Loch Awe And Loch Etive Guide
Contents |
Guide to Loch Awe and Loch Etive
Argyll Guide | Argyll Travel | Helensburgh | Cowal Peninsula | Dunoon | Tighnabruaich Cowal | Isle Of Bute | Inveraray | Loch Awe And Loch Etive | Taynuilt | Oban | Mid Argyll | Kintyre | Isle Of Arran | Things To Do Argyll
Introduction
North of Loch Fyne is Loch Awe, the longest freshwater loch in Scotland and, further north, the beautiful Loch Etive. There's enough here to justify a couple of days' exploration, particularly the little-visited west shore of Loch Awe, but if you're pressed for time, there are a few conveniently placed sights along the A85 from Glasgow to Oban.
The A819 north from Inveraray joins the A85 at the northeastern tip of Loch Awe, between the villages of of Dalmally and Lochawe. Just west of the junction is the romantic ruin of Kilchurn Castle, on a promontory jutting out into the loch. The castle ruin can be visited by boat from the pier in Lochawe village.
Sleeping
Steeped in history, this idyllic location is an excellent resort from which to explore the surrounding countryside and its many attractions. The location of the hotel offers glorious views of the loch and the mighty Ben Cruchan. The Hotel has a mixture of family, double and twin rooms, all with pleasant views and en-suite facilities. more details about Portsonachan Hotel
There's a good selection of places to stay in Dalmally and Lochawe. A place with an especially nice view is the Portsonachan (see above), open Feb-Dec.
Range of log cabins on the coast of Argyll in Western Scotland near Oban. Friendly welcome and tranquil surroundings. Ideal for families.
more details about Loch Awe Log Cabins
Transport
Both Dalmally and Lochawe are on the Glasgow-Oban rail and bus routes. Trains in either direction stop 3 times daily and there are several Scottish Citylink buses daily. These buses also stop at Inveraray and Taynuilt en route from Glasgow to Oban and vice versa.
Ben Cruachan & Pass of Brander
A few miles west of Lochawe, and almost a mile inside Ben Cruachan (3,695 ft) is the underground Cruachan Power Station, 0930-1700, £5, children £2 (free if arrive by cycle) or "Hollow Mountain". From the visitor centre on the shores of Loch Awe, a guided bus trip takes you deep into the heart of the mountain through massive tunnels until you reach the generating room. Between Loch Awe and Loch Etive runs the River Awe, which squeezes through the dark and ominous Pass of Brander, so steep and narrow that legend has it that it was once held against an entire army by an old woman brandishing a scythe.