Drimdarroch Lodge Guidebook
Sightseeing
A gentle wander along a foot path, over a wooden bridge out to Old Castle Lachlan, watch the sky change with the weather, explore the outside of a ruined castle and then look back over the bay.
Castle Lachlan
A gentle wander along a foot path, over a wooden bridge out to Old Castle Lachlan, watch the sky change with the weather, explore the outside of a ruined castle and then look back over the bay.
Lovely wee town, with Inveraray Jail, Inveraray Castle, woodland walks, cafes on the banks of Loch Fyne.
61 locals recommend
Inveraray
Lovely wee town, with Inveraray Jail, Inveraray Castle, woodland walks, cafes on the banks of Loch Fyne.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Bute
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/bute-p245011
Beautiful Bute is one of the most accessible Scottish islands, just a short ferry ride from Colintriave.
Art deco-style resort of Rothesay, with its palm trees and promenade. Attractions include Rothesay Castle, the stately home at nearby Mount Stuart, and some of the country's best toilets.
For such a compact island, Bute has some extraordinarily varied landscapes. From the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island's heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline, the island is a haven for walking, cycling, fishing and wildlife.
19 locals recommend
Bute
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isle_of_Bute
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/bute-p245011
Beautiful Bute is one of the most accessible Scottish islands, just a short ferry ride from Colintriave.
Art deco-style resort of Rothesay, with its palm trees and promenade. Attractions include Rothesay Castle, the stately home at nearby Mount Stuart, and some of the country's best toilets.
For such a compact island, Bute has some extraordinarily varied landscapes. From the lush, fertile and rolling hills of the island's heart to the craggy, heather-covered moorlands of the north and the delightful sandy beaches around the coastline, the island is a haven for walking, cycling, fishing and wildlife.
Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares. Ardkinglas house is an architectural gem and provides a very special setting for weddings, family parties and other events. For holidaymakers there is a self catering apartment within the ground floor. The Woodland Garden is open all the year round with an outstanding collection of plants and trees, including the “Mightiest Conifer in Europe”.
The lower Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, often referred to as The Pinetum, was initiated in around 1875 by the Callander family. This area now provides a home for a number of Champion Trees, the tallest or broadest of their species in Britain.
Ardkinglas’ favourable growing conditions lead to the exceptional size and longevity exhibited by many of the coniferous species introduced to this area of the Garden via the 19th century plant-hunters. The Champion Trees at Ardkinglas also include ‘the mightiest conifer in Europe’ a remarkable European Silver Fir (Abies alba) with a girth of nearly ten metres. Other champions in Ardkinglas Woodland Garden are Patagonian Cypress (Fitzroya cupressoides), Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), Western Red Cedar (Thuya plicata) and the unusual Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana var. jeffreyi).
25 locals recommend
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden
Situated on the shores of Loch Fyne in Argyll, against a spectacular background of mountain and forest, Ardkinglas Estate covers about 4800 hectares. Ardkinglas house is an architectural gem and provides a very special setting for weddings, family parties and other events. For holidaymakers there is a self catering apartment within the ground floor. The Woodland Garden is open all the year round with an outstanding collection of plants and trees, including the “Mightiest Conifer in Europe”.
The lower Ardkinglas Woodland Garden, often referred to as The Pinetum, was initiated in around 1875 by the Callander family. This area now provides a home for a number of Champion Trees, the tallest or broadest of their species in Britain.
Ardkinglas’ favourable growing conditions lead to the exceptional size and longevity exhibited by many of the coniferous species introduced to this area of the Garden via the 19th century plant-hunters. The Champion Trees at Ardkinglas also include ‘the mightiest conifer in Europe’ a remarkable European Silver Fir (Abies alba) with a girth of nearly ten metres. Other champions in Ardkinglas Woodland Garden are Patagonian Cypress (Fitzroya cupressoides), Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), Western Red Cedar (Thuya plicata) and the unusual Mountain Hemlock (Tsuga mertensiana var. jeffreyi).
In 1914 the 10th Duke of Argyll, Niall Diarmid Campbell, became the Honorary Colonel of The 8th Battalion of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. When the First World War ended he decided that there should be a fitting memorial to commemorate the Clan Campbell dead.
The construction of the 126 foot high tower was begun in 1921 and completed ten years later in 1931. The striking outline of All Saints Bell Tower can be seen for miles along Loch Fyne, dominating the town of Inveraray.
The peal of 10 bells was cast by John Taylor and Company in Loughborough in 1920. The heaviest bell, the Tenor, weighs 2112kg making Inveraray the second heaviest peal of 10 bells in the world (the heaviest being Wells Cathedral, England).
www.inveraraybelltower.co.uk
Inveraray Bell Tower
The AvenueIn 1914 the 10th Duke of Argyll, Niall Diarmid Campbell, became the Honorary Colonel of The 8th Battalion of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. When the First World War ended he decided that there should be a fitting memorial to commemorate the Clan Campbell dead.
