Argyll and Bute Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)

Hollytree Hotel & Swimming Pool

#luxuryhotels #christmastrip #freehotelstay Amazing seafood restaurant and super friendly staff. The best steamed mussels ever with lots of garlic and creamy sauce. Plenty of seats both inside and on an outside terrace by the lake. Delicious! Beautiful views and location. Has hot tub in the rooms we booked. The rooms were comfy and nice. Had everything we needed. Close to both Oban and Fort William. Easy to get to. Great location, beautiful surrounding atmosphere, great staff. Most friendly and helpful receptionist and staff ever, lovely and great first impression of hotel. Everything about the hotel was exceptional. It was clean, stylish, roomy with excellent service in where we had dinner. Food was good and great value for money and service was attentive and efficient. Room itself was well equipped and comfortable. I was very pleased with my stay. I

Hollytree Hotel & Swimming Pool

#luxuryhotels Wonderful view but did not take my dietary needs seriously - feel they are just fads. was difficult to chose as I am wheat and dairy free and everything had butter in it, the two soups had cream added. Was no offer for an adjustment to any dish . word back from chef was 'not suitable for you!! Amazing seafood restaurant and super friendly staff. The best steamed mussels ever with lots of garlic and creamy sauce. Plenty of seats both inside and on an outside terrace by the lake. Delicious!

Kilchurn Castle is a ruined structure at the northeastern end of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute Scotland. It was built in the mid 1400, but was badly damaged by my mother nature lightning in 1760.There no public transport over there, the nearest station is Loch Awe then walk around 3 kilometers 35 minutes. The castle currently is surrounded by metal gates, so the interior part cannot be viewed, but you still can walk around the exterior surrounding.

The Scottish Highlands have always been a tourist destination for tourists. In order to catch a sunrise, I will leave for Kilchurn Castle at 6 o'clock. Although it is about 10 minutes away from the hotel, since the castle is in the lake, it can only be seen from the other side of the lake. I didnt expect to have a sunrise at all, or say the day. Its in the opposite direction, and theres a lot of clouds over there, so its not too much to have a sunrise. To get to the river, you have to turn over the fence. There is a gap in the fence, there are steps, let the tourists cross over, then go to the left along the fence, and then pass through a fern to get to the river. Never cross the fence and go straight to the lake. If it rains, the road is muddy and can't get through. To the lake, there is a unique fern in Scotland that turns golden yellow in the fall, and this fern is spread throughout Scotland. This picture was taken from the castle back, because at that time the sun just rose and took photos.

Oban’s Coliseum!!!

Attraction name: McCaig’s Tower Location: Oban, west of Scotland Oban is a superb little town situated a few hours west of Glasgow. There are some gorgeous views of the ocean and many of the buildings sit on a hill. The highlight is McCaig’s Tower…it sits on the highest point of Oban. From the tower you can enjoy sweeping view over this beautiful town. It looks like a mini Coliseum! #wecreate #oban

McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill

Getting There - It took about 20 minutes from Oban city centre to the tower. At first, it was a bit steep, but after that it was getting better. It’s suitable for families to go. The view up there was amazing!!! Why not take some food and drinks there and go picnic 😋 There are grass or you can sit on the bench to enjoy the fabulous panorama of Oban harbour! Catch your late Scottish Summer!

OBAN DISTILLERY

Oban distillery is located in the town centre of Oban. If people want to book a tour, they should’ve booked it online to avoid disappointment. It is also a vision centre. You can just grab a drink and sit in there. We got a Whisky tasting 🥃 which cost £25. There were four kinds of whisky which were produced in Oban. The tasting notes will be written on a card which let you know more about the differences.

Sample whisky at the stunning Isle of Islay

Welcome to the picturesque Isle of Islay, a gem in Scotland's Hebrides known for its breathtaking landscapes and, of course, its world-renowned whisky. Whisky tasting There are currently nine distilleries on Islay. Here are just a few that you can visit to savour the unique flavours of Scotland's national drink: Laphroaig Distillery: Dive into the peaty goodness of Laphroaig whiskies and enjoy a tour that unveils the secrets behind their distinct flavour. Lagavulin Distillery: Immerse yourself in Lagavulin's rich history and sample their award-winning single malts during a guided tasting. Bruichladdich Distillery: Explore the progressive and innovative side of Islay whisky-making at Bruichladdich, known for its diverse range of expressions. Bowmore Distillery: Delight in a tour of one of Islay's oldest distilleries, Bowmore, and savour their well-balanced whiskies with a view of the harbour. When you’ve had your fill of whisky, why not try some of the island’s other attractions. Machir Bay Beach: Unwind at the stunning Machir Bay Beach, known for its golden sands and turquoise waters. American Monument: If you’re feeling more energetic, hike up to this monument to fallen WWI American soldiers. Take in the panoramic views and look out for the seabirds that make their home in this area. Getting there The quickest way to reach the Isle of Islay is to fly from Glasgow International Airport. Flights land at Islay Airport, connecting you to the island's charm in just under an hour. If you prefer a more leisurely journey, hop on a ferry from Kennacraig on the mainland. Whether by air or sea, the journey to Islay sets the stage for an unforgettable Scottish adventure.