Holiday West Highland - Autumn/Winter 2021

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HOLIDAY

AUTUMN / WINTER 2021

West Highland

YOUR DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO A WONDERFUL STAY ON THE WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND BEAUTIFUL BENMORE CHANGING OF THE SEASONS

• EAT • DO • EXPLORE • STAY 1

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Contents

BRITAIN AND IRELAND

OUTER HEBRIDES

WESTER ROSS SKYE & LOCHALSH

LOCHABER

ARGYLL & INNER HEBRIDES LOCH LOMOND, FIRTH OF CLYDE & CLYDE ISLANDS

WelCome Welcome to the Autumn edition of Holiday West Highland, your guide to a very special region, where nature, landscape and people work in harmony to create a setting so enchanting that one visit will never be enough.

This magazine is produced by a team who live here and are lucky enough to have experienced many of the west coast’s enduring delights for themselves. We hope you enjoy discovering them too.

The West Highlands boasts cinematic landscapes, a rich culture, fantastic food and drink, exciting activities and wonderful wildlife, but last year’s Covid crisis meant that we were unable to share much of that with visitors. As our vibrant local businesses begin to re-open, we are so looking forward to once again showcasing the hospitality for which this part of Scotland is famous.

Holiday West Highland takes you from technicolour forests, to ancient castles and bustling town centres, via sandy beaches and imposing (if challenging) hills. We can’t promise sunshine, but we can promise plenty to keep you occupied, rain or shine.

The Autumn months are a perfect time

for exploring under your own steam, whether that’s on foot, on a bike, or even kayaking, paddle boarding or swimming. Our countryside is ablaze with colours, and as the crowds disappear, and there’s a hint of a chill in the air, your chances of an encounter with the native species improve too.

After a period of enforced separation from other people, a West Highland holiday lets you decide about distance. It is up to you whether you choose to enjoy solitude and our glorious wild open spaces, or (within guidelines, of course) to seek out the hustle and bustle of community.

While almost all of our local enterprises are open and excited to welcome back visitors, Coronavirus guidelines continue to be adhered to and can impact their activities. If you are planning a visit to an event or venue, we would recommend double-checking their latest opening and booking details before you head out. Contact details for many local attractions can be found on social media, and on the pages that follow.

Have a wonderful stay, The Holiday West Highland Team

Front page photo: Autumn colours at Benmore Gardens.

Contributor: Benmore Botanic Garden (www.rbge.org.uk)

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Oban & Lorn Coastal Connection Love Oban Seafari Adventures SkarvLines West Coast Wildlife Gordon nicol Photography Opening up a year of Stories Loch Awe inveraray Argyll Adventure Heart of Argyll The foodie Tour Perfect places south of Oban Waterside Weddings Crear Hotels bloom & Graze Connel bay Kintyre Harbour Gallery Gigha islay & Jura Colonsay Scottish islands Passport Coll & Tiree Mull & iona West Highland Peninsulas Lochaber Road to the isles fassfern Gin Skye Lotus Heart Sanctuary Outer Hebrides Cowal benmore Gardens Argyll’s Secret Coast isle of bute isle of Arran Loch Lomond Helensburgh West is best Sustrans

You can find us online at holidaywesthighland.co.uk, and keep in touch using the details below. Have a wonderful stay, The Holiday West Highland Team

ContaCt

ADveRTiSinG: Advertising Director nicky Murphy

nmurphy@obantimes.co.uk

Suzanne Taylor staylor@wyvexmedia.co.uk

fiona Macinnes fmacinnes@wyvexmedia.co.uk

eDiTORiAL: Louisa McLennan copy@obantimes.co.uk

OffiCe: Wyvex Media: Oban 01631 568000

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BROCHURE VIE W OUR 2022

WEST COAST CRUISE BREAKS

onboard converted trawler ‘Nova Spero’

AUTUMN & WINTER 2021 CRUISES

Explore Loch Linnhe, Loch Leven, Oban & Mull Departs from Fort William, 4 & 5 night cruises available 2021 Cruise price from £880 per person including full board

FULL CRUISE SCHEDULE FOR 2022

Cruise the Hebrides, the Orkneys, NC500 & more!

WALKING, WILDLIFE & WHISKY

Explore Castles, Distilleries & attractions Cruise alongside dolphins & whales

Call for more info or to book on:

01738 718 509

or visit www.skarvlines.com

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ObAn

b

pubs, and of course the famous seaonny Oban Bay was referred food and shellfish which has earned to as “one of the finest spots Oban the title ‘Seafood Capital of we have seen” by Queen Victoria, Scotland’. when she visited by steamer in the It is easy to explore on foot, but you 1800. Centuries on, the step-ashore pontoons at North Pier – one of three need a good pair of lungs to enjoy the spectacular views from McCaig’s Towpiers in town – ensure that Oban er. This circular stone replica of Roman remains a top West Coast Waters Colosseum is Oban’s crowning glory destination for sailors.

The Argyll Kayak Trail begins at but the tower was never finished. The Oban’s Ganavan beach, and kayaking planned roof would have been a weland scuba diving are popular come addition, as spring showers are frequent in the West. sports here. CalMac ferries Today’s rain is tomortransport cars and foot row’s whisky though, passengers from Oban to and Oban Malt Whisky the islands, adding to the distillery (the second constant movement of McCaig’s Tower, smallest in Scotland) ships. produces sublime spirit The Isle of Kerrera pro- the Colosseumwhere the land meets tects the town from the like structure the sea. Enjoy a postworse of the Atlantic at the east end tour dram or head for storms and it’s a great island for walking, with a of the town is one of Oban’s many notable ruined MacDou- a good starting pubs. You can also pick gall castle at Gylen. up local craft beers in point.

On the mainland, there the Beer Seller shop are independent shops, just opposite the discafes, restaurants and tillery.

There are trained local walking guides ready to share the stories, history and heritage of the town. You can enjoy a stroll along the graceful seaside esplanade, eat, drink and be merry in one of

Oban’s fabulous restaurants, get active on the sea or explore beneath the waves and take a dive with a basking shark!

There is plenty to do in town and inland, in the ancient lands of Lorn.

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Coastal ConneCtion T

he west coast of Scotland has some of the most stunning scenery in Britain. One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty in this area is to see it by boat. Coastal Connection offers a variety of trips with something to suit everyone. The Wildlife and Castle Trip lasts for two hours and departs from Oban. You will

hear about the local area and its history, and spot wildlife such as seals, porpoise and birdlife. If you’re looking for a longer trip, the Tobermory Day Trip is the one for you! Again leaving Oban, this trip takes you up the Sound of Mull, passing Duart Castle and Lismore Lighthouse, to the colourful fishing village. You will

have three hours in Tobermory to explore and have some lunch before returning to Oban. The day trip lasts approximately five-anda-half hours. For the extra special occasion, Coastal Connection offers two-hour, half-day and full-day private charters. Missed ferries and inter island transfers are also catered for.

amazing experience

★★★★★

“Been on two trips with the boys Struan and Cameron with my wife and family and I can say that it was just amazing. The weather and the ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude of both made our day special. We saw seals, sea eagles, porpoises and the famous Oban whale.

The sheer knowledge of both the twins was vast and made the trip enjoyable. Learned a lot on a 2 hour trip! Can’t wait to return and do it all again for the whole day.

Thanks again for wonderful experience!” itainteasy, Gibraltar www.coastal-connection.co.uk

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OBAN PHOENIX

CINEMA 01631 562905 SEE WHAT'S ON AT

WWW.OBANPHOENIX.COM

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LOve ObAn - SeAfOOD CAPiTAL Of SCOTLAnD

O

ban is buzzing again with lots of visitors who are choosing the town for their staycation while travel is still somewhat restricted - and the town’s businesses couldn’t be more delighted!

Oban Business Improvement District and Oban Tourism Group, would like to also issue you a warm welcome as well as offer some tips for enjoying your stay in Oban: Plan Ahead – we would hate for you not to be able to get a reservation for a meal out or your top choice of accommodation, so please book and plan ahead where possible.

Be flexible – remember that we are still in a period of change and could easily have to make changes to Covid guidelines or protocols in any of our amazing businesses and services available in the town.

Allow more time – to travel and also to get round any shops or get seated in an eatery. With new ways of working it’s taking a little bit more time to turn round tables.

Be considerate – everyone is doing their best to keep you and their own staff safe, so please adhere fully to any guidelines in place and that will help.

SeAfOOD CAPiTAL Oban prides itself on being many things and the Seafood Capital of Scotland is one

of them. You can order the freshest seafood going if you take a walk down the Railway Pier by the ferry, and all of our wonderful seafood restaurants can stake a claim on having the shortest ‘sea-to-plate’ times. Remember to place your booking ahead of your stay.

STAy, eXPLORe, SPenD. Not only can Oban boast about its seafood, the town is brimming with gift shops and excellent retail, as well as plenty of leisure activities and places for you to explore. Why not get some LoveOban vouchers and help to further support our local economy. They make a great gift and are accepted in more than 80 of our fantastic local outlets. You can buy them online at www.bid4obanltd.co.uk/ online-vouchers or you can purchase in-person from the following retailers – Oban Sports Shop, Websters of Oban Photographic Centre, Oban Phoenix Cinema, Alba Art Shop, Button Nose Boutique and Etive Restaurant. You don’t just have to spend them on retail either, you can buy spa services and treatments, book a hair appointment for yourself (or your four-legged friend) and use them in our restaurants and cafes as well as garages and garden centres. Or you could check out our galleries and museums or even

head to Atlantis for a swim or leisure activity of your choice.

GeT SOCiAL Don’t forget to tag us in all your amazing photographs and videos of Oban. Whether you are on a day trip or staying for a while, we want to hear from you.

Use our @loveoban social media accounts or simply use the hashtag #loveoban.

Did you know that the town also has webcams right on the pier? Not only can you check the weather in real-time before you arrive, but why not send the link to a loved one at home and give them a wave? https://www.oban.org.uk/webcams/

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oBAN & lorN HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

MCCAiGS TOWeR

SCOTLAnD’S SeAfOOD CAPiTAL

Dominating Oban’s skyline, McCaig’s tower was built in the late 19th century by local banker John Stuart McCaig, partly to provide work for local stone masons. It’s striking to look up at and even better from inside.

Oban’s title as Scotland’s seafood capital is well-earned, with a host of restaurants offering fresh local fare. For an al fresco experience, stroll along the south pier and take your pick of the day’s catch.

ObAn WAR AnD PeACe MuSeuM This tiny museum isn’t just for those with a passion for military history, its artefacts and exhibitions offer broad insight into Oban’s past. A good stop for visitors tracing local family connections too. www.obanmuseum.org.uk

www.scotphoto.com

DunOLLie CASTLe, MuSeuM AnD GROunDS For centuries this ivy-covered ruin was the base from which Clan MacDougall ruled the region. The house below is now a thriving museum, with lovely grounds and activities for visitors of all ages. dunollie.org

beACHeS You needn’t go all the way to the islands for beaches – there are several close to Oban, from sandy Ganavan, near the town centre, to the crescent of Tralee, by Benderloch, and Taynuilt’s mountain-framed Airds Bay.

SHOPPinG & AfTeRnOOn TeA From tiny gift shops to galleries, trendy chain stores and even a chocolate shop, Oban offers the scenic town-centre shopping experience that is becoming increasingly rare.

Enhance the experience with afternoon tea (and homebaking) in a seafront hotel or tea room. www.bid4oban.co.uk

ATLAnTiS LeiSuRe Get active with the family whatever the weather. Atlantis boasts two swimming pools, a soft play area, climbing wall, outdoor courts and many more sports and classes.

Plus community playgrounds outside. www.atlantisleisure.co.uk

ARDuAine GARDen bOAT TRiPS

DunSTAffnAGe

Oban is the gateway to the Isles, and some – such as Lismore, Easdale and Kerrera are close enough for a day trip and can be reached by ferry in moments. A choice of wildlife-watching trips depart locally too – look out for seals, basking sharks, dolphins and much more.

The village of Dunbeg is home to Dunstaffnage Castle, a MacDougall stronghold that played an important role in national history.

Walk around the marina and secluded beaches, and visit the neighbouring Ocean Explorer Centre to learn about life below the waves. oceanexplorercentre.org

This coastal garden has an array of colourful plants, including rhododendrons, azaleas and giant Himalayan lillies, as well as views over the Sound of Jura. www.nts.org.uk

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ADvenTuRe

ON THE WATER Argyll’s west coast is renowned for its varying wildlife and spectacular scenery. The Gulf of Corryvreckan, home of the world’s third largest whirlpool is the jewel in the crown. Located between the islands of Jura and Scarba, its magnificent cliffs and bays can only be appreciated when viewed from the sea.

Strong tidal currents and nutrient rich waters are the feeding grounds for a wide range of wildlife. Cetaceans such as whales, dolphins and porpoise are frequent visitors.

Common and Grey seals are seen both in the water and on nearby rocks. Common seal pups born in July are black in colour and are instant swimmers. In contrast, grey seal pups born in September are white in colour and spend their early weeks ashore.

Travelling around the islands brings additional wildlife rewards. The islands are home to both White Tailed and Golden eagle. Both species soar majestically high in the skies or perch on nearby rocks. The islands are home to both red and fallow deer. The shoreline is home to otters.

Seafari Adventures, based at Easdale

just south of Oban, is at the forefront of marine wildlife tourism and were the first Oban-based tour operator to be accredited a five-star Wildlife Experience by VisitScotland.

With a variety of boat types, Seafari offers a tour to suit every visitor. The open RIBs offer swift, safe passage between wildlife sightings and islands.

This is a total out of doors, open air experience. Individual passenger seats are forward facing. For those with young children some seats are modified to seat both parent and child. The

most popular tour aboard the open RIBs is the Corryvreckan Wildlife Tour. This tour is suitable for all the family. On certain days when the tides are large, Seafari offer Whirlpool Specials dedicated to viewing the world’s third largest whirlpool in all its glory.

A more leisurely cruise is available onboard Seafari’s traditional boat, with its large open deck with seating and space to walk around. The three-hour Corryvreckan Wildlife and Whales tour includes The Garvellach Islands and the Whirlpool area. (Hot drinks,

access to the heated cabin and toilet dependent on Government advice.)

Whilst offering the opportunity to view nature at its best, tours are well managed to ensure minimal impact and disturbance. All Seafari tours are fully guided. Boats operate with both an experienced skipper and a dedicated crew/wildlife guide. Pride in the quality of the tour is important to Seafari. There is a dedicated on-site ticket office at Easdale. Our ticket office offers assistance and advice on the best tour to meet the expectation of your group through to advising on the appropriate clothing to wear and taking bookings.

Easdale is an attractive conservation village reached by crossing the Bridge over the Atlantic onto the Isle of Seil.

There is ample parking, a museum/ heritage centre, pub and a dedicated area for the overnight parking of motorhomes.

Seafari’s customer care team are happy to answer questions, offer advice and take bookings. Tel 01852 300003.

Online bookings are via the website www.seafari.co.uk/oban

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eXPLORe THe WeST COAST WiTH SKARvLineS Explore the West Coast of Scotland like you’ve never seen it before from the deck of SkarvLines expertly converted wooden-hulled fishing trawler, Nova Spero.

Owned and operated by local master mariner, John MacInnes, join one of their unforgettable adventures on the high seas this autumn or winter, setting out from Corpach near Fort William.

Choose from 4 or 5 night cruise length and look forward to delicious wholesome meals & seafood onboard – breakfast, lunch and dinner is included! A list of 2021 departure dates is available on their website and risk-free booking is available.

With 7 cabins on board and a full suite of Covid-19 measures in place, your safety and enjoyment is their

paramount importance. Relax in the spacious lounge with wood-burning stove or on-deck where you can view the breath-taking scenery by day and the awesome starry skies by night.

These cruises are informal and the focus is on adventure, so don’t expect ballgowns at dinner.

The aim is give you an authentic Scottish travel experience off the beaten path with plenty of wildlife, scenery and salt sea air.

