Lochgilphead & Mid Argyll Towns

Lochgilphead
Lochgilphead is the small settlement on the head of Loch Gilp, a smaller loch branching off the west of Loch Fyne. Shortly after the completion of a new road link between Inveraray and Campbeltown at the end of the 17th century, the new village was founded, and in 1790 the planned build-up began.

It was only 12 years later that Lochgilphead reached its first regional importance when the Crinan Canal opened its watergates. Stretching approximately 9 miles between Crinan and Ardrieshaig it provides a comfortable shortcut across the Kintyre Peninsula.



Since the early 18th century steamer from Glasgow called at Ardrieshaig on a regular basis, and soon the route was extended to Lochgilhead. In 1831 the Village opened its own pier, another new road link to Oban followed soon after.

Being such an important cross link between different roads and waterways only contributed to the growth of the community, and today Lochgilphead is the administrative centre for the large area of Argyll and Bute. But if you come here to see ultra modern office buildings and an a impressive skyline, you will be disappointed.

The Village has kept much of its original charme, it almost looks and feels like you would step back in time when you wander around the old streets and rather unique shops. As a tourist you find all the basic conveniences here: hotels, bars, supermarkets, a holiday park and caravan site and others.

Inveraray
Inveraray, the traditional country town of Argyll and home to the Duke of Argyll, stretches along the shores of the northern end of Loch Fyne. The settlement's roots go back to 1638, when it was made a royal burgh by Charles I, but in 1744, when work on the new Inveraray Castle begun, the existing village was demolished and moved a mile away to not to spoil the views from the castle. The beginnings of the town of Inveraray, which is one of the oldest and still best preserved towns in Scotland, stretch back to the second half of the 18th century. In 1743 the 3rd Duke of Argyll started the most ambitious rebuilding scheme in the history of western Scotland, which gave Inveraray it's todays face and shape.
Today the village is a very picturesque place, with white houses along the waterfront, a small pier and various tourist attractivities, such as the georgian Inveraray Jail, the Arctic Penguin ship, the Celtic Inveraray Cross, and the Combined Operations Museum.
It's central location makes Inveraray in ideal starting point for further explorations in all directions of Argyll.

Tarbert
The town of Tarbert is the Gateway to the Kintyre Peninsula and also describes the border to the less well known region of Knapdale (Mid-Argyll) in the north. The name originates from the Gaelic word Tairbeart, which describes the narrow strip of land between two lochs. It reflects the actual location of the small fishing town very well: the settlement is squeezed in between the West Loch Kintyre and the East Loch Tarbert on a band of land no wider than one mile.

It was here that in 1093 Magnus Barefoot, King of Norway, employed an unusual tactic to claim Kintyre for his own. Malcolm, King of Scotland, had decreed that the Vikings could annexe any land they could sail their boats round. Magnus had his crew sail from West Loch Tarbert around the Mull of Kintyre than back to Eest Loch Tarbert, where he ordered the men to drag their longship over the isthmus, completing the circuit.

The sheltered Bay on East Loch Tarbert forms a natural harbour and fishing port, well-known within the yachting fraternity. Across the harbour from the visitors’ pontoons is the Anchor Hotel, a small hotel with a large personality and always an enviable selection of fresh local seafood on its menu.

During the age of the steamers Tarbert played an important role as a transfer- and staging post for travellers between Glasgow, Gigha and Islay. Today the town acts as an crossroad linking no fewer than 4 ferry routes together.

The road south from Tarbert to Campbeltown and the Islay Ferry takes you to West Loch Tarbert, an altogether more peaceful area than the harbour, where the West Loch Hotel nestles on the water’s edge overlooking the loch and, on the opposite shore, Tarbert Golf Course.

Tarbert’s hallmark is the town church with its distinguished tower. Further attractions are the historic castle, overlooking the harbour from the south. Acquired in the 12th century, it was used and modified by quite a few famous rulers such as Robert the Bruce and later James IV. It last changed hands in the late 16th century, but fell into ruins soon after, which still can be viewed today.

Tayvallich
On your way back from Crinan to Lochgilphead you pass a small junction, from where the small single track road heads south to Tayvallich and on to Keillmore. If you have the time and if you’re into peace and remoteness, you should take the detour and have a look around the peninsula. The small stripe of land seems to have fight hard to stand its ground against the surrounding waters on both sides, many small bays and lochs work their way landwards.

After a few miles travelling south, you reach the settlement of Tayvallich. The name originates from a Gaelic expression meaning “house in the valley”, and that’s a pretty appropriate name. Just a handful of small houses and cottages, home to about 100 inhabitants, gather around the sheltered bay with the pier at its centre. Despite the size, the traveller is offered a few tourist services including a campground (www.tayvallich.com).

Crinan
Crinan owes its importance and its publicity to the Crinan Canal, which begins or ends here, depending from which direction you are coming. Although the settlement has existed for a long time (the historic name of Crinan is Port Righ or the King’s Port), it had no further significance until the canal was opened.

Today’s activities in and around the village mainly evolve around yachting and fishing. Once you are in Crinan, it’s worth spending some time exploring the area around the canal basin. Walking the small paths along the canal and the lock gates and watching the bustling activity on the water can keep you busy for hours and is a true stress relief. Another place worth visiting is Duntrun Castle across the loch from Crinan.

Kilmartin
If you travel north towards Oban you pass the village of Kilmartin, situated about 8 miles north of Lochgilphead. When you approach the few rather unremarkable houses of the settlement you wouldn’t think of it as a place of huge historic importance to Argyll and the whole of Scotland. Who would guess that the capital of Dalriada, the ancient Kingdom of the Scots is just a stone throe away?

Today Dunadd, as the place is called, is only a small settlement.