Argyll is a beautiful area, with lots to explore. Walks can be a great way to discover interesting details about Argyll and to see some of the beautiful views. These are just some brief details about a few of the walks near the Hotel – please take a detailed map with you to check the precise details of each walk,and ensure you have study walking boots with you.
Despite any dry weather, the bogs and marshes can still be quite wet, so be careful to pick a sturdy path. You might need to divert off the path slightly to make sure that you keep your feet dry! Stick to any animal paths you see, they will be more stable.
One great walk nearby starts at Craobh Haven, and heads down the Craignish Peninsula. Craobh Haven is a 7 minute drive from us here at Loch Melfort and there is a village car park where you can leave your car. On this walk you will see the Iron-Age fort of Dun Ailne, and a couple of cairns too, which are believed to mark the spot where people died in battle between Celtic occupants and Viking invaders. Further along from the fort you’ll come across a carved stone, which is called Leac an Duine Choir, the Stone of the Just Man, which is believed to be a grave stone.
When you come round the end of the peninsula you can divert down to the seashore. This route is a bit more challenging, especially if the rocks are wet and slippery, so only choose to go this route if you are confident enough. If you decide not to get to the shore, there are still plenty of paths to stick to which completely avoid the shoreline.
As you head back up the west coast of the peninsula you may be lucky enough to see the white foaming water of Corryvrechan whirlpool, the world’s third largest whirlpool, which is situated in the narrows between Scraba and Jura. The best conditions to see it are when there is a strong westerly wind and high tide. The whirlpool is believed to be caused by a tall pillar of rock under the surface. This walk is around 6 miles in length and should take around 4 hours in total to complete. Head back to Loch Melfort and enjoy a well earned ice cream as you rest after your walk!
Another beautiful walk near Loch Melfort, which can be turned into a full day adventure, is a trip around the small but intriguing Island of Luing. To reach Luing, cross the Clach Bridge between the mainland and the Island of Seil. Head down through Seil, following the signs for the Ferry. The Sound between Luing and Seil is only 200 yards wide and the trip takes less than 5 minutes. Head from the ferry to the village of Cullipool, on the north west side of the Island, where you can park your car up. Luing used to be one of four Islands in the Inner Hebrides which were used for extensively for slate quarrying, until it ran out of slate and the quarrying had to be abandoned.
Start your walk at the village, heading down the coast. From here you can look out across the shore and spot the bright white tower of the Fladda lighthouse. As you follow the track down the island you’ll have excellent views across to Mull, and you’ll also be able to spot Colonsay, Jura and Scarba. If you choose to visit the ruined church at Kilchattan, just make sure as you explore the ruins.
On your way back up the east side of the island you’ll be able to see the island’s old mill, with its rusty waterwheel still in place. For the avid bird watchers, hen harries can be found living in the marshes on this side of the island. As you get back near the village you’ll head through Gleann Dubh Leathad, which means Glen of the Dark Slopes, as it is believed to be inhabited by evil spirits.
The walk is around 7 miles in length and takes about 4 hours in total, but you can easily turn this into a full day outing. The ferry runs every 30 minutes, so you won’t be rushed to make it.