The construction of the 126 foot high tower was begun in 1921 and completed ten years later in 1931. The striking outline of All Saints Bell Tower can be seen for miles along Loch Fyne, dominating the town of Inveraray.
The peal of 10 bells was cast by John Taylor and Company in Loughborough in 1920. The heaviest bell, the Tenor, weighs 2112kg making Inveraray the second heaviest peal of 10 bells in the world (the heaviest being Wells Cathedral, England).
www.inveraraybelltower.co.uk
Step back in time and discover Scotland’s rural history at Auchindrain, the most complete and well-preserved example of a Scottish Highland farm township. Vividly imagine life in the old Highlands as you walk through the settlement and see how ordinary people lived and worked. Step into the restored longhouses, see the objects of everyday life and learn about the past inhabitants. Explore the byres, stables and fields to understand how groups of families worked the land in common. Uncover a fascinating, long-vanished Scottish way of life deep in the hills of Argyll.
www.auchindrain.org.uk
10 locals recommend
Auchindrain Township
Step back in time and discover Scotland’s rural history at Auchindrain, the most complete and well-preserved example of a Scottish Highland farm township. Vividly imagine life in the old Highlands as you walk through the settlement and see how ordinary people lived and worked. Step into the restored longhouses, see the objects of everyday life and learn about the past inhabitants. Explore the byres, stables and fields to understand how groups of families worked the land in common. Uncover a fascinating, long-vanished Scottish way of life deep in the hills of Argyll.
www.auchindrain.org.uk
Benmore with its magnificent mountainside setting is a joy to behold. Its 49 Hectares/120 acres boast a world-famous collection of flowering trees and shrubs including over 300 species of rhododendron and over one third of the world’s hardy conifer species plus fine collections from North and South America, the Orient and the Himalaya.
Visitors are welcomed by an impressive avenue of Giant Redwoods, arguably one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden in the world. Established in 1863, these majestic giants now stand over 50 metres high.
The Garden is glorious throughout the seasons, from the vibrant blooms of rhododendrons and azaleas in early spring, striking Eucryphias of late summer and breathtaking displays of rich autumn fruit and foliage.
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/benmore-botanic-garden-benmore-by-dunoon-p249771
66 locals recommend
Benmore Botanic Garden
4 UigBenmore with its magnificent mountainside setting is a joy to behold. Its 49 Hectares/120 acres boast a world-famous collection of flowering trees and shrubs including over 300 species of rhododendron and over one third of the world’s hardy conifer species plus fine collections from North and South America, the Orient and the Himalaya.
Visitors are welcomed by an impressive avenue of Giant Redwoods, arguably one of the finest entrances to any botanic garden in the world. Established in 1863, these majestic giants now stand over 50 metres high.
The Garden is glorious throughout the seasons, from the vibrant blooms of rhododendrons and azaleas in early spring, striking Eucryphias of late summer and breathtaking displays of rich autumn fruit and foliage.
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/benmore-botanic-garden-benmore-by-dunoon-p249771
Families
https://www.thefyneden.com/
The Fyne Den Adventure Zone is a brand-new facility in Argyll featuring an amazing indoor and outdoor natural play area for children.
The Fyne Den
https://www.thefyneden.com/
The Fyne Den Adventure Zone is a brand-new facility in Argyll featuring an amazing indoor and outdoor natural play area for children.
https://www.ardkinglas.com/the-gruffalo-trail.html
The short trail uses boards showing selected extracts from the Scots version of the famous book to link the story to the setting of this special corner of the Woodland Garden.
25 locals recommend
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden
https://www.ardkinglas.com/the-gruffalo-trail.html
The short trail uses boards showing selected extracts from the Scots version of the famous book to link the story to the setting of this special corner of the Woodland Garden.
Another chance to step back in time as you enter an 18th-century blacksmith’s smiddy, carefully preserved with forge, bellows and anvil, cobbled floor, tools of the trade and beamed ceiling. The Strachur Smiddy dates back to at least 1791, and continued as a working Smiddy until 1955. It has since been repaired and restored to its original state and now acts as a working museum with regular weekend demonstrations and a well-stocked craft shop.Browse through the Smiddy’s collection of fascinating artefacts and tools. Chat to Smiddy staff about the Smiddy’s story and its place in Strachur’s history. Purchase a souvenir such as a genuine horseshoe, a fire poker made by the Strachur blacksmith, or treat yourself to a locally made gift from the craft shop.