SkarvLines have a full schedule of cruises in 2022 including lots of itinerary options like Hebridean Cruises, Orkney Specials and even a NC500 by Sea Cruise. View their full 2022 cruise schedule at www. skarvlines.com or call 01738 718 509 for details.

Three secluded cottages on the shores of Loch Feochan … call 01631 566123 or visit www.ardoran.co.uk to book now

ARDORAN MARINE LTD ~ LERAGS ~ OBAN ~ ARGYLL ~ PA34 4SE

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Photos: Gordon Nicol Photography

WeST COAST WiLDLife i

f you’re looking for an incredible, up-close wildlife encounter, the west coast is the habitat to explore.

Tread lightly, and keep your eyes and ears open, and you could be treated to a glimpse of something remarkable; the majestic antlers of a red stag grazing in a woodland, the turquoise flash of a kingfisher darting across a river, or perhaps the imposing silhouette of a white-tailed eagle, dominating the sky above.

Whether on land, at sea, or gazing upwards, this rich landscape is home to a staggering variety of species, and while you may be lucky to spot an endangered animal like a capercaillie, or a wildcat among the pinewoods, some of our more common creatures can put on breath-taking displays too - it’s hard not to smile at the nut-gathering antics of red squirrels, or marvel at the bravado of a gannet plunging into the waves.

Don’t forget to take time to look for tiny treats as well, from the beautiful butterflies, dragonflies and newts, to native flowers including harebells, iris and several varieties of orchid.

All you really need for a rewarding day’s wildlife-watching is patience, and perhaps a field guide and a pair of binoculars, but it is always worth taking advantage of local knowledge and asking your hosts about the nature on their local patch - and where to go for the best chance of a sighting.

There is never a guarantee, especially with Scotland’s unpredictable weather, but your odds of seeing something special can be improved if you adventure alongside an expert. There are plenty of wildlife tour options here, from boat trips with skippers who specialise in scouring the horizon for dorsal fins, to

tours tailored to the local star species -- sea eagles on the Isle of Mull, and beavers at Barnluasgan, near Lochgilphead. For keen wildlife photographers, specialist tours are also available.

Please bear in mind how sensitive these habitats are, and wherever possible, keep to paths and watch without causing any disturbance, especially during breeding times. Litter is a hazard that causes injury to too many of our precious wild creatures -- please take care not to leave anything behind.

For more information about Scottish wildlife and what to look out for, head for one of these websites. Scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk. Woodlandtrust.org.uk.

Nature.scot AUTUMN NATURE NOTEBOOK As the nights draw in and the chill returns to the air, many of our species are busy preparing for the winter. It’s a special time of year, and one of the best for wildlife watching.

Here are some Autumn treats to be looking - or listening - out for.

Roaring Stags: Red deer stags bellow, or roar, during the mating season, which is also known as the rut. From September to November, these echoing calls can be heard from heath and woodland across the region. It’s thought that stags roar as a way of demonstrating their size and strength to the competition.

Red Squirrels: Autumn is an active time for this quirky family favourite, as they busily harvest a bounty of nuts and berries before the scarcity of win-

ter. Three quarters of the UK population of red squirrels is found in Scotland.

They’re often sighted in hazel woodlands, or at garden bird feeders.

Wintering Geese: From mid-September, Scotland’s skies and farmlands play host to an army of geese, who arrive in their thousands from breeding grounds in Greenland and Iceland. Visiting species include pink-footed, white-fronted and barnacle geese. Watch them settle and methodically graze a field en masse, or look up to enjoy striking formations in the sky.

Grey Seal Pups: Autumn is the haul out, or breeding season for grey seals, one of Scotland’s two seal species (the other is the common or harbour seal) and can be a wonderful time to spot adorable, fluffy white newborns. Enjoy the sight through binoculars, or from the distance of a vehicle or boat. It is important not to cause distress by approaching seals during this time.

Autumn Leaves: Scotland’s autumn forests don’t just boast red and gold -there are greens, browns, auburns, maroons and mustards in every conceivable shade to enjoy. Wrap up warm, take your camera and head out for a stroll to appreciate a glorious display that is repeated right across Argyll and its islands.

MY TOP TIPS FOR CRACKING SCENIC PHOTOGRAPHY

BY GORDON NICOL Each issue, Holiday West Highland asks a local expert to share three tips

for visitors. These could be places to go, or things to see, do, or taste.

Our Autumn expert is Gordon Nicol, a photographer and guide who helps holiday-makers to get the best out of their photos and their experience. His tours build skills, introduce hidden gems and offer new perspectives on enchanting locations.

Gordon shares three destinations that are perfect for photographers looking to get great landscape shots. Find out more at gordonnicolphotography.com THE SLATE ISLANDS: Just a few miles from Oban, these atmospheric islands offer a great deal for the photographer whether your interest is landscape or social history. You can see the impact of quarrying and how the industry has changed the landscape. Taking a foot passenger ferry to the more remote islands is like stepping back in time.

A GLEN LONAN ROAD TRIP: Take the back road from Connel to Taynuilt, known as the Glen Lonan Road, for a wonderful single-track road trip on which the scenery changes from cultivated farmland to river, heath - and in this direction, statuesque views of Ben Cruachan. If animal photography is your interest, you’ll also get some lovely shots of Highland cows - do keep a sensible distance away.

CASTLE STALKER FROM JUBILEE BRIDGE: Castle Stalker is a must-see for landscape photographers, but most visitors approach it from the cafe car park or boat house. For a fresh perspective, head towards Appin and approach across the marshland and the Jubilee Bridge. You’ll see lots of sea birds and marshland birds, and this view is best to set the castle against the light.

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GORDOn niCOL PHOTOGRAPHy TOuRS Having moved to the Taynuilt at the start of the first lock down in 2020, I am delighted to be launching my new photography tour business.

At Gordon Nicol Photography I offer personalised photography tours and workshops in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. Digital, analogue and mobile shooters are all welcome. All of the tours on offer are suitable for both novices and established photographers.

Clients can also custom design their own tour or holiday through consultation with myself.

The tours are designed to allow the participants to become immersed in a half or full day of photography exploration and growth. Tours are flexible enough to be tailored to your specific requirements. All tours are strictly limited a maximum of 3 participants with U16’s going free when accompanied by a paying adult. Each participant will receive one A3,or two A4 fine art print(s) of their favourite

photograph(s) created on the tour.

Four of the tours are more specific in nature and cover Boss Your Camera, Master Your Mobile, Get Creative and Shoot Film.

Full tour details, costs and bookings are all available through my website www.gordonnicolphotography.com.

Use Code GNPOT21 for a 15% discount when you book through the website.

For further information please contact Gordon Nicol Phone: 07799 068808 Or Email: gordon@gordonnicolphotography.com Or Visit: www. gordonnicolphotography.com

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Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022 will spotlight, celebrate and promote the wealth of stories inspired by, written, or created in Scotland with a year-long programme of events and activities. It’s an opportunity to explore destinations such as the Crinan Canal, learning about Scotland’s iconic people and places while creating new stories along the way. Photo: VisitScotland/Kenny Lam

T

OPeninG uP A yeAR fuLL Of STORieS

he stories of Scotland are embedded in its culture, and nowhere more so than in the West Highlands, where the landscape breathes magic, and you only have to be alone on a misty morning to embrace the possibility of mythical creatures wandering the glen beside you.

Storytelling is to have a dedicated celebration in 2022, through Scotland’s Year of Stories, a twelve-month event which will showcase those inspired by, created, or written in Scotland. From local tales and oral traditions, to treasured books and the internationally-known epics of stage and screen, visitors will have the opportunity to read, listen and discover.

Every community here has its tales to tell. Many local place-names are connected to folklore, from the Dog Stone, at Dunollie, in Oban, said to be where the giant Finn McCool tied his dog when he went hunting, to Skye’s famous turquoise Faerie Pools, supposedly named when the local Clan MacLeod

chief married a fairy princess.

Monuments in out-of-the-way places recall the work of local bards -- in Dalmally, the Duncan ban MacIntyre Monument boasts spectacular views and recalls the work of a gaelic soldier poet who never learned to read. At nearby Cladich, a roadside cairn remembers Neil Munro, author of the Para Handy stories.

There are settings with darker, truelife tales to tell too; ruins that were the homes of victims of the Highland clearances, cliff tops that overlook the scenes of shipwrecks, and the eerie site near Ballachullish Bridge, where in 1752 James Stewart was wrongfully hanged for murder.

More often, our stories are celebrations, and never more so than when shared at a ceilidh, in a home, or perhaps a village hall or pub. The tales may be slapstick, melancholy, or incorporated into song, but whether served with a whisky or a cuppa, they are as much a part of West Highland heritage as the

music and dance that accompany them.

There are regular organised celebrations of stories and their authors here too - though many have been impacted by the pandemic this year. The village of Benderloch hosts the Bookends Festival (postponed in 2021, but it is worth keeping an eye on local press and social media for connected pop-up events) and the Isle of Mull’s West Over Sea Book Festival, and the Tarbert Book Festival are also set to return next year. Theatre groups, like Glendaruel’s Walking Theatre Company, regularly tour the region bringing local and original tales to life.

If you’re looking to enjoy some local lore in written form, well-stocked bookshops can be found in all of the region’s small towns - and sometimes out of the way places too. Staff here have a wealth of local knowledge and reading recommendations. The shortlist for the Highland Book Prize (highlandbookprize. org.uk), an annual award for books with a Highland connection, is another good starting point for locally themed

reading recommendations.

If your favourite genre of stories spring from the past, head to Kilmartin Glen, which is home to hundreds of ancient and prehistoric monuments.

Kilmartin’s Museum is closed for refurbishment, but its staff still operate walking tours. Dunoon’s Castle House museum is another historic building bursting with artefacts that each have a story to tell.

If your appetite is for tales of bravery, battle and heraldry, or a taste of how the other half live, there are castles to explore at every turn. The inhabited stately homes of Inveraray Castle, and Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute, offer guided tours with anecdotes of privileged life past and present, while Dunstaffnage and Dunollie Castles, near Oban, and Duart Castle, on the Isle of Mull, are strategic strongholds whose coastal positions gave them a role in some of the most important stories of their age.

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DAY TrIp To INVErArAY W

ith its bright waterfront buildings, sparkling harbour, and backdrop of dramatic hills and forest, Inveraray makes a charming first impression that only hints at the experiences to come.

Inveraray Castle, the fairytale home of Clan Campbell and the current Duke of Argyll, is the town’s chief attraction and was once the setting for a Downton Abbey Christmas special. Its armoury hall displays an impressive collection of weapons, including the handle of outlaw Rob

Roy’s dagger. More sedate highlights are the state dining room and the tapestry drawing room, and the wellcared-for gardens.

Echoes of Inveraray’s murkier past are part of its appeal too. In the 1800s, Inveraray Jail housed offenders from convicted killers to children caught stealing apples. Today, the jail is a living museum where costumed guides tell stories of former inmates and visitors can try out punishments and experience the excitement of a trial in the courtroom.

Perched on a hilltop high above Loch Fyne, the Dun na Cuaiche watchtower is the stone guardian of Inveraray. The 18th-century viewpoint is a relatively short, though challenging walk from Inveraray Castle car park, and provides staggering view of the Fyne Valley – the town, castle, celebrated bell tower and loch can all be seen from the shelter.

A day trip to Inveraray can also encompass living history at Auchindrain, a farming township (a few miles south of the town) that

has been carefully preserved. Head north-east from Inveraray town and you reach Cairndow, a scenic hamlet that is home to the celebrated Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Farm Shop and, for families, the recently-opened Fyne Den play space.

At the very tip of Loch Fyne is Ardkinglas, the stately home and estate that includes Ardkinglass Woodland Garden, home to a remarkable collection of plants and ‘champion’ trees, including some of the tallest, and oldest trees in Britain.

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inveraray

“Fantastic” “Don’t miss this one!”

e v op er en y da y

“A must see...”

buy discounted tickets online use code - holiday

www.inverarayjail.co.uk

Please check our website for full details

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argyll adventure Argyll Adventure is a must for your bucket list this summer. Rated the No.1 visitor attraction in Inveraray on Tripadvisor! There is so much to do with seven fantastic activities on offer; Horse Riding (1hr and 2hr Treks), Children’s 25-minute Pony Rides, Riding Lessons, Laser Tag, Crossbow Range and brand new for this year, Outdoor Laser Tag, incorporating “tazer tag”. Activities are suitable for children and adults, corporate groups or parties.

You can mix and match your activities and spend a couple of hours or the whole day having an amazing time.

Scenic Treks, 1 & 2 Hours Accompanied by qualified instructors, you will ride out following the shore of Loch Fyne along established woodland tracks. Both rides are suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.

The views are stunning and often there

are seals, deer and red squirrels to be seen along the way. The centre provides a riding hat, so just dress for the weather and enjoy Argyll from horse back.

Pony Rides The team at Argyll Adventure have activities for a wide age range, from age four, you can be led on a pony by one of their instructors for 25 minutes, approx. A gentle and safe introduction to horse riding for all ages. Also suitable for older, less adventurous riders who prefer to take it easy with the comfort of an instructor by their side.

Crossbow Range Line up in a themed target range and challenge your fellow shooters, learn how to be super accurate in no time with a little instruction from Argyll Adventure expert zombie hunters.

Enjoy several rounds of competition to find out who will become the top sharp

Looking for some seriously great adventures in Argyll? It’s all in the name…

shooter. One hour sessions – from eight years old.

Laser Tag Action-packed session of laser tag within a purpose built laser building.

Teams battle against each other in multiple game scenarios in a zombie infested arena. Being indoors this activity is ideal when it’s a little too wet outside! Great fun for all ages! One hour sessions from eight years old.

Outdoor Laser Tag Set in seven acres of woodland, a brand new laser arena offers all the fun and competition of laser tag but now outdoors! Teams will battle for victory across multiple game zones using the woodland cover to their advantage. For extra electrifying fun, players of 14 yrs+ can play Tazer Tag, A safe electric shock system to bring a fun, pain element to the game. With

no bulky protective clothing or masks getting steamed up, its being labelled as “paintball without the bruises”.

All activities are supervised by friendly staff, with the emphasis on fun, challenge and safety. Located just two miles south of Inveraray on the A83 and well-sign posted. Advanced booking is required for all activities, visit the website for more information, availability and to book your awesome day out! Check out the brilliant reviews on TripAdvisor too! www.argylladventure.com • # 1 thing to do in Inveraray as voted by Tripadvisor since 2012!!!

• 10 consecutive years of certificates of excellence • Inveraray’s (only) 5 star Visit Scotland attraction

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INVErArAY HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

INVErArAY CASTlE

INVErArAY JAIl

AUCHINDrAIN

One of the West’s most popular attractions, inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll. The Armoury Hall and opulent Tapestry Drawing Room are highlights of a tour.

Step back in time in this historic jail and courthouse. Meet guides (and waxworks) dressed in period costume, and marvel at the conditions and punishments the inmates of the past were subjected to.

Learn about Argyll’s rural history in this living museum where you can explore the homes of the crofters of the past and get hands on learning about traditional skills.

inveraray-castle.com

inverarayjail.co.uk

ArDKINGlAS WooDlAND GArDEN

loCH FYNE oYSTEr BAr

THE HErE WE ArE CENTrE

With views across Loch fyne, this spectacular garden boasts a collection of record-breaking trees, and plenty for young visitors, including a fairy Trail and Scots-language Gruffalo Trail.

