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Kilchurn Castle. Credit: Visit Scotland

St. Conan's Kirk

9 things to do in and around Loch Awe

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Loch Awe is Scotland’s longest freshwater loch, stretching for 25 marvellous miles through the glorious Highland landscape. It’s a sight to behold as you travel along the shore by car or by train towards Oban. But take the time to stop here, and you’ll experience so much more. This stunning part of Scotland is still relatively unexplored, and yet it offers so much, from iconic castles to unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Here are nine awesome things to do in and around Loch Awe.

Loch Awe Visitor Map

The mountains and glens that surround Loch Awe offer epic walking and cycling. Discover rivers, waterfalls, moorland and forest as you traverse this hugely diverse landscape. Or how about taking to the water? Loch Awe is world-renowned for its fishing.

Discover more information about Loch Awe, including a downloadable visitor map, here.

Discover Loch Awe

1. St Conan’s Kirk

The village of Loch Awe lies at the north end of Loch Awe. It’s home to Saint Conan’s Kirk, which is a fabulous place to visit. The original St Conan's Kirk was built between 1881 and 1886 by Walter Campbell. In 1907, he began work on a much more ambitious church. The new St Conan's Kirk was first used for worship in 1930. Campbell drew on ideas and designs from different places and periods to produce something remarkable. The unconventional approach to architecture has resulted in a fascinating building. From the cloister, you can pass through an arch to the north aisle of the kirk, and from there to the nave and the chancel. Take a walk in the gardens for stunning views of Loch Awe. St Conan’s Kirk is open throughout the year.

St Conan's Kirk

2. Kilchurn Castle

Kilchurn Castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. And you can see why. This striking tower house, built in the mid-15th century, sits at the head of the loch with the peak of Ben Cruachan visible behind it. Kilchurn was one of many castles built by the Campbells of Glenorchy, who exercised control of much of western Scotland in the late medieval period. Stand on the tower house’s battlements and gaze out over Loch Awe, the original power base of Clan Campbell. The castle is free to visit and open from April to September. It’s a short walk from a small car park just after the bridge over the River Orchy. Loch Awe’s islands are also home to several ruined castles, which can be visited by boat.

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3. Fishing

Loch Awe is a world-famous fishing destination. Anglers come in search of the legendary Ferox Brown Trout, as well as pike and sea trout. Salmon pass through the loch, coming past the barrage in the River Awe and continuing into the River Orchy. The largest Brown Trout caught in Great Britain was landed here in 2002! Fishing Guide Scotland also offers guided fishing trips in the area. The wider area also offers great fly fishing, with the rivers Avich, Orchy, and Awe, as well as the many hill lochans.

4. Loch Awe Boats

You don’t need to be an angler to enjoy getting out on Loch Awe. Row, motor and cabin boats, as well as kayaks and canoes, are all available to hire from Loch Awe Boats during the summer months. Take a picnic and explore the loch's unspoilt shoreline and enchanting islands, visiting castles, crannogs, and ancient burial sites that reveal some of Argyll's rich history. Watch out for ospreys, eagles, divers, deer, otters and other wildlife.

5. Ben Cruachan and Stob Daimh

The rugged mountain mass of Cruachan has two Munros: Ben Cruachan and Stob Diamh. It makes for a spectacular day’s walking, with the ridge walk to Stob Daimh providing a great circuit around the Cruachan reservoir. Given the near sea-level start, the 1,100m climb puts Ben Cruachan in the top ten of the highest climbs to a Munro. This is a demanding walk and should only be undertaken by experienced hill walkers. Find out more on the Walk Highlands website.

6. Kintail Birds of Prey

Get a hands-on falconry experience flying Scottish birds of prey overlooking Loch Awe. Kintail Birds of Prey is based in Eredine Village. You’ll need to pre-book your falconry session. You can enjoy a 'Mini Falconry Experience' (1.5hr) or a 'Half Day Falconry Experience' 3.5hrs. Children and spectators are free of charge with paying adults. How awesome does that sound?

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7. Glen Nant

Not far from the shores of Loch Awe, on the road to Taynuilt, is Glen Nant National Nature Reserve. A tranquil oak woodland, it’s a brilliant place to explore and discover evidence of ancient settlements and industry, as well as plenty of flora and fauna, including impressive wood ant colonies. Follow the short Riverside Trail for a gentle stroll through the coppiced hazel woods to a quiet picnic area by the River Nant.

8. Inverliever Forest

Inverliever Forest is the oldest public forest in Scotland. Covering 12,000 hectares, it’s a maze of forestry roads, tracks, quad trails and paths that offer incredible cycling on the shores of Loch Awe. You can park at Dalavich or Barnaline. There are no way-marked routes, so you’ll need a map and GPS.

9. Dalmally Golf Club

Play a round of golf at the picturesque Dalmally Golf Club, one of Scotland’s golfing treasures. With views of Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui, and bounded by the rolling waters of the river Orchy, this nine-hole golf course is a real treat. Visitors are welcome.

Discover More Information About Loch Awe

Places to Stay around Loch Awe

Loch Awe Hotel

The Loch Awe Hotel is a magnificent hotel and landmark in the area, and commemorates the arrival of the Highland Railway to the west coast. The hotel offers beautiful views of Loch Awe and is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Beneath the towering slopes of Ben Cruachan and along the shore from Kilchurn Castle, this hotel offers a remarkable glimpse into Scottish history and the dramatic landscape of the Highlands.

The Ben Cruachan Inn

The Ben Cruachan Inn opened in April 2017 following a complete refurbishment. Situated at the heart of Loch Awe village, we serve good home-cooked food all day throughout the season. Visitors and local customers love our relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and great food. They are fully wheelchair-accessible and dog-friendly. You can even visit us by train as we are 2 minutes from Loch Awe Station.

Portsonachan Hotel & Lodges

Enjoy the views that won Portsonachan Hotel the 2021 Scotland Most Scenic Hotel and Lodges award, take magical walks, go boating, fishing, hill trekking, and wilderness swimming right outside your door. The Cruachan a La Carte Restaurant offers fresh local and seasonal produce and truly mouth-watering dishes, with a focus on the best that the West of Scotland has to offer.

Blarghour Farm Cottages

Blarghour Farm Cottages offer quality self-catering accommodation by the shores of Loch Awe, amidst the Scottish West Highland scenery of loch, hill and mountain typical of Argyll. They offer four self-catering holiday cottages of individual character, each sleeping 2–6 people, each enjoying its own splendid view over the loch and mountains in this rural and highly scenic area of Argyll.