things to see & do

Activities

If outdoors pursuits are what you are after, then you could not ask for more than to base yourself here at The Galley of Lorne Inn. All manner of outdoor activities from a simple stroll to swimming the Corryvreckan are all here on our doorstep.

A holiday to Scotland can be far more than just seeing, there’s always plenty to do too. A famed area for exceptional walks both local and further afield, excellent cycling country and a lot more besides.

Whether it be:

  • Diving, rated as some of the best diving in the world
  • Fishing with both sea and loch just on our peninsula alone
  • Golf including some fabulous links courses and some testing small nine hole courses
  • Horse riding and tuition at the local Lunga Riding Stables who specialise in Western and English riding
  • Sailing, afterall Ardfern has one of the largest marinas north of the Clyde
  • Stalking in the forests of Loch Awe
  • Walking and Cycling not only as soon as you walk out of the hotel door, but all around the area
  • Wildlife aplenty on our peninsula and also called an ornathologists dream

You will never be short of things to do. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. There are plenty of activity centres. Simply too much to list on our website. But rest assured however that once here, ourselves and our very competent staff will be able to guide you and help make your holiday the most memorable possible.

Diving

Diving

  • The West Coast of Scotland and the Sound Of Mull have excellent diving and are rated as some of the best diving in the world. Locally, The Puffin Dive Centre exploits the naturally clear Gulf Stream waters that pass through this region. The area is famous for its many shipwrecks from the days of sail, through the wars to present day with soft corals, sheer underwater cliffs, scenic reefs and fabulous drift dives.
  • Puffin Dive Centre in its own private port is only a mile or so from Oban and is without doubt the UK's most comprehensive diving facility. A full inventory dive shop, stocked with only the top brands. Overnight suit repair, servicing and cylinder testing.
Fishing

Fishing

  • Mid Argyll offers a massive range of different types of fishing, whether you're a freshwater or saltwater angler you will never be bored.
  • Freshwater -With well over 100 fishable lochs within a hours radius of Ardfern, mid Argyll is a relatively hidden paradise to anglers. At Fyne Tackle based in Lochgilphead they can offer you the very best local advice on waters that they themselves fish very regularly. There are many hill lochs teeming with Brown Trout locally and Fyne Tackle can supply permits to most of them (approx. £6 per day). Methods are mostly fly fishing but some will allow other legal methods.
  • Loch Awe, which is the largest loch closest to Ardfern supports Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Roach and the renowned Ferox trout. Boats can be hired on the loch from various marinas. Ghillies can also be hired through Fyne Tackle if you want some experience or tuition. Loch Awe is also very popular with Pike anglers and Pike fishing is available all year around. Any legal method allowed.
  • Salt Water - The rugged Argyll coastline is perfect for Pollock fishing and 10lb fish are not uncommon, Sea species include Mackerel, Pollock, Cod, Coal fish, Wrasse, Conger, Common skate, Rays, Dogfish, Mullet, Sea bass, Tope, Sea trout, Ling and of course Crabs.
  • Fishing Seasons - Brown Trout - 15th March to 5th October. Salmon - March to September. Pike - All year
  • Tackle - If you've come away without your tackle or if there is a bit of kit that you need, look no further than Fyne Tackle, where you can buy equipment online or visit the shop in Lochgilphead.
  • Accommodation - The West Coast is literally a paradise for Anglers, why not come and stay for a few nights and try out the miles of coast line and hundreds of hill lochs. Call us on 01852 500 284 or book a room online. Tight lines!
Golf

Golf

  • Argyll & Bute enjoys a wealth of golf courses including some fabulous links courses and some testing small nine hole courses.
  • The highlights of this area are undoubtedly The Machrie Golf Course on Islay and Machrihanish Golf Club on the west side of the Kintyre Peninsula. These are two stupendous links courses, renowned worldwide with many great names such as Faldo, Hagen, Varden, Braid and more making their way here to pay homage and enjoy their superb settings.
  • James Braid's course at Oban is well worth trying, as are the fine 18-hole courses on the Cowal and Bute peninsulas. There are many excellent 9-hole courses throughout the area, with the added benefit of the delightful villages and scenic backdrops that are so common in this wonderful part of Scotland.
Horse Riding

Horse Riding

  • Whether a beginner or an experienced rider, the thrill of mounting up and riding out is one not to be missed. At the nearby Lunga Riding Stables experienced tuition is on hand, or alternatively take a trek around the peninsular, splash along the seashore and stop off for a bite to eat at The Galley of Lorne Inn.
  • Lunga Riding Stables specialise in Western and English riding. The Appaloosa horses at the stables have been chosen for their intelligence, versatility and quiet temperaments.
  • Residents of the Galley of Lorne Inn are entitled to a 10% discount off tuition fees (Quote LRS1 when booking)
  • Open All Year
  • 4yrs and Over
  • Trekking & Lessons
  • Pub & Picnic Rides
  • Saturday Club for children 10 a.m. - 1.00 p.m.
  • Corporate & Holiday Packages
  • Livery
  • For more information see www.lungaridingstables.co.uk or telephone Patricia on 01852 500 632.
Sailing