The internationally famous seafood brand started out here, in a shed, in the 1970s. you can dine in more comfortable surroundings now, but the sparkling view and the fresh oysters, mussels and salmon, remain as memorable.

behind the Loch fyne Oyster bar, this community hub includes an exhibition space, archives, post office and a tiny aquarium.

ardkinglas.com

auchindrain.org.uk

hereweare-uk.com

lochfyne.com

ArGYll ADVENTUrES

FYNE AlES

FYNE DEN

Get out and about on horseback around Loch fyne. Argyll Adventures offer scenic pony treks and riding lessons, plus paintball and crossbow ranges and laser storm.

brewing over 70 different beers annually, this farm brewery welcomes visitors to the banks of Loch fyne where you can take a tour or sample a variety of ales in the tap room.

indoor Adventure Zone and new Adventure Garden ! Play Sessions 1hour 45 minutes. Check for opening hours and ticket prices. Cairndow, next to Loch fyne Oysters off the A83.

fyneales.com

email:- info@thefyneden.com Tel:- 01499 320429 Mob:- 07931 656706

argylladventure.com

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HeART Of ARGyLL W

elcome to the Heart of Argyll, with our outstanding national nature reserves, abundant wildlife, prehistoric landscape and stunning coastal landscapes, we have it all.

Stretching from the picturesque fishing village of Tarbert, Loch Fyne in the south to Loch Melfort in the north, over to Knapdale and Crinan in the west, across to Inveraray and Loch Awe in the east; with Kilmartin Glen in its midst, the Heart of Argyll boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe.

Unique experiences include Auchindrain historic township, Inveraray Jail and Courtroom, the stunning Himalayan gardens at Crarae, St Columba’s cave at Achahoish and the Argyll Beaver Centre.

Historic Kilmartin Glen has the most important concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in mainland Scotland. At least 800 ancient monuments, of which 150 are prehistoric, lie within six miles of Kilmartin village. Discoveries are still being made with unique animal rock carvings at Dunchraigaig hitting the headlines in 2021.

Boat trips from Crinan and Seil Island take you to the Corryvreckan Whirlpool. If that’s not special

enough, the sheer diversity of marine-life and rugged coastal scenery will overwhelm your senses.

A magical wildlife experience can be had at Argyll Beaver Centre, home of the Scottish beavers, the first reintroduction in UK history.

Take your time and explore the smaller roads and tracks that meander through our rugged natural landscape and deliver you to stunning castles, abandoned settlements, secret beaches, fishing villages, pristine nature and “Britain’s most beautiful short cut”, the Crinan Canal.

Visit www.heartofargyll.com to unlock the secrets of a welcoming place to stay, fabulous food and amazing things to do and see. Whether you intend to explore on foot or bike, to sail or kayak, with a guide or just to wander by yourselves, there is an adventure waiting.

Please travel responsibly www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot

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HEArT oF ArGYll HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

DISCoVEr THE CrINAN CANAl

mYSTICAl KIlmArTIN GlEN

NATUrE rESErVES

Walk, run, cycle, or just sit and watch the world go by. 9 miles of towpath joining Loch Fyne to Loch Crinan. Nature and engineering side-by-side.

Stretching between the ancient seat of Kings, Dunadd Fort and architecturally important Carnassarie Castle and peppered with the finest prehistoric rock art in Scotland, standing stones, stone circles and burial cairns. kilmartin.org

The National Nature Reserves at Taynish and Moine Mhor and the wetlands of the Add Estuary show off their Autumn colours, there’s a host of wildfowl, hen harriers, buzzards and roe, red or sika deer to be spotted.

scottishcanals.co.uk

www.nature.scot

ExplorE oUr CoAST AND WATErS

rEWIlDING WITHIN KNApDAlE ForEST

GlorIoUS CrArAE GArDENS

Walk or cycle the myriad coastal paths, hill and forest trails, meander through Atlantic rainforest, investigate castles and ancient settlement ruins, discover our secret beaches, follow the footsteps of the early Celtic Saints or take a trip via boat or kayak. Or test your MTB skills on the Fire Tower Trails at Achnabreac. www.heartofargyll.com

Visit the Argyll Beaver Centre, in Knapdale’s Atlantic Rainforest, home of the Scottish Beavers. Explore the habitat of these amazing engineers, and the animals and plants that benefit from their activities.

The mature Himalayan gardens and designed landscape extends either side of a gorge above Loch Fyne. Rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias nestled amongst towering trees from around the world.

Autumn hues burn bright in the mist.

Truly a feast for the eyes.

SoCIAl HISTorY

ExpErIENCE THE CorrYVrECKAN

rETAIl THErApY

Step back in time at a variety of attractions, from the most complete example of rural living in the historic township of Auchindrain, coastal and canal exhibition at the Eggshed in Ardrishaig to 19th Century prison life at Inveraray jail and Courtroom.

Be transported to the past through real life stories. Please book ahead.

The third largest tidal whirlpool in the world is on our doorstep. Marvel in the power of the sea, the wild coastal scenery and the astonishing marine and sea-life of the Argyll Hope Spot. You’ll find details on our website of amazing boat tours. Departing from different points along our coast, there’ll be one that’s perfect for you.

Discover our independent shops, galleries, artist studios and exhibitions. Including edible Pick ‘n’ Mix favourites and delicious ice-cream! Treat yourself to a memento of a fantastic visit to the Heart of Argyll.

auchindrain.org.uk; inverarayjail.co.uk

www.heartofargyll.com

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argyllbeavercentre.co.uk

www.nts.org.uk

www.heartofargyll.com

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The Foodie Tour: 10 of the best from

Marmalade Deli

S

tanding out on Argyll Street, with its eye-catching orange sign, Lochghilphead’s Marmalade Deli is a showcase for quality local produce, celebrating food that is fresh, healthy and often home-made. In this issue, owner Jennifer Jaime joins Holiday West Highland for a Food Special, picking ten local favourites from the items that she stocks.

“First and foremost, we’re an ethical deli,” says Jennifer. “Health and the planet are considered with everything we stock - even the treats don’t have anything artificial in them.”

“It’s getting ever more important that we’re conscious about what we buy and how we spend our money. The items that I’ve chosen here are produced close by, many by people we know - so we learn about how they are produced, as well as knowing that they taste great.”

“My favourites include the salt infusions from Annie’s kitchen -- I use them for cooking and they’re amazing -- and Wooleys Oatcakes, which are my go-to oatcakes. Wake the Bishop Coffee from Kilmartin Castle is a blend of Guatemalan and Brazilian beans, and the perfect intensity to start the day.”

Marmaladedeli.com

Annie’s Herb Kitchen

Natural salt and hand-picked herbs are the core ingredients for the beautifully-seasoned salts and fruit herbal loose teas produced by Petra of Annie’s Kitchen. Using herbalist’s skills passed down from her grandmother, she offers customers new flavours and new ways to season their dishes.

The Lochgilphead-based family business began when Petra was making Rosemary Salt at home - and her daughter suggested that they should make some for other people. Annie’s Herb Kitchen prides itself on its low-temperature drying process, which ensures the best preservation of flavours. anniesherbkitchen.co.uk

Wee Isle Dairy

From their dairy farm on the beautiful Isle of Gigha, sibling team Emma and Mark milk around 60 mostly-friesian cows to produce an exceptional, rich whole milk, which is pasteurised and bottled on the island and sold in glass

bottles across the region.

Their creamy milk is the key ingredient in Wee Isle’s popular artisan ice cream, which is available in a range of flavours, from classics like vanilla and strawberry, to original combinations including cinnamon and mocha stracciatella - and now with dessert sauces too.

Facebook.com/WeeIsleDairy

Chrystal’s Shortbread

Chystal’s Shortbread is produced in a small, independent bakery near Loch Lomond, run by husband and wife Chrystal and Rory MacKinlay, who started their own business after years of baking for family and friends.

Their crumbly all-butter shortbread is made to a recipe passed down from mother to daughter through generations of a farming family and uses high quality ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives. Each tray of shortbread is hand-cut and scored, retaining the traditional rustic look. www.chrystalsshortbread.co.uk/

Sheese

Produced in an animal-free factory on the Isle of Bute, Sheese is a range of award-winning cheese alternatives that are certified vegan, and most are Kosher too.

Ideal for those on gluten, dairy or lactose-free diets, Sheese products include Red-Leicester-style, Gouda-style, Edam-style and a selection of cheddars, as well as sliced or grated Sheese and creamy Sheese spread. For those new to using Sheese in their cooking, the company’s website includes some mouth-watering recipes, including a blue sheese dressing and cheesy vegan shepherd’s pie. www.buteisland.com

Great Glen Charcuterie

Great Glen specialise in producing charcuterie using only wild, Scottish venison, sustainably sourced from wild, well-managed herds. The fifteen-year-old family business is run by Jan Jacob and Anja Baak from Roy Bridge in the Highlands, where they produce chorizos, pepperonis, salamis and more - some of which have appeared on the menus of Britain’s top chefs.

A documentary film ‘From Estate to Plate’ on the company’s website, offers a fascinating insight into the story of their food. www.greatglencharcuterie.com

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Howgate Cheeses

Founded in Howgate near Edinburgh, Howgate Cheese is now produced by the Inverloch Cheese Company, based at the former Scottish Milk creamery near Campbeltown, where it is made using creamy milk from the resident Ayrshire cows.

Howgate Brie and the recently-launched Howgate Kintyre Blue are artisan cheeses, crafted with pasteurised milk using traditional methods. https://www.scotcheese.com/product-category/ howgate/

Wooleys of Arran Oatcakes

Wooley’s bakery has been serving breads and baked treats to customers on the Isle of Arran since the middle of the nineteenth century and started to make oatcakes as a means to keep staff busy during the winter months. Now their flagship product, Wooley’s Oatcakes are popular around the world, celebrated for their thick crunchy base, which is a perfect accompaniment to cheese. Wooley’s also produce a range of oat-based biscuits. https://www.wooleys.co.uk

Arran Cheeses

Island Bakery

Arran Cheeses’ dairy and shop sit on the footprint of what was once the dairy for the farm that supplied the Dukes of Brodick Castle. A new business began there 20 years ago, and has grown to supply its distinctive range of cheeses to customers well beyond the windswept island. The company’s attractively packaged wax-encased cheeses include the popular plain cheddar, and oak smoked, chilli and even Arran mustard flavoured options too. https://arranscheeseshop.co.uk/

Produced near Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Island Bakery’s indulgent organic biscuits have become one of the island’s best-known exports. Their range, which includes shortbreads, lemon melts and apple and oat crumbles, is made using organic ingredients and local sources of renewable energy. TV presenter Susan Calman recently visited the bakery and had a go at making biscuits for a Channel 5 show. https://www.islandbakery.scot/

Wake the Bishop Coffee

Produced in Kilmartin Glen in Argyll, Wake the Bishop coffee is a small batch coffee blend developed

by Stef and Simon, the owners of the 16th century Kilmartin Castle, to serve to their guests. Sold in eye-catching packets, the coffee (master blended by Dear Green of Glasgow) has taste notes of chocolate, caramel, apricot and praline.

It is named after Bishop Carswell, who was the first keeper of Kilmartin Castle in 1550 and was reputed to be 7 feet tall. kilmartincastle.com

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PeRfeCT PLACeS SOuTH Of ObAn G

et your Argyll fix off the A816.

Here are five places to visit between Oban and Kilmartin Glen.

KiLMORe & KiLbRiDe Kilbride Church is an atmospheric ruin that has been a place of worship since the 6th century. Further on, the quaint village of Kilmore is the starting point of the Glen Lonan

Road, a great place to start a road trip which showcases mountains, moors and more, including the charming and peaceful Angus’ Memorial Garden.

Close to Kilmore is Lerags, home to The Barn, a great country pub which serves delicious food and offers a play area - and even a duck pond - to delight younger visitors.

A beach at Ardfern Ellenabeich and Easdale Island Follow signs to Easdale off the main road and hop over the humped ‘Atlantic Bridge’ to Ellenabeiche famed for its slate mining industry. Framed by white mine-workers’ cottages this quaint seaside village is the gateway to popular Easdale island, which can be reached by a five-minute crossing on a small passenger ferry. Discover a lovely pub/cafe serving home cooking and home bakes. Its pools, a defining feature, were once active slate quarries, and together with the wide variety of flora and bird life, make Easdale unique.

KiLMeLfORD Kilmelford is nestled close to the head of Loch Na Cille on Loch Melfort,

with its pretty 18th century church, cafe and pub and the lovely Loch Melfort Hotel nearby. From Fearnach Bay you can take a boat or yacht trip and for the most striking Autumn displays, head to Arduaine Garden, a NTS garden, home to a range of exotic and native plants and trees.

ARDfeRn At the head of Loch Craignish, Ardfern is a bustling village and another popular base for sailors. The range of facilities here include a village store, cafe and the historic Galley of Lorne, a homely 17th century inn, said to have once been the first stop on the journey to market for drovers who swam their cattle across from the Isle of Jura.

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Don’t miss us - we’re on the main route North to Fort William, Oban, Skye & the west coast of Scotland

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Home made food, great shopping, gifts and fantastic scenery - the perfect stop on the road north and west.

• TyndrumWhisky.com - A fantastic range of malts, blends, gins, wines, beers & spirits • Restaurant & Snack Stop Café - Great home-made soups, meals & baking • Goodies & Gifts - Sweets, food, drinks, presents, kitchenware and treats • Outdoor Store - Everything and more for walkers & climbers plus fashion accessories

OpeNiNG HOuRS please refer to our website for our current hours

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EXPLORE SCOTLAND

Over 50 inspirational guides to Scotland’s best routes cicerone.co.uk

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WATeRSiDe WeDDinGS

Photo: Flower Shop, Lochgilphead

T

his enchanting region is even more special when it is shared, and its profile as a romantic destination is growing as couples from all over the world discover that the West Highlands is a magical place to tie the knot.

The ‘something special’ the coastline has to offer isn’t lost on the rich and famous either. It has never been more fashionable to say ‘I do’ beside a Scottish loch, at the sparkling seaside or in a Scottish castle or stately home. From intimate chapels to ancient cathedrals and grand castles to atmospheric bothies - or the end of a pier, the West Highlands has a venue to

Photo: Anne-Michelle Dooley / Northern Lights Cakery

suit every couple and the setting guarantees spectacular photographs that you can look back on happily for years to come.

When it comes to the practicalities, such as the venue and the catering, thanks to more relaxed legislation, it really is your choice where you tie the knot – as well as registered wedding venues, with the right planning and documents, a registrar can consider any location – so if your dream is a waterside wedding, they can make that dream come true.

If you opt for a religious ceremony, local churches and places of worship are happy to oblige – though

it’s always worth planning ahead as far as possible as they can quickly get booked.

Whether you want the backdrop to your special day to be an urban esplanade, or a babbling burn, you will find plenty of local businesses here who can cater for every aspect of organising a wedding.

From the outfits and the catering, services can be provided by professionals who pride themselves on creativity and a personal touch - and while the details of each big day will be unique, the Highland welcome will be generous, wherever the new couple’s married life begins.

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STUNNING LOCATION FOR THE PERFECT WEDDING Crear offers a combination of the most stunning location with far reaching views, delicious food, total privacy and a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. As an exclusive use venue, Crear becomes your home from home for two or three nights, offering you huge flexibility in planning your wedding celebrations over several days.

If you can imagine, the studio space is larger than a tennis court, with far reaching views to the Paps of Jura through a glass wall over twenty metres, sixty feet, long. With underfloor heating it’s always cosy and warm at any time of the year and the huge expanses of glass allow the outside in.

Squashy sofas in the living room, an open fire, crisp white linen sheets on really comfy beds, plus delicious food to wow your guests, beautiful flowers from the talented team at Blooming Wild and a very special team of people looking after you, make Crear

a magical destination wedding venue located within a rich prehistoric landscape.

Alan, our award winning chef, formerly premier sous chef at the five star Gleneagles Resort, and his talented team at Crear Kitchen, will create your Wedding Breakfast. A meal that all your guests will thank you for and remember forever!

For smaller guest numbers we also offer an all inclusive Small Wedding Package with everything you need for a relaxed intimate wedding for up to 30 guests in total. Delicious canapés followed by a six course gourmet Wedding Breakfast, flowers, photographs and your piper are included, plus up to 12 family and friends staying for two or three nights. Or if you just want to tie the knot, our wee wedding elopements at Caisealrag Cottage are perfect for just you!

bLOOM & GRAZe HAS An eXCiTinG PROJeCT unDeRWAy! A beautiful bespoke horsebox is currently being commissioned as we speak! We look forward to welcoming it to its pastures new in the Highlands for 2022.

