Jilly's Guidebook

Jilly
Jilly's Guidebook

Sightseeing

Sail, walk, jog, kayak or cycle along the Crinan Canal - once an important commercial connection with the Western Isles, most of the traffic is now pleasure craft. It is an outstanding piece of engineering with a dramatic history.
32 當地人推薦
Crinan Canal
32 當地人推薦
Sail, walk, jog, kayak or cycle along the Crinan Canal - once an important commercial connection with the Western Isles, most of the traffic is now pleasure craft. It is an outstanding piece of engineering with a dramatic history.
A trip to the Scottish Beavers in Knapdale Forest provides a fun family day out. Be a beaver detective and spot the signs of beaver activity. There is a visitor centre at Barnluasgan, and you can walk round Coille Bharr and maybe even catch a glimpse! It is approx. 6.5 miles / 10 minutes by car from Lochgilphead to the beaver site.
Loch Barnluasgan
A trip to the Scottish Beavers in Knapdale Forest provides a fun family day out. Be a beaver detective and spot the signs of beaver activity. There is a visitor centre at Barnluasgan, and you can walk round Coille Bharr and maybe even catch a glimpse! It is approx. 6.5 miles / 10 minutes by car from Lochgilphead to the beaver site.
Moine Mhor is a speckled mixture of mossy hummocks and open pools rising in a shallow, peaty dome. Older than many of the standing stones in the surrounding glen, Moine Mhor has locked many years of history into its silent layers of peat. 7 miles to reserve car park.
Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve
1 B8025
Moine Mhor is a speckled mixture of mossy hummocks and open pools rising in a shallow, peaty dome. Older than many of the standing stones in the surrounding glen, Moine Mhor has locked many years of history into its silent layers of peat. 7 miles to reserve car park.
Trees have stood here for more than 6,000 years. The peaceful oak woodlands of Taynish, on the edge of Tayvallich (11 miles from Lochgilphead) are interspersed with grassland, heath, saltmarsh and shoreline to give a truly amazing variety of wildlife. Explore Taynish’s ever-changing mosaic of oak woods and open glades and experience one of Scotland’s most ancient landscapes.
Taynish National Nature Reserve
Trees have stood here for more than 6,000 years. The peaceful oak woodlands of Taynish, on the edge of Tayvallich (11 miles from Lochgilphead) are interspersed with grassland, heath, saltmarsh and shoreline to give a truly amazing variety of wildlife. Explore Taynish’s ever-changing mosaic of oak woods and open glades and experience one of Scotland’s most ancient landscapes.
The third largest whirlpool in the world when in action, Corryvreckan means ‘speckled cauldron’. Most of the local Boat Trip companies will take you to the whirlpool (subject to weather & tide conditions). It is a must do if you can!
13 當地人推薦
Gulf of Corryvreckan
13 當地人推薦
The third largest whirlpool in the world when in action, Corryvreckan means ‘speckled cauldron’. Most of the local Boat Trip companies will take you to the whirlpool (subject to weather & tide conditions). It is a must do if you can!
Easily accessible from the A816, there is a large car park from where you walk up a farm track to access the castle grounds. Carnasserie Castle, which was built by reforming churchman John Carswell, has only ever been slightly altered and so presents an accurate picture of 16th century architecture
13 當地人推薦
Carnasserie Castle
13 當地人推薦
Easily accessible from the A816, there is a large car park from where you walk up a farm track to access the castle grounds. Carnasserie Castle, which was built by reforming churchman John Carswell, has only ever been slightly altered and so presents an accurate picture of 16th century architecture
Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.
96 當地人推薦
因弗拉雷城堡
96 當地人推薦
Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.
Tarbert Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance because of the major roll which Robert the Bruce King of Scotland played in its reinforcement and enlargement in C 1325. The earliest stone structure on the site dates from the 13th century or before.
6 當地人推薦
Royal Castle of Tarbert
6 當地人推薦
Tarbert Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance because of the major roll which Robert the Bruce King of Scotland played in its reinforcement and enlargement in C 1325. The earliest stone structure on the site dates from the 13th century or before.
Castle Sween, on Loch Sween, is thought to be the oldest stone castle in Scotland, dating back to the 12th century. Back then the Clan MacSween (Suibhne) governed lands extending as far north as Loch Awe and as far south as Skipness Castle on Loch Fyne. The castle is within the grounds of the Castle Sween Holiday Park. Having arrived in the holiday park you walk past the buildings in front of you to find the gate in the wall surrounding the castle itself. If you visit Castle Sween, go a little further to visit the carved stones at Kilmory Knap Chapel (just a couple of miles south).
Castle Sween Bay
Castle Sween, on Loch Sween, is thought to be the oldest stone castle in Scotland, dating back to the 12th century. Back then the Clan MacSween (Suibhne) governed lands extending as far north as Loch Awe and as far south as Skipness Castle on Loch Fyne. The castle is within the grounds of the Castle Sween Holiday Park. Having arrived in the holiday park you walk past the buildings in front of you to find the gate in the wall surrounding the castle itself. If you visit Castle Sween, go a little further to visit the carved stones at Kilmory Knap Chapel (just a couple of miles south).

