There are so many activities to do within a close proximity of the Airds Hotel and stunning scenery to see that you will never be bored.
Speed Boat Trips
These trips are extremely flexible as the driver will adapt the journey to take in any specific requests where possible and will judge the pace according to your wishes. This powerful speed boat (R.I.B.) will take from one to twelve people and picks up and drops off from Port Appin. See the wildlife, anything from the seals to basking sharks, Minke whales, porpoise, dolphins and bird life.
Whale, Whirlpool and Wildlife Watching Boat Trips near Oban
Sealife Adventures are one of the most experienced operators in the local area established 26 years and who operate the most powerful boat with the highest certificate of seaworthiness. They operate 3,4 & 5 hour trips all visiting the famous Corryvreckan Whirlpool and the Firth of Lorne Special Area of Conservation. They are a Visit Scotland 4* Wildlife Experience.
Seafari Adventures Wildlife Boat Trips
Seafari Adventures are Oban’s 5* Visit Scotland marine wildlife tour operator. Based in the conservation area of Easdale, 16 miles south of Oban they have a fleet of powerful RIBs which are purpose designed and built to ensure you maximum viewing opportunities. They also have a traditional boat for more leisurely tours. Their Wildlife Tours depart throughout the day visiting the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home of the World’s Third Largest Whirlpool. Porpoise, dolphins and whales feed in these food rich waters along with many seals and the occasional otter. There are deer on the islands and seabirds in the skies which are also home to both the white tailed sea eagle and golden eagle. The two hour nature spectacular is set amongst the many islands in the area. The scenery is spectacular with both woodlands and cliffs.
Shepherding Experience
Explore Lismore’s one-of-a-kind Shepherding Experience with local shepherd Arthur and his collies Misty & Tam is not to be missed. Head out in their comfortable 4×4 vehicle and on foot to see how Arthur herds his flock of Hebridean sheep through the rugged, ancient landscape of Lismore. Combined with a private tour and lunch at the cafe this makes for the perfect day out!
Hebridean Air Services
With Hebridean Air Services it is possible to visit islands such as Coll and Tiree, just for the day and even have time to get off the plane and explore the island of your choice.
Bicycle Hire
This is highly recommended as it enables you to appreciate a wider range of scenery than if you were walking. Lismore Island is a particularly popular trip with just one very peaceful single track road through its centre giving access to three ruined castles, Lismore Heritage Centre and some stunning views. The Airds can offer bikes for hire at £20 for the day. As this is a popular activity we advise guests to book in advance.
Mountain Biking
The Nevis range (part of the Ben Nevis massif) just north of Fort William (45 minutes drive) offers 60km of off road trails and is suited to all levels of ability right up to the most experienced who may wish to try the trail built for The World Cup. Bikes of different grades and associated equipment are available to hire.
Highlands Coast to Coast cycle route
We are pleased to be associated with the Carter Company who offer high quality cycling and walking holidays. Why not include a stay at Airds as part of their Highlands Coast to Coast tour?
Climbing
Apart from the obvious possibilities for outdoor climbing in the area, a 45 minute drive from the hotel brings you to an indoor climbing centre of impressive proportions. This is the largest indoor climbing facility in the U.K. and includes the largest indoor ice climb in Europe. Instruction is available for both children and adults and covering all levels of ability including complete beginners. The centre also has a cafe and shower facilities.
Scuba Diving
With some excellent diving opportunities in the surrounding waters, we can arrange familiarisation sessions for beginners right through to PADI recognised courses and full blown diving trips. The centre is 45 minutes drive from the hotel.
Canoeing
An alternative way to explore the loch, you can pick it up from the Port Appin pier.
The Jacobite Steam Train
This train takes you on an incredibly picturesque journey from Fort William to Mallaig further north (a fishing village where you get the car ferry to Skye). It is a full day trip departing at 10.20am and returning to Fort William in late afternoon. The journey takes in the Glenfinnan Monument and crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct – famous for scenes from the Harry Potter films. Please note that as the train only runs from mid June to early October it gets very booked up (45 minutes to Fort William Station from the hotel).
Walking
Walking is perhaps the major pastime in the area. We have several beautiful walks from right outside the hotel and many more within a short drive. We certainly recommend the Clach Thoull walk which is a very pleasant 40 minute circular walk starting and finishing at the hotel. Cleared by the Scottish Rights of Way Society, this loch side, flat walk takes you past a cliff face with a hole (Clach Thoull) and back to the hotel via the pier at Port Appin, from where a small ferry goes to the island of Lismore. We cannot mention walking without referring to Glencoe. Here there are too many trails to talk about in detail (except we would advise trying the ‘Lost Valley’ trail if you do not mind a steep gradient) and we would recommend you drop in to the visitor centre for guidance which is conveniently positioned at the north west entrance to the glen.
Golf
There are four golf courses within an hour’s drive of Airds Hotel.
Glencruitten Golf Course is the nearest 18 hole course and is 30 minutes drive south of the hotel. It is 4452 yds and is par 61. Glencruitten Golf Course is James Braid’s hidden gem nestlung amongst the hills of Glencruitten Estate on the outskirts of Oban, Argyll. Flora and fauna abound the course and in the spring and early summer it’s a splash of colour. Although not visible, there is the remains of a vitrified Roman fort, on top of the hill on the 4th hole, which is a listed ancient monument. For more information please visit www.obangolf.com
We also have Fort William Golf Course 45 minutes north of the hotel and this is 6217 yds and par 71. www.fortwilliamgolfclub.co.uk
Taynuilt Golf Club, a 9 hole parkland course, situated on the shores of Loch Etive is approximately a 40 minute drive from the hotel. www.taynuiltgolfclub.co.uk
Ballachulish Golf Course is a challenging 5,038 yard, par 68/65 course with spectacular views to Loch Linne and the Munroes to the north, the facilities are open to the general public. www.dragonstooth.co.uk
Photography Workshops
Two local photographers offer workshops and tours.
Bird Watching
Argyll offers many bird watching opportunities in habitats ranging from tiny offshore skerries, islands with sweeping sandy bays backed by mach air grassland and much much more.
If you would like any additional information please call us on 01631 730236 or email us at welcome@airds-hotel.com where a member of the team would be more than happy to assist you.