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Argyll Attractions |
Crinan Basin |
Explore the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. Find out about the local clans - Campbell, MacDonald and MacCallum were all common names in this area. Interested in genealogy? - Find out more about your ancestors if they came from this area. Walk or cycle along the length of the Crinan Canal, from Ardrishaig where it is possible to hire cycles, to the basin at Crinan, stopping at Cairnbaan Hotel for refreshment on the way. Once at Crinan try out the world famous Hotel or Coffee shop, or take a cruise to see the seals or explore the islands of the west. Get the skipper to take you through the Corryvreckan Whirlpool if the tides are right! The canal was built 200 years ago to allow boats to avoid the treacherous seas of the Mull of Kintyre, and it is still well used today. See the fishing boats in the basin, and watch yachts passing through the locks. |
Scarba from Crinan |
Crinan Sea Lock |
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There are many opportunities for sport in Mid Argyll. Visit the Mid Argyll swimming Pool in Lochgilphead, and try the sauna. Try out the multi gym, squash court or main hall at the Mid Argyll Sports Centre, or try your hand on the 9 hole golf courses at Lochgilphead, Tarbert, Inveraray and Carradale. Or venture further afield to the 18 hole courses in Oban or at Machrihanish. Horse riding and pony trekking are available at the BHS approved Ardfern Riding Centre or at Brenfield just south of Ardrishaig. Craobh Haven water sports can arrange dinghy sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. Try your hand at sea fishing, or attempt to catch sea trout or salmon on the River Add.
The coastline is fascinating and no visit to the west coast would be complete without a visit to at least one of the islands. From Oban you can travel with Caledonian MacBrayne to Mull, and then on to the ancient island of Iona, known as the cradle of Christianity, with a possible stop on Staffa to see Fingal's Cave. From Claonaig you can travel to Arran by the back door, and from Kennacraig trips are possible to Islay, Jura and Colonsay. From Tayinloan make the trip over to Gigha, and see the magnificent gardens. Or go by bridge over the Atlantic Ocean to Seil Island and Easdale.
There are many beautiful gardens to visit in the area, most of which are at their best in the spring when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in full bloom, but benefit all year round from the mild climate made possible by the Gulf Stream. Arduaine, Crarae and Kilmory are among the best. Because the coast is so spectacular the interior of the county is often overlooked, and it is worth taking some time to explore Loch Awe where there are more gardens, views and forest walks. Check out the website www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk.
Sandy's boat |
The ancient Clan Campbell stronghold of Inverary is well worth a visit, with Inveraray Castle and Inveraray Jail being the top attractions. Take time if you are in the area to visit the Arctic Penguin, Auchindrain Museum of Country Life and the Argyll Wildlife Park. There is also a swimming pool, sauna and steam room in the Loch Fyne Hotel, which is open to the public.
It is also easy to spend a day in and around Oban, with its distillery, Sea Life Centre, and Caithness Glass Visitor Centre. Many of our visitors take the opportunity to visit other famous areas of Scotland, such as Glencoe, Ben Nevis and Campbeltown and the Mull of Kintyre.
Interested in whisky? Why not spend your holiday visiting some of the local distilleries and do some island hopping at the same time? Springbank in Campbeltown, Arran, Oban, Tobermory, Jura, and of course all the distilleries on the island of Islay - Laphroaig, Lagavullin, Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bunnahabhain, Bowmore and Bruichladdich - can all be visited on day trips from Kilmartin.
Or just walk in peace and quiet along some of the many attractive walks in the area, look at the stunning views and see some of the local birds and wildlife.
You might also find it helpful to visit some of the more general tourism sites of Scotland, such as Heart of Argyll, Argyll, The Isles, Stirling and Loch Lomond Tourist Board, visitscotland, www.oban.org.uk, www.argyll-and-bute.co.uk, www.kintyre.org and www.aboutscotland.com |
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