Local Attractions |
Cairnbaan is situated about half way along the Crinan Canal in Argyll on the West Coast of Scotland. The Canal leads from Ardrishaig on Loch Fyne to Crinan on the Atlantic coast. Cairnbaan is an excellent location for walking and cycling, particularly along the Crinan Canal tow path but also along the many woodland tracks.
Bikes can be hired from Ally's Bike Hire in Tayvallich and they have an option to deliver bikes locally. A good route is to cycle or walk along the Crinan Canal tow path from Cairnbaan to Crinan (about 4.5 miles), here you will see the yachts entering and leaving the Canal. At Crinan, there is also a lovely Coffee shop (closed during winter) and the Crinan Hotel. If you like going to the beach, you can cycle or drive to Crinan Ferry (about 4 miles) where you will find a lovely sandy beach and fantastic views (see photos). |
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| The trial reintroduction of Beavers to Scotland has proved to be a very popular attraction for visitors to the Cairnbaan area. The trial site and Information centre are only about 4 miles from the cottage and further information can be found at Scottish Beaver Trial website. The Forestry Commission website is worth a look and is a good source of information on what walks and cycle routes are in the area of Cairnbaan. The nearby Cairnbaan Hotel (Currently closed and for sale - April 2024) is only 10 minutes walk from the cottage and serves good food and drink. The Kilberry Inn is another good restaurant that is not too far from Cairnbaan and has recently been awarded a ‘Bib Gourmand’ by the Michelin Guide for serving “good food at moderate prices". At Kilmartin House Museum which is only about 5 miles north of Cairnbaan, you can find out all about the many standing stones and other Ancient Monuments in the local area. The Dalriada Project web site also give a lot of information about the history and culture of the local area. The village of Tayvallich is only about 7 miles from Cairnbaan. Here you will find The Tayvallich Inn pub and restaurant. The Mid-Argyll Agricultural Show is held every year on the edge of Lochgilphead, on the second Saturday in August. At Turnalt Farm which is about 12 miles from Cairnbaan, you can go hill walking or help out with the work on the farm!
There is no Cinema in Lochgilphead but Oban Cinema has recently been renovated to bring it back to use.
The Screen Machine is a very good mobile Cinema that regularly visits Lochgilphead so it may be worth finding out if your stay coincides with a visit from the Screen Machine. |
Lochgilphead The town of Lochgilphead is only 3 miles from Cairnbaan and has a supermarket, petrol stations, banks, shops, pubs, restaurants, a swimming pool, a 9 hole golf course open to visitors. Just South of Lochgilphead is the smaller town of Ardrishaig which has some pubs and restaurants. Ardrishaig is also where the Loch Fyne entrance to the Crinan Canal can be found. |