but they offer award-winning horseback experiences from trail rides to beach rides on good horses with expert instruction. Contact www.wilderways.scot or call 07826 273291.

Golf – there are several lovely courses here you can play without being a member. Lochgilphead Golf Course is a friendly 18-hole course which welcomes visitors www.lochgilpheadgolfclub.co.uk

Tarbet has a scenic and challenging 9-hole course which also welcomes visitors www.tarbetgolfclub.com or call 01880/820565

For a more challenging experience we are an hour away from the famous Machrihanish championship links course (there is also a 9-hole course). Green fees £75 to £120 for 18 holes. Contact via www.machgolf.com