Cycling on the Isle of Lismore

With its stunning views and low-lying landscape, the Isle of Lismore is a wonderful place to explore by bike.  This scenic island (which means 'big garden' in Gaelic) is ten miles long by one mile wide and offers sweeping views of Loch Linnhe as well as Mull and Ardnamurchan.  I recently enjoyed a leisurely visit, but a great day trip would be to cycle on the island.

There are two ferries that take you to the Isle of Lismore - a car ferry from Oban and a passenger ferry from Port Appin.  The Port Appin route is popular for day trips and bikes are carried free on the ferry.  You could also start the day with a coffee at Castle Stalker View, about 10 minutes by car from the ferry terminal.

The journey across to Lismore from Port Appin takes around 10 minutes and arrives at the northern tip of the island.  If you don't have your own bike, you can hire one from Lismore Bike Hire or Port Appin Bike Hire.  Heading south from the ferry terminal leads you past the villages of Port Ramsay and onto Clachan; just before Clachan you'll find this 13th century church.

13th century Lismore Church

Shortly after Clachan, you'll come to the fascinating Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre.  This wonderful centre is a great place to learn more about the history of the island, telling the story of its past and its people.  The reconstructed 19th century cottage gives an insight into what life would have been like around the time of the Clearances.  To add to the atmosphere, you can hear Gaelic being spoken as you walk around the cottage.

Reconstructed cottar's cottage at the Lismore Gaelic Heritage Centre

As well as the museum and cottage, the Heritage Centre is also home to a shop and the Liosbeag Cafe, where you can refuel for the rest of your cycle with a delicious lunch.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery as you journey around the south of the island, soaking up the views towards Oban and Mull.  Make sure you visit the ruins of the 13th century Achanduin Castle, overlooking the Bernera island.

An ideal way to end your day is with dinner or a drink at The Pierhouse Hotel, conveniently located at the head of the Port Appin pier and known for its wonderful seafood.  

Day Trips from Airdeny: Kilmartin Glen Museum

Here on the Airdeny blog I like to share suggestions for things to see and do in the Taynuilt area to help with planning your Argyll holiday or just to give you a bit of holiday inspiration.  In the next few blog posts I'll outline some day trips from Airdeny Chalets; up first is a journey back in time at the Kilmartin Museum.

From the chalet park you can follow the scenic Glen Lonan Road (where you can soak up the tranquil scenes of this quiet glen), before skirting Loch Nell and joining the A816 to head south.  The road then snakes down to gorgeous Loch Melfort, before weaving down to Kilmartin.  The journey will take just over an hour (or slightly longer if you like to make photo stops).  Alternatively, you can follow a circular route by taking the B845 just after heading east out of Taynuilt, leading you along the long arm of Loch Awe to Kilmartin (taking around an hour by car).

Glen Lonan

Kilmartin Glen is a fascinating prehistoric landscape, with more than 800 ancient monuments in the area from standing stones and stone circles to rock art.  All of the archaeological objects that are found in the mid-Argyll area are housed at the Kilmartin Museum - a wonderful place to delve into the past.

As well as enjoying the display of artefacts in the museum gallery, you can explore the glen in which they were found.  There are guided walks in August and September, starting from the museum and taking between two to two and a half hours.  (You need to sign up at the museum reception).  The guided walks take you to some of Kilmartin Glen's most important historical sites, such as Temple Wood, the Nether Largie Standing Stones, and the Glebe Cairns.  It is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the history of the landscape from the volunteer guides, as well as appreciate the beauty of the glen.

Kilmartin