Lovingly hand crafted and fitted out with everything a pop up bar and catering trailer needs it will be a welcome addition to Bloom & Graze who currently provide sumptuous graze boards, graze boxes and event catering.

Th is unique trailer will lend itself beautifully to Wedding’s and all events, it will be available for bookings around the Highlands, Glasgow and Edinburgh so be sure to follow their social media updates @bloomandgraze ‘

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connel bay offer bespoke highland dress and kilt hire Over the last 6 months, Highland tailors and kiltmakers, Connel Bay have gone from strength to strength in establishing themselves as the go to place in Oban for bespoke highland dress and kilt hire.

Since opening their Studio on Stafford Street earlier this year, the new business has attracted locals and visitors alike who are looking for something unique for special occasions such as weddings and formal events.

Their unique offering includes bespoke kilts, handmade in Edinburgh using the finest Scottish woven tartan, tailoring of kilt jackets, dinner suits, tweeds and business suits and they have recently launched a hire service, offering a small selection of highland wear in unique

colours and modern cuts.

Working by appointment, they dedicate their full attention to one client at a time ensuring the best service possible. For more information or to book an appointment visit connelbay. com

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to your special place

Exclusive use destination coastal venue with amazing food

Relaxed romantic magical weddings and elopements Crear Weddings, Kilberry, by Tarbert, Argyll, PA29 6YD Crearweddings.co.uk Weeweddings.co.uk T 01880 770369 E hello@crear.co.uk 39

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Download the West Coast Motors app Track your bus live

Receive service updates

Buy discounted tickets

Gift a ticket

Plan journeys Available from the App Store or Google Play for your mobile phone.

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KinTyRe The Kintyre 66 will help you discover one of Scotland’s most scenic regions, and what so inspired Sir Paul McCartney all those years ago.

W

ith a pristine natural setting, unique coastal character and rich history, you’ll never run out of things to do in Kintyre and Gigha.

Dine on the freshest seafood and savour some of the world’s most famous Scotch whiskies. Be spellbound by the region’s magnificent wildlife. Sail into secluded anchorages and watch the night sky glitter. Kayak in turquoise waters and walk in the wilderness.

Marvel at early standing stones and visit the castles of famous clans.

The Kintyre 66 route follows a 66mile loop around Kintyre on the A83 and B842 public roads, with six spurs allowing you to venture even further.

Take the Atlantic road south with stunning views to Islay and Jura, then up the edge of the Kilbrannan Sound overlooking Arran - or why not travel in the other direction, taking time to enjoy all the area has to offer. The choice is yours!

At the northern end of the peninsula is Tarbert, a beautiful harbour village with a rich history of Scottish Kings and Vikings. Towards the southern end of Kintyre is Campbeltown, which offers a myriad of activities, including famous 10k races, live music and festivals, world famous malt whiskies, an island that you can walk to, and Scotland’s oldest purpose-built cinema.

Why not take time and enjoy the Atlantic coast, with thundering waves and unmissable sunsets over the islands of Gigha, Cara, Jura and Islay, and then follow the road along the rugged east coast with spectacular views to Arran, Ailsa Craig and the Ayrshire coast beyond.

The route takes in the Isle of Gigha, a truly breathtaking island with silver beaches and beautiful bays, as well as the small villages of Southend and Machrihanish. Don’t miss a trip to the iconic Mull of Kintyre Lighthouse.

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I

the harbour gallery

n demand Argyll artist Stuart Herd has opened a brand new gallery in Inveraray.

The new venture at 1 Main Street West, joins his premises in Tarbert, where he also has a working studio, and his well-established business in Argyle Street, Ullapool.

Despite the pandemic, demand for Stuart’s works and interest in his galleries soared last summer as lockdown relaxed and visitors returned.

He is delighted to have created two new jobs with the appointment of local art graduate Lynsey as manager, supported part-time by Ruth, who has a long history in the art world.

Incredibly, the new gallery was turned

around in the first four months of the year with Scotland still in lockdown and the devoted national rugby fan unable to attend any Six Nation games to cheer on Gregor Townsend’s men.

Instead, Stuart created two large original paintings to mark the Calcutta Cup triumph over England at Twickenham, and then a second following Scotland’s Six Nations away victory against Les Bleus.

The works, which have also been made into limited edition prints, have gone down a storm, gathering traction among fans, players and Scottish Rugby Union officials.

Scotland scrum half Ali Price, who features prominently in the work ‘The Last Scrum Before The Try’ is among

those to snap one up, while Lions winger Jonny May has signed one which will be auctioned in aid of charity.

A professional painter now for 16 years and famed for his beautiful acrylics on canvas, Stuart also needed to populate the new gallery with works local to the area to go sit alongside his signature treatments of Scottish Highland scenes and beaches

Stuart, aged 50, said: ‘It was a gamble and four months was really pushing it to open but I had always wanted a place in Inveraray and you had to look ahead to the ensuing summer. It looks really good, we have opened up the ceiling and I’m really proud of it.’

For more information go to https://www. theharbourgallery.com/

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SUBSCRIBE

To Scottish Field and choose a FREE bottle of Glasgow Gin, or Arran Malt* Save 25% on the cover price only £10.69 per quarter delivered direct to your recipients door.

Call 01778 392014 and quote HW21 or go to scottishfield.co.uk/ subscriptions

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Applies to Direct Debit UK subscriptions only. Offer ends 31 December 2021. While stocks last. Limited stock available, first come, first served basis. By claiming this offer, you agree that you are of UK legal age for purchasing and consuming alcoholic drinks.

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KINTYrE HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

DISTIllErIES

ISlE oF GIGHA

Campbeltown is home to three whisky distilleries – Springbank, Glen Scotia and Glengyle. All offer tours and tastings, and the Kintyre Gin distillery, on Torrisdale Castle estate, is open to visitors and have a gin school and cafe

A 20-minute ferry trip from Tayinloan, this community-owned island is a popular daytrip destination where the welcome is as warm as the gulf stream that enriches its climate. Gigha’s premier attraction is the colourful Achamore Gardens.

SKIpNESS CASTlE AND KIlBrANNAN CHApEl A short drive from Tarbert, this 11th-century castle showcases a blend of architectural styles. There’s plenty to see inside, including views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran.

www.gigha.org.uk

TArBErT FESTIVAlS

GolF

mACHrIHANISH BEACH

The small fishing village of Tarbert is a cultural hub, hosting annual festivals including a book festival, seafood festival, music festival and the Scottish Series yachting event.

Machrihanish Golf Club is celebrated worldwide, and no golf enthusiast will want to miss a round on this links course, which boasts sea views and the best opening hole in the country.

www.tarbertfestivals.co.uk

www.machgolf.com

Known for its white sands and clear water, Machrihanish’s long beach is only one of many Kintyre beaches – try Westport, Dunaverty, bellochantuy or Muasdale if you’re searching for atmosphere and the sensation of sand between your toes.

DAVAAr ISlAND

mUll oF KINTYrE

KINTYrE WAY

This tidal island is linked to the mainland at Campbeltown by a shingle causeway. it’s known for its lighthouse and caves, one of which contains a life-sized crucifixion painting.

forever associated with Paul McCartney’s song, this remote headland marks the tip of the Kintyre peninsula. The effort of reaching it is repaid with dramatic views towards ireland.

This long-distance path takes a winding and beautiful route down the length of the Kintyre peninsula, from Tarbert to Machrihanish. you can do the whole challenge over several days, or just hop on for a stroll. www.scotlandsgreattrails.com

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THe iSLe Of GiGHA

S

ituated west of the Kintyre peninsula, the Isle of Gigha is just minutes by ferry from the mainland, but its gentle landscape, spectacular floral displays and mild climate mean that it can feel much further away.

The ancestral home of Clan MacNeill, this island is just seven miles long and its main settlement, Ardminish, can be easily accessed from Tayinloan. Its attractions include shop, hotel and restaurant, as well as plenty of scenic picnic spots within reach on foot or bicycle.

The island’s most celebrated destination is Achamore Gardens, a 54acre estate bursting with remarkable trees and shrubs, which is particularly known for the blaze of spring colour created by its combination of rhododendron, azaleas and camelias – plants that thrive in the mild

and fertile setting. Created shortly after the Second World War by the island’s former laird, hot drinks magnate Sir James Horlick, the gardens are being rejuvenated this year by a new, all-female team of gardeners.

Today, the entire island is owned by its community, who are known as Gighachs. They took it over from its last private owner in 2002, and have since worked together through the Isle of Gigha Heritage Trust, to ensure both its preservation and development.

With the 20th anniversary of the takeover approaching, work is under way on improving island assets such as footpaths and cycle trails, a task spearheaded by the Ranger service, which also seeks to celebrate its wildlife and hosts walks and events which encourage an appreciation of

the natural world. Keeping a watchful eye on Gigha are the Bodach and Cailleach (old man and old woman) an ancient pair of stones at the southern end.

Historic attractions also include the exquisitely set ruins of the 13th-centu-

ry Kilchattan church. A stone’s throw from Gigha is the tiny, mystical island of Cara, where you can find a rock formation known as the Broonie’s Chair. Sit in the chair and it is said that the spirit of ‘the Broonie’ will grant your secret wish.

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Islay and Jura

I

slay, the Queen of the Hebrides and its wild neighbour Jura are home to some of the very best the west coast has to offer.

Discover world-class distilleries, beautiful beaches, impressive heritage and outstanding wildlife. These islands promise something for everyone.

Famous the world over for whisky, the two islands are home to 10 whisky and three gin distilleries, along with wine, ale and soon rum. Islay and Jura will certainly whet your appetite

with tours and tastings offered by all producers. Both islands share a rich heritage – Islay was the headquarters and political centre of the Hebrides in the 12th century. Standing stones, ancient forts and duns can be found across each island and visitors can discover more at the Museum of Islay Life and at Finlaggan, the seat of the Lord of the Isles Both islands boast miles of stunning deserted beaches and spectacularly varied wilderness.

Home to both golden and sea eagles, otters, chough and deer, visitors don’t have to try too hard to discover epic scenery and special wildlife exploring the corners of these islands on foot or by car.

Adventure and activity seekers are in for a treat with kayaking, biking, world-class golf, whisky tours and boat tours. Surely nothing can beat the exhilaration of a trip to the Corryvreckan whirlpool, the third largest in the world, off the coast of Jura,

made famous by George Orwell.

Islay and Jura are a walkers paradise, each offering terrain and routes to suit all abilities, from a gentle amble along the three distilleries pathway, to taking on one of the mighty Paps of Jura.

Pretty white fishing villages are home to quaint cottages, welcoming B&Bs and hotels with first-class eateries, serving locally-sourced foods alongside fireside drams and toe-tapping traditional music.

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ISlAY & JUrA HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

DISTIllErIES

THE AmErICAN moNUmENT

FINlAGGAN

With nine working distilleries, a peat-laden landscape and a rich history, islay and Jura are prime destinations for tours and tastings and each distillery has its own character and flavour – will you have time to visit them all?

built on high cliffs on the Oa Peninsula, the American monument commemorates the loss of two troop ships, The Tuscania and the Otranto, in separate incidents on islay’s treacherous coastline, in 1918.

What was once the stronghold of the Lords of the isles, is now an atmospheric ruin on an islet in a shallow loch near Port Askaig.

The visitor Centre explains more.

lIGHTHoUSES

mACHIr BEACH

loCH GrUINArT NATUrE rESErVE

islay’s collection of historic lighthouses are a reminder of the dangers of this coast – they include Ruuval lighthouse on the Sound of islay, Loch indaal lighthouse, near Port Charlotte, and the square Carraig fhada lighthouse, near Port ellen.

near Kilchoman, Machir bay is a 2km sweep of sand and one of islay’s outstanding beaches. it’s a short walk, via a grassy track, from the car park.

Greenland barnacle and Greenland white-fronted geese descend here in tens of thousands each autumn. you can also encounter corncrake, hen harriers, otters, and much more.

JUrA

porT EllEN

mUSEUm oF ISlAY lIFE

A short hop by ferry from Port Askaig on islay, Jura is one of the uK wildest destinations, famed for red deer and links to the writer George Orwell, who wrote 1984 here. Jura is a do-able day trip from islay, though wildlife-lovers and walkers will want longer.

Pretty Port ellen is an island hub and home to a hotel, restaurants and a handful of shops. Stop for a scenic lunch and a stroll on the shore, or explore nearby archaeological sites, such as the Kilbride standing stones. bowmore, on the east, is the island’s other main settlement.

Housed in the former free Church in Port Charlotte, the museum records islay life, from pre-historic to recent times. exhibits include an illicit still and a large photographic archive.

www.finlaggan.org

rspb.org

islaymuseum.org

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COLOnSAy

JeWeL Of THe HebRiDeS, GeM Of THe SeA T

he Isle of Colonsay, and its smaller island neighbour Oransay, are some of the remotest inhabited islands in the Inner Hebrides. Spectacularly located some 20 miles from the mainland, between Islay and Mull, these low-lying islands are easily reached by ferry from Oban or, for the perfect Hebridean day-trip, in around an hour by a twice-weekly ferry round-trip

from Port Askaig on Islay.

Although they measure just 10 miles by two miles, Colonsay and Oransay offer a surprising variety of things to do, especially for outdoors and wildlife enthusiasts. The islands boast a fascinating history and heritage, and a richly diverse array of flora and fauna (Colonsay is believed to have the richest flora of all the islands, with more

than 500 species recorded) as well as an interesting geological timeline.

The islands’ diversity is celebrated in a number of festivals throughout the year – from the celebrated Book Festival at the end of April, through a fantastic celebration of nature in its renowned Spring Festival, to a lively traditional Music Festival in September and a delicious autumnal Food and Drink Festival in October.

The islands are low-lying with a spectacular coastline and a rolling interior that rises to no more than 145m – which make them perfect for walking or cycling (bring your bike on the CalMac ferry free of charge, or you can hire on the island).

The many beaches

offer a chance to stroll beautiful, flat sands and explore sand dunes and machair. The islands are also home to the MacPhies (hills with a summit of at least 300ft /91m). There are 21 on Colonsay and another one on Oransay, and like Munro-bagging on the mainland, MacPhie-bagging becomes a passion for many visitors.

Explore more at visitcolonsay.co.uk

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ColoNSAY HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

VISIT orANSAY The ruined Augustinian priory in Oransay includes a magnificent stone cross, cloisters and medieval gravestones. When the tide allows, you can walk across – but do be very careful and get local advice on safety.

WIlDlIFE Colonsay’s western cliffs are home to colonies of seabirds including fulmars and razorbills. Sea eagles, otters, chough and corncrake can be spotted on land, and seals, whales and porpoises swim offshore.

Look out for wild goats – reputedly descended from Armada shipwreck survivors.

BAG A mACpHIE ColoNSAY HoUSE GArDENS The house and woodland gardens are home to one of Scotland’s finest rhododendron collections, plus an array of unusual trees and shrubs. Open from April, there is also a sunny terrace café.

There are 21 Macphies (hills with a summit of 300ft/91m or more) on Colonsay and one on Oronsay. Like Munro-bagging on the mainland, MacPhie-bagging can become a passion for visitors.

STEp BACK IN TImE Colonsay’s first settlement dates back to the Mesolithic period and the island boasts iron Age forts and pre-Reformation Christian sites. Learn more at the Colonsay and Oransay Heritage Centre at Kilchattan.

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Photo c

redit: Th

e Chao

tic Scot

pher

Photogra

hne Nutt credit: Eit

EXPLORE MORE WI SCOTTISH ISLANDS T

Photo credit: Colin Nutt

here’s a new way to explore Scotland’s amazing islands with the Scottish Islands Passport app.

The free app uses local knowledge to match your interests with the diverse and unique experiences on 72 of Scotland’s inhabited islands to find your next island adventure.