Neighbourhoods

Nearby destinations and their features.
Located at the top of Loch Gilp, and in proximity with the Crinan Canal, the town sits close to the centre of mainland Argyll - at the convergence of the main routes connecting Inveraray to Central Scotland, with Campbeltown to the south and Oban to the north. Lochgilphead rose from a herring fishing village to the small town it is today in the late 1800’s - when its proximity to the Crinan Canal allowed it to share in the growing trade of the Highlands.
12 當地人推薦
Lochgilphead
12 當地人推薦
Located at the top of Loch Gilp, and in proximity with the Crinan Canal, the town sits close to the centre of mainland Argyll - at the convergence of the main routes connecting Inveraray to Central Scotland, with Campbeltown to the south and Oban to the north. Lochgilphead rose from a herring fishing village to the small town it is today in the late 1800’s - when its proximity to the Crinan Canal allowed it to share in the growing trade of the Highlands.
Skipness Castle stands on the east side of the Kintyre Peninsula, near the village of Skipness, just a short drive from Tarbert, Loch Fyne in the Heart of Argyll. The castle is a favourite among historical enthusiasts and families alike as you can explore inside the building and climb up a narrow staircase to the roof, where you'll be treated to wonderful views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran. Skipness is also home to The Seafood Cabin (seasonal) – a cold beer, the freshest of seafood, and idyllic views make the Seafood Cabin a must visit destination for any serious foodies.
Skipness
Skipness Castle stands on the east side of the Kintyre Peninsula, near the village of Skipness, just a short drive from Tarbert, Loch Fyne in the Heart of Argyll. The castle is a favourite among historical enthusiasts and families alike as you can explore inside the building and climb up a narrow staircase to the roof, where you'll be treated to wonderful views across the Kilbrannan Sound to Arran. Skipness is also home to The Seafood Cabin (seasonal) – a cold beer, the freshest of seafood, and idyllic views make the Seafood Cabin a must visit destination for any serious foodies.
Kilmartin Glen has one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. There are more than 350 ancient monuments within a six-mile radius of the village, with 150 of them being prehistoric. Monuments include standing stones, a henge monument, numerous cists and a "linear cemetery" comprising five burial cairns. Several of these, as well as many natural rocks, are decorated with cup and ring marks. The spectacular site of Dunadd Hill Fort in Kilmartin Glen, has been occupied since the Iron Age. The well-preserved hill fort was a stronghold of Dalriada, the kingdom of the Scotti, and is believed to have been the site where the ancient Kings of Scotland were crowned. nearby, in Achnabreac, a short trail leads to probably the most extensive set of cup and ring marked rocks in Britain - believed to have been made over 4000 years ago. The importance of this site and the reasons for the carvings remains a topic of speculation. Kilmartin Museum is an award-winning world-class centre for archaeology and landscape interpretation with a busy programme of workshops, exhibitions and events, as well as a shop and a café serving locally sourced and delicious food.
29 當地人推薦
Kilmartin
29 當地人推薦
Kilmartin Glen has one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. There are more than 350 ancient monuments within a six-mile radius of the village, with 150 of them being prehistoric. Monuments include standing stones, a henge monument, numerous cists and a "linear cemetery" comprising five burial cairns. Several of these, as well as many natural rocks, are decorated with cup and ring marks. The spectacular site of Dunadd Hill Fort in Kilmartin Glen, has been occupied since the Iron Age. The well-preserved hill fort was a stronghold of Dalriada, the kingdom of the Scotti, and is believed to have been the site where the ancient Kings of Scotland were crowned. nearby, in Achnabreac, a short trail leads to probably the most extensive set of cup and ring marked rocks in Britain - believed to have been made over 4000 years ago. The importance of this site and the reasons for the carvings remains a topic of speculation. Kilmartin Museum is an award-winning world-class centre for archaeology and landscape interpretation with a busy programme of workshops, exhibitions and events, as well as a shop and a café serving locally sourced and delicious food.
A lovely day trip from Lochgilphead is to meander down to Tarbert and take the ferry over to Portavadie. There lies the Portavadie marina Complex and Spa. It's a contemporary resort with restaurants and shops too. Just have lunch, or add a swim in the fabulous infinity (outdoor!) pool, or go the whole hog with luxury spa treatment.
28 當地人推薦
Portavadie
28 當地人推薦
A lovely day trip from Lochgilphead is to meander down to Tarbert and take the ferry over to Portavadie. There lies the Portavadie marina Complex and Spa. It's a contemporary resort with restaurants and shops too. Just have lunch, or add a swim in the fabulous infinity (outdoor!) pool, or go the whole hog with luxury spa treatment.
The Isle of Jura is one of Scotland’s last wildernesses. Just over 200 people are outnumbered by 3,500 deer on this stunning Scottish island. Potentilly a long way by car, you can easily get there for the day via the passenger ferry from Tayvallich (20 mins away by car). Thing to do and see there: Isle of Jura Distillery, The Jura Hotel, Jura House Garden, The Paps of Jura, Wildlife, Cycling, Walking. Passenger ferry contact: jurapassengerferry.com
Isle of Jura
The Isle of Jura is one of Scotland’s last wildernesses. Just over 200 people are outnumbered by 3,500 deer on this stunning Scottish island. Potentilly a long way by car, you can easily get there for the day via the passenger ferry from Tayvallich (20 mins away by car). Thing to do and see there: Isle of Jura Distillery, The Jura Hotel, Jura House Garden, The Paps of Jura, Wildlife, Cycling, Walking. Passenger ferry contact: jurapassengerferry.com
Islay is an ambitious yet satisfying daytrip from Lochgilphead. If you like ferry trips. if you don't, don't bother as that will be four hours of your day. What I love about Islay are the beaches. Also, there are a few whisky distillieries! Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroig, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, and Kilchoman. Pay at least one a visit if you go. There are also all of these things to see and do and find out more about: The Museum of Islay Life, Finlaggan (Lordship of the Isles), Islay Sea Adventures, Islay Natural History Trust, Bowmore Round Church, Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, Birdwatching, Fishing, Cycling, Golf (World famous Machrie Golf Links)
Isle of Islay
Islay is an ambitious yet satisfying daytrip from Lochgilphead. If you like ferry trips. if you don't, don't bother as that will be four hours of your day. What I love about Islay are the beaches. Also, there are a few whisky distillieries! Bunnahabhain, Caol Ila, Ardbeg, Lagavulin, Laphroig, Bowmore, Bruichladdich, and Kilchoman. Pay at least one a visit if you go. There are also all of these things to see and do and find out more about: The Museum of Islay Life, Finlaggan (Lordship of the Isles), Islay Sea Adventures, Islay Natural History Trust, Bowmore Round Church, Loch Gruinart Nature Reserve, Birdwatching, Fishing, Cycling, Golf (World famous Machrie Golf Links)