Operates Summer opening hours check times at www.strachursmiddy.org.uk
7 locals recommend
Strachur Smiddy Museum and Crafts
Another chance to step back in time as you enter an 18th-century blacksmith’s smiddy, carefully preserved with forge, bellows and anvil, cobbled floor, tools of the trade and beamed ceiling. The Strachur Smiddy dates back to at least 1791, and continued as a working Smiddy until 1955. It has since been repaired and restored to its original state and now acts as a working museum with regular weekend demonstrations and a well-stocked craft shop.Browse through the Smiddy’s collection of fascinating artefacts and tools. Chat to Smiddy staff about the Smiddy’s story and its place in Strachur’s history. Purchase a souvenir such as a genuine horseshoe, a fire poker made by the Strachur blacksmith, or treat yourself to a locally made gift from the craft shop.
Operates Summer opening hours check times at www.strachursmiddy.org.uk
Food scene
When Fyne Ales was founded in 2001, the aim was to bring prosperity – jobs, industry and tourism – to the quiet, isolated corner of Scotland that our founders’ call home. We’re proud to be a modern, rural farm brewery – to use our stunning, rustic Argyll estate not only for sustainable farming, but as a base for producing the highest quality progressive beers that are enjoyed all over the world.
33 locals recommend
Fyne Ales Brewery Tap & Shop
When Fyne Ales was founded in 2001, the aim was to bring prosperity – jobs, industry and tourism – to the quiet, isolated corner of Scotland that our founders’ call home. We’re proud to be a modern, rural farm brewery – to use our stunning, rustic Argyll estate not only for sustainable farming, but as a base for producing the highest quality progressive beers that are enjoyed all over the world.
https://inverrestaurant.co.uk/
Inver is a small, characterful restaurant on the shores of Loch Fyne, on Scotland’s west coast.
An a la carte dinner and lunch menus feature simply prepared fresh seafood and native meat and game in season. A cosy bar serving pre-dinner craft ale, natural wine and fancy drinks. In the evening they also serve a four course tasting menu. Using current cooking techniques and the very best local wild and farmed ingredients they offer a contemporary take on traditional and forgotten Scottish dishes.
Pam and Rob took over in spring 2015 and with their friends and family have built the sort of place they like to spend time.
34 locals recommend
Inver Restaurant & Rooms
https://inverrestaurant.co.uk/
Inver is a small, characterful restaurant on the shores of Loch Fyne, on Scotland’s west coast.
An a la carte dinner and lunch menus feature simply prepared fresh seafood and native meat and game in season. A cosy bar serving pre-dinner craft ale, natural wine and fancy drinks. In the evening they also serve a four course tasting menu. Using current cooking techniques and the very best local wild and farmed ingredients they offer a contemporary take on traditional and forgotten Scottish dishes.
Pam and Rob took over in spring 2015 and with their friends and family have built the sort of place they like to spend time.
https://www.lochfyne.com/
https://www.lochfyne.com/oyster-bar-deli
From the rugged shores of Loch Fyne itself, Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd are dedicated to providing the world with Scotland’s finest seafood. Whether it be from our internationally renowned Restaurant and Oyster Bar or through the products we sell globally, we pride ourselves on provenance, quality and sustainability. That’s why you’ll find our seafood in award winning and Michelin starred restaurants, prestigious retailers such as Selfridges and Globus and served to corporate guests at Formula One and Champions League Finals.
58 locals recommend
Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
https://www.lochfyne.com/
https://www.lochfyne.com/oyster-bar-deli
From the rugged shores of Loch Fyne itself, Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd are dedicated to providing the world with Scotland’s finest seafood. Whether it be from our internationally renowned Restaurant and Oyster Bar or through the products we sell globally, we pride ourselves on provenance, quality and sustainability. That’s why you’ll find our seafood in award winning and Michelin starred restaurants, prestigious retailers such as Selfridges and Globus and served to corporate guests at Formula One and Champions League Finals.
https://www.facebook.com/Coylet-Inn-103918741425168/
The Coylet Inn, built in 1650, sits on the shore of Loch Eck.
A cozy Inn, wonderful views over the loch, home cooked food and real log fires.
Fabulous area for walking and cycling, we are on the 'Loch Eck Loop' .We are dog friendly.
9 locals recommend
Coylet Inn
A815https://www.facebook.com/Coylet-Inn-103918741425168/
The Coylet Inn, built in 1650, sits on the shore of Loch Eck.
A cozy Inn, wonderful views over the loch, home cooked food and real log fires.
Fabulous area for walking and cycling, we are on the 'Loch Eck Loop' .We are dog friendly.
https://www.theoystercatcherotterferry.co.uk/
We are a small family-run pub located in Otter Ferry, overlooking the beautiful & endless views of Loch Fyne. We offer locally sourced sustainable produce, from the surrounding hills and seas.
Our food is a mix of pub classics & fresh shellfish.
27 locals recommend
The Oystercatcher
3 Otter Ferry Salmonhttps://www.theoystercatcherotterferry.co.uk/
We are a small family-run pub located in Otter Ferry, overlooking the beautiful & endless views of Loch Fyne. We offer locally sourced sustainable produce, from the surrounding hills and seas.