Whether it’s history, nature, food and drink, the arts or outdoor activities which float your boat, with over 700 island experiences, the Scottish Islands Passport is guaranteed to have something to pique your interest.

As well as guiding you to the best local sources for practical information on planning your trip, the app lets you save your favourite islands into a wish list for future travel, collect passport stamps for the islands you visit, and save and share your holiday snaps in your very own travelogue.

Hidden gems The Scottish Islands Passport is deliberately designed to showcase some of Scotland’s lesser-known islands alongside their more famous neighbours, meaning there is plenty of opportunity to uncover hidden gems.

Discover Easdale with its wheelbarrow haulage system and abandoned slate quarries which host the annual Stone Skimming World Championships; explore the old tracks of Ulva and find out more about how the community is slowly breathing life back into the island after a community buy out; or check out Lismore with its Dutch bakery and seaweed foraging expeditions.

Further afield the passport is designed to introduce you to island archipelagos you may not have explored… yet! Discover traditional boat builders in the Western Isles, the UK’s most northerly gin distillery in Shetland,

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Photo credit: The Chaotic Scot

WITH THE NDS PASSPORT blues festivals in the Clyde Islands, and legendary castles in Orkney.

But the passport also helps you uncover hidden gems on islands you already know. Get tips from locals about the best bird spotting locations on Tiree, Islay’s top swimming spots, the best of Mull’s local produce, and more.

Local by design The app is part of a project which is designed to keep island communities at its heart and the small project team (based on Jura) have worked with islanders across the 72 islands to gather local information to help you plan your trip.

The team are continuing to work with islanders and plan to add new sections to the app in 2022 which will showcase unique stories from the islands and offer visitors the opportunity to donate to local charities.

Collect memories As you travel round our islands you can use the app to collect passport ‘stamps’ which have been beautifully designed by island artists to reflect a unique aspect of island life. The travel journal also lets you save photos from your trips to share with others or simply use as a reminder of your island adventures.

However you choose to use your Passport, it is the perfect way to help you explore more of Scotland’s incredible islands throughout the year. And, if you hanker for the nostalgia of a good, old fashioned travel journal, watch this space for news of our themed paper-based Passports which will give you a jumping off point for exploring our islands based on your interests, allowing you to collect stamps as you go!

Photogra

pher cred

it: Ann M

cGregor

Explore more –

download the Scottish Islands Passport app from app stores today or head to

www.islands.scot for more information

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COLL AnD TiRee The twin islands of Coll and Tiree embody many of the qualities for which the Hebrides are best loved: clean, sandy beaches, diverse and thriving wildlife, and a lively, welcoming culture that ensures visitors quickly feel at home oll is breathtaking all year C round and spring is the perfect time to combine long days exploring the many stunning beaches with dining out on local produce and enjoying a night under the Milky Way. Coll is an International Dark Sky Community.

Arinagour, with its whitewashed cottages, is just like a scene from Katie Morag. Renowned for its welcome and its slower pace, it’s not difficult to while away the hours in Coll’s only village. Spring brings events like Coll Bird Festival, Coll & the Cosmos, and concerts

- see local notice boards for information.

Beyond the village lie Coll’s many beaches and a diversity of flora and wildlife unexpected for such a small gem. Visit RSPB Coll for a great chance of seeing the rare corncrake.

You can explore Coll by foot or on bike (hire available), or why not book a tour by land or sea?

The Isle of Tiree is the most westerly island of the Inner Hebrides. It is fertile, relatively small - about 12 miles long and three miles wide - and very flat, and has been described variously as ‘the Hawaii of the north’ and ‘the

land below the waves’.

The island has a mild climate, with some of the highest levels of sunshine in the UK. It benefits from the moderating influence of the Gulf Stream, ensuring that frost is rare and evenings in mid-summer are warm and balmy.

With an abundance of wildlife, vast starry skies, an unspoiled landscape and the some of the world’s best conditions for water sports, Tiree really is a vivid frontier of Land, Sea and Sky. www.visitcoll.com www.isleoftiree.com

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Explore the

Treasures of Tiree Tiree Sea Tours The hours will fly by on an adventure with Tiree Sea Tours, but a day spent on board and ashore, exploring the highlights of the Hebrides, will make memories that last a lifetime.

Based at Scarinish Harbour on the pretty island of Tiree, the company takes its guests on exhilarating tours of the Treshnish Isles, including to the seabird haven of Lunga – step ashore in springtime for a close encounter with the endearing Atlantic puffins – and to nearby Staffa, home to the geological marvel that is Fingal's Cave.

While tours have a variety of themes and destinations, you'll enjoy a warm welcome and the expertise of local skippers whichever option you choose.

Wildlife sightings can include minke and sperm whales and pods of dol-

phins, as well as gannets, guillemots and even basking sharks.

Also on offer are trips to Skerryvore, Scotland's tallest lighthouse and one of the Stevensons' most impressive engineering feats, and dedicated shark-fishing and whale-watching outings. Departures from the Isle of Coll can be arranged. For a private or smallgroup experience, do get in touch to enquire about the charter service.

The safety of passengers is a priority and all tours adhere to current Coronavirus guidelines. The boats and equipment, including life jackets, are sanitised after each trip, and track and trace is in place – leaving you free to relax, soak up the scenery, and experience isolation of the best kind. There is also an on-line gift shop for some stylish Tiree Sea Tours apparel! A little island, delivered direct to your door!

Tel: 077888 10623

Tiree Sea Tours were crowned Scotland’s sea tour operator of the year 2021-22 by the Prestige Awards, organised by Corporate Livewire. The awards celebrate businesses and individuals which consistently offer ‘excellent products and services to local residents, expats and visitors’.

With a service that includes everything from small and family-sized cars, to vans and luxury Range Rovers, with deals tailored to the length of your stay, Toraz has a vehicle to suit every purpose and budget. Pick-ups from the ferry terminal and the Isle of Coll are also an option.

So step aboard, savour the sea spray and remember...happiness is only a puffin away.

It's easy to view the choices and make a booking on Toraz's user-friendly website. Once you arrive it will only take moments to pick up your car (you'll need a driver's licence and two forms of ID) leaving you free to make the most of your time on the island.

Toraz Car Hire The Isle of Tiree is one of the Hebrides most enchanting havens, and with car hire from Toraz available at the airport, it is now easier to explore than ever before – you can leave Glasgow at breakfast time, and be on the beach watching the waves in time for your mid-morning coffee.

Whether your plan is to enjoy a spot of windsurfing at Ballevullin, a stroll on sandy Crossapol beach, or a cuppa and cake at one of the island's scenic cafes, with your car hire from Toraz sorted, you can focus on where you want to be, not how you're going to get there.

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Coll & TIrEE HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

DArK SKIES Coll Designated a dark sky island, the stars do feel closer on the light-pollution-free isle of Coll. Stargazing on any clear night, or join a stargazing break or events offer the opportunity to learn and see even more. darkskycoll.co.uk

WINDSUrFING Home of the Tiree Wave Classic, one of the world’s premier windsurfing competitions, Tiree’s windy, sunny climate makes it ideal for this sport. Watch the experts, or take to the water for a lesson yourself.

BEACHES A string of sandy beaches encircles each of these islands, with Red Rocks and Crossapol highlights on Coll, and Gott bay and balephuil among the gems on Tiree. Let that invigorating sea breeze blow away your cares.

KATY morAG Author Mairi Hedderwick based her picture book series on the island of Struay, which was inspired by Coll. Though the Tv series was not filmed here, fans might spot familiar settings and scenarios.

BASKING SHArKS AND CorNCrAKES The waters around Coll and Tiree are a hotspot for the gigantic, but harmless basking shark, especially in summer. Corncrakes, endangered across europe, thrive among the islands’ iris beds.

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MuLL & iOnA Escape to another world on Mull & Iona, a unique combination of adventure and tranquillity ull and Iona, with their enchanting M offshore islands, provide an exhilarating springtime escape.

The coastlines and shell-sand beaches fringed with turquoise seas, and the hillsides draped in bluebells, provide inspiration for artists and photographers and delight walkers and outdoor adventurers.

The abundant wildlife on these islands is legendary. Otters are frequently seen along the 300 miles of coastline and the springtime breeding season is a good time to spot the rare corncrake on Iona and white-tailed and golden eagles on Mull. Meanwhile, puffins and many other seabirds are returning to the off-shore islands’ nesting sites in large numbers, with boat trips allowing close encounters on Staffa and Lunga.

The landscape of Mull and Iona has barely changed in centuries and there’s an abundance of evidence of a rich and fascinating heritage. Attractions such as Iona Abbey, Duart Castle and the evocative deserted townships of the clearances provide fascinating visits, with more

to be learned in museums and heritage centres.

Tobermory is the “capital” of Mull and offers a great day out with specialist shops and award-winning eateries. Popular attractions such as the Mull Museum, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Mull Aquarium, An Tobar Arts Centre and Mull Theatre all reflect the unique heritage of the islands.

Gourmet local produce is a specialism of Mull and Iona. In the spring, new season hill beef and lamb become available, alongside shellfish from the clear surrounding waters. Visitors can purchase direct from the croft as well as local shops, and enjoy meals from a selection of quality eateries, from sea food shacks to fine dining restaurants.

With a packed programme of events, accommodation to suit all budgets and a very scenic 50-minute ferry journey from Oban, the islands of Mull and Iona are an irresistible choice for a visit.

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An Tobar & Mull Theatre Theatre, Music, Exhibitions, Workshops, Dance, Comedy, Family Shows, Community Projects. Please check: Comar.co.uk for what’s on

Meet the Puffins Discover Mull, Iona and Staffa

The Three Isles Tour Plan your next adventure!

Experience the spectacular scenery of the Isle of Mull, the tranquility of Iona and the wonderful wildlife on Staffa on a day tour from Oban. Our 2022 tour dates will be available to book online from October 2021. Scan the QR code above for a sneak peek!

Visit westcoasttours.co.uk or call us on 01631 566 809.

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mUll & IoNA HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

ToBErmorY

IoNA

THE SoUTH EAST CoAST

Mull’s main town is the starting point for sea trips, speciality shopping, award-winning eateries, coastal walks and indoor attractions, including arts, museums and wildlife centres.

This tiny island (accessible via foot passenger ferry from Fionnphort) is known as the cradle of christianity. it is home to a 13thcentury abbey, Scotland’s best preserved nunnery, amazing beaches and a real sense of tranquillity.

Take this route if you love castles, golf and stone circles. if you are searching for golden or white-tailed eagles, look to the skyline, or take a tour with an expert.

www.welcometoiona.com

THE roSS oF mUll A haven for geologists and historians, this is where you’ll find red granite coastlines, evocative cleared townships, shell-sand beaches, arts & crafts and boat trips from fionnphort.

ISlE oF UlVA

BEN morE AND BUrG

oFFSHorE ISlANDS

The destination for mountain walking and those seeking wilderness. ben More is Mull’s only Munro, and the peak provides a fantastic viewpoint for the surrounding islands.

from Mull, take an exhilarating sea tour to the offshore islands of Lunga and Staffa where you can encounter puffins and other sea birds, and the astonishing fingal’s Cave.

Lachlan Macquarie, described as ‘the father of Australia’ due to his work as Governor of new South Wales, was born on ulva in 1761. The island is also known for its miles of scenic waymarked walks. mUll & IoNA FooD TrAIl The islands are known for their fantastic, fresh local produce from land and sea, as well as award-winning restaurants. www.mullandionafood.co.uk THE QUEST Take this challenge, for a fun family trail across Mull & iona. Solve the clues and discover more about our magical islands: www.mullandionaquest.co.uk

WIlDlIFE AND ADVENTUrE ToUrS

THE NorTH WEST CoAST

Specialist guides will help you to explore Mull and iona’s great outdoors, and ensure that you find the best places for close encounters with the abundant wildlife.

Head this way for an art trail, whale trail, public gardens and dramatic coastlines .

www.visitmullandiona.co.uk/guides

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INVERNESS

SCOTLAND

CAMPBELTOWN

DAY TRIPS FORT AUGUSTUS TO LAGGAN LOCKS

A CIRCUIT OF LOCH LEVEN

PORT APPIN LOOP AND LISMORE ISLAND

OBAN TO DUNBEG

TAYNUILT TO TAYNUILT PIER VIA BONAWE HISTORIC IRON WORKS

EXPLORE SCOTLAND’S MOST DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES FROM THE SADDLE, WITH DAY TRIPS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. visitscotland.com/cyclingroutes

THE CRINAN CANAL, ARDRISHAIG TO CRINAN

CAMPBELTOWN TO SOUTHEND AND ST COLUMBA’S CHAPEL

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WeST HiGHLAnD PeninSuLAS

est Highland Peninsulas are the W areas of Sunart, Morven, Moidart, Ardgour and Ardnamurchan - this is where Lochaber meets the Atlantic.

Stunning coastline, crystal clear waters, pristine beaches, hills, lochs, rich woodland, extraordinary wildlife and vast dark skies – changing with the seasons, it’s all here for you to explore and enjoy.

Spring is especially beautiful with an abundance of wild flowers scattered through ancient woodlands and public gardens, blankets of bluebells for you to feast your eyes on. The area offers you a chance to see amazing wildlife – birds and otters will stay around as they take care of their young, so they will be easier to spot.

With 230 miles of contrasting coastline, you will never be further than stone’s throw away from a one of our pristine beaches where you can go for a daytime stroll or just sit and take in that breath-taking sunrise or that perfect sunset. Find your own perfect

beach for rock-pooling, swimming, canoeing, bird watching and photography. With beautiful sea lochs and stunning freshwater lochs we provide visitors with opportunities to do a whole host of things either on, in or by the water. Exploring the coastline by sea kayak or open canoe brings a new perspective.

Open waters swimmers will be in heaven every day.

SCUBA dive our historical wrecks and protected reefs.

Wildlife watches can explore two Marine Protected Areas.

Families and beach lovers will find space to unwind and escape.

We have one of the best dark skies in the country. Early spring will offer some night sky viewing with over 7,000 stars and planets visible with the naked eye. You’ll see our own galaxy, The Milky Way, stretching across the sky. This is a privilege that so few people in our country have, so why not come here and let us share it with you.

THinGS TO DO:1. Ardtornish Gardens 2. NcNean Distillery 3. Oakwood Tourism and Craft Centre 4. Sunart Oakwood Walks 5. Bike hire with Sunart Campsite 6. Otter Adventures 7, Source to Sea Canoe Hire 8. Steven Marshall Gallery 9. Resipole Studies 10. Castle Tioram

11. Ardnamurchan Charters 12. Ardnamurchan Distillery 13. Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre 14. Ardnamurchan LightHouse 15. Sanna Bay

OTHeRS White House Restaurant Kilcamb Restaurant Ariundle Centre

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loCHABEr HAND PICKED

Top things to see, do and experience

THE NEVIS rANGE

GlEN NEVIS AND BEN NEVIS

nevis Range in fort William is home to the uK’s only mountain gondola, transporting you to 650m on the mountain of Aonach Mòr, and is an adventure playground situated just outside fort William with ample parking, café facilities, walks, biking trails, snowsports, and much more.

britain’s highest mountain attracts around 100,000 visitors a year, from mountaineers to novice walkers. Set in the lovely Glen nevis, its surroundings are worth exploring too – do prepare carefully and get advice if you’re planning a challenging walk.

www.nevisrange.co.uk

www.outdoorcapital.co.uk/ben-nevis/

WEST HIGHlAND WAY

GlENCoE

This 96-mile long-distance walk starts in Milngavie and takes hikers along Loch Lomond and through Glencoe, finishing in Fort William. it takes several days, but you can hop on to sections of footpath for shorter walks too.

