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The West Highlands of Scotland
The area immediately surrounding the Appin Peninsula has more than its fair share of sites and attractions, many of them of national significance. Listed below are some of the most interesting and impressive ones. The hotel provides information on local sites in all our rooms. We also have extensive information at Reception and will be delighted to assist you with planning and making the most of your trip. If you are in the process of planning a tour around Scotland you may be interested in visiting the websites detailed below as they offer bespoke tours for the discerning traveller. We would recommend that you also refer to our 'Activities' page which describes tailor made excursions and more energetic pastimes available to you. Links to specialist tour operators: www.catswhiskerstours.com - specialised tours of Scotland with an emphasis on history, genealogy and castles. www.scottish-ancestral-trail.co.uk - specialised tours of Scotland with an emphasis on genealogy. Secret Scotland Tours– detailed itineraries for self-drive tours, accommodation guides and information on major Scottish Attractions
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 masonary workers busy in the winter. The views from here are magnificant. In times of poor weather, Oban also offers a leisure centre, ten pin bowling 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 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.
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 Lismore Castle Stalker Five minutes along the road from the hotel, this small 13th century castle stands on it's 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 it's 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 it's 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 magnificant 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. Inverary 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). 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). Eilean Donan Castle Arguably, Scotland's most romantic castle and without doubt, it's most photographed (excepting Edinburgh). This small and intimate fully restored castle, set on it's 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 minature 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).
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). Oban Rare Breeds Farm Scotland's only Rare Breeds Survival Trust Approved Conservaton Centre. Meet, feed and touch the animals. There is also a picnic area, woodland walk and tea room (30 minutes drive from the hotel). 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). 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). Crarae Gardens Larger than Arduaine
and also very impressive with it's 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. |
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The
Airds Hotel, Port Appin, Argyll PA38 4DF Scotland |
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