Skip to main page content (AccessKey S)
 Dalmally |
 St Conan's Kirk |
 Inveraray |
Tyndrum and nearby Crianlarich between them form a major crossroads in the highlands. From here, main roads head west to Oban, north to Fort William, east to Stirling, and south to Glasgow.
The two villages also mark a key point on the public transport networks, with Tyndrum boasting two railway stations to Crianlarich's one. And there are daily bus services on all the main routes through the villages.
The area offers some excellent walking with the West Highland Way entering Crianlarich from the south and departing Tyndrum to the north en route to Bridge of Orchy. It is also crossed by the route of the Coast to Coast Walk from Oban to St Andrews. A popular day out takes in Ben More and starts two miles east of Crianlarich at Benmore farm. In good visibility the views from the summit are magnificent. In some ways more demanding is the climb to the top of Ben Lui. The latter is arguably the best walk in the district but is not for the faint hearted.
Further west the main A85 to Oban passes the attractive village of Dalmally. A little beyond is the shell of Kilchurn Castle, on a neck of land in Loch Awe. Nearby is the village of Lochawe itself, plus its major attraction, the truly remarkable St Conan's Kirk.
At the southern end of the area is the attractive whitewashed town of Inveraray, on the shores of Loch Fyne. Its harbour is now home to the Arctic Penguin, a three masted schooner built in 1911, and now the town's Maritime Heritage Centre.
Another attraction in the town is Inveraray Jail. This is a Georgian jail and courthouse which has been converted to a visitor centre. The multimedia displays give an interesting insight into 'life inside' and staff in costume add to the experience with some excellent theatricals. On the edge of Inveraray is Inveraray Castle, ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll since the 15th Century.
East of Inveraray and south of Crianlarich are the Arrochar Alps, a fine collection of peaky mountains, several of which reach Munro status by breaking the magic 3000ft mark. Beinn Narnain is a popular climb. Next in line to it is the most famous and distinctive of them, the Cobbler. Interestingly, at 2891ft, this fails by some margin to reach Munro height; but is probably the most climbed anyway. Climbing the last few feet to the highest of its three tops is a tricky little scramble; and one that many will decide to reserve for another day!
The village of Arrochar looks across the head of Loch Long to the Arrochar Alps. It makes a convenient base for exploring the area and is accessible by train from the south.