Sailing

  • The Galley of Lorne Inn is the perfect place to go if you want to have lunch or dinner ashore, or just fancy staying for a night or two on dry land. Whether you have your own yacht, are looking to charter one or just fancy a boat trip, we've got one of the largest marinas on Scotland's West Coast on our doorstep and there will be something just to suit!
  • Why moor at Ardfern?Ardfern is an ideal base for cruising the West Coast of Scotland. From our shores you can sail to and explore Jura, Islay, Mull, Coll, Rhum, Canna, St Kilda & many more of Scotland's Hebridean Islands. You can also experience the wonderful natural phenomenon that is Corryvreckan Whirlpool, the world's 3rd largest!!
  • Moorings & Marina - Ardfern Yacht Centre is located at the head of Loch Craignish, one of Scotland's most beautiful and sheltered sea lochs. It has several interesting islands and natural anchorages and the yacht centre has an established history having original started around an old pier where steamers and puffers once called.
  • The centre offers a complete boat service. From the marina to boat storage and repairs, a well stocked chandlery, free internet access, toilets and showers and much more…
  • Getting Here by Boat - Ardfern Yacht Centre has a useful PDF which offers guidance on navigating the local waters.
  • Boat Trips - Take a cruise with Craignish Cruises on board the Sea Leopard II, a 60 seater purpose-built catamaran and visit the Corryvreckan Whirlpool (the world's 3rd largest whirlpool), Jura, Scarba, The Garvellach Islands and beyond! Chartered cruises are also available on sea Leopard II.
  • Craignish Cruises operate from 1st April to 31st October, weather permitting. Sailings from November to March may be available with prior arrangement.
  • Bareboat or Skippered Yacht Charter - Argyll Yacht Charters offer a range of charter boats from a compact Moody S31 to a more spacious Amel ketch. Visit their website for full details and prices.
  • Yachtie Special Offers - from time to time we have special offers available specifically for yachties. Check back regularly for details or why not register for our email newsletter above?
Stalking

Stalking

  • Bruachan Fieldsports offers deer stalking programmes on a variety of estates in the Scottish West Highlands. Few hunting experiences compare to hunting the hills of Argyll. Hunters ("stalkers" in British terminology) are able to hunt Red, Roe and Sika deer, in the appropriate seasons. We are experienced in organising hunting packages for many UK-stalkers, as well as hunters from Continental Europe and the United States.
  • Alderburn, Ford, Argyll, PA31 8RH
  • Tel: 01546 810265
  • Email - info@bruachan-fieldsports.com
  • Web - www.bruachan-fieldsports.com
  • Red/Sika Deer StagsNormally 3-5 days duration, these guided hunts typically have an expectation of one stag per day (two-three hinds per day).
  • Rifles may be stalked singly (one on one) or shared (two on one).
  • One day hunts are also available. Please contact us for last minute bookings.
  • Roe Bucks - Mid April to early June produce the best opportunities for trophy animals.
  • Regular bucks are hunted all seasons (April-October).
  • Should you be lucky enough to shoot a medal quality head, we make NO extra charge.
  • The Outing - The outings will take place at sunrise and in the evening (approx. 3 hours each) to give you the best opportunity of seeing deer.
  • The preparation of your trophy is your responsibility. Our Rangers/Stalkers will be prepared to undertake this task by special arrangement.
  • Deer stalking in the wilderness of Scottish Highlands with an experienced stalker will allow you to enjoy your day to the full. You will be in his safe hands as you walk through some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery. Guns can be hired and licenses arranged quickly.
  • Shooting Season Deer (all dates inclusive) -
  • Red Stags: 1st July - 20th October.
  • Sika Stags: 1st August - 20th October.
  • Roe Bucks: 1st April - 20th October.
  • Red/Sika Hinds: 21st October - 15th February.
  • Other Clubs
  • Cairndow Gun ClubCairndow, Argyll. Tel: 01499 600 201, please call the club for further details.
  • Tarbert Gun ClubBarmore Farm, Tarbert, Argyll. Tel: 01880 821 482, please call the club for further details.
Walking & Cycling

Walking & Cycling

The Galley of Lorne Inn is set in a wonderful area for walking and cycling. Often our residents bring their own bikes with them. Be rest assured, if you wish to store your bikes within the premises they can be kept overnight in our laundry.
  • You'll discover a land of contrasts in this stunning part of Scotland.
  • In addition to an abundance of walking and cycling opportunities in and around Ardfern and within the Craignish Penninsular, there are so many more to discover.
  • Not far away is Knapdale Forest. The walks, picnic sites and cycle routes within Knapdale are situated close together and are designed to allow access to a variety of habitats and to provide interest and enjoyment to all those who use them. Kilmory Woodland Park is an easily accessible woodland walk around Kilmory Castle on the outskirts of Lochgilphead. Kilmartin Glen is rich in antiquity and prehistoric sites. There are many monuments worth visiting. Ardrishaig - The 39 Steps A woodland walk on the hills above Ardrishaig with excellent views of Loch Fyne and Loch Gilp.
Wildlife

Wildlife

  • The Firth of Lorn Special Area of Conservation is an area of outstanding natural beauty; of uninhabited islands whose sea-cliffs plunge into clear nutrient rich oceanic waters. Here we find an astonishing variety of seabirds and a hotspot for sightings of porpoises, dolphins and whales. Along the shoreline you may also see grey seals, common seals and otters while on the rugged slopes above deer and feral goats roam. Eagles, buzzards and peregrine falcons can be seen circling above.
  • To enjoy these amazing sights why not take a boat trip. In Ardfern Marina is based Craignish Cruises whose boat Sea Leopard is skippered by Lindsay Johnston. Alternatively based in Easdale on the Isle of Seil is Sealife Adventures with Porpoise II being one of the most powerful charter boats of its size ever built.