Explore the surrounding areas of Kilmartin Glen for world-class biodiversity, pristine coastal sea lochs, the mighty Corryvreckan whirlpool and discover the social history of our fishing villages.
Ardrishaig
There are two piers, a lighthouse, slipway and breakwater along the seafront. Scottish Canals has transformed a historic building, The Egg Shed, into a interpretation and visitor centre, telling the story of the Crinan Canal & its communities. Visitors are invited to learn the stories of ‘Britain’s most beautiful shortcut’ within the exhibition space, with artefacts from Scottish Canals displayed alongside items supplied by the local community
Crinan
Every year nearly 2,000 boats make the journey along the nine miles of the Crinan Canal. Opened in 1801, it linked Loch Fyne at Ardrishaig with the Sound of Jura at Crinan, cutting out the long and treacherous journey around the Mull of Kintyre. Today, its towpath makes for a wonderful walk, cycle or kayak.
The surrounding countryside is stunning and rich in history. You’ll find ancient sites, rock art and forts not far from the towpath. There’s a magical network of paths, towpaths and shorelines to explore. You can climb high through the forest above the sea at Crinan to give stunning views of Jura, Scarba and the Argyll coastline.
Tayvallich
Tayvallich is a small village in Knapdale, on the western shore of Loch Sween. The village sits on an attractive horseshoe bay, surrounded by richly wooded shores. The Knapdale peninsula divides just beyond it.
The western arm leads eventually to the medieval Chapel of Keills, with a display of late medieval carved stones, and from where there is also a fine view of the MacCormaig Islands, the largest of which, Eilean Mór, is a breeding ground for seabirds. The other arm, the Taynish peninsula, is a National Nature Reserve and has one of the largest remaining oak forests in Britain.
On the eastern shore of Loch Sween stand the impressive ruins of the 12th century Castle Sween, probably the oldest stone castle on the Scottish mainland. Beyond it, Kilmory Woodland Park offers fine collection of witch hazels, alpines, hardy ferns, historical sites and lochside walks.