Loch Fyne abounds in wildlife. Seagulls, cormorants, gannets, eider ducks and swans are frequent passers-by.
In the long summer evenings we are sometimes visited by a seal or two, curious to see what is going on. Recently, a pair of otters have fished off the shore.

Of course, you can be as active or as passive as you want. Sometimes just sitting and enjoying the view, watching the wildlife or perhaps reading a book is enough. Or maybe a trip to the local pub for some of the locally brewed and delicious Loch Fyne ales

Eating Out

Eating out in the local area is a joy, as there are so many excellent places to choose. Within 5 miles is the internationally-renowned Loch Fyne Oyster Bar & Shop.

“From a small, roadside stall on the banks of Loch Fyne, a group of businesses have developed based on the principles of good food, sustainably sourced and simply presented, by people who care.”

Further on, in Inveraray are a number of excellent restaurants, of which the George Hotel is highly recommended for its good food and atmosphere. Opposite the George is the Loch Fyne Whisky Shop where a small souvenir can be had.

In the opposite direction, and on the way to Dunoon is
“The Creggans Inn” which has an international reputation and serves excellent food, particularly in the bar. Set on a small promontory, overlooking the Loch it has suberb views, a very tasty menu and an extremely welcoming atmosphere.

Beyond The Creggans is the small yet select Inver Cottage Restaurant which has been much appreciated. Other excellent restaurants are found on the shores of Loch Eck; try the Whistlefield Inn or the Coylet Inn a few miles beyond. For those with a more lavish lifestyle (and a long pocket), the Cameron House Hotel on Loch Lomond serves cuisine of the highest standard and is ideal for that special treat!
Many of our guests come to the cottage for more strenuous activities:

Walking

The whole area is surrounded by beautiful hills and mountains that are ideal for the hill-walker. The highest local mountains are Beinn Ime (3318 ft), The Fiddler (2660 ft), and, directly behind the cottage, Cruach nan Capull (1854 ft). For those who prefer something flatter there are several walks locally of which the old shore road (now just a track that passes in front of the cottage) is the most beautiful.

In good weather a particularly rewarding hike is up Dun na Cuaich, with exceptional views from the top. (Go to the castle car park in Inveraray and follow the signs.)

Swimming

Swimming is, of course, possible from the beach in front of the cottage. Dunoon (20 miles) has a large swimming pool with slides. Alternatively, there is a small pool at the Drymsynie Hotel in Lochgoilhead (8 miles) and in the Loch Fyne Hotel in Inveraray..

Pony Trekking

Pony trekking is available at the Corrow Trekking centre at Lochgoilhead and also at the “Argyll Adventure“ outside Inveraray.

Boating

We have a small boat and regularly use it to go shopping at Inveraray - or just spend the day on the water, admiring the views or visiting local beauty spots. At high tide boats can be launched from the beach, or from the slipway just along the main road. Although Loch Fyne is a sea loch it is remote from the open sea, and is normally fairly calm. Boats can be hired from the Argyll Caravan Park just beyond Inveraray. A mooring is located just off the cottage though this is only available by negotiation.

Diving

Divers have swum in Loch Fyne for many years and the conditions and wildlife are excellent. Though the water is cold at depth, the vis is normally good with excellent diving sites available up and down the loch. For those who are considering diving in Loch Fyne see:
divernet

Fishing

Fishing is possible in the sea loch directly outside the cottage; in addition, many fish off the pier at Inveraray. Freshwater fishing permits are available from Ardkinglas Estate Office at Cairndow. ( Tel: 01499-600261) or from the Creggans Hotel . In addition, Quebec Marine at the Argyll Caravan Park rent fishing boats. (Contact through 01499 302285 or on 07774823001)

Golf

For the devotee, there are a number of fine golf courses in the area, including the new world class 18 hole golf course "The Carrick" on Loch Lomond" which opened for play in 2007 (40 mins away). Closer to home is the Inveraray course. It has a nine-hole course with a total length of 5,598-yards. The nine holes consist of two par threes, one par five and six par fours. The course is set on the shore of Loch Fyne with splendid views of the course and surrounding countryside, so if you happen to run into a bit of bother during your round, then just take refuge in the surrounding panorama. See details of all courses