Places of Interest to Visit

KILMARTIN MUSEUM

Recently re-opened after a two million refit, this world-famous museum houses thousands of priceless artefacts from up to 12,000 years ago. Kilmartin Glen has the highest concentration of Neolithic monuments anywhere in Europe. From the museum, which is open daily from the end of March 2024, you can walk to Temple Wood, a mini Stone Henge, walk right up to ancient burial cairns and from April to October there are guided walks every Wednesday at 1.20pm. No need to book. At the moment there isn’t a café but there should be one soon. www.kilmartin.org

TAYVALLICH AND TAYNISH NATURE RESERVE

One of the most beautiful walks locally is at Taynish Nature Reserve, which is just ten minutes on from the very pretty harbour village of Tayvallich, which has a pub and a café. In Tayvallich drive past the café and then take the left fork down the single track road and park at the Mill. Here you can walk left to the Mill, a short walk, or go straight on which takes you to the sea. A board by the parking has all the walks marked, and a lovely longer one is to retrace your steps up the road and climb up through the woods until you reach fabulous views of Jura and Loch Sween.

COILLE BHARR (BEAVERS)

About 20 minutes drive from the lodges towards Tayvallich you will see Knapdale car park on your left, and Barnluasgan car park to the left of the fork in the road by the memorial. You can park in either for the Beaver Trail. Beavers were re-introduced into Knapdale about ten years ago and have established themselves with mating pairs and evidence of them is all around both lochs – you can see where the trees have been gnawed down, and their lodges. If you are very lucky you might see a beaver – they are crepuscular, in that the best time to see them is before sunrise or after dusk. More info in the hut by Barnluasgan car park.

PORTAVADIE

A very swish marina which is open all year round with a lovely outdoor infinity pool, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzis. To get there you take the ferry from Tarbert – it goes on the hour and returns on the half hour, and takes about 25 minutes. Don’t bother taking the car, the marina is right by the ferry. Also a lovely restaurant here, and a shop. Pre-booking is essential – you book 90 minute slots in the spa. Open every day 10am to 5.30pm www.portavadie.com

ACHNABREAC AND DUNADD

Achnabreac, just ten minutes from the lodges, is the site of extraordinary 4,000 year old rock art you can virtually touch, on its Cup and Ring Trail. Part of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, no-one knows what they signify. There’s also a mountain biking trail here, the Firetower Trail, which is not for the faint-hearted, and lovely walks. From here you can drive up to Dunadd – back up towards Oban only five minutes from Bridgend – where you can see where the first Gaelic kings of Dalriada were crowned from 500 to 800 AD. See the ancient footprint. Carnasserie Castle is a further ten minute drive – an ancient castle on top of  steep hill ( great views).

KEILLS CHAPEL

Keills Chapel is a fascinating little chapel built in 1100. You can walk right up to it and go inside – this is the beauty of Mid Argyll - no turnstiles or payments. The chapel holds 40 carved stones and six early Christian burial slabs of knights, as well as the two-metre high Keills Cross. To reach Keills drive to Tayvallich, then take the right fork past the café, up the hill and on for about 5 miles until you come to the first gate. Park here, walk through the gate, and turn up the hill and you will see the chapel. If you carry on through 2 more gates there is a good place for a picnic looking out to Jura across the Sound and out to the famous Corryvrechan whirlpool.

DUNTRUNE SECRET GARDENS

Duntrune Castle is the oldest house inhabited by the same family in Europe – the Malcolms have lived here since the 1700’s. It rises in sheer majesty out of the sea and was the location of a recent James Bond film. You can’t go round the castle – still a private home – but you can visit the amazing secret gardens established  by Susan Malcolm who died in 2003. A place of gorgeous privacy and serene calm. Drive towards the castle and park where it says ‘private drive.’ Then walk, towards the castle, and then bear right up the hill. At the top of the hill drop down right and you will see the ornate gates of the garden. There is no charge, but please put money in the honesty box.

KILBERRY LOOP

A very scenic drive  – go through Ardrishaig and then look for the turning to Kilberry, 15 miles. This is a loop road which will bring you out just above Tarbet. You drive past lovely little beaches – look out for seals – and eventually arrive in Kilberry. Here you can see the 26 Kilberry Sculptured Stones by the castle, and great views out to sea. After Kilberry there is a lovely sandy beach at Ardpatrick. The Kilberry Inn is a great place for dinner but you need to book ( www.kilberryinn.com) Open from March 20th and closed Sundays and Mondays.

OBAN

Our nearest big town, about an hour’s drive away in a very scenic route. Look out for the view of Ardern at the top of the hill. Lots of big shops, cafes and restaurants, very bustling as this is the main CalMac ferry port. The Oban whisky distillery is worth visiting – www.obanwhisky.com – and also the War and Peace museum. There’s a lovely historic pub, The Old Inn, and McCaig’s Tower above the town, a folly built by a local businessman.

INVERARY

About half an hour’s drive from Lochgilphead. The castle is famous and interesting – open from April to October, you don’t need to book – and the jail, which is open all year round and every day from 10am to 5pm. Walks up the hill to the tower, and enjoy the cafes and restaurants.