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.
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.