Things to See and Do in Argyll & Bute

Here you can find a whole host of things to see and do in Oban and the surrounding areas, from extreme sports like mountain biking to more leisurely activities like trekking around the wonderful landscapes. We're sure there's something for everyone!

Inveraray Castleadd

Inveraray Castle makes a good half day trip from Tralee Bay. The ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell, it is an iconic attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.

 

Good to know: there's a fabulous tearoom serving a Scottish-sourced menu including smoked salmon and locally caught seafood from the neighbouring Inverawe Smokehouse.

 

For more information on the castle and its gardens, go to https://www.inveraray-castle.com

 

Kilmartinadd

Kilmartin is just an hour south of Tralee and well worth a visit.
Historic Kilmartin Glen is considered to have one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland – all within a 6-mile radius of the village. There is also an interesting museum with a lovely café serving fresh local produce and home baking.

 

Good to know: the museum is open from March 1st until Christmas; tickets cost £7 for an adult and £2.50 for a child.

 

For more info, go to: http://www.kilmartin.org/visit-us/

Auchindrainadd

Auchindrain is a fascinating insight into how people used to live and work in the old communal farming villages that were swept away by the Highland Clearances. You can wander through the village, go into the buildings, and listen to the people sharing stories of the families who lived there. There's also visitor centre and shop as well as the usual tearoom offering delicious home-cooked food.

 

Good to know: Auchindrain is an hour's drive from Tralee and open from April to October 7 days a week. Tickets cost £6.50 for an adult and £4.00 for a child.

 

For more info, go to www.auchindrain.org.uk

Easdaleadd

Easdale is an exquisite little island just 15 miles south of Oban. There's lots to see there including a Highland Arts Exhibition, Folk Museum, and the Slate Islands Heritage Centre. You can also take a boat trip through the world's 3rd largest whirlpool and go dolphin and whale watching. The Oyster Bar and Restaurant offers seasonal and regional delicacies, and The Puffer Tearoom Bar & Restaurant has delicious home baking, cream teas and ice cream.

 

Good to know: there's a passenger ferry from Easdale across to Easdale island, which takes 5 minutes. There are no roads on the island but you can get around it on foot in less than an hour.

 

For more info, go to http://www.easdale.org

Puck's Glenadd

Deservedly the most popular short walk in the region, Puck's Glen is a magical trail that winds along a Victorian walkway and up a dramatic rocky gorge said to be home to mischievous spirits. Good to know: Allow 1 hour 45 to drive there from Tralee and one hour for the walk. Paths are firm but uneven with some rocky, narrow and steep sections.

 

For more information, go to https://forestryandland.gov.scot/…/argyll-forest…/pucks-glen

Inverawe Smokery and Fishing Centreadd

Inverawe Smokery and Fishing Centre is a great place for fly fishing, and if you’re looking to bag a salmon, get yourself a day ticket on the River Awe. They also offer fishing lessons and you can find out how the fish is smoked, explore the many walks and trails and enjoy the Smokery shop and café.

 

Good to know: Inverawe is less than 30 minutes’ drive from Tralee. There is also a children’s play area and stock pond, where you can feed the fish.

 

For more info, go to www.inverawe.co.uk

Calgary Bayadd

In a secluded corner on the northwest coast of Mull is Calgary Bay, home to a superb beach, amazing art, and great food. We highly recommend the Art in Nature Woodland Walk, with its breathtaking views of the bay and fascinating sculptures. The wood also holds plenty of treasures for children with a zip wire and a willow tunnel.

 

There is also a gallery, and café serving freshly made food, cakes, and drinks and a range of supplies from local producers.

 

Good to know: Ferries go from Oban to Mull and take 46 minutes. For ferry times, go to www.calmac.co.uk/oban-craignure-mull-ferry-summer-timetable

 

For more info, go to https://www.calgary.co.uk/art/art-in-nature

Kerreraadd

Kerrera is just a short boat ride from Oban and offers a profusion of wildlife as well as the 16th-century Gylen Castle 🏰 The Castle can be visited as part of a circular 3-mile walk, which takes you round the southern half of Kerrera. Be sure to take good footwear, as the terrain here can be rough and boggy in parts. The walk also delivers the promise of fresh home-made soup and gooey cakes from the locally owned Kerrera Tea Garden & Bunkhouse. There are also some impressive views across Oban Bay from the top of the northern half of the island.

 

Good to know: There is a passenger ferry that goes from a slipway 2 miles south of Oban. For ferry times, go to https://bit.ly/2JplcNM (A full colour guide of the island is available on the ferry.)

St Conan's Kirkadd

St Conan's Kirk is one of Argyll’s hidden gems. Voted one of the top 10 buildings in Scotland in the last 100 years, this inspiring church was designed by one man, Walter Douglas-Campbell, to save his mother from walking the 4-mile journey to the nearest church in Dalmally. The church has almost every style of architecture; highlights include the Norman doorway, a Celtic cross, the Gothic flying buttresses, gargoyles of houndschasing hares, the Saxon tower and a statue of Robert the Bruce. The Gatehouse Tearoom offers teas, coffees, home baking, and light lunches.

 

Good to know: The Kirk is situated in Lochawe between Dalmally and Taynuilt. It's open from 9am – 6pm (Apr to Sept) and 9am – 5pm (Oct to Mar).

Donations are welcome to help with the upkeep and repair of the church. For more information, go to https://www.stconanskirk.org.uk/