Sightseeing

Oban

Get the feel of a typically Scottish town. Oban has a respected whisky distillery offering tours, many boat trips and is the major car ferry terminal for the majority of the islands (for ferry timetables and online reservations visit www.calmac.co.uk or email reservations@calmac.co.uk or telephone 08705 650000).
It also has McCaig's Tower, a coliseum like structure built to keep masonry workers busy in the winter. The views from here are magnificent. In times of poor weather, Oban also offers a leisure centre and a cinema and of course, plenty of gift shops.
We would also be pleased to advise you on the best places to eat (35 minute drive from the hotel).

Glencoe

The most famous Highland Glen in Scotland is 35 minutes drive away. Visit the modern Visitor Centre before adventuring into the main glen where truly spectacular scenery surrounds you. You can view where scenes from the second Harry Potter film were set and venture onto some beautiful hiking paths (the Lost Valley walk is particularly worthwhile if you are reasonably fit) or perhaps simply watch one of the many impressive waterfalls. You can even take a ride on the chairlift up to the ski fields (weather permitting) and admire the views through Glencoe and across Rannoch Moor.
The Glencoe Visitor Centre provides a comprehensive events programme throughout most of the year. The full list is far too long to run through here, however, they provide full details on their excellent website at www.glencoe-nts.org.uk. The events range from guided hikes to Land Rover safaris and special events for children.

Rannoch Moor

Lying next to Glencoe the contrast between the steep sided glen and the wide open expanse of the moor is truly impressive. In places the moor is very bleak - almost like a moonscape - yet with its multitude of lochans with totally motionless surfaces set against the backdrop of snowcapped mountains it is truly a painters paradise. A car park at the southern end of the moor affords beautiful views over the next valley.

Ben Nevis and gondola

Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, is 50 minutes drive from The Airds Hotel. The drive there takes you through Kentallen (15 minutes) and Ballachulish (20 minutes) which not only offer spectacular views but are also the setting for the famous Robert Louis Stevenson novel, Kidnapped.
Take a 15 minute gondola ride up Aanoch Mor to the Nevis ski range and the top of the World Cup mountain biking course. There are several walking trails from here and the views are superb. There is also a cafe at the top serving a wide range of dishes. If you are not keen on walking back down (2 hours) you can take the gondola.

Isle of Mull

A beautiful 45 minute ferry ride, two castles, a narrow gauge railway and the pretty town of Tobermory (setting for the TV programme 'Balamory') added to the generally spectacular scenery all around the island make this trip a high priority on any itinerary. Mull is also the link for trips to Iona, the island where Christianity first arrived in Scotland and where a beautifully restored abbey stands amongst many ancient Celtic crosses. This is also the base for trips to the island of Staffa with its impressive and rare geological formations which are the subject of the famous piece of music called Fingal's Cave. It is advisable, especially in high season, to book the ferry to ensure you get the best sailing times and we will be happy to do this on your behalf. For ferry timetables and online reservations visit www.calmac.co.uk or email reservations@calmac.co.uk or telephone 08705 650000.

Isle of Lismore

On our doorstep and providing an enjoyable excursion to a small, secluded island. Reached by regular and frequent foot passenger ferry, Lismore is ideal for walking and cycling (hire available) as it offers stunning 360 degree views from the centre of Loch Linnhe. In sunny conditions you should be able to view twelve munro's (peaks over 3000 feet) following the line of the loch and finishing with Ben Nevis. For keen botanists the island is unusual in that there are several species of plant found nowhere else in the UK.

Castle Stalker

Five minutes along the road from the hotel, this small 13th century castle stands on its own little island only marginally bigger than the castle itself. The castle is privately owned and was restored back in the 1960's and 70's as a family holiday home. As with all Scottish castles it has had its share of history and the owners usually relay a number of interesting anecdotes on their tours. Tours have to be booked in advance and are dependent on the owners being available. To get to the castle requires a two minute journey in a small open motor boat and tours last about an hour.

