1 Day Tour - Glencoe, Oban & Kilchurn Castle

Leaving your accommodation we head to the conservation village of Luss, nestling on the shores of Loch Lomond (national park) records show there’s been a settlement here since the 13th century but in more recent times the village was rebuilt by the Clan Colquhoun to house workers for the nearby slate quarries. Take a stroll through the village on to the pier and marvel at the stunning views of Loch Lomond with Ben Lomond dominating the skyline.

From Luss we leave the low-lands and drive north to the highlands where the scenery takes in a more rugged landscape. Passing through the busy village of Tyndrum our journey takes us along Glen Orchy the mountains of Beinn Dorain and Bienn Dothaidh really begin to close in on you here, as we pass through the small village of Bridge of  Orchy  you start to get that real feeling of wilderness with the Blackmount just coming in to view. Climbing to over 1,000ft we get our first look at the vast tundra that’s Rannoch Moor with an expanse of around 50 square miles and surrounded by mountains that rise to over 3000ft this area of the highlands is a designated National Heritage site. The moor is also notable for its wildlife particularly wild Stags (Monarch of the Glen) and Golden Eagles, as we pass through this dramatic tundra its little wonder there’s very few trees survive in this harsh environment.

Leaving Rannoch Moor behind us we drive into one of the most spectacular and beautiful places in Scotland……. Glencoe!

As we drive through the narrow Glen we make a stop to take in this stunning part of Scotland there’s a more sinister story to this part of the Glen. Government troops led by Captain Robert Campbell massacred 38 of the Clan MacDonald while they slept! “The Glencoe Massacre!” It was even more unforgivable as the Campbell’s had been enjoying some highland hospitality at the time hence the name (glen of the weeping) From here we take a short drive to the Clachaig Inn and a stop for coffee the inn is a popular place for climbers and hill walkers and also been a location for the movie Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and Braveheart starring Mel Gibson was also shot near the Clachaig.

From Glencoe our journey takes us along the shores of Loch Linnhe to Port Appin and Castle Stalker the Tower House or “Keep” was built by the Stewarts around the 14th century and is set on a tidal inlet on Loch Liach which is only accessible at low tide, in recent times the Castle has been used as a location by Monty Python for the movie the Holy Grail and also for the movie Highlander starring Sean Connery. The Castles picturesque setting against the dramatic backdrop of Mountains has made Castle Stalker one of the most photographed Castles in Scotland.

From Port Appin we head for the bustling harbour town of Oban where we stop for lunch and an opportunity to browse around Obans' plentiful gift shops.

Refreshed after lunch we make our way along the banks of beautiful Loch Awe to St Conan’s Kirk built by Walter Campbell in 1907 the church was first used for worship in 1930. Wandering around this bizarre Kirk you’ll be amazed at the architecture and gothic carvings within the Kirk. As we enter Bruce’s Chapel you come across a life size effigy of Robert the Bruce (King of Scotland) below the effigy there’s a glass chamber with a fragment of bone said to be from the Kings finger brought here from Dunfermline Abbey, St Conan’s is really one of the highlights of Argyll.

A short drive from the Kirk lies the imposing ruins of Kilchurn Castle dating back to the 15th century Kilchurn was once the stronghold of the Clan Campbell who where the dominant Clan of Argyll at that time you can take a short walk over to the Castle and climb to the highest tower with magnificent views of Loch Awe (The Jewel of Argyll).

Leaving Kilchurn Castle we make our way to the picturesque town of Inveraray and its beautiful whitewashed Georgian mansion houses sitting on the western end of Loch Fyne. Inveraray is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll who still resides at Inveraray Castle you can take a tour around the Castle or if you prefer take a leisurely walk around this lovely town taking in the relaxed atmosphere.

From Inveraray we begin our journey home along the shores of Loch Fyne and over the dramatic Rest and be Thankful passing through Tarbert and along the banks of Loch Lomond to your accommodation and what we hope has been an enjoyable tour with us at About Scotland