Guided fishing, boat hire, tackle and tours

  • Fishinguide Scotland, Guided trips in Argyll for salmon, pike, ferox, wild browns, sea trout and saltwater species, Duncan Pepper, email Duncan@fishinguide.co.uk 01546886 358 / 07714598848 www.fishinguide.co.uk
  • Loch Awe Boat Hire, Cliff Davies, Ardbrecknish 07703112422
  • Lochaweside Marine Boat Hire , Tom MacPherson, Dalavich, By Taynuilt, 07541206698
  • Fyne Tackle: LAIA permits, fishing tackle & equipment, online store www.fynetackle.com based in Lochgilphead.
  • The Whisky Coast, Scotland’s west coast whisky trail, presents “Spirit of the West”, a spectacular weekend event on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th May 2009 at Inveraray Castle, Argyllshire. Spirit of the West is part of the year long Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrations and is a key feature of its “Whisky Month” in May. The ticketed two day event will be a celebration of Scotland’s west coast whisky, fine food, history, heritage, rich culture and dramatic scenery in which it is created.www.spiritofthewest.co.uk
  • Loch Visions A one day wildlife and digital photography experience, on the magnificent banks of Loch Awe, with local award winning wildlife photographer Philip Price. www.lochvisions.co.uk
  • Tailored Tours offers high quality, personalised tours of the West Highlands of Scotland. Andrew, 23rd Lord Gray will show you some of the most beautiful scenery and share with you the best of Scotland’s rich history and culture. www.tailoredtoursonline.co.uk
  • Sea Life Sanctuary Over 30 fascinating marine life displays, seal pup nursery, and otters, see the seals being fed, nature trails adventure area, gift shop. Found between Benderloch and Appin.www.visitsealife.com/Oban
  • Sea-fari Adventures Choose from a range of exciting trips and enjoy wildlife, the Corryvreckan (the worlds third largest whirlpool) and lots more. Advance bookings are essential 01852 300003 Seil lsland. www.seafari.co.uk
  • Horse riding is available at Lunga, by Ardfern. A choice of pony trekking, an afternoon’s hack or a lesson in tuition is available. Beautiful and well behaved Appaloosa Horses trained also for disabled riders. 01852500 632
    appaloosaholidays@talk21.com
  • Cruachan the hollow mountain power station. Unique visit inside the mountain. Free exhibition explains how the construction took place. Between Taynuilt and Dalmally. 01855 831100www.scottishpower.com/cruachanvisitorcentre
  • Treasures of the Earth Stunning collection of priceless gemstones beautiful crystals and exotic minerals. Near Fort William 01397 772283
  • Loch Etive Cruises. Offering spectacular views of Glen Etive and Buachaille Etive Mor. Taynuilt sailing from Easter to October. 01866 822430
  • Edge of the World Rib Rides Varied and Exciting excursions from Tobermory. Wildlife, whale watching and tailor made packages 01688302808 www.sealifesurveys.com/touroperators
  • Isle of Mull Wildlife Expeditions Land rover wildlife expeditions, see eagles, otters, red deer and lots more. 01688 500121 www.torrbuan.com
  • Guideliner Hebridean Wildlife Cruises The specialists in wildlife cruises in western Scottish waters. Photographic trips to St Kilda. www.guideliner.co.uk
  • Fly Fishing Learn to fly fish at Inverawe Fisheries just outside Taynuilt. www.inverawe-fisheries.co.uk

Eating out

Oban

  • Ee’usk an award winning fish restaurant situated on the North Pier www.eeusk.com
  • The Waterfront another good fish restaurant on the South Pier www.waterfrontoban.co.uk
  • Piazza a pizzeria situated next to Eeusk on the North Pier
  • Coast contemporary restaurant situated in George Street www.coastoban.co.uk

Taynuilt

  • In Taynuilt we boast a wonderful tea room in Taynuilt. The Robins Nest is well worth a visit to sample some of the finest home baking.

Inveraray

  • The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is well worth a visit too. Fresh fish to buy is also available at the shop next door to the restaurant. www.lochfyne.com
  • The George Hotel offers food all day with log fires and atmospheric bars. Ancient inn dating back to 1770.
    www.thegeorgehotel.co.uk

Bridge of Orchy

  • Driving back from Glencoe before taking that right turn towards Dalmally through Glen Orchy is the Hotel. The bar meals are highly recommended. www.bridgeoforchy.co.uk


Tyndrum

  • The Real Food Cafe in Tyndrum. Excellent stop for quick food on the way here or on their way home. Wonderful fish and chips, burgers, pies, breakfasts, all home made. Found on the main A82 just before the junction Oban/Fort William – www.therealfoodcafe.com

Other Outdoor Activities

There are vast numbers of hiking and trekking routes, mounting biking trails, rock climbing and waterways to be explored by boat or kayak.

Gardens to Visit

  • www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk
  • Arduine Gardens Beautiful gardens on the west side by Kilmelford. Well worth a visit. Open all year
  • Ardkinglass Woodland Garden Spectacular display of rhododendrons and one of Britain’s finest collections of trees.
  • Crarae Gardens Beautiful gardens on the shore of Loch Fyne

Places to stay

Historical sites and Museums

  • Kilchurn Castle. Argyll is steeped in history and Loch Awe itself has the remains of 4 ruined castles, Kilchurn being at the head of the Loch and undoubtedly one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. 
  • St. Conan’s Kirk at Loch Awe Village is also a much visited masterpiece of architecture www.stconanskirk.org.uk
  • Kilmartin is  full of standing stones and burial chambers. The museum is well worth a visit and includes a cafe and book shop. www.kilmartin.org
  • Inveraray is full of history, a visit to the castle the seat of the Campbells is to be recommended along with a visit to the Jail, a living 19th century prison. www.inveraraycastle.com
  • Ardchattan Priory Across from Connel over the bridge first right and approximately 3 miles down this road you will find Ardchattan Priory.
  • Bonawe Furnace The most complete remaining charcoal-fired ironworks in Scotland.
  • Dunstaffnage Castle 13th Century Castle with beautiful architectural detail remaining in the Chapel.