Page 234 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

232 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

1 Inveraray
Argyll; PA32
Sitting on the banks of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is small but imposing. The
town was built by the 3rd Duke of Argyll in the 18th century and has
two main visitor attractions – its 19th-century jail and castle. The walk
explores the surrounding woodland and starts with a visit to the castle.
A one-and-a-half-hour the ground is carpeted with bluebells.
walking tour The track soon passes a ruined former
From the car park, visit Inveraray Castle lime kiln 4 on the left hand side.
1 (Apr–Oct: open daily; www.inveraray- Continue uphill, then branch right
castle.com). The building belongs to the after a few minutes, still following the
Duke of Argyll, and the family are head blue arrows.
of the Campbell clan – the 1st Duke’s Eventually the path bears to the
regiment carried out the notorious right and flattens out a little, and the
massacre at Glencoe (see p234). It is fresh scent of pine trees fills the air.
Above View of Argyll Hotel and church tower crammed with tapestries, silverware After passing the remains of a wall,
from Loch Fyne and porcelain and unusual items such the woodland opens out, providing a
as Rob Roy’s sporran. glimpse of the surrounding hills. Zig-
VISITING INVERARAY From the castle entrance, look for the zag uphill now, to reach the summit,
Tourist Information “Dun na Cuaich walk” signs and follow which is covered with wild flowers in
Front Street, PA32 8UY; 01499 302 063; the blue arrows along a tarmac track. summer and also has a welcome seat.
www.inveraray-argyll.com; Apr–Oct: This soon passes a monument 2, The views of the castle, the town and
open daily; Nov-Mar: closed Sun. commemorating the execution of 17 the loch spread out far beneath are
Parking Campbell leaders by the 1st Marquis of wonderful. Dun na Cuaich 5 means
There is parking off The Avenue, in the Atholl in 1685. This was punishment something like “fort of cups” in Gaelic
centre of Inveraray, and by the castle.
for rising against the Stuart King and this peak was the site of an Iron-
James II in protest at his assertion that Age hillfort. The summit is topped
WHERE TO STAY
he was divine head of the church. with a monument, built by another of
INVERARAY Cross the charming 18th-century the famous Adam family of architects.
Creag Dhubh moderate stone bridge 3 – built by John Adam Some say it was used as a watchtower
A large, detached house set in neat – that spans the River Aray, then bear by the Campbells, others that it was
gardens, this family-run B&B has five bed- right to go through the woods. At a simply built to enhance the landscape.
rooms and great views over Loch Fyne.
Main Street South, PA32 8XT; 01499 302 gate, go straight ahead on the grassy After enjoying the views and taking
430; www.creagdhubh.com track to reach another gate, which a well-earned rest, simply follow the
leads into woodland – in springtime path back down to Inveraray. The
Rudha-Na-Craige moderate
This handsome house was built in the
19th century by the Duke of Argyll. Now
it is a 4-star B&B, with six unfussy, stylish
bedrooms, all with views of Loch Fyne.
Inverarary, PA32 8YX; 01499 302 668; Dun na
www.rudha-na-craige.com Cuaich
Loch Fyne Hotel and Spa expensive
Near the harbour, with stunning views of
Loch Fyne, this hotel has comfortable,
stylish rooms, a swimming pool and spa.
Main Street South, PA32 8XT; 01499 Lime Kiln
302 980; www.crerarhotels.com
BONAWE IRON FURNACE
Ardanaiseig Hotel expensive
Wildly romantic hotel on the shores of
Loch Awe (take B845 from Taynuilt), this
historic house has luxurious bedrooms. Stone
Kilchrenan, by Taynuilt, Argyll, PA35 1HE; Bridge
01866 833 333; www.ardanaiseig.com Monument
OBAN
Ranald Hotel moderate Inveraray
Modern hotel just off Oban’s main street Castle
with 17 en-suite rooms of varying sizes, 0 metres 500
including rooms for a small family. Aray
41 Stevenson Street PA34 5NA; 01631 0 yards 500
562 887; www.theranaldhotel.com
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

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