Our food is a mix of pub classics & fresh shellfish.
FYNE RAJA RESTAURANT
Delicious food, beautiful setting. Never disappoints.
Ocho Inveraray
Outstanding food, lovely brunch, lunch and supper club events.
Activities
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/argyll-forest-park/glenbranter
8 locals recommend
Glenbranter Forest
https://forestryandland.gov.scot/visit/forest-parks/argyll-forest-park/glenbranter
https://www.westcoastwellnessuk.com/
Located on the shores of Loch Fyne, on the west coast of Scotland, we are a wellness hub and retreat center offering yoga classes, wild swimming, water activities, hill walking, and nourishing food.
We are offering day retreats as well as daily drop in yoga classes in our geodesic yoga dome!
West Coast Wellness
https://www.westcoastwellnessuk.com/
Located on the shores of Loch Fyne, on the west coast of Scotland, we are a wellness hub and retreat center offering yoga classes, wild swimming, water activities, hill walking, and nourishing food.
We are offering day retreats as well as daily drop in yoga classes in our geodesic yoga dome!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrochar_Alps
The Arrochar Alps are a group of mountains located around the head of Loch Long, Loch Fyne, and Loch Goil, near the villages of Arrochar and Lochgoilhead, on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The mountains are especially popular with hillwalkers, due to their proximity and accessibility from Glasgow. This range of mountains contains 4 Munros.
10 locals recommend
Arrochar Alps and Loch views
4 Braesidehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arrochar_Alps
The Arrochar Alps are a group of mountains located around the head of Loch Long, Loch Fyne, and Loch Goil, near the villages of Arrochar and Lochgoilhead, on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. The mountains are especially popular with hillwalkers, due to their proximity and accessibility from Glasgow. This range of mountains contains 4 Munros.
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/beinn-bhuidhe.shtml
Beinn Bhuidhe is a Munro isolated from any others, and the long walk in means it is much less visited than the nearby Arrochar Alps, despite it having rough and rocky slopes in places. The approach described here is the traditional one following a private road up the glen (can be cycled) and then a rugged ascent; it is possible instead to make use of an ugly new hydro track from near where the route crosses the river until around 550m.
Glen Fyne
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/beinn-bhuidhe.shtml
Beinn Bhuidhe is a Munro isolated from any others, and the long walk in means it is much less visited than the nearby Arrochar Alps, despite it having rough and rocky slopes in places. The approach described here is the traditional one following a private road up the glen (can be cycled) and then a rugged ascent; it is possible instead to make use of an ugly new hydro track from near where the route crosses the river until around 550m.
https://www.portavadie.com/spa-and-leisure/
The Leisure Experience offers the ultimate in indoor and outdoor pool fun and relaxation for all, featuring a 16 metre indoor pool, toddlers’ pool with water features, outdoor spa pools, Scandinavian sauna and we think the largest heated outdoor infinity pool in Scotland.
Our award winning Spa features therapeutic spa treatments, hydro pool, Scandinavian sauna, steam room and a relaxation space, all with breathtaking floor to ceiling views across Loch Fyne to the Isle of Arran.
28 locals recommend
Portavadie
https://www.portavadie.com/spa-and-leisure/
The Leisure Experience offers the ultimate in indoor and outdoor pool fun and relaxation for all, featuring a 16 metre indoor pool, toddlers’ pool with water features, outdoor spa pools, Scandinavian sauna and we think the largest heated outdoor infinity pool in Scotland.
Our award winning Spa features therapeutic spa treatments, hydro pool, Scandinavian sauna, steam room and a relaxation space, all with breathtaking floor to ceiling views across Loch Fyne to the Isle of Arran.
Is the perfect for having some outdoor summer fun! Quad Bike Trekking is suitable from aged 12 and for all abilities. Everyone can have a fabulous time, whether it is simply to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the stunning views, or by taking on the ultimate Quad Biking challenge, our inspirational Mammoth ATV Quad Trek. Archery is suitable for anyone from aged 8 and Clay Shooting rom aged 14 or over. Based just outside Dunoon check for details: www.quadmaniascotland.co.uk
16 locals recommend
Quadmania
Is the perfect for having some outdoor summer fun! Quad Bike Trekking is suitable from aged 12 and for all abilities. Everyone can have a fabulous time, whether it is simply to get out in the fresh air and enjoy the stunning views, or by taking on the ultimate Quad Biking challenge, our inspirational Mammoth ATV Quad Trek. Archery is suitable for anyone from aged 8 and Clay Shooting rom aged 14 or over. Based just outside Dunoon check for details: www.quadmaniascotland.co.uk
Inveraray Jail
A fun activity in a beautiful town.