Loch Linnhe

This large sea loch forms the artery that provides the livelihood for much of the area and is impressive in its own right. At the north end (Fort William) it narrows to form the Great Glen and the Caledonian Canal (accessed via the twelve consecutive lochs known as Neptune's Ladder) whilst it's southern end widens to hold many of the beautiful islands on the west coast. The whole length in between provides for some magnificent scenery and acts as an enormous playground offering something for everyone. Further details of some activities and excursions on the loch are shown on our 'Activities' page and we will be delighted to assist you further if you wish to contact us.

Inveraray

A pretty harbour town on Loch Fyne, the two major attractions are the castle (home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll) and the Jail with its 19th century court room and cells. The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar is also well worth a stop for lunch (1 1/2 hours drive from the hotel).

Tioram Castle

This castle is listed here primarily for its beautiful location and the journey to it rather than the castle itself. The inside of the castle is closed to the public; however, its setting on a peninsula in the middle of a loch is quite breathtaking. The drive to it is also very scenic and includes a short ferry crossing (1 1/2 hour drive from the hotel).

Eilean Donan Castle

Arguably, Scotland's most romantic castle and without doubt, its most photographed (excepting Edinburgh). This small and intimate fully restored castle, set on its own island and connected by a small bridge, is open to the public and the excellent visitor centre serves food all day. (2 1/2 hour drive from the hotel).

Crinan

This is where the miniature Crinan Canal meets the Atlantic. Watch sailing boats moor up waiting for the last loch to open. The views are impressive from the hill behind and you can walk the full length of the canal. The canal itself has to offer one of the most beautiful canal journeys in the UK. The cafe serves snacks most of the day. (1 1/2 hour drive from the hotel).

The Islands

Oban (35 minutes drive from the hotel) is the gateway to virtually all the islands off the west coast. Each island is different and they are all worth visiting, although some are too far for a day trip. However, many of our guests stay with us as part of a journey up and down the west coast to include some of the islands and if you would like recommendations on places to stay on the islands we will be pleased to oblige. For guests who are not very familiar with the West Coast we recommend that you talk to us before booking ferries so that we can advise you of travelling times. For ferry timetables and online reservations visit www.calmac.co.uk or email reservations@calmac.co.uk or telephone 08705 650000.

Arduaine Gardens

Beautiful gardens on the shores of Loch Linnhe. It is best known for its rhododendrons and is at its peak in April and May (1 hour drive from the hotel). www.arduaine-garden.org.uk

Crarae Gardens

Larger than Arduaine and also very impressive with its burn, bridges, gorge and cascades. Although it takes two hours to drive there, the route is very scenic and you may wish to combine this with a visit to Inveraray.
For further information on local beauty spots and scenic drives please e-mail us or telephone. Do not forget to look at our 'Activities' page to see what else you can do in the area. www.nts.org.uk/Property/19/

Oban Whisky Distillery

Nestling beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban, one of Scotland's oldest sources of single malt whisky is but a stone's throw from the sea. This coastal location is accurately reflected by the character of the Oban 14 year old single malt whisky. At Oban Distillery you can see the distillers at work crafting a rich, sweet malt whisky with a subtle hint of sea salt and peaty smokiness. Children under 8 years are welcome but are not admitted to the production areas.
Last Tour: 1 hour 15 mins before above closing times. In the winter or when travelling any distance it is advisable to book tours in advance. www.discovering-distilleries.com

Oban Sea Life Centre

Scotland's leading marine conservation experience with over 40 displays from seahorses to sharks, otters to seals. They operate a seal pup rehabilitation program and several interactive demonstrations throughout the day including feeding the seals (15 minutes drive from hotel). View Website »

Cruachan Power Station

Built on the edge of Loch Awe, guided coach tours take you into the heart of the mountain to see the hub of the power station in action (1 1/4 hour drive from the hotel). View Website »