WELCOME TO LOCH AWE

Loch Awe is Scotland’s longest freshwater loch and one of its most dramatic. Several historic buildings stand on its banks, including the 15th century fortress of Kilchurn castle, one of Scotland’s most-photographed and striking silhouettes - you’ll recognise it from the shortbread tins.

West of the loch is the narrow Pass of Brander, the scene of a bloody battle featuring King Robert the Bruce, and the village of Taynuilt, which centres around a pretty and bustling main street. Taynuilt’s highlights include the picturesque Kelly’s pier and Bonawe Iron Furnace – attractions set on the shores of Loch Etive, another west coast gem.

Ben Cruachan is a popular challenge for hikers and munro baggers and is home to Cruachan Dam and Power Station, a feat of engineering which generates energy via a man-made loch high in the mountain and can be seen from several miles away.

A visitor centre explains the technicalities of this important power source and offers tours to the vast turbine hall at the centre of the mountain. It’s a set-up that feels like something from a James Bond movie, and in fact Cruachan has featured as a TV and film set - most recently for the Star Wars series Andor.

St Conan’s Kirk in Lochawe village, is a unique church undergoing significant restoration. Its eclectic design includes an ornate stained-glass window and gargoyles of dogs, hares, and even the face of its architect, Walter Campbell. Inside, the Robert the Bruce chapel contains a lifesized effigy of the Scottish king, with one of his bones apparently buried beneath.

The best views of Loch Awe can be found in the neighbouring village of Dalmally, at the hilltop monument to local gaelic bard Duncan Ban Macintyre. On a glorious day, the spot is enough to inspire even the least likely artists to compose poetry.

The back road from Taynuilt takes you through Glen Lonan - a route through beautiful croft land - and passes Angus’s Garden where you can enjoy a peaceful moment and appreciate colourful horticulture in special setting.

DIARY DATE:

Ben Cruachan Hill Climb, May 20th.

Part of the Oban Sportive cycling festival and a highlight of the Argyll sporting calendar, this annual event sees registered cyclists compete a timed 2.7 mile ascent of the steep dam road www.obansportive.co.uk.