Local Interest
The older part of Dalmally grew up after the railway came in 1877. It still benefits from daily bus and train services between Oban and Glasgow. The area is rich in remains of ancient clan settlements and nearby Stronmilchan was originally a crofting community formed in 1784 for soldiers returning from the wars.
- The church, opened in 1811, is of unusual octagonal design and stands on a mound near the River Orchy, where, apparently, pre-Christian ceremonies were held.
- The present churchyard contains medieval tombstones of Fletchers, MacIntyres and MacNaughtons as well as renowned grave slabs of MacGregor clan chiefs.
- The village has an interesting 9-hole golf course and welcomes visitors. The course is quite flat, although mountains visible on all sides make it very scenic. It is laid out next to the River Orchy and uses the river as well as streams and pools to add interest to the course. The third, par 3, tee is on the edge of a bend in the river and has claimed many balls!
- Loch Awe is not only very picturesque but is a Mecca for fisherman with record-breaking wild brown trout caught most seasons. Licences and boat hire can be arranged locally and boat trips may be available in season.
- Historic Kilchurn Castle is close by, on its peninsula in Loch Awe. It was built by the Breadalbane Campbells in the fifteenth century and remains an imposing presence. St Conan’s Kirk in the nearby village of Lochawe, was built in a fascinating mixture of architectural styles.
- About a mile up the road from the house is the monument to Duncan Ban MacIntyre, a celebrated Gaelic poet in the oral tradition. From the monument there are excellent panoramic views down Loch Awe and across to Cruachan.
- There are short forestry walks from the house and for the more adventurous, Cruachan and the glens between it and Loch Etive offer challenges for the walker and mountain biker.
- Nearby Cruachan hydro-electric power station, hidden inside the mountain, provides a fascinating excursion.
- Maps and local interest books are available in the dining room.
Further Afield
A short car journey will take you to many other interesting and beautiful places.
- Inveraray, on the edge of Loch Fyne, is only a short drive away. The area has a wide range of interesting places to visit including Inveraray Castle, the 19th century prison and a maritime museum. The famous Loch Fyne kippers can be bought locally.
- From Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles, ferries leave regularly for both Inner and Outer Hebridean Islands, providing for day trips or longer excursions. Oban is a delightful little 19th century port and offers a range of shops and tours of the distillery.
- Glen Coe is thirty miles away and has excellent walking and climbing as well as imposing scenery and a window into Scotland's violent past.
- Fort William, to the north, gives access to the Great Glen and northern Scotland. The nearby Nevis ski centre often has good snow conditions in winter.
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