We are a community-led site, aiming to provide information
for the residents living around Loch Awe and its visitors.
Our community stretches from Bridge of Orchy in the north,
through Dalmally, Lochawe, Cladich, Ardbrecknish,
Portsonachan and on to Eredine in the south and includes the
longest freshwater loch in Scotland – Loch Awe. We are a
not-for-profit organisation and subscriptions from
accommodation providers and businesses fund space to promote
community activities and services.
Loch
Awe, sometimes called “the Jewel of Argyll”, is the centrepiece of the
stunning countryside stretching from the North Argyll Glens, on the edge of
Rannoch Moor, to the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada in the south. The district
offers a fabulous wilderness for anyone interested in outdoor pursuits. So much
is on offer - hill walking, climbing and cycling, as well as lochs and rivers.
There are good transport links with the rest of Scotland by road and rail giving
easy access and there are ferries from nearby Oban, which can take you to the
Western Isles.
LATEST NEWS
ARCHIVE EVENING: Please note the Dalmally Historical Association meeting due to take place on Friday 17th May has been postponed.
LOCH AWE WEATHER: Check out the latest local weather by looking at 'Loch Awe Weather' in the 'Local Groups' section.
Loch Awe’s
modern name probably stems from the Gaelic “Ceathairne” (eng. Cateran) for which
there is now no equivalent one-word meaning. However, the Cateran were small
roving bands of armed men with little regard for the law, but loosely held by
the old clan system of the McIntyres, MacArthurs, Macgregors, McNabs and
Fletchers. Then Loch Awe was a major highway, and tracks and paths were
restricted to certain river crossings and narrow glens; you can easily imagine
having to pay a small toll or tax to the Cateran for a safe passage. There is a
great wealth of history here and those with an interest can trace it from the
earliest settlements, the summer sheilings, through to the wild and lonely times
of the clearances, with many castles and kirks to visit.
Today the area still relies heavily on the rural economy with many
scattered farms and forestry plantations. The building of the
railway resulted in the growth of our two largest settlements,
Dalmally and Lochawe Village, where almost every service can be
found. Here, fine Victorian architecture rubs shoulders with classic
crofting communities. Now we offer a new form of communication -
make the most of Loch-Awe.com - come and join us!
