|
Ardfern is a beautiful and
tranquil west coast village which has been popular with holiday makers for many
years and each cottage has its own spectacular views of Loch Craignish, its
islands and the hills beyond. Within the village of Ardfern there is a
church, hotel with restaurant and pub, cafe and craft shop, and an extremely
well stocked village store and post office.
Ardfern has a
thriving village community, and there are frequent
theatrical performances from
touring companies hosted in the modern village hall, at which visitors are most
welcome. The annual Elemental
Arts festival takes place each July with a varied programme of exhibitions
and events for all ages.
The Craignish peninsular is renowned for its
beautiful scenery, its islands and views out to Jura and Scarba, its wildlife
and botanical species. Because of the mild climate influenced by the
gulf stream, exotic species such as palm trees can flourish and the colours and
scenery change almost constantly.
The area is a haven for wildlife with otters,
seals and a wide variety of sea birds and birds of prey. In the autumn swans and
ducks in large numbers gather at the head of the loch.
If your
interest lies in history you will find the area fascinating. Mid-Argyll is the
cradle of early Christianity but standing stones and burial cairns testify to
much earlier settlement. At the citadel at Dunadd the first kings of Scotland
were crowned and the many ancient castles bear witness to earlier conflicts.
Many important gravestones and crosses both medieval and earlier are also to be
found in the area and mysterious cup and ring marked stones abound.
Below are some of
the activities to be found in Ardfern, or a little further afield. Further
information on the area can also be found at
www.craignishguide.co.uk
|
Sculpture at entrance to Ardfern |
Places to Eat |
Within Ardfern are the
Galley of Lorne Inn, and the
Crafty Kitchen, both of which are adjacent
to Loch Craignish Cottages. A short drive away are the
Lord of the
Isles, the Kilmartin Hotel and the
Shower of Herring.
If you prefer to dine in, Fab
Food by Pam is a local business which can deliver delicious
home-cooked food directly to your cottage. Contact
Pam for more details! |
|
Shopping |
Ardfern
has a very well stocked village store and post office (01852 500350), as
well as a craft shop and
chandlery (not just for yachties!).
The Highland town of Oban is approximately 45 minutes drive away, and
offers a wide range of shopping, including supermarkets. Shops are
also available in Lochgilphead (approximately 20 minutes drive). |
View across Loch Craignish, from the East. |
Boat Trips |
There are a number of
sightseeing day trips available, and itineraries might include island
visits, a trip to the infamous
Corryvreckan whirlpool or a chance to see
some of the wildlife and sea birds of Loch Craignish. Cruise
operators include Loch Craignish Cruises,
Gemini Cruises, Farsaisn
Cruises (01852 500664) & Seafari adventures.
For the more adventurous,
watersports including sailing, canoeing and windsurfing are available from Craobh Haven Watersports
(01852 500664).
Ardfern Yacht Centre offer
boat launching, chandlery and repairs. The chandlery
is open 7 days and
has a range of clothing, caps, jackets, sunglasses, books, cards,
Ardfern Tee Shirts and Tea Towels, maps, wellies, binoculars. Well
worth a browse!
|
View South down Loch
Craignish |
Island Visits |
Caledonian MacBrayne
offer scheduled ferry services from Oban to many of the Scottish
Islands. A trip to the Isle of Mull, from Oban is a great day out
- on Mull you may wish to take the Steam Train to visit
Torosay Castle
and Gardens. For a longer day on Mull, a visit to
Tobermory (made
famous as Balamory in the childrens TV programme), or the sacred Isle of
Iona is also possible.
Bowmans Isle of Mull Tours connect with the ferry.
A short ferry crossing
takes you from the "Bridge over the Atlantic" at Seil Island to the
Island of Luing, and the old slate quarrying island of
Easdale with its
disused workings and award winning museum & craft centre.
