Leave Dalmally/Lochawe area heading on the
A85 to Oban. Approaching the Inveraray road end you will see Dalmally Golf Course on your
right and just after passing Inveraray road end, on the left, there is a view of Kilchurn
Castle. This castle was built in 1440 by Sir Colin Campbell of Glenorchy. It was extended
in 1693 by Ian, Earl of Breadalbane.Continue
through Lochawe village Hotel on left, Tight Line Pub on right just before the Post
Office and Shop - (across the road from the Post Office is the access to the pier and
railway station) and continue up the hill with Loch Awe still on your left. You
will see St Conans Kirk, again on your left, well worth a visit perhaps some other
day. The road continues alongside the Loch passing Cruachan Reservoir. where they welcome visitors at a centre with displays and
literature explaining the workings of the Power Station. Trips down into the Hollow
Mountain can be arranged and there is also a little tea-room/restaurant where all
sorts of refreshments are served.
Follow the Oban road, through the Pass of Brander, past the
Hydro-Electric barrage where the Loch meets the River Awe (and if you are lucky you can
sometimes see salmon leaping on the river side of the barrage) through Taynuilt then
Connel until you reach Oban.
This is a popular resort and the port serving the islands of
Mull, Coll, Tiree, Lismore, Colonsay, Barra and South Uist. Of interest around the town is
McCaigs Folly, and, a mile to the northwest, the ruins
of l3th-century Dunollie Castle. The tourist board office is
situated in Argyll Square and you will find many shops throughout the town, including some
of the larger supermarkets, a leisure centre with swimming pool and other sports
facilities, and a bowling alley. Why not watch the ferries come and go or catch one to the
Isle of Mull and from there to Iona, the home of Christianity, where you can visit the
abbey?
In Oban again you could visit The
Wildlife Park always a favourite with the children or take the A816
through Kilmartin Glen, visit Kilmartin Church and see Pictish standing stones and ancient
burial cairns.
On a clear day it is worthwhile going up to Pulpit Hill to
view Mull and the hills of Morvern unforgettable scenery! If you happen to be in
Oban or at Connel on your way home at a time when the sun is setting look out to the west
to see the glorious sunset you will definitely want to capture that scene on film!
Return to the Lochawe/Dalmally area by the A85. After 3
miles the road to the left leads to ruined Dunstaffnage Castle.
This castle guards the entrance to Loch Etive and dates from the 13th century.
It has a 17th century tower-house. The Campbells of Dunstaffnage are buried in
the adjacent ruined chapel.
Later, on the approach to Connel, the Falls of Lora can be
seen below Connel Bridge. Continue beside the loch to Taynuilt from where you can see
twin-peaked Ben Cruachan (3,695ft) to the left of the road.
Not far now until you are back from where you started again!