Visit the Kilmartin Museum (helps you to interpret the glen and also good for lunch.
Visit the Kilmartin Churchyard to see carved stones from the Poltalloch Estate
Explore the many cairns, standing stones and henges (climb inside the Nether Largie cairn if you dare!)
Climb Dunadd Fort (ancient settlement of Dalriada) - see if your foot fits the inaugeration stone!)
Visit the rock art sites at Achnabreck (decide what the markings mean - everyone has a theory!)
2. Crinan and the Crinan Canal
At just 9 miles long this is a comfortable cycle ride (bike hire at Lochgilphead) or walk the most scenic half between Crinan & Cairnbaan
pop in to see a demonstration atFraser McIver's Printing Wagon
relax at Crinan as you watch the boats pass through the locks. The VIC32 (the last true working Clyde Puffer) is usually moored here at weekends.
3. Visit the Corryvrekan whirlpools and see wildlife by boat.
There is no better way to experience the West Coast than from the sea. Gemini cruises operate a boat trip from Crinan to the Northern tip of Jura where the Corryvreckan (one of the largest whirlpoos in the world) can be viewed.
the trip offers opprtunities to see variety of wildlife e.g. seals, porpoises, dolphins, minke whales, wild goats, otters and deer.
You are very likely to see a pair of sea eagles tending their young in the summer months
4. Visit the Knapdale forest & Taynish Nature Reserve
the Taynish Nature Reserve provides varied terrain for an interesting walk (not too strenuous) taking in young and mature woodland, open moorland an old mill and beaches. Wonderful views if you climb the hill (an optional addition to your walk) and Loch Sween is a good place to spot otters.
You may enjoy lunch at the Tayvallich Inn
On route you could stop off at the Arichonan township in the Knapdale fprest - a village targetted during the clearings - offering fine views over Loch Sween
Visit the site of the Scottish Beaver Trial - look for signs of beaver activity and if you are lucky spot a beaver!
5. Visit at least one of the Magnifient Argyll Gardens
Arduaine - Wonderful any time of the year - magnificent sea views from the viewpoint
Crarae - Arguably the best rhododendron gardens with some of the Himalayan varieties flowering as early as February
Ardkinglass - Lessr known woodland gardens worth visiting for the record breaking giant trees that can be seen here (go on - hug a giant tree!)
Achamore - Beautiful gardens kept by the community on the Island of Gigha
Duntrune- small private gardens on the Duntrune castle Estate
Walking and cycling
There are walks and cycle routes to suit all abilities in the area from gentle forest, river or coastal strolls to more demanding hill climbs. Achnabreck offers mountain cycle routes to challenge the hardiest! We have a range of suggested routes and maps that you can borrow during your stay.
Drives
Use us as a base to explore the whole of beautiful Argyll and the Kintyre peninsular or take a ferry across to the Cowal peninsular from Tarbert . We can suggest many varied 1 day drives from Dunchraigaig House, including some less well signed drives such as the Forest Drive between Loch Awe and Loch Fyne.
Hop over to an Island for a day to
Gigha (car ferry every hour from Taylinloan and bike hire available on Gigha)
Arran (car ferry hourly from Claonaig to Lochranza)
Jura (Summer passenger ferry from Tayvallich - bicycle hire on Jura).
Mull (car ferry from Oban with bus link to Tobermory if you prefer not to take the car)
Kerrera (passenger & bicycle ferry from Oban)
Seil or Luing (local boat service)
Tourist attractions:
We are centrally placed for day trips to
Oban (Visit McCaigs Tower, the distillery or just watch the ferrys come and go)
Inverary(Visit the castle, the jail and the ship museum)
Campbeltown (and maybe venture further down to the famous Mull of Kintyre)
Golf
Golf courses at nearby at Lochgilphead and Tarbert and further afield at Oban, Machrihanish, Inveraray or on Gigha
Or just stay enroute...
If you are travelling between the Islands of Arran, Mull or Islay we are centrally placed for an ovenight stay if you are catching a ferry from Oban, Kennacraig or Claonaig.
If you are cycling we are also well placed for you to take the Gemini water taxi (from Crinan) to the northern end of Jura: enabling you to cycle the length of Jura and then take the ferry to Islay. Ask us for details to ensure that the water taxi can transport you and your bicycle on the day of your travel.
In Kilmartin village (about a mile up the road) the local serves bar & restaurant meals
Kilmartin House Museum provides lunches & snacks throughout the day and opens for evening meals on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.
Lochgilphead has several restaurants and cafes and there are several country pubs and restaurants just a short drive away
Contact Us:
Lynn & Cameron
Dunchraigaig House Kilmartin Lochgilphead Argyll PA31 8RG