Also within easy reach
are Islay & Jura (famous for their malt whisky distilleries), Gigha, Arran and little Kerrera
in Oban Bay..
|
| |
Horse Riding
Clay Pigeon Shooting |
Trail riding over
beautiful countryside on Appaloosa horses is available locally at
Ardfern Riding Centre (access via Craobh Haven). Horse riding is
also available at Brenfield Riding Centre
just south of Ardrishaig, where Clay Pigeon Shooting is offered as well. |
Sunset over the Paps of
Jura |
Days Out |
There are numerous
opportunities for days out within easy reach of Ardfern. Some of
these include Kilmartin Museum,
Inveraray Jail,
Oban Sealife Centre,
Auchindrain Museum,
Oban War & Peace Exhibition,
Ben Cruachan Hydro
Electric Centre, Glencoe Visitor Centre,
Oban
Distillery,
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace,
Argyll Adventure (Inveraray),
Jacobite Steam Train (Fort William),
Wildlife Photography Course |
Craignish Castle |
Castles |
Carnasserie Castle is
a ruined but well preserved castle, involving a short but pleasant walk,
just a short drive from Ardfern. Other castles in the area include
Inveraray Castle,
Dunstaffnage Castle and
Dunollie Castle.
Duart Castle can be visited as
part of a day trip to the Isle of Mull. |
|
Crinan Canal |
The
Crinan Canal and
Basin is a delightful spot to spend a few hours, watching boats or
strolling along the tow path. |
Sunset from the Pier at
the end of the Craignish Peninsula |
Walking / Cycling |
There are many
beautiful walks along roads and tracks giving unforgettable views of the
Sound of Jura and panoramic vistas of distant islands. The road to
the end of the Craignish Peninsula (approximately 5 miles) is quiet
enough for a relaxed walk or cycle ride, and will give unsurpassed
sunsets in the right conditions. The
Forestry Commission network of
paths offers extensive walking and cycling in the forests of Knapdale, and in Inverinan Forest on
the west side of Loch Awe (access from Kilmelford Village or Ford).
The long distance
Kintyre Way route is also within
easy reach.
Cycle Hire is available
from Crinan Cycles and
Mid Argyll Cycle Club.
|
| |
Gardens |
For the gardeners the beautiful grounds at
Crarae and
Arduaine are special places to visit especially in the late spring
when the rhododendrons and azaleas are in bloom. Other gardens in the area
include
Ardmaddy Castle,
An
Cala and
Ardchattan Priory
|
Reflections in Loch Craignish |
Fishing |
Loch Fishing can be
arranged via Fyne Tackle or
Inverawe Fisheries
(lessons also available). Sea Fishing may be available as part of
a boat trip -see the boat trip operators above for details.
|
| |
Golf |
Golf courses in the
area include:- Lochgilphead
Golf Course, Glencruitten Golf
Club (Oban), Machrihanish Golf
Course,
Tarbert Golf Course,
Dalmally Golf Course |
Walking on the Craignish
Peninsula |
Beaches |
Craignish Peninsula
has many shingle beaches within walking distance of the cottages (ideal
for exploring rock pools or skimming stones). For sand we suggest
Crinan Ferry, which has miles of golden sand when the tide is out.
Other sandy beaches are found at Achahoish, by Ardrishaig and West
Beach, Mull of Kintyre. |
| |
Swimming and indoor sports |
For indoor activities
there is a swimming pool and sports centre in Lochgilphead and
Atlantis leisure centre
with swimming pool and climbing wall in Oban. |
| |
Churches |
Craignish Church
(Church of Scotland) has a service at 10.15 every Sunday, at which
visitors are very welcome. Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches
can be found in Lochgiphead and Oban. |
| |
Doctors / Hospital / Vet |
There are Doctors
Surgeries in Lochgilphead and Oban. There is a new community hospital in Lochgilphead,
with GP surgery, dentist and A&E all under one roof. Oban has a
larger hospital, also with A&E.
There is a Veterinary
Surgery in Lochgilphead (01546 602240) and Oban (01631 562876) |
|
