ABOUT THE AREA

Argyll and the Islands is a region of contrasts, offering many delights for country lovers and sailors, it is essentially an out-door place and the first thing that strikes you is the space. There are tranquil spots and busy touristy ones, each have there own appeal.

Barcaldine Barr a' challtuin or Hazel Knoll is fortunate to have its own castle. (You wouldn't get planning permission for it now). Built on the instructions of Black Duncan (Campbell) work commenced in 1579 and was finished in 1609. The Black Castle has of course the obligatory ghost in the form of a lady in blue. It also has links with the Glencoe massacre.

In 1709 Red Patrick 4th Campbell of Barcaldine, finding the castle rather draughty (just think of the heating bills) decided to build a new house on the delta of the river Dergan on Dalfure Dail Fuar or cold plain. In 1836 the last of the Campbell occupants ran out of cash and had to leave the house. The estate was subsequently split-up and sold. The house, occupied for a time by hippies is now a comfortable four star hotel and self-catering cottages. The walled garden was turned into a Camping and Caravanning Club site. The old boathouse has been rebuilt and is now part Lochside Lodges.

Walking and rambling Barcaldine forest has several waymarked tracks which are simple to follow or you can venture further into the hills where eagles and red deer are very often seen. There are also several interesting drove roads, including the old Coffin Route from Barcaldine to Achnaba on Loch Etive side, most are classed as easy, all you need are strong shoes, a picnic and a pair of binoculars. Some interesting local walks can be found at Walk Highlands

Glen Coe with its more strenuous walks is about 25 miles by car or can be reached on foot from Loch Etive, although this route is recommended only for the experienced. If you have a mountain to climb, Ben Nevis is a good start at 1344m!

Gardens The Victorians where great plant gatherers throughout the world and many of the gardens that surround large houses reflect this with their collections of rare trees and plants, especially rhododendrons and azaleas. Within a radius of 12 miles or so there several historic gardens open to the public. We suggest that you look at Glorious Gardens of Argyll.

Bird Watching and Wildlife The wide diversity of habitat within the area, woodland, moorland, seashore and fresh and salt water lochs, makes birding a most pleasurable activity. Within a mile of Creran Moorings there are many species. These are the birds most likely to be seen during a week, of course there are many more. Wrens, Thrushes and Dunnocks are resident in the garden and along the seashore Oyster Catchers, Herons, Curlews and in summer Ringed Plovers abound. In spring and early summer the woods behind us resound with the rattle of woodpeckers and the harsh calls of ravens and jays. Each year the Sand Martins return to build their cave dwellings in a closed quarry just behind a nearby boatyard. The raptors, apart from Buzzards, are more elusive but a pair of eagles are often seen drifting on the thermals above the hill behind us or a sparrow hawk will dash through the garden scattering small birds every where. Great rafts of eider ducks float cooing round the moorings in spring and in summer a female will quite often raise her youngsters within the safety of the yachts. Walk along the shore to the river and there is nearly always a Dipper.
If you enjoy watching wildlife check out these web sites
Island Encounter and Wildlife Expeditions
If you are interested in whales, dolphins and other sea mammals and birds you should look at
Sealife Adventures or Sea Fari.
Last summer some guests went on a wildlife photography course and thoroughly enjoyed themselves at
The Loch Visions Experience

Loch Creran is famous. Oh yes! Lurking beneath its surface are serpulid worms. No! they may not be quite as big as Loch Ness's monster but these beasties think that the pure waters of our loch are ideal for getting together to form "coral like" reefs which are almost unique much to the delight of Heriot-Watt University's marine biologists. Due to the international conservation importance of the reefs the loch is now a Special Area of Conservation. (SAC)

Across the water The islands of Mull, Staffa, Iona and the Treshnish Isles are perhaps the most visited. The Caledonian MacBrayne ferries run from Oban to Mull. Either take your car or choose from several excellent day excursions.
But small islands always hold a great fascination.
Lismore , well known for its wild flowers is reached by taking the passenger ferry from the picturesque and historic village of Port Appin (well worth a visit in its own right.) The northern end of the island is a delight to explore on foot. Cycles can be hired from Port Appin and taken over on the ferry. With so little traffic the whole island can be covered in a day.
Kerrera , in Oban Bay is accessed by a small passenger ferry where a six mile circular walk takes you past many historic sites including a 16th Century castle.
Both of these islands are definitely worth exploring.

Links to activities and places of local interest

There is a regular farmers market in the village of Benderloch

Only two miles towards Oban is the The Scottish Sealife Sanctuary where you will find a fascinating marine aquarium and seal sanctuary.

A short distance away is Argyll Pottery where you can buy everything from an egg cup to a dinner service, all hand made on the premises. (All the crockery in the Lodges comes from here.)

Just a few miles down the road from us you will find Kintaline Farm Plant and Poultry Centre which is well worth a visit. Tim and Jill have rebuilt an almost derelict croft and now have a poultry and waterfowl park and hardy plant centre.

Would you like to try scuba diving or are you an experienced diver? The water round this area is well known for it's clarity and although you may not see huge fish the underwater life is truly exceptional. Try visiting Puffin Dive Centre in Oban.

For general information about angling or sea fishing Fishing Argyll has a wealth of information and links to other sites.

If sea fishing or skuba diving take your fancy contact Adrian and Elaine at Tralee Diving Services

One of our neighbours takes general sea fishing and skate fishing trips on his boat MV Miss Claudia . Based in Oban he covers some of the best fishing sites in the area.

Links to other local web sites

For good quality bed and breakfast only two miles towards Oban you could not do better than Dalrannoch Farm
A few miles further towards Oban in the village of Benderloch, Mrs Sarah Knowles has a most attractive bed and breakfast.
Or perhaps you want to be up on the hill overlooking Oban Bay? Then Briarbank Guest House is highly recommended.

For all outdoor and sports equipment do pay a visit to Outside Edge which you will find near the main square in Oban. The Oban and Lorne Tourism Association

In fact there are just too many places of interest for us to list. Click here for a web page with lots of other information about the area.