Dunstaffnage Castle - 01631 562 465
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/properties_sites_detail.htm?propertyID=PL_111
A Historic Scotland property. Built in 12th century by the MacDougals it has been at the centre of Scottish history ever since, captured by Robert the Bruce and visited by James first, fourth and fifth as well as hosting Flora MacDonald after her capture by the English.
It is a splendid well preserved castle in a superb position at the entrance to Loch Etive. Entrance fee can be combined with Bonawe Iron Furnace. It is free to wander round the gardens and have a picnic.
Open daily 9.30 – 4.30, in April – Sept till 6.30
Prices 2006: adult £3, child £1.30 – buy on-line for a discount
20 minutes by car. From Taynuilt take the A85 to Oban. Turn right just past the 'Frog' and the marina, signed to Dunstaffnage. Take the right fork in the village, pass the Marine Laboratory, and the castle is at the end.
Kilchurn Castle – Dalmally – www.kilchurncastle.com
Situated in a stunning position thrusting out into Loch Awe, it is one of the most photogenic castles in Scotland. Built by the Campbells in 1440 on an island in the loch it was virtually impregnable and was never taken. The most interesting approach is by steamer from Lochawe railway station, which gives a beautifully scenic approach to the castle. William Wallace (braveheart), stayed here before his attack on John of Lorne through the Brander pass.
Free entry but steam boat is approximately £4, not certain when this is running.
Dunollie Castle – Oban
Free to enter, another ruin from an age gone by. Still owned by the MacDougal family who are descended from Somerled who took the Scottish Western Islands out of Norway’s grasp around 1100AD. This was an important vantage point for Oban Bay where a large fleet of galleys could be hidden from view.
25 mins by car. From Taynuilt take the A85 to Oban. As you drive into Oban you go down the hill and come to a small roundabout. The main town is on your left, but turn right signed towards Ganavan Beach , and right again at the next mini-roundabout. Park just beyond the war memorial along the sea front. Then continue to walk along this road, until there is a small style into woodland. Go up here, and head steeply up to the ruins. Free entry.
Inveraray Castle - 01499 302 203 – www.inveraray-castle.com
Extensive website giving a full tour
Seat of the Duke of Argyll, MacCailen Mor of legend, was built in 1745 when the then Duke tired of the old stone castle. The new castle is in excellent condition and indeed still lived in by the current Duke. It makes a nice change after so many ruins in the highlands to visit a castle in such good condition and see some of the rooms still used by the owners. Huge gardens where you can go on significant walks, and tearoom in the cellar. As an added interest, the Duke also plays elephant polo, and the Argyll team has many trophies, see also the website.
April, May, Oct – Mon-Thu & Sat 10.00-13.00 then 14.00-17.45
June-Sept Mon-Sat 10.00 – 17.45. Sun 13.00 – 17.54
Prices 2006: adult £6.30, child £4.10, family £17
Castle Stalker-Appin – www.castlestalker.com
It can be
visited only on occasion but worth going for the view as it is situated as
magnificently as any castle in Scotland. Appointment dates are on the website,
but a contact number will be posted on there later. The view from the north of
it sitting on its tiny island with the whole of the Firth of Lorne stretching
out behind it, is unsurpassable. (There is no easy parking for this castle and
the road is very busy so please take care, there are serious accidents every
year). This was Castle Aaaaaagh at the end of Monty Python and the Holy Grail
for film buffs. There is a new tea room over looking the castle with fabulous
views, set up for coach tours with visitors shop.
There is usually an Appin Show in August, when access is allowed across the tidal sea to the castle by the owners.
St Conan's Kirk – Lochawe
If you're only visiting one church in Scotland, go here. It has some very unusual features: a church with views over the loch; a sundial; and look out for the flying buttresses on the south side that spout water when it rains! The Cruachan Consort singers choose this for their performance due to its great acoustics.
10 minutes by car. From Taynuilt turn left towards Crianlarich. Through the Brander pass, and turn right just after the sign for Lochawe. You can also park at the petrol station before the church (on your right). Free entry, but donations are requested towards the roof repairs.
Torosay Castle on Mull - 01680 812 421 – www.torosay.com
This is tour across to Mull. Take the McBrayne ferry from Oban to Craignure. Walk round the bay at Craignure to the Mull Railway (a 16.5 inch gauge steam railway!), and arrive at Torosay Castle, with formal gardens and grounds. and a tea room If you take the 10 am ferry from Oban, and take the 3 or 5 pm ferry back from Craignure you have a perfect day out. House opens easter till 31 Oct, from 10.30 to 17.00. Gardens 0900 till 19.00 and daylight hours in winter.
Prices 2006: Castle and gardens, adult £5.50, child £2.25, family £14
Gardens (and tearoom); adult £4.50, child £2, family £11
Duart Castle – Mull - 01680 812 309 - www.Duartcastle.com
Also accessible from Craignure on Mull, just a bit further along than Torosay Castle. This can be visited on a Bowmans Tour, see the 'Islands' section, where a bus will take you to the major castles and sights on the Isle of Mull.
Or for a real adventure, look out for the boat ‘the Duchess’ in Oban Harbour. This does a 3 hour tour, giving you 1 ¾ hours to visit the castle, leaving at 10.00 and 14.00 from North Pier. I can’t give you any further details on how to book or what it costs.
Castle and grounds access daily from easter till end oct 10.30 till 17.30. The tearoom is usually open, but you may want to check out of the summer months.
Prices castle and grounds 2005: Adult £4.50, child £2.25, family £11.25
Ardchattan Priory (pronounced ard-hat-ten) - 01796 481 355
http://www.gardens-of-argyll.co.uk/html/gardens/ardchattan_priory.htm
The priory dates back to the 13th century of the Valliscaullian order and was the site of the last Scottish parliament to be held in wholly Gaelic by Robert the Bruce. The grounds are under the Gardens for Scotland scheme (entry by donation - free entry to priory). The head gardener has his own collection of cacti here, that he is always keen to show off. Normal opening times of gardens 1 April to 31 October 0900 to 1700. Has disabled toilets.
35 mins by car - Turn towards Oban out of Taynuilt. Turn left to double back on yourself over the Connel bridge towards Fort William. Turn immediately right after the bridge, signed to the village 'Bonawe'. Go along here for about 4 miles, and it's on your left.
Ardchattan Chruch – Between North Connel and Bonawe
Open during the day with free access