Welcome to HOLIDAY West Highland - Discover the West Highlands

Mid Argyll - epicentre of an ancient nation

Author Holiday West Highland

MID-ARGYLL was once the important epicentre of an ancient nation whose influence helped to make Scotland what it is today. Irish and Celtic warriors from the 5th and 6th centuries found their way to Mid-Argyll where they took over the fortified rocky out- crop of Dunadd in Kilmartin Glen, displacing or assimilating with the people already there.

One of the most important archaeological sights in Scotland, Dunadd was a royal centre from which sprang the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada whose influence was to spread throughout Scotland.

Mid-Argyll is served by the small, charming town of Lochgilphead at the head of Loch Gilp. The administrative headquarters of Argyll and Bute Council are here and the town has plenty of amenities including sports facilities, shops, accommodation and restaurants. Set in an ideal location to explore Mid-Argyll is The Galley of Lorne Hotel at Ardfern, on the B8002, just off the main road from Oban to Lochgilphead.

Set in an ideal location to explore Mid-Argyll is The Galley of Lorne Hotel at Ardfern, on the B8002, just off the main road from Oban to Lochgilphead. Ardfern is a haven for yachties and artists who know a good hotel when they see it. It is also the gateway to Craignish Point with spectacular views across to Jura, Scarba and Mull, not forgett ing the amazing Corryvreckan Whirlpools and the abundance of wildlife in this area.

This 17th century former drover’s inn was taken over by Andrew and Sarah Stanton who want to make your stay as memorable as possible. Since they arrived, the hotel has undergone a huge refurbishment programme with six new-look en suite bedrooms tastefully and comfortably furnished and a redecorated public bar and reception area. With its roaring open Þ re and attractive surroundings the public bar, the oldest part of the hotel dating from 1680, is a great place to eat and drink and chat with the locals. For dining or a wedding reception, anniversary or corporate function, the hotel’s lochside dining room simply can’t be beaten. Its massive picture window offers breathtaking views across to Loch Craignish.

It’s romantic and its menu rivals any top restaurant in Oban. The dining room can seat 120 and if required a large marquee in the hotel grounds can cater for larger numbers. Andrew and Sarah will happily find you any services you need for your wedding including a Highland piper, florist or ceilidh band, all of whom can be found locally. The Galley of Lorne Hotel is just half an hour’s drive from Oban and a few minutes by car from world-famous Kilmartin Glen with all its links with Scotland’s ancient past. The hotel is also only two hours by car from Glasgow. The village of Ardfern itself offers horse riding, cycling, walking and golf and craft s are also available. These can also be found elsewhere in Mid-Argyll as well as climbing, sailing, fishing, mountain biking and woodland walking.

Nearby is Craobh Haven village and marina which offers stunning views of the islands of Shuna, Seil and Luing as well as Jura and Mull. Argyll Trail riding holidays at BrenÞ eld Farm, Ardrishaig, have hacks, treks, family picnic rides, pub rides, beach gallops, daily riding or residential holidays. Disabled riders welcome. Qualified instruction to suit all ages and abilities. A great day out - clay pigeon shooting is available all year round for groups or families.

A stroll along the towpath of the Crinan Canal is a must. The nine-mile canal, which runs from Ardrishaig to the Atlantic Ocean at Loch Crinan, was opened in 1801 and was constructed as a short cut for Clyde puffers to avoid the lengthy and difficult passage round the Mull of Kintyre. There’s plenty of hill and woodland walking too. Knapdale Forest is popular being in a National Scenic Area. At Ellary is a cave said to have been used by St Columba himself. Today it houses an altar rock shelf and font-shaped basin and ceremonies are occasionally held in it. Kilmartin village sits in the centre of Kilmartin Glen where there are ancient monuments such as burial cairns, rock carvings and standing stones, as well as Dunadd, capital of Dalriada until 850AD. The village of Kilmartin has a hotel and shops and the important Kilmartin House Museum where Argyll’s ancient past comes alive. People have lived in the glen for thousands of years, gradually shaping the extraordinary landscape you see today. There are over 150 prehistoric sites and monuments within six miles of of Kilmartin Village - come and explore enigmatic standing stones, five thousand- year-old rock carvings, burial cairns and Dunadd, fortress of the earliest Scots Kings. Experience their auto-visual show, see ancient artefacts and learn more about the people who created them in this internationally acclaimed award-winning museum.

Adults and children can take part in one of the activities or workshops which focus on a variety of traditional skills, crafts and art, and permaculture. There are also special exhibitions throughout the the year. Visitors can also sample the delights of the awardwinning cafe/restaurant and browse the book shop which also sells local craft s and gift s.