Cruising on Loch Etive: A Scottish Fjord

To take a trip on Loch Etive is to step back in time.  With no road access for the most part of its 20 mile length and mountains huddling protectively around its edge, this glacial-formed loch rewards those who take to its waters with some truly awe-inspiring sights.  This spectacular sea loch grows from its river roots in Glen Etive and the mountains of Glen Coe, and stretches down to Connel Bridge.  From here it spills into the Firth of Lorn, creating the beautiful Falls of Lora (definitely a sight to behold).

If you want to experience the hidden delights and dramatic landscape of Loch Etive, immerse yourself in its tranquility and search the skies, shoreline and waters for its wildlife, there are a number of ways to do so. You could enjoy a soul-nourishing kayak (see Seafreedomkayak based in Connel), hire a boat from Loch Etive Boat Hire, combine sightseeing with sea fishing or take a cruise with 'MARA'.  If you opt for the loch cruise, you can choose between a morning 2 hour trip to visit the seal colony, or an afternoon 3 hour journey to the head of the loch (also including the seal colony).  All are ideal antidotes to the stresses of everyday life.

However you choose to cruise Loch Etive, you are sure to be swept up in the breathtaking views and transported back to simpler times by its unspoilt scenery.

Geocaching in Argyll

Forget Easter egg hunting this weekend, why not go on a treasure hunt instead?  If you're looking for an interesting outdoor activity in the Argyll area to do during the Easter holidays or a spring break, I'd recommend giving geocaching a try.  This outdoor treasure hunt is played world-wide, and it's a great way to spend some family time together (plus giving you big doses of fresh air and lovely scenery).  You use a GPS-enabled device to search for geocaches (containers) which hold a logbook for you to sign.  All you need is a geocaching app where you can search for your postcode and choose a treasure hunt, and then enter the coordinates into your device.  And off you set!

I downloaded the app and set off with a friend to Sutherland's Grove to hunt for the geocache.  As mentioned in a previous blog, Sutherland's Grove is one of my favourite places to walk, with ancient oakwood and a grove of huge Douglas Fir trees (and is just one of the many treasure hunts in the area).  I thoroughly enjoyed my first geocaching experience as, for me, it added a different dimension to a familiar walk.

If you're keen to try geocaching in Argyll visit www.geocaching.com for more information.  Happy hunting!

If you try geocaching in Argyll during the holidays, we'd love for you to leave a comment about your experiences!

Glasgow to Oban: A Rail Journey to Remember

I love nothing more than a scenic train journey: the rhythmic racing by of the landscape; scenes that have your nose pressed to the glass; the feeling of everything else drifting away as you gaze out at the passing countryside.  And I'm lucky enough to have one of the country's best railway journeys on my doorstep - the Glasgow to Oban stretch of the famous West Highland Line (recently featured here on The Scotsman online).

The journey takes you from Glasgow Queen Street to Crianlarich, where it veers west (otherwise you will continue onto Fort William and Mallaig).  You then pass Dalmally, Loch Awe, Falls of Cruachan and Taynuilt, skirting Loch Etive, before calling at Connel Ferry and then arriving in Oban itself.

If you're heading to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games this year, why not take some time out before or after this fantastic event and explore the west?  In around 3 hours you could swap the city hustle and bustle for a great big dose of coastal tranquility.  Whether it's a day trip to recharge the batteries or a short break to discover the delights of Oban and the surrounding area, this beautiful train journey from the city to the coast is a wonderful way to explore some more of Scotland and soak up some stunning scenes.

For timetable information and ticket prices for travelling to Oban by train, take a look at www.scotrail.co.uk.

Is this one of your favourite rail journeys?  We'd love for you to leave a comment below.