On our Doorstep
Arduaine Garden
Arduaine Garden is a little slice of paradise on Scotland’s West Coast adjacent to the hotel. Conceived by J. Arthur Campbell, who also built the
Loch Melfort Hotel, it is a spacious tourist attraction but with the intimacy of a private garden.
Home to rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas, and exotic palms and ferns from all over the world, Arduaine is an idyllic place to spend a few hours of calm. With lawns, colourful borders, a picturesque arboreum walk, ponds, and a wonderful variety of bird and wildlife to spot, there’s plenty to do and see. There is also a stunning cliff-top view point overlooking the Sound of Jura and its islands.
There is currently a project underway to safeguard the future of the gardens with only a final £100,000 needed to protect it from closure. The Garden, along with those who believe the magic and charm of the Garden must be protected for future visitors have already raised £1,909,000 but there is still a little way to go. For more information please take a look at the following link;
www.nts.org.uk/Downloads/TheSecretGarden.pdf
Craobh Marina
If you're on a yachting or cruising holiday up the west coast, a safe haven awaits you at
Croabh Marina, which lies just 3 miles to the south of the Loch Melfort Hotel. The
Sound of Jura is well-loved by yachtsmen or motor cruisers alike because of the majestic scenery and marine wildlife.
Built around a natural harbour, Craobh Marina can accommodate up to 250 vessels of all sizes up to a length of 22 meters. It boasts a deep entrance which can receive craft with a 4 meter draft at low water and the incoming basin can take craft with a draft exceeding 8 meters. Facilities include a well-stocked chandlery and fully enclosed workshop.
Ardfern
5 miles to the south on Loch Craignish the village of Ardfern. Sailing enthusiasts use
Ardfern Yacht Centre as a sheltered base for exploring the west coast, and a short drive down to Craignish Point provides fine views of the Sound of Jura and the
Gulf of Corryvreckan.
Local Produce
Indulge in some fresh produce from some of our local farm shops.
Corranmore Farm near Ardfern rears Highland geese which are not only just good for Christmas, but tasty any time of the year.
Barbreck Farm offers choice beef and lamb at Adrishaig and Ardfern markets and is available in cuts of your choice. The fishing fleet in Oban specialise in catching scallops, langoustines, crab and lobster and land catches every day of the week except Saturdays. They can be seen in action on Oban's South Pier between 6pm and 9pm Sun to Thurs and to 6pm Fri.
Kilmelford
The nearby village of
Kilmelford at the head of Loch Melfort is the centre of a thriving community and your first stop for local amenities. The post office and general store provide essentials, or drop into the Quaich Café for some home baking or snacks for a picnic. Also be sure to visit local artists and craftspeople including
Karen Liversedge and
Pip Weaser at The Old Smithy Studio or the Horse Park Kilmeford by appointment on 01852 200260. For the latest village news visit the
Kilmelford community website.
For details of local activities please ask at reception or contact the hotel on
01852 200 233.