There’s drama aplenty in Glencoe, whether you’re talking history, wildlife or staggering views. Stop for refreshment in the picturesque Glencoe village, learn about the glen’s history at the NTS Glencoe visitor Centre, or rush down the snowy corries at Glencoe Mountain Resort.

westhighlandway.org

www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/glencoe

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CommANDo mEmorIAl

ForT WIllIAm

Dedicated to the men of the original Second World War british Commando forces, this Spean bridge monument offers views of ben nevis and Aonach Mòr and a chance to reflect on the impact of the conflict here.

fort William’s cobbled town centre reflects its role as a hub for outdoor sports, with plenty of shops selling gear for your mountain adventure. it has been revitalised recently with the addition of new eateries and independent shops such as the Highland bookshop.

www.outdoorcapital.co.uk

WEST HIGHlAND mUSEUm

mAllAIG

HIGHlAND CINEmA

Housed in the former british Linen bank on Fort William’s Cameron Square, this long-standing museum tells the story of the region and its people – including a collection on the Jacobites.

Visit the fishing village of Mallaig at the end of the A830 traveling from fort William and ride the ferry from Mallaig to Inverie during a quick, 30- to 45-minute cruise with Western isles Cruises.

Relax in the state of the art facilities on Lochaber’s new independent cinema based in Cameron Square, Fort William and catch the latest releases, tasty treats and drinks from their café bar.

www.westhighlandmuseum.org.uk

www.westernislescruises.co.uk

www.highlandcinema.co.uk

ForT WIllIAm moUNTAIN FESTIVAl Join fort William’s annual celebration of mountain culture that includes talks, films, photography exhibitions and plenty of fringe events to entertain the whole family taking place between 16 to 22 february 2022. www.mountainfestival.co.uk

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fORT WiLLiAM: SCOTLAnD’S OuTDOOR CAPiTAL ochaber is the adventure playLOutdoor ground of the Highlands. The Capital of the UK is full of stunning landscapes to admire, waterways and trails to discover, peaks to explore and with plenty of fun to be had at our attractions including Nevis Range Mountain Resort and Glencoe Mountain.

Lochaber presents you with an inviting balance of risk and excitement to awaken the senses coupled with a slower pace of life when

you need a break away and a time to relax in front of the fire with a dram on a cold day.

If you’re after an adrenaline fix, then Active Highs and Vertical Descents provide plenty of action and adventure on canyoning days, sea kayaking and white water rafting experiences. Can you complete the Kinlochleven’s Via Ferrata?

Even the wet days here have an upside as ‘today’s rain is tomorrow’s whisky’. Make your way to

Fort William and enjoy a warm welcome at Ben Nevis Distillery or head to the Ardnamurchan Peninsula to tour Nc’nean Distillery.

You can climb indoors with 3 Wise Monkeys climbing centre or enjoy a warming meal and reminisce in the comfort of a comfy chair, lochside view and plenty of warmth from burning timber on an open fire.

With a mix of mountains, glens, crags, waterways, Lochs, dreamy

and vast open spaces, activities for the whole family from new experiences to relaxing in the cinema, Lochaber presents you with the best decision you’ve made - visiting the West Highlands this autumn and winter.

The Outdoor Capital of the UK is open for your unique Highland experience – plan your adventure at outdoorcapital.co.uk and connect with us on social media @outdoorcapitaluk.

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ArDNAmUrCHAN HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

SANNA BAY

WIlDlIFE

The perfect spot for a picnic, this large beach is one of Ardnamurchan’s favourite destinations, with ice-blue water and, especially in spring, surrounding sand dunes bursting with colourful flora.

Ardnamurchan is home to flagship species from eagles and ospreys to pine martens, red squirrel and red deer, plus tiny delights such as orchids and rare butterflies. book a tour with an expert, learn more at the Ardnamurchan natural History visitor Centre, or just head out and keep your eyes peeled.

ArDNAmUrCHAN DISTIllErY One of Scotland’s newest distilleries, Ardnamurchan is beautifully located on the shores of Loch Sunart and is in the process of producing both peated and unpeated whiskys. Open for tours.

CAmAS NAN GEAll Home to a neolithic cairn, bronze age standing stones and historic cemetery, Camas nan Geall, on the south of the peninsula is worth visiting for the views of Loch Sunart and curved sandy beach.

ArDNAmUrCHAN poINT AND lIGHTHoUSE The windswept, isolated tip of the Ardnamurchan peninsula boasts dramatic views and an imposing lighthouse. Mainland Great britain’s most westerly point is the outcrop of Corrachadh Mòr – just south of here.

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roAD To THE ISlES HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience HArrY poTTEr VIADUCT The West Highland Line is one of the world’s most popular railway journeys and crosses the 21-span Glenfinnan Viaduct, which features in the Harry Potter films. experience it from a steam train, or take the Scotrail service from fort William.

BEACHES Take a detour on the Alternative Coastal Route to explore some of Scotland’s loveliest and most accessible beaches. including Traigh, Camusdarach and the Silver Sands of Morar.

GlENFINNAN moNUmENT

mAllAIG

NEpTUNE’S STAIrCASE

A statue of a lone Highlander high above Loch Shiel is a reminder of the loss of life in the Jacobite risings, and the fact that bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard here to start the 1745 campaign. A tour of the adjacent visitor centre gives fuller understanding of the site’s significance.

A working fishing village that connects the mainland to the islands beyond, Mallaig was once the busiest herring port in europe and is still renowned for its smoked kippers. enjoy the views on the Mallaig Circuit walk, or simply potter around the shops and cafes.

banavie, outside fort William, is home to Scotland’s longest staircase lock. This feat of engineering raises the Caledonian Canal over a quarter of a mile. Stop for a cuppa and watch the boats pass through.

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FORT WILLIAM MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL ‘22 16 - 20 FEB

18 years of celebrating world-wide adventures from the Outdoor Capital of the UK (OCUK) through a diverse and inspirational programme.

DETAILS ON OUR WEBSITE www.mountainfestival.co.uk

SPONSORS

#FWMF2022

FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS Me on My wall

creative tive canvas art Alexandra Hotel

www.meonmywall.co.uk

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THe ROAD TO THe iSLeS

he West Highland route from Fort T William to Mallaig and onwards to the Small Isles, Skye, Knoydart and Uist is known as the ‘Road to the Isles’.

This world renowned journey, described as the most scenic in the world, is also a must stay holiday destination in 2021.

You’ll enjoy dramatic landscapes, breathtaking beaches and a real sense of place. As well as the world famous rail journey and the historic attractions, the area boasts outstanding beaches, rugged hills and heather moors. You’ll find accommodation to suit all travellers and award winning restaurants specialising in seafood and game.

Nature and the landscape influences much of what happens here. Watch the local fishermen land their daily catch at Mallaig’s bustling pier, sea

kayak from Arisaig, take guided walks on Knoydart and wildlife cruises from Glenfinnan, Mallaig and Arisaig.

Your stay in the area will be enriched by visiting the Small Isles, a stunning archipelago of steeped in history and filled with wildlife.

Each season here is joyous in its own way, but spring is exceptionally beautiful. Wildflowers, vibrant sunsets and the arrival of wildlife give the season a distinctive feel, and the pace of life is slower and more peaceful. Engage all of your senses by walking along a quiet beach, tasting the salty sea spray, listening to the seabirds overhead and watching the rush of the tide.

A visit to the ‘Road to the Isles’ promises to leave you with a full heart and a yearning to return. www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk

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the perfect destination come rain or shine!

Boutique café bar and cinema in Fort William, serving pizzas, sharing platters, small dishes, great cakes, local beers, spirits and cocktails. gluten free and vegetarian / vegan options available. Come for the café, stay for a movie!

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Fassfern White Rose Highland Gin Launch

F

assfern Highland Gins are delighted to announce the launch of a third product to our range of Hand Crafted, Small Batch Gins.

We are adding a White Rose Highland Gin to our existing Dry Highland and Bramble Highland Gins, this is a truly exciting addition to our product portfolio.

Fassfern White Rose Highland Gin utilises the flowers picked from the Fassfern White Rose, with permission of course!, to produce a beautiful smooth and fragrant, floral gin. This Rose is indeed the same White Rose that it is believed Bonnie Prince Charlie plucked and placed in his bonnet, becoming known as the White Cockade, a symbol of the Jacobite cause.

The Rose has a very distinct fragrance and combined with its history, provided

the perfect choice for an addition to our existing Gin range. Rose and especially white rose can be a very delicate flavour and therefore it was important that this was delicately balanced with the other botanicals, so that it was not overpowered, yet remained a true gin.

The White Rose is complimented with a touch of Lavender and Rose hip plus of course Juniper, Angelica and Pink Peppercorns to produce this wonderfully fragrant and floral, yet smooth gin for your enjoyment. This is indeed a fantastic addition to our range bringing history to life with every drop. Our White Rose Highland Gin has a wonderful flavour, but why not try it with a splash of Elderflower tonic and a slice of pear or white nectarine as the perfect serving suggestion?

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SKYE HAND PICKED

Top things to see, do and experience

porTrEE

EIlEAN DoNAN CASTlE

Skye’s main town is a bustling and colourful port used by both fishing and pleasure boats. There are plenty of shopping and eating opportunities and you can take a walking tour to get your bearings.

One of Scotland’s most visited attractions, the enchanting silhouette of eilean Donan Castle dominates the landscape around Dornie (on the mainland). This 13th-century castle was recently restored and is a must-see on the road to Skye.

BrIGHT WATEr VISITor CENTrE

SKYE FErrY

This Kyleaken exhibition centre remembers the otter conservation work of Ring of bright Water author Gavin Maxwell. book tours here to nearby eilean bàn, a nature haven below the Skye bridge.

The Glenachulish, Scotland’s only remaining turntable ferry runs between Glenelg and Kylerhea in the summer season and is a novel and historic way to arrive on the island.

ArTS AND CrAFTS

EAT oUT

See the work of local artists and craftspeople in shops across the island – some studios are open to visitors too. As well as painting and sculpture inspired by the landscape, Skye specialisms include weaving, jewellery-making and ceramics.

Skye is home to some of Scotland’s top chefs, perhaps attracted by the stellar setting and fresh local food. For a fine dining experience to remember, try the Three Chimneys, edinbane Lodge or Loch bay.

www.skyeferry.co.uk

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THE QUIrANG

GEoloGICAl mArVElS

Part of the Trotternish Ridge, the Quirang is an awe-inspiring formation of rocks, composed of pinnacles, cliffs and plateaus. it has featured in films from the BFG to Transformers, and can be reached on foot from Staffin or Uig.

Skye’s scenery is universally spectacular, and natural wonders not to miss include the crystal clear fairy Pools at the foot of the black Cuillin mountains, the Old Man of Storr, and Coral beach.

At Skye’s westerly tip you’ll find Neist Point and its celebrated lighthouse.

isleofskye.com

isleofskye.com

ArmADAlE CASTlE

TorAGBHAIG DISTIllErY

The romantic ruins of Armadale castle are part of an extensive estate that includes gardens, woodland trails and the Museum of the isles, exploring 1,500 years of history and culture.

Housed in a 19th-century farm steading, this new distillery opened in 2017 (Skye’s only other distillery, Talisker, is in Carbost) and welcomes visitors for tours. Its first single malt should be available this year.

armadalecastle.com

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SKye

s the days stretch and the landA scape wakens from its winter slumbers, there is no better time to visit Skye and Lochalsh.

Skye may be Scotland’s second most popular destination during the peak summer months, but the area is a yearround treat offering views, amazing wildlife, breath-taking adventures, some of the finest dining experiences in Europe and a guaranteed warm welcome.

Visitors are drawn by the attraction of Skye’s top-five iconic sites – The Quiraing, The Old Man of Storr, Neist Point, The Fairy Pools and Fairy Glen – and they are certainly worth a visit, however, Skye and Lochalsh has so much more to offer.

The area’s Destination Management Organisation, SkyeConnect is helping visitors to achieve a richer experience by getting off the beaten track to explore more of Skye’s culture, landscapes and wildlife. Through #skyetime visitors can learn more about the experiences on offer and ensure that they leave with memories that will make

them want to come back time and time again.

If you are heading to Skye from the north, take some time to enjoy Attadale Gardens in Wester Ross, or visit Eilean Donan Castle in Lochalsh on the road to the Skye Bridge, one of the most popular castles in Scotland.

If you love the sea take the scenic short crossing from Mallaig to Armadale with CalMac Ferries, or between Easter and October you could travel with the original Skye ferry (Scotland’s only remaining turntable ferry) between Glenelg and Kylerhea.

Once on Skye visitors can head south to Sleat, the ‘Garden of Skye’ and tour the new Torabhaig Distillery, or visit Armadale Castle and Gardens and the Museum of the Isles.

Heading west from Broadford brings

visitors to Elgol and arguably the best view of the Cuillin Ridge. Head north to Portree for guided historical walks around the island’s capital, a luxury boat trip to the remote island of Rona or a coasteering adventure. Keep going

north and you’ll find a collection of some of the finest restaurants in Scotland – The Three Chimneys, Edinbane Lodge and Loch Bay. www.skye-connect.com

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Lotus Heart Sanctuary

Inga’s Sweet Treats

Delicious locally made sweets, Scottish Fudge, Tablet, Isle of Skye Rock and other tasty treats

2 Wentworth Street, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9EJ

Tel: 01478 612377 Mob: 07740 676227

ingassweettreatsisleofskye.co.uk

Lotus Heart Sanctuary Isle of Skye is located in the picturesque village of Dunvegan.

The vegan sanctuary provides a safe space for a variety of human & non-human animals to come together to simply “be”!

Lotus Animal Sanctuary is a safe haven and forever home to animals who have been rescued from death and abuse and who are in need of love, care and shelter. Species so far include dogs, cows and sheep, although Lotus have been involved in rescue/rehoming since 2016 of many other species too like pigs, chickens, cats and goats.

Lotus Camping Pods are beautiful purpose built pods to help generate income to sustain the sanctuary and all who live there!

The vegan pods are nestled in the croft itself, surrounded by sheep and providing breath-taking views of the Cuillin Mountain Range to the left, MacLeod’s Tables in front, and Lotus Animal Sanctuary & Loch Dunvegan over to the right. The pods are bookable via AirBnB with the link to each pod on the website https://lotusheartsanctuary.com/camping-pods/ The animals residing at Lotus will give

many of the Lotus visitors a real opportunity to interact with them; something they may otherwise not have that opportunity to do. This is a really important step in helping to enlighten and change the perspective many people hold around certain species of animals.

Through meeting the animals, visitors will be able to clearly identify that these species have exactly the same needs, emotions and behaviours that they see and feel from the companion animals many of them will share their homes with.

Regardless of species, all animals have exactly the same strong desire to live their lives and care for their babies! These animals have the ability to give and receive love, the desire to be with family and friends, the ability to grief and be sad, to feel pain and terror, to experience pleasure & happiness, to play and be mischievous – they are non-human animals just like our cats and dogs, and we are human animals – we are all earthlings who are interconnected and all existing together on planet earth – we are one - animals are not here for us, they are here with us!

Always remember, the only difference between species is human perception.

Social media @LotusHeartSanctuary Website www.LotusHeartSanctuary.com

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THe OuTeR HebRiDeS P

erched on Scotland’s western edge and surrounded by the powerful waters of the Atlantic ocean, The Outer Hebrides is a family of 12 Inhabited islands, inter-connected by causeway and ferry.

Each individual island has its own personality and landscape, and together they form 200-mile chain of beaches, moorlands and mountains. The islands share a strong Gaelic tradition, which permeates all aspects of island life - music, crofting, weaving and church - with Gaelic still widely spoken at home, on the ferry or in the bar.

The islands come alive in the spring, following the dramatic winter storms.

Lambs and calves begin to appear in the landscape and the machair flowers fill the meadows with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours.

Begin your journey in Barra & Vatersay, and kayak around Kisimul Castle, the ancient stronghold of Clan MacNeil, catch a ceilidh at Vatersay Hall or sail through the Mingulay arch Take a tour through Uist, from Eriskay to Berneray, taking in six islands all joined by causeways. Follow in the

footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie, ride horseback on the beach, and go seal-spotting.

