Land Based Activities
Walking
The hills surrounding Loch Melfort Hotel are full of many scenic walks suitable for walkers of all abilities. Most are through rolling moorland or hillside forestry, but easier coastal walks or along the
Crinan Canal provide an equally exhilarating day out. Many local walks are waymarked by the
Argyll Forestry Commission. Enquire at reception for maps and guides or for more details visit
Walk Highlands.
Ben Cruachan and its surrounding Munros offer a more serious walking challenge, as does
Ben More on Mull.
Riding
Lunga Riding Stables are just 2 miles away at
Lunga near Croabh Haven. The stables have an all weather ménage, a park which is frequently used for jumping or dressage, and a cross-country course. Many people, however, see riding simply as an enjoyable and natural way of exploring the beautiful countryside. The stables welcome beginners, provide B.H.S approved instruction, and organise regular rides by the hour or half day. The stables breed their own horses, Appaloosa, originally imported from Argentina, and school them in riding, jumping and driving.
Gardens
Argyll’s unique climate provides the perfect environment for lush gardens with many native and tropical plants on display. Garden enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with gardens at
Arduaine,
Crarae,
Ardmaddy Castle,
An Cala, and
Ardchattan Priory. All are open to the public and have excellent visitor facilities.
Golf
A varied selection of courses awaits golfers in and around the Oban area. Highland courses are known for their ruggedness and challenging holes, set amidst beautiful scenery, and are well-maintained with amenities for visiting golfers.
Glencruitten Golf Club – Set in Oban, this is a hilly, parkland course that abounds with Highland wildlife.
Dalmally Golf Club – A 9 hole course with mountain views and river hazards.
Lochgilphead Golf Club – Set in the Argyll hills offers super scenery and a hilly golfing challenge.
Machrihanish Golf Club – A classic links course on the Atlantic shores designed by Old Tom Morris. Superb golf and scenery.
Eriska Golf - Luxury golf course and driving range with spectacular sea views overlooking Mull. All ages and abilities are welcome.
Wildlife
Wildlife watchers can enjoy the abundance of nature in areas such as the
Special Area of Conservation at Loch Creran with its
forest nature trails or
Ballachuan Hazel Wood on Seil Island. In remoter areas, red deer are seen running on heathery moorland or up amongst the crags. Just north of Oban the
Scottish Sealife Sanctuary is a major centre for rescued seals and their pups, otters, and also has a spectacular tank recreating life in a Scottish sea loch.
Crinan Canal
The Crinan Canal: a 9 mile long waterway which links Loch Fyne to the Sound of Jura. It is possible to walk its whole length within an afternoon and watch the yachts and fishing boats passing through the 15 locks and just take in the superb scenery.
Cruachan Power Station
The
Cruachan Power Station lies deep within
Ben Cruachan on the banks of Loch Awe. Visitors can view a free exhibition and then take a tour inside the mountain to see the cavern with its tropical plants and viewing gallery.
Family Activities
Families can spend a fun-filled day (especially a rainy one!) at Oban's
Atlantis Leisure Centre. Facilities include a 25m swimming pool with flume, teaching pool with slide for young children, soft play room, tennis, squash, sauna, bouldering wall and play park.