LOCH AWE

Loch Awe (Scottish Gaelic: Loch Obha) is a large body of mostly freshwater in Argyll and Bute, Scottish Highlands. It has also given its name to a village on its banks, variously known as Loch Awe, or Lochawe. There are islands within the loch such as Innis Chonnell and Inishail.

Loch Awe is renowned for its trout fishing. Salmon pass through the loch, coming past the barrage in the River Awe and continuing into the River Orchy. Loch Awe contains several ruined castles on islands, and at the northern end has one of the most photographed castles in Scotland, Kilchurn Castle, which in summer may be visited by a short boat trip or by a half mile walk from a small car park just after the bridge over the River Orchy. Saint Conan's Kirk and Chapel of St Fyndoca are located in Loch Awe.
 

ST CONAN'S KIRK

Located in beautiful Argyll and Bute, Saint Conan’s Kirk is one the most popular things to visit in Argyll.

St Conan’s Kirk in the village of Lochawe attracts visitors from all over the world with its magical lochside setting and easily reached location. From the road the Kirk gives few clues about the amazing architecture both inside and out. It is exceptional both in style and surroundings, with a strong sense of peace and inherent spirituality. Although one of the most popular visitor attractions in Argyll, the surprising size of the Kirk means that there are days when you can feel you have the place all to yourself.

THE CONNEL BRIDGE

The Connel Bridge was completed in 1903 for the Caledonian Railway, and lies about 6 miles north east of Oban on the A828, north of the A85. The bridge features a number of interesting points. Although it was built as a single track railway bridge, it also carried a single track road, which allowed both forms of transport to utilise its span to cross the narrows between Loch Etive and the Firth of Lorne.

KILMARTIN STONES

Kilmartin Stones  are a collection of 79 ancient graveslabs (one exception being a side-slab of a tomb chest) at Kilmartin parish church in the village of Kilmartin, Argyll, Scotland, about 30 km due south of Oban (about 46 km by road).

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Kilmartin Glen is a must if you are interested in finding out about the ancient inhabitants of Scotland. This glen has around 350 ancient monuments, 150 of which are pre-historic chambered cairns, round cairns, rock carvings, cists, and standing stones. Human history in this area can be traced back 5,000 year.

TAYNISH NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE

Taynish National Nature Reserve (NNR) lies at the end of a hidden peninsula. The peaceful oak woodlands are interspersed with grassland glades, heath, saltmarsh and shoreline. The reserve provides a truly amazing landscape that’s  teeming with wildlife. You might see roe deer, red squirrels and otters. Butterflies, beetles, dragonflies and moths flourish in flower-rich grasslands. 

FINNS FALCONRY

Finns Falconry is not a falconry centre but an educational business doing private, personal, and bespoke by appointment only. They do tailored talks, lessons and lectures to clients requirements or schools curriculum, and delivers and facilitates static and flying displays at shows, weddings or events. Hands on hawk walks and falcon experiences are also offered. 

AUCHINDRAIN TOWNSHIP OPEN AIR MUSEUM, INVERARAY

An original West Highland township of great antiquity and the only such township in Scotland to have survived on its centuries old site. The township buildings have been preserved, equipped and furnished to present the visitor with a fascinating glimpse of the way of life of the highlander. 

BARCALDINE CASTLE

Argyll's only ancient castle offering bed and breakfast accommodation. Built in 1609 and restored 1897. Stunning location on south shore of Loch Creran 9 miles north of Oban. Licenced for small intimate weddings.

BONAWE IRON FURNACE, TAYNUILT

Once the main iron-smelting centre for Scotland, Taynuilt provided the cannon and shot for the navy, and a monument near the church commemorates Nelson's victory at Trafalgar.

CASTLE STALKER, LOCH LINNHE

Built at the beginning of the 16th century and well restored, this was the ancient home of the Stewarts of Appin.

CRUACHAN - THE HOLLOW MOUNTAIN

The reservoir stands at 1,315 ft and the Power Station is built deep into the mountain. The Visitors' Centre has displays and literature explaining the scheme. Visitors can book a trip to go inside "The Hollow Mountain" by bus. 

LOCH AWE FISHING

For the keen angler, there can be no better venue than Loch Awe. Known as the longest freshwater loch in Scotland, Loch Awe stretches over 25 miles end to end – so you won’t be short of space. Loch Awe has much more to offer than its famous trout fishing, though, with enchanting wee villages and some of the West Highlands’ most impressive architecture, spanning over six centuries, along its banks.

Our guests can fish Loch Awe free of charge, anywhere from our shoreline or all over the loch from a boat. We have boats and fishing tackle available during your stay with us.

BROWN TROUT FISHING

The trout fishing season on Loch Awe runs from March 15th to Mid October. The best fly fishing for wild brown trout is to be had during the first few months of the season, before fish move into deeper water and at the back end of the season when the fish move back into shallower water. Traditional drift fishing over shallower water during these times can still produce nice baskets of hard fighting brown trout averaging 3/4lb with fish of 1-2lb not uncommon. Spinning can also be very effective in the right areas.

COARSE FISHING

Coarse fish present in Loch Awe include Pike, Perch, Roach and eels, and some very good perch can be caught whilst spinning or bait fishing in the summer. Fishing for these Pike during the summer months using lures, dead baits and fly can offer tremendous sport, though some anglers fish for them throughout the season often picking up very good fish on dead baits during the colder months of the year.

BOAT HIRE

Fancy a boat trip? For hotel and lodge guests interested in heading out onto the water and exploring Loch Awe itself, we have boats to hire at the hotel.

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The boats currently cost £75 for the day. Terms and conditions apply and please note that there is a total alcohol ban, as well as a limit as to how many are allowed on board – if you have a dog or two, they count as passengers of course. Our dog-friendly hotel policies extend to our boats!

PUCK'S GLEN WALK

Deservedly the most popular short walk in the region, Puck’s Glen is a dark and atmospheric defile. A tumbling burn, criss-crossed by bridges, is enclosed by rocky walls heavily hung with mosses and overshadowed by dense trees.

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It comes under Forestry and Land Scotland which has highlighted it as a feature of the Argyll Forest Park  and described it as “One of the most magical forests in Scotland, with a delightful trail along a rocky gorge.”

DALMALLY GOLF CLUB

Picturesque Dalmally Golf Club, nestling between views of Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui and bounded by the rolling waters of the River Orchy, without doubt one of Scotland's little golfing treasures. A flat parkland set up, this beautiful 9 hole course is suitable for all standards of golfer. A warm highland welcome awaits all golfing enthusiasts! Club hire, bar and meal facilities can be made available for parties of eight and over.

DUNCAN BAN MONUMENT WALK (1 to 1½ hours) 

Enter Monument Hill and follow Old Military Road to top. Road was built by English soldiers around 1750 as part of a network aimed at pacifying the Highland clans and is still well-maintained as far as the monument, which stands on the highest point, an old beacon hill (550 feet above sea-level). 

BEINN CRUACHAN GROUP HILL WALKING

Beinn Cruachan commands respect, for the traverse of its seven tops, with ascent of 4900 feet, is one of the classic expeditions of the Southern Highlands. The traditional start lies near the old railway station at Falls of Cruachan.

This group of hills, lying some five miles south-west of Tyndrum is dominated by Beinn Laoigh.  On its Cononish side, steep ribs rise to buttress twin peaks on the headwall of Coire Gaothaich.  This great scoop holds snow much longer than most others in the Southern Highlands and has long been popular for its winter ascents.

THE BEN LUI GROUP HILL WALKING

Ben Lui is a graceful peak, considered by many people to be the finest mountain in the Southern Highlands. It offers its best side towards Dalrigh, and approaches from this side can involve a scramble round either rim of its northeastern corrie, but it is more usually climbed from Glen Lochay, a much shorter route.

GLENCOE TOUR

The scenic drive from Oban past lochs and castles into Scotland’s most romantic glen offers plenty of photo opportunities, including castles, mountains, wild stags and waterfalls. There are a plethora of famous peaks, from Buachaille Etive Mor, Bidean nam Bian and the Pap of Glencoe. Take in Rannoch Moor, which almost resembles a moonscape. You can even take a chair lift up a mountain!

LOCH LOMOND TOUR

A splendid introduction to Scotland. This tour fuses the remarkable beauty of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park with the savage history of Stirling Castle. On this trip there is plenty of time to examine the unique architecture and ponder over the majestic natural and man-made wonders.

THE BEN CRUACHAN INN

The Ben Cruachan Inn opened in April 2017 following a complete refurbishment. We occupy the historic building that was formerly the stables for the iconic Loch Awe Hotel.

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Situated at the heart of Lochawe village, at the foot of Ben Cruachan and overlooking Loch Awe, our visitors love our location as we are in walking distance to Ben Cruachan and other mountains and have great attractions on our doorstep including St Conans Kirk, the hollow mountain experience and the famous Kilchurn Castle.

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The bar has a huge selection of over 110 Scottish malt whiskies offering a taste tour of Scotland from the Western Isles, to Orkney in the North, South to Speyside and everywhere in between. Also serving premium Scottish gins, created in many of the most famous distilleries and a great selection of craft beers, including the local Fyne Ales range. You can also drop in for a great coffee or other hot drinks, and home baking throughout the day.

ARDBRECKNISH HOUSE

Ardbrecknish House stands on the banks of Loch Awe, at 26 miles the longest freshwater loch in Britain, and set in some of the most stunning scenery in Argyll, Western Scotland. Under the gaze of mighty Ben Cruachan you can enjoy many accessible walks or hire a boat to explore the mystical islands and ruined castles of the loch.

It is a traditional, friendly pub opening from 6pm each evening. The meals are freshly cooked using local produce where possible. Families are made very welcome.

THE REAL FOOD CAFE

Opened in 2005, The Real Food Café is now established as an iconic award winning roadside diner, serving breakfast, morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner to thousands of visitors every year from near and far. Best known for its delicious, sustainably sourced Fish & Chips and as a Coeliac UK Accredited Caterer, the trusted gluten free Fish & Chips, also serving a selection of homemade soups, healthy salads, vegan & vegetarian meals and a lot of homebaking! Scottish and sustainable produce whenever possible. Family friendly and welcome well behaved dogs. Have bike racks and an EV rapid car charger.

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This award winning road side diner on the A82 sits half way between Glasgow and Fort William and is very close to the West Highland Way. A great spot to stop and re-fuel!

THE LOCH FYNE OYSTER BAR & RESTAURANT

The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar & Restaurant is situated in Argyll at the point where the mountains meet the sea waters of Loch Fyne. Discover the finest quality oysters, mussels, shellfish and Scottish smoked salmon, ethically sourced from the pure waters of Loch Fyne in Scotland.

INVERAWE SMOKEHOUSE

Inverawe Smokehouse is a traditional family run business established in 1974 by Robert and Rosie Campbell-Preston in their back garden. Since then the business has only grown, and strengthened into the successful Smokehouse it is today. Based on the west coast of Scotland, close to Taynuilt and Oban, they have been sourcing only the most delicious and fresh fish from the Northern Atlantic Ocean.

SAMPHIRE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT

This small, cozy, unpretentious restaurant in the center of Inveraray has earned a reputation for excellently prepared seafood, though it also serves meat and vegetarian dishes. Favorites include the seafood pie, and the Taste of the Loch medley of shellfish and crustaceans is a special treat.