Crossing the waters to Harris, kitesurf on Luskentyre or paddle board on Huisinis and then head into the hills to see the eagles soar Finish up in Lewis and go for a surf-lesson on the expanses of Eoropie beach, or a whale-watching cruise out of Stornoway harbour, catch a concert at An Lanntair arts centre or learn about the mystery behind the Uig Chessmen, featured in Harry Potter.

For an unforgettable experience take a boat trip out to St Kilda, one of Scotland’s six world heritage sites to witness the soaring stacks, seabird colonies and abandoned cottages and schoolhouse.

Don’t forget to pop into one of the islands’ smokehouses to taste the delicious smoked salmon, or for a real taste of island life, track down a ceilidh and savour a gin or whisky from one of our four distilleries.

The Outer Hebrides are not to be rushed. Slow down and soak it all in. www.visitouterhebrides.co.uk

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oUTEr HEBrIDES HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

CAlANAIS STANDING SToNES

HArrIS TWEED

This atmospheric stone circle, has a reputation as Scotland’s Stonehenge, and as the inspiration for Craigh na Dun in the Outlander books. Mull over the various theories about the origins of this 5000-year-old neolithic monument while refueling at the visitor centre cafe.

Protected by Act of Parliament and every metre, woven to this day by hand, in the home of an islander and bearing the distinctive orb trademark. Some weavers provide demonstrations and welcome visitors to watch them at work. The Harris Tweed exhibition in Stornoway Town Hall reveals the secrets of this world-famous cloth.

calanais.org

harristweed.org

BArrA BEACH lANDING

BEACHES

GIN & WHISKY

in barra, the airport isn’t close to the beach, it is on the beach. This is the only scheduled beach landing anywhere in the world. A truly unique Hebridean adventure

The islands boast a string of white sand beaches that rival many found in the tropics. everyone has their favourite from eoropie in the north to vatersay in the south.

And with over 40 to choose from, there is plenty of space for everyone.

The Outer Hebrides went almost 200 years without a single (legal) distillery. Now we are making up for lost time with four (and more being planned). Compare our trio of gins - the isle of Harris Gin, barra Atlantic Gin and Downpour, the new kid on the block from North Uist to find your own favourite island tipple.

wwwvisitouterhebrides.co.uk

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COWAL

iMMeRSe yOuRSeLf in THe GATeWAy TO THe HiGHLAnDS T he Cowal Peninsula is in the south of Argyll & Bute and is often referred to as ‘the Gateway to the Highlands’. It is a beautiful and diverse area. Flanked by Loch Long & Loch Fyne, the Cowal Peninsula offers a tantalising taste of the Scottish Highlands. Stunning stretches of water characterise its coastline, from sparkling sea lochs to the Firth of Clyde.

Cowal is packed with places to visit and things to do. Sailors, walkers, cyclists and artists are all drawn to this area for its natural beauty. The wild

and rugged waters and land of Cowal make the area one big adventure playground.

Rich in heritage, wildlife and culture, Cowal has a wide range of activities and attractions on offer. The area boasts spectacular highland hills, ancient forests, dramatic glens, lochs, gardens and stunning coastal spots, offering a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Many visitors to Cowal arrive by boat, ferried across the Firth of Clyde to the main town of Dunoon which is on the western shore of the

Firth of Clyde. Among other events, Dunoon hosts the Cowal Highland Gathering, the biggest Highland Games in the UK and Europe. As it is more easily accessible by sea, than by land, this gives the area a very attractive island feel.

There are plenty of opportunities to experience Cowal from and on

and around the water, including ribboat trips, sailing, cruises, kayaking, quad-biking, hiking and cycling. A whole season could be spent exploring the area. The great marina facilities, inlets and quiet anchorages all add to the magic.

Cowal’s coastal paradise is waiting to be discovered.

Meet the Puffins Discover Mull, Iona and Staffa

The Three Isles Tour Plan your next adventure!

Experience the spectacular scenery of the Isle of Mull, the tranquility of Iona and the wonderful wildlife on Staffa on a day tour from Oban. Our 2022 tour dates will be available to book online from October 2021. Scan the QR code above for a sneak peek!

Visit westcoasttours.co.uk or call us on 01631 566 809.

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CoWAl HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

BENmorE BoTANIC GArDENS

pUCK’S GlEN

Walk along benmore’s avenue of towering redwoods and you gain a sense of the age and stature of this mountainside garden.

Highlights include spring rhododendron displays and the victorian fernery.

A magical spot with an appropriately magical name, Puck’s Glen is a deep gorge with a cascade of waterfalls,set in shady forest near benmore Gardens. Will you encounter the forest sprites?

rbge.org.uk

THE SmIDDY This 19th-century blacksmith’s forge remains operational as the heart of a tiny, fascinating folk museum in the village of Strachur.

ArGYll ForEST pArK The UK’s first Forest Park, stretching from the Holy Loch to the peaks of the Arrochar Alps. Highlights include Glenbranter’s Allt Robuic gorge, once owned by music hall star Harry Lauder. forestryandland.gov.scot

DUNooN

loCH ECK

This victorian resort retains its traditional seaside charm. explore the shops, stroll along the promenade (under the gaze of a statue of Robert burns’ sweetheart, Highland Mary) or paddle at West bay.

CASTlE HoUSE mUSEUm

A seven-mile ribbon of fresh water, Loch eck teems with fish, including the rare powan, salmon, and arctic char. There are paths for walkers, including to the Paper Caves, where key local documents are said to have been hidden.

GlENFINArT WAllED GArDEN

Dunoon Castle was abandoned in the 17th century, but its site still boasts impressive views. nearby Castle House Museum is a treasure-trove of local artefacts and was built partly using stone from the original castle.

Originally the kitchen garden or the Glenfinart Estate, this Victorian walled garden is now community owned and run. explore the sensory garden, children’s area, orchards and raised beds.

Dogs welcome on leads.

Castlehousemuseum.org.uk

WAlKING

ArDENTINNY BEACH

Cowal has walking routes for everyone, from challenging routes to the rocky Arrochar Alps (such as the Cobbler and Ben Vorlich) to flatter loch-side paths just right for buggies and bikes.

Keep your eyes peeled on Ardentinny beach – for seals in the water, raptors above and treasures like pebbles and shells at your feet. Picnic on the beach, or explore buggy-friendly trails nearby.

forestryandland.gov.scot

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Visit Benmore Botanic Garden Magnificent Mountainside Garden & World Renowned Plant Collection

Surrounded by dramatic scenery, Benmore’s 120 acres are home to a superb collection of plants from the Orient and the Himalaya to North and South America.

Its avenue of giant redwoods is arguably one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden.

Victorian Fernery | Refreshments | Gift Shop | Plant sales Admission*: Adult £7.50 | Concession £6.75 | Under 16s go free *Includes small voluntary donation to the Garden.

On the A815, 7 miles north of Dunoon on the Cowal Peninsula, Argyll PA23 8QU Tel 01369 706261 | rbge.org.uk/benmore Part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a charity registered in Scotland (no SC007983)

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Photo: Rachel Keenan Photography

T

his time of year is perfect for an amble through the profusion of flowers, foliage and fragrance at Benmore Botanic Garden.

Located at the gateway to the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Benmore’s renowned rhododendrons bloom all the way through August. But the star of July’s show is eucryphias, with splashes of white fountains among the lush greenery. Desfontaines also take centre stage in mid-summer with an abundance of blooms against the backdrop of heather-covered mountains.

Summer flowering trees and shrubs burst into a riot of colour and fragrance – sweet-smelling yellow jasmimum humile, New Zealand hoherias, American snowdrop, Oriental snowbells and the striking epaulette tree, festooned in perfumed white bells.

With more than 3,000 plants of around 300 species, Benmore is famous for its rhododendron collection. However, its west coast setting also makes the garden particularly suitable for collections from Bhutan, Chile, Japan and Tasmania.

On sunny days in spring, magnolias are spectacular pink and white against blue sky between the Viewpoint and Golden Gates Avenue. Colour is not just for blossom. Rhododendron barbatum produces

plum-coloured flaking bark and Rhododendron thomsonii a striking gold and sea-green peeling bark and vivid red flowers. Young shoots bring sharp freshness to evergreens.

Visit the Tasmanian Ridge and look out for a shock of brilliant new leaves of red and bronze produced by the myrtle beech, Nothofagus cunninghamii. The air will be fragrant with Pieris japonica at this time of year. Don’t miss a visit to the garden’s restored Victorian Fernery. The Fernery was built in the 1870s at a time when Britain was gripped by “fernmania”. With the restoration of the fernery, a part of Benmore’s history has been brought back to life. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and life-cycles of ferns and to admire their intricate and diverse beauty.

Make sure you find the time to visit our magnificent grade-A listed Golden Gates.

Benmore is suitable for all ages and is a great day out for the family. Keep an eye out for the Garden’s resident red squirrels who are likely to make an appearance.

Admission costs adult £7.50; Concession £6.75; under 16s and essential carers go free. Prices include a small donation to the Garden.

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ARGyLL’S SeCReT COAST

O

ff the beaten track on the south west tip of the Cowal Peninsula is Argyll’s Secret Coast, a small but spectacular destination. Shaped by a collection of dramatic sea lochs, including Loch Goil and Loch Riddon, and comprising a scenic string of villages, beaches and coves, this haven boasts history, wildlife, hospitality and more.

The geography here makes for a beautiful setting, but it is vibrant communities that bring that setting to life, from Colintraive (from where you can catch a ferry to nearby Bute) with its Community Garden and muralled Heritage Centre, to Glendaruel, a medieval battle site that is home to Dunan’s Castle and the historic Kilmodan Church, and the peaceful Otter Ferry.

Portavadie’s marina provides extensive facilities (and a spa resort) for those travelling by land or sea who crave luxury with a memorable backdrop.

The resort is home to Scotland’s biggest outdoor infin-

ity pool. A unique spot from which to enjoy the views, it’s even more magical after dark.

Nearby Tighnabruaich is a popular fishing and sailing destination with distinctive charm. It is also the local home of the fierce highland sport of shinty – if you’re in the area on a Saturday, it’s well worth joining the crowd for a captivating fast-paced match. Smaller, but equally scenic, is Kames, so peaceful today that it’s hard to believe it was once the home of a gunpowder mill.

These locations may be out of the way, but they still have a buzz, and you’ll find atmosphere and quality cuisine in the hotels, restaurants and cafes, where menus consistently offer fresh local produce, including seafood sourced close by.

The outdoor options here are plentiful too, with walking and cycling routes for travellers of all abilities. Wildlife watchers will do well to head for one of area’s woodlands, such as Kilfinan community forest or Glenan Wood, where you could

spot red squirrels, deer and woodpeckers. Glenan Wood also conceals an abandoned village, a collection of crumbling stone cottages that harken back to a different time.

For a coastal walk with views to breathe in, head to Carry Point at Carry Farm, or for ancient history, visit the standing stones at Stillaig via a stunning walk across the headland from Portavadie.

Argyll’s Secret Coast is flanked by two beautiful stretches of water, the Kyles of Bute and Loch Fyne. Together, they lend atmosphere and life to this unique setting, and provide endless pleasure for visitors, whether observing their riches from the shore, or heading out for an immersive ocean experience – perhaps a swim, a sailing trip, or exploring by kayak or canoe.

With such inspiring surroundings, it’s little wonder that the arts scene here is lively too.

Cowal’s annual Open Studios event, when you can visit local artists in their places of work, is scheduled to go ahead in the Autumn, but if you’re an art lover, the spirit of creativity continues year round, in galleries, craft shops and with regular exhibitions and events.

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ArGYll’S SECrET CoAST HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience BoATING

oTTEr FErrY

The stunning setting of Argyll’s Secret Coast makes it a popular starting point for excursions on the water, whether you opt for a fishing trip, a wildlife tour, or people power via kayak. Sailing lessons for beginners and more advanced seafarers are available at Tighnabruaich Sailing School.

Walk along the pebble beach to Otter Spit for a great nature-watching vantage point. Or enjoy a pint in the local pub overlooking the pier.

Tssargyll.co.uk oSTEl BAY

ST FINAN’S CHUrCH

porTAVADIE

This Tighnabruaich beauty spot is well hidden, but it’s worth the walk through wildflower-coverd machair to reach a peaceful, sandy crescent bay.

Kilfinan’s 13th-century parish church houses a collection of ancient burial stones, including the inveryne Stone. The village also has its own community forest, with a range of trails, some decorated with artwork by local school pupils.

The Portavadie complex includes a marina, hotel and self-catering options. its chief attraction is the spa, which has indoor and outdoor swimming and a heated infinity pool with views of Loch fyne.

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A Wee TASTe Of buTe…

ute is Scotland’s most accessible b island, only 90 minutes from Glasgow, on the west coast in the Firth of Clyde. Packed with stunning scenery, Bute offers something for everyone, with plenty to eat, drink, see and do! eAT Rothesay, Bute’s main town, has a range of eateries. You can sample local cuisine like smoked salmon from Ritchie’s of Rothesay, relax in Musiker, a music café with in-house bookstore, or try delicious treats from Helmi’s Syrian Bakery. Further south is Kingarth Hotel and Smiddy Bar - the perfect base after a walk or a round of golf. Here, you can enjoy a burger made with local butcher’s meat, or sample some freshly caught seafood.

DRinK Port Bannatyne, it the north of the Island, is home to The Port Inn, a cosy, welcoming pub with live music and a magnificent sun-trapped beer garden.

The island also gives its name to two gin companies, Isle of Bute Gin Co. and Spirit of Bute – available at

Spirit of Bute shop in Rothesay.

DO Rothesay Castle, in the town centre, had a long association with the Stewart Kings of Scotland and can be explored daily from April 1. Behind the castle, also reopening on this date, is Bute museum.

April 3 brings the reopening of Mount Stuart House and Gardens, a 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors, nestled in a 300-acre estate with striking backdrop of the Firth of Clyde. After your house tour you could head to the courtyard to sample fantastic homebaking, learn more at the Visitors Centre, or enjoy some outdoor fun in the adventure playground. It’s a day out for the whole family!

Bute boasts spectacular beaches including Ettrick Bay in the north home to a tearoom where you can grab an ice cream and take a walk along the mile-long golden sand. With a playpark and glamping pods, its the perfect base.

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BUTE HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

moUNT STUArT

pAVIlIoN AND pIEr

A 19th-century mansion with extravagant interiors and expansive, colourful gardens, Mount Stuart is one of Scotland’s most striking and unusual stately homes.

Due to reopen this year, Rothesay Pavilion is an A listed 1930s building set to become a cultural hub. its modern design contrasts with the town’s historic pier, which is known for its ornate victorian toilets.

mountstuart.com

rothesaypavilion.co.uk

THE WEST ISlAND WAY

ETTrICK BAY

A long-distance footpath around the island, this 45k route can be split into three day-long sections. it covers varied landscapes including beaches, moor and farmland.

This mile-long sandy beach on the island’s west coast has a children’s play area, cafe and a bird-watching hide at the south end.

Other popular bute beaches include Scalpsie bay and Langalbuinoch.

walkhighlands.co.uk

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THe iSLe Of

ARRAn BRUCE’S ISLAND

T

he Isle of Arran features prominently in the history of King Robert the Bruce, and many visitors trace his footsteps to King’s Cave, near Blackwaterfoot, where it is believed that he once hid.

According to folklore, it was in this cave, exhausted and disenchanted after a series of defeats by the English, that the king encountered a tiny spider.

He watched as it tried and repeatedly failed to secure its web on the slippery cave walls – finally succeeding on the seventh attempt. The spider’s determination inspired the weary warrior to continue with his own fight, and he went on to secure victory at the Battle of Bannockburn.

Having been a hide-out, Arran went on to become a stronghold for the legendary Scot, and other sites with

links to his story include Whiting Bay and Brodick Castle.

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ArrAN HAND PICKED Top things to see, do and experience

BroDICK CASTlE

GoAT FEll

ArrAN CoASTAl WAY

Home to formal gardens, woodlands and waterfalls as well as an adventure playground, this baronial castle is packed with treasures and offers spectacular views over brocick bay and beyond.

