Cabin 16 ‘Duart’ is a cosy cabin,situated in approx 1/4 acre of grassland,almost on the loch side,with a stunning view over Loch Awe.
The accomodation consists of: an open plan lounge / dining / kitchen area, two bedrooms and shower room / toilet. The lounge area has: freeview television (5 channels), cottage suite, and dining table. The kitchen is equipped with a four ring electric cooker and oven, fridge with icebox compartment, microwave, toaster and kettle. A full range of cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery is provided. There is access to the balcony from the lounge area, where you can enjoy an "al fresco" meal, or simply contemplate the view over a glass of wine or a "wee dram".
The shower room has: a tiled floor, electric shower, wash hand basin and toilet.
Bedroom #1. Double bed, built in, clothes hanging space and chest of drawers,
Bedroom#2. Three bunk beds, one on top of the other, suitable for adults or children, and built in clothes hanging space.
The cabin is double glazed and electrically heated and is perfectly suitable for autumn and winter breaks. The cabin is approx 10 yards from the loch side. Parking space for two cars is to the rear of the cabin. This is a non smoking cabin.
The cabin is approximately five minutes walk from the village of Dalavich which has a shop, cafe and post office where you can enjoy a morning coffee, light lunch and stock up with groceries. It also has a range of gifts, outdoor accessories and fishing equipment. Take-away meals are also available from the cafe.
A social club with a bar and restaurant, which is owned and run by the community is situated at the entrance of the cabin site. Guests from the cabins are warmly welcomed. The bar is open 7 nights a week (April to October) and 4 nights a week (November to March). The restaurant, ‘The Lochview Grill’ is open for evening meals Thursday to Sunday. A coin-operated laundrette is also available on site. Wifi is available in the Social Club.
Boats with or without outboard engines are available from Thomas MacPherson at the Loch side Marina in the village. Thomas can also sell you a fishing permit for both Loch Awe and Loch Avich. Fishing rods are also available for hire. Thomas can be contacted on +44 (0)7541 206698 or at 25 Dalavich, Taynuilt, Argyll, PA35 1HN.
There are many beautiful forest walks in the area, including The Oakwood Trail, The Avich Falls Trail and Duncan's Walk, all of which meander through ancient oak and pine forests. Pine marten, fox, wild cats, red deer, roe deer, otter and red squirrels can often be seenin the area. There are also regular sightings of eagles and ospreys. Apart from the signed trails, there is up to 100 miles of forest tracks and roads in the area, suitable for the serious walker or mountain biker.
Loch Awe itself is beautiful, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and as of now, still under-developed with no noisy watersports to shatter the peace. It has islands worth visiting, including Innis Chonnel Castle, the first stronghold of the Campbells. The remains of Crannogs; pre historic island hut settlements, can still be seen when the loch is low, at different points along the lochside. The fishing is legendary with monster trout up to 30lb (~14Kg), salmon, sea trout, pike, perch, char etc, depending on the season.
There are good pub and hotel restuarants in the area, including The Kilchrenan Inn, (7½miles) The Taycreggan Hotel (7½miles) and the Taynuilt Hotel (15 miles), all of which come highly recommended. In Oban itself (50 minute drive) there are many hotels, restaurants and cafes to suit every taste and pocket.
Oban
About 50 minutes drive from Dalavich, a seaside town and fishing port, from where ferries run to the islands of Mull, Iona, Colonsay, Staffa and Tiree.
Oban Distillery
Take a guided tour around this old distillery and sample its wares! Open to the public from Easter to October.
Cruachan Power Station
Take a tour of this modern hydro electric power station at the northern end of Loch Awe, set deep inside the mountain. Open to the public from Easter to November.
Inverary Castle
The ancestral home of The Duke & Duchess of Argyll. Open to the public from April to October.
Loch Fyne Whiskies
Possibly one of the best "whiskey shops" in Scotland. Situated in the centre of Inverary and open all year. Phone: +44 (0)1499 302219
Inverary Gaol
A 19th century gaol and court room manned by guides in period costume. Listen to the trial in the court room and hear the sentence of transportation to the New World. Well worth a visit.
Auchindrain Village
Situated approximately six miles south of Inverary on the A83. An original and old highland village that has been preserved, restored and furnished, depicting life as it really was in The Highlands over past centuries.
Kilmartin Glen & Museum
Picturesque village with a museum that is well worth a visit. The immediate area contains a wealth of natural, historical and archaelogical features unsurpassed anywhere in Britain.
Oban Rare Breeds Farm Park
Situated near Glencruittan, Oban; a 35 acre site dedicated to conserve rare breed farm animals. Open daily from March to 3rd November. Weekends only from November to December. Tearoom onsite.
Little Bay Luxury Boat Charter
Situated at Lagnakeil, Lerags Glen, Oban; Cruise the Argyll coast and visit the islands of Colonsay and Iona. See dolphins and other wildlife in luxury. Drinks and snacks provided. Phone: +44 (0)1631 565740
Carnasserie Castle
Off the A816, nine miles north of Lochgilphead. Originally the home of John Carswell, 1st Bishop of the Isles. Captured and partially blown-up during Argyll's Rebellion of 1685
Kilchurn Castle
At the north eastern corner of Loch Awe lies Kilchurn Castle, built in the 15th century by Sir Colin Campbell and is probably the most photographed castle in Scotland. The castle is open from April through to September each year and is well worth a visit. Access is via a short boat trip from the pier in Loch Awe village or by foot from the side of the A85 near the railway viaduct.
Glencoe
Visit this spectacular glen just east of Ballachulish on the A82. Scene of the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds in 1692 by elements of Argyle's Regiment under the command of Capt. Campbell of Glenlyon.