Gift Shopping

This is Lochgilphead’s largest independent shop - really a group of shops encompassing one side of Colchester Square. “Something to cater for all tastes -whether it is the boutique shop on the corner with an amazing selection of gifts, curios, decorations, handbags, bears, trinkets and other lovely items, the sandwich bar in the middle with the best Lorne sausage butties for miles, the toy shop with everything from pocket money toys to bigger ticket items or the discount shop on the end .... there is something for everyone. It is a great stop for upcoming birthdays, nephew treats, and indeed (on the way back) for house-sitting thank yous!”
The Square Peg
Colchester Square
This is Lochgilphead’s largest independent shop - really a group of shops encompassing one side of Colchester Square. “Something to cater for all tastes -whether it is the boutique shop on the corner with an amazing selection of gifts, curios, decorations, handbags, bears, trinkets and other lovely items, the sandwich bar in the middle with the best Lorne sausage butties for miles, the toy shop with everything from pocket money toys to bigger ticket items or the discount shop on the end .... there is something for everyone. It is a great stop for upcoming birthdays, nephew treats, and indeed (on the way back) for house-sitting thank yous!”

Food scene

The Square Peg Sandwich Bar (sandwiched between The Square Peg Gift Shops) offers Fare Trade and organic coffee, teas and hot chocolate, as well as freshly prepared food. Hot and cold filled rolls, and home baking are the main features, but the firm favourite is the best Lorne sausage butties for miles! Also a refill station for free tap water.
The Square Peg
Colchester Square
The Square Peg Sandwich Bar (sandwiched between The Square Peg Gift Shops) offers Fare Trade and organic coffee, teas and hot chocolate, as well as freshly prepared food. Hot and cold filled rolls, and home baking are the main features, but the firm favourite is the best Lorne sausage butties for miles! Also a refill station for free tap water.
A brilliant wee bistro tucked away on Smiddy Lane in Lochgilphead. A bit of a closely kept local secret as it gets very busy. Rosie (the chef) creates imaginative bistro-style food with scrummy salads and great veggie choices
7 當地人推薦
The Smiddy Bistro
7 當地人推薦
A brilliant wee bistro tucked away on Smiddy Lane in Lochgilphead. A bit of a closely kept local secret as it gets very busy. Rosie (the chef) creates imaginative bistro-style food with scrummy salads and great veggie choices
A wonderful find in the little village of Tayvallich. Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. Also amazing cakes and great views!
8 當地人推薦
Tayvallich Café and General Store
8 當地人推薦
A wonderful find in the little village of Tayvallich. Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options. Also amazing cakes and great views!
A really good, predominantly but not exclusivley, seafood pub in the lovely fishing village of Tayvallich. The pub gets very busy in the summer, so definitely book if you plan to go for an evening meal (I don't think they take bookings at lunchtime).
14 當地人推薦
The Tayvallich Inn
14 當地人推薦
A really good, predominantly but not exclusivley, seafood pub in the lovely fishing village of Tayvallich. The pub gets very busy in the summer, so definitely book if you plan to go for an evening meal (I don't think they take bookings at lunchtime).