PICK AND CHOOSE DAYS FOR YOUR PERFECT VISIT

For the undecided: Make Loch Awe yours.

Day 1 — Arrival & Getting Oriented

• Arrive at Ben Cruachan Inn, settle in, and take in views over Loch Awe from the deck or garden.

• Grab a stroll in Lochawe village: visit St Conan’s Kirk, with its eclectic architecture and gardens overlooking the loch.

• Enjoy dinner at the Inn, sampling local dishes and a dram from their whisky selection.

Day 2 — Castles, Boat Trips & Hidden Islands

• In the morning, head toKilchurn Castle,one of the most photographed ruins in Scotland, perched at the loch’s head.

• After lunch, take a boat ride withWater Adventures on Lochawe, self kayak, or canoe — exploring the islands, crannogs, and quiet shores. Wildlife (otters, ospreys, deer) is often spotted.

• Return for a relaxed evening at the Inn, perhaps sampling more of their drinks, or walking along the loch at sunset.

Day 3 — Mountain & Engineering Wonders

• Set out early for a hike onBen Cruachan (1126 m), or the Cruachan Horseshoe circuit incorporating Stob Diamh. It’s a challenging but rewarding climb, with sweeping views.

• Combine that with a guided tour into the Hollow Mountain(Cruachan Power Station), an underground hydroelectric scheme carved into the heart of Ben Cruachan. The tour takes you through tunnels and into the turbine halls — a fascinating contrast of nature and engineering.

• For a gentler option, visit Glen Nant National Nature Reservation the shores toward Taynuilt — a serene oak woodland with riverside paths.

Day 4 — Get Adventurous and Highland Cows.

• For ornithology or falconry, consider a session at Kintail Birds of Prey.

• Try your hand at fishing (famed for brown trout, salmon, and more) with supplies available from Lochawe Stores.

• Visit Cladich Fold, getting up close and personal with Highland Cattle, making detours into forest tracks, waterfalls, and viewpoints along the WildAboutArgyll trails.

Day 5 — Shopping a day trip to Oban. Places to eat and drink.

• Recommended places for lunch are the Green Seafood Shack and dinner are Coast - family run and excellent value.
• Grab some souvenirs from Chalmers stores - less tartan tat and quality Harris Tweed.
• For a beer or glass of wine, locals and visitors love the Oban Inn and Lorne Bar, both great mixing pots.

Day 6 — Inveraray and the South of the Loch

• Try theLoch Fyne Oyster Bar or The George , entertainment and a traditional Fish and Chip lunch.
• Samphire is a seasonal (but very busy) restaurant, booking is required.
• Visit the Inverary Castle Gardens or take a tour of the historic interiors.

WHY CHOOSE LOCHAWE

• Perfectly placed. Around 1.5–2 hours from Glasgow by road or rail, with a stop at Lochawe station right in the village. Footpaths link the station to St Conan’s Kirk, and regular buses along the A85 make car-free trips realistic. Always check current timetables. wildaboutargyll.co.uk

• Bucket-list sights on your doorstep.Walk to St Conan’s Kirk—a much-loved, Grade-A listed architectural one-off that regularly hosts cultural events—and look across the water to Kilchurn Castle, one of Scotland’s most photogenic ruins. stconanskirk.org.uk

• Outdoor playground. From Munro-bagging on Ben Cruachan to forest and shoreline rambles, paddling, and renowned fishing, the variety is huge. Wildlife sightings around the loch include red deer, pine martens and otters. Angling here is by permit. Ben Cruachan - Munro (walkhighlands)