Arran’s highest mountain is a highlight of the dramatic landscape that has led to Arran’s title of Scotland in Miniature. The island’s highest point, at 2,866ft, it provides panoramic views of the island and out to sea.

This long-distance walking trail is an ideal way to experience the highlights of Arran’s landscape on foot. The 65-mile circular path is mostly off road and covers landscape from beach, to moors and mountains.

Coastalway.co.uk

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LOve LOCH LOMOnD Great, hospitality, great value, great experiences: discover the best local businesses and explore the real Loch Lomond.

ramatic mountains, iconic lochs D hidden glens, thriving towns and unspoiled forest trails: at Love Loch Lomond we’re passionate about our beautiful region and we can’t wait to share it with you. From hidden gems to big-name bucket list attractions, we are the go-to resource for everyone who wants to dip beneath the surface and discover the ‘real’ Loch Lomond.

Whether you’re planning a future visit

or looking for last-minute inspiration, our directory of trusted local businesses is the starting point for your Loch Lomond experience. Relax and enjoy unforgettable hospitality or set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure; indulge in authentic local food and drink; soak up cultural highlights or dive into a day of family fun. Whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it here. Love Loch Lomond is a co-operative of

real local businesses operating in and around the Loch Lomond area. When you book through Love Loch Lomond or directly with one of our members, you can rest assured that you are booking with a tried and tested local business where great customer service and a warm Scottish welcome come as standard. Our goal is simple: we want you to love our beautiful region as much as we do. Through Love Loch

Lomond, our member businesses bring your great value offers; unique visitor itineraries that you won’t find anywhere else, and quality services that you can rely on.

Only 40 minutes from the centre of Scotland’s cultural capital, and largest city Glasgow and 90 minutes from the historic capital Edinburgh, there’s no better destination to ‘Immerse your Senses’ this year.

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HeLenSbuRGH elensburgh and Lomond is the H gateway to Argyll, situated on the Clyde Sea Lochs, and including the west bank of Loch Lomond and the Arrochar Alps. With several train stations throughout the area on the West Highland Line, it has fantastic transport connections to both the west coast and the central belt, and makes a great day-trip destination.

In Helensburgh, visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous Hill House and the award-winning architectural chainmail ‘Box’ protecting it. Geilston and Glenarn Gardens are wonderful natural attractions, or for the latest in museum immersive technology, take in

the Scottish Submarine Centre. The town also has a range of unique independent shops and galleries, and highly rated restaurants. Families are well catered for with new play facilities at Hermitage Park, and there is a farm park nearby.

The beautiful conservation village of Luss on Loch Lomond is the ancestral home of Clan Colquhoun. As well as picture postcard views, the settlement has a fascinating history, including an 11th century Viking hogback grave in the churchyard.

There are several fabulous gift shops and eateries, and younger visitors will enjoy the faerie trail.

Ardlui offers watersports on Loch Lomond, and Arrochar is a

great base for Munro-bagging and mountain-biking. The whole area includes a number of trails such as the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way, Three Lochs Way, John Muir Way and Argyll Sea Kayak Trail.

The Clyde Sea Lochs Trail is a 65 mile road route from Dumbarton to Arrochar, including the Rosneath Peninsula with its own fascinating heritage trails featuring the work of architects such as Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, William Leiper and Edwin Lutyens. Kilcreggan Pier is a regular stop for the Waverley Paddle Steamer on its Clyde cruises, and the Peninsula offers stunning views down the Firth of Clyde to Bute and Arran.

Make Helensburgh the gateway to your Argyll adventure

Enjoy the great outdoors on the Three Lochs Way, John Muir Way, Argyll Sea Kayak Trail & Clyde Sea Lochs Trail, plus Munro-bagging, Mountain-biking, Watersports & more.

Visit Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s famous Hill House, Geilston Garden NTS, the Scottish Submarine Centre & the Outdoor Museum.

Browse in unique independent shops & galleries, enjoy an ice cream on the seafront promenade, eat in award-winning restaurants, & relax in a boutique hotel or B&B.

destinationhelensburgh.org

With great transport links, including the ScotRail Highland Explorer on the West Highland Line, Helensburgh is the perfect gateway for your Argyll adventure.

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WeST iS beST AnD We SHOuLD KnOW! Want to add a little something extra to your stay in the West Highlands and islands? Just follow our advice. We love to live and work in one of the most beautiful places on earth where even the drive to and from work is breathtaking. Here are some of our favourite places and things to do.

QuALiTy iSLAnD TiMe

beach location and on-site food van.

Look out for tiny roadside honesty box huts selling all sorts of things from mustards to cakes and jewellery.

WHen COMMuTinG iS A JOy GLORiOuS GOLf

HAve LunCH WiTH HiSTORy

niCKy MuRPHy, ADveRTiSinG DiReCTOR For the second time our family island-hopped in a campervan from Barra to Stornoway and then back home via Ullapool.

We meandered along the stunning coastlines for a week, doing lots of beach hunting and seeking out incredible local craft and food producers.

We watched the plane land on the beach on Barra, splashed about in the sea at Vatersay (great beachside Cafe there too; Vatersay Hall Cafe), spent all day basking in the sun at Luskentyre on Harris, invested in some lovely cushions and tableware from the Harris Tweed, Isle of Harris Shop; enjoyed fish and chips overlooking the harbour at Stornoway. I just loved whiling away the hours with our eight-year old as she got some quality, island-time with her mum and dad.

TIPS: Don’t expect anything to happen on a Sunday on Lewis. Stock up on food and drink the day before and chill out, respecting the island’s traditional Sabbath.

If you are in a camper please book onto a campsite - wild camping sounds great but if everyone did it the islands would be a chaotic mess.

The campsites are fantastic, with great facilities and stunning views. Our favourite this year was Horgabost on Harris, mainly because of the amazing

MARiAn MiLLeR, Sub-eDiTOR I cross the Connel Bridge to and from work every day and while the bridge remains a constant the view from it shifts continually; whether it is the racing tides with kayakers, otters and seals playing underneath; Ben Cruachan painted pink by the setting sun or the heron perched on top of its struts.

Looking down from the bridge, the traffic flow behind is forgotten as the mesmerising rush of Loch Etive’s water channels through the narrows that are the Falls of Lora while the seals snooze on a small island that gradually submerges on the incoming tide.

Below the bridge on the north side, where the shore up the loch can be walked from the bridge as far as the eye can see, the power of the water and the scale of engineering is brought into focus.

TIP: Above or below the bridge there is always something to see, take the time to park up and enjoy it. There is a pedestrian footpath across the bridge but it is narrow, so be careful.

STePHen DAy, iT MAnAGeR GeORGe GRAHAM, DiviSiOnAL DiReCTOR (NEWSPAPERS) I play golf five times a week at Glencruitten.

The course is often described as ‘quirky’ with its hilly parkland, and some challenging, elevated tees and greens.

There is an excellent clubhouse and visitors are always welcomed warmly; Glencruitten will never fail to give you a good day’s golf.

Don’t forget that this is Robert MacIntyre’s home course; his dad is the green keeper.

TIP: There are so many excellent courses in the West Highlands and islands, making this an ideal golfing holiday destination. The first hole at Machrihanish is world-famous, and special mention has to go to the way that club rebuilt after the disastrous clubhouse fire in 2018

My job takes me all over Argyll and up into the Highlands. After a stressful day of trying to make digital things work getting the chance to take my lunch and sitting up in the ancient Dunadd Fort can very much cool the brain and slow the heart.

Sitting in a warm breeze I look over the fields and land below and wonder what life was like then when it was a bustling settlement and what my ancestors would think of the strange, hectic lives we lead now.

TIP: Signposted two miles south of Kilmartin off the A816. Parking available. Grid reference: NR 837 936.

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Shinty mum Even working from home can be special in the West Highlands.

When you are sitting at the keyboard and get that feeling you are being watched. . .

Never leave home without your binoculars LESLEY MCKERRACHER, CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Shinty. You might not have heard of it, but everyone visiting the west Highlands should put a shinty match top of their ‘must do’ list.

Watching passionate teams of men and women hit a ball with a curved stick is so exciting to watch.

As a ‘shinty mum’ I have watched my three sons learn the game from primary school age. There’s a fantastic gateway for young boys and girls to progress to the top of the game, culminating in representing their country at national level in an international against their hurling counterparts from Ireland. But there’s so much in between. Primary school leagues and cup competitions, secondary school events and Camanachd Association cups and leagues the length and breadth of the country.

Even if you don’t make it to shinty’s blue riband event, the Camananchd Cup final, make sure you get along to one of the many club matches played at the weekends. It’s so exciting to watch these talented young - and not so young - men and women play the ancient sport. Get along to a shinty match and enjoy everything a match can offer.

TIP: Find out all the latest shinty news, results and fixtures each week in The Oban Times.

JOANNE SIMMS, FREELANCE WRITER Sometimes you need to lift your spirits after a day reporting sheriff court.

A’Chleit beach is the place; white sands overlooking the Sound of Gigha next to the beautiful church.

Depending on the time and tide there are seals on the rocks, otters in the kelp patch or dolphins in the sound; always keep a pair of compact binos in your glove box. It’s also a great beach for finding sea glass.

And it is even better if you stop off at Muasdale Stores first and pick up some seriously good coffee and homebaking from Will.

It is not always this tranquil. After photographing an event at the church one stormy October day I was feet

braced against the pedals, clinging onto the interior door handle with all my strength, fighting the wind and praying I wouldn’t have to tell Howard Bennett that the door had been ripped off his brand new pool car with only 300 miles on the clock. The wind dropped, the door slammed shut and I only had to explain why the interior was soaking wet. Never got rid of the salt marks in the upholstery, mind you.

TIPS: A’Chleit beach, Kintyre, off A83, follow signs. Respect the cottages and church; avoid during services and weddings, when you can park by the bottle banks in Muasdale instead and take the path to the beach through incredible wild flowers full of bumbles.

Weddings, West Highland style

It was third time lucky when my son Craig married Rhoda on Skye this summer; they had to cancel twice because of Covid.

Instead of the big wedding that had originally been planned, a party of 16 family and close friends took over the Hame Hotel near Dunvegan for the weekend.

Rhoda’s father, James Beaton, is a minister and conducted the ceremony there. The weather was glorious, the view across the loch stunning and the food, with much use of locally-sourced produce, was superb.

They would never have thought of this style of wedding if circumstances were normal and everyone agreed it was magical.

TIP: If planning a wedding, why not think small and intimate – you can always hold the traditional big gathering and ceilidh afterwards. More and more of the hotels I work with – of all sizes and locations - are now wedding destinations.

RHONA MCKILLOP, ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: You cannot beat a Highland wedding especially if it is on one of the islands.

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ADvenTuRe fOR eveRyOne ALOnG THe CALeDOniA WAy With unrivalled scenes of famous castles, west coast islands and rugged mountain landscapes, the Caledonia Way is a coast-to-coast cycling experience like no other.

Whether you are a seasoned tourer or simply looking for a family day out, a unique experience is only a click away with Sustrans and visitScotland’s interactive journey planner.

CyCLinG THROuGH HiSTORy

Beginning in Campbeltown, once recognised as the ‘whisky capital of the world’, the moorland hills of the Kintyre Peninsula unfold as you pass ancient forts, standing stones and burial sites en route to the historic Crinan Canal. Opened in 1801, the nine-mile long canal is used as a short-cut for shipping between the Clyde and the Inner Hebrides, and the towpath provides a delightful traffic-free and family-friendly cycling experience between Ardrishaig and Crinan.

The Caledonia Way continues north past the Neolithic stone circles in Kilmartin Glen, the probable birthplace of the Scottish Nation. From here, the route follows the shore of Loch Awe before turning southwest into Glen Lonan along ‘The Road of the Kings.’ This historic course was undertaken by the funeral processions of Scotland’s ancient monarchs on their final journeys towards the island of Iona.

of a view across the horseshoe bay towards Kerrera and Mull awaits.

fAMiLy-fRienDLy CyCLinG

WeLCOMe TO THe OuTDOOR CAPiTAL Of SCOTLAnD! Heading north from Oban, much of the route here follows the old Oban to Ballachulish railway line, and is another ideal section to explore with the family. Take a short detour to Port Appin and enjoy locally caught seafood at the wonderful Pierhouse Hotel, or catch the passenger ferry – bikes are allowed - to the unspoilt wildlife haven of the Isle of Lismore.

A highlight on this section is the iconic Castle Stalker. Set against the dramatic sea-scape of Loch Linnhe and the silhouette of the Isle of Mull, the imposing 15th-century castle gained international infamy as ‘The Castle of Aaarg’ in Monty Python’s cult classic ‘The Holy Grail’.

A nATuRe LOveR’S PARADiSe

A biKe RiDe fOR fOOD LOveRS

Next comes Oban, the ferry gateway to the isles. This bustling west coast town boasts a fine selection of cafés and award-winning restaurants, earning it a reputation as the seafood capital of Scotland. The short ride up to the imposing McCaig’s Tower is well worth the effort, where the stunning reward

Camusnagaul is also an ideal location for spotting Golden Eagles and Sea Eagles soaring high overhead, whilst otters can often be seen playing and fishing in the shallows along the loch shore. Another short crossing aboard the Camusnagaul foot passenger ferry to Fort William follows, affording breath-taking views east to the imposing mountains of Ben Nevis, Carn Mor Dearg and Aonach Mor.

Long before rail and road, most transport here was undertaken aboard Highland galleys called Bhirlinns. Their design is reflected in the maritime gateways as you enjoy beautiful west coast scenery along the shoreline of Loch Linnhe. Keep your eyes peeled during the short ferry crossing at Corran, as seals and porpoises often escort ferries across the loch.

The quiet loch-side road leading to

With guided walking and climbing, sea kayaking, and world-class mountain biking, Fort William is known as ‘The Outdoor Capital of Scotland’ for good reason. It’s also just a short ride across town on the Caledonia Way towards Corpach and the start of the Caledonia Canal. Constructed by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford in the early 1800s, the 60-mile canal runs continuously from Loch Linnhe on the West Coast to the Beauly Firth in the east.

An undoubted highlight here is Neptune’s Staircase. This dramatic flight of seven locks is the longest ‘staircase lock’ in Britain, and a great place to enjoy a coffee whilst watching the incredible sight of canal boats rising nearly 19m over a quarter of a mile of continuous masonry.

in THe SHADOWS Of ben neviS

From Fort William, the Caledonia Way heads inland past the foot of Ben Nevis, traversing the Great Glen alongside the Caledonian Canal. At Fort Augustus, a climb to the Suidhe view point is rewarded with panoramic views across Loch Mhor, Loch Ness, and the mountain ranges beyond, before an exhilarating descent into the Highland capital of Inverness.

The route ends at Inverness Castle – a perfect spot to reflect upon your epic Caledonia Way adventure.

A uniQue CyCLinG ADvenTuRe fOR eveRyOne The Caledonia Way offers incredible experiences for all cyclists; from traffic-free paths ideal for a short family day-trip, to challenging on-road ascents for experienced tourers. Our Caledonia Way journey planner, created in partnership with VisitScotland, gives you all the information you need to plan your own, unique adventure.

Access everything from food and drink stops to terrain descriptions, or download one of our printable, family-friendly and accessible day trips.

Plan your journey and experience the magic of the Caledonia Way by visiting Visitscotland.com/cyclingroutes

GeTTinG THeRe: Accessing the Caledonia Way by public transport is easy, with rail links to Ardrossan, Taynuilt, Oban, Fort William and Inverness. Campbeltown is reached by ferry from Ardrossan or Brodick on Arran (www.calmac. co.uk). For other public transport options, go to www.travelinescotland. com

WHeRe TO STAy: SYHA and affiliate hostels make ideal bases for exploring the route, and are located at: Campbeltown, Oban, Glencoe, Glen Nevis, Invergarry, Fort Augustus and Inverness. Full details can be found at www.hostellingscotland. org.uk/be-inspired/view-all-hostels/

www.sustrans.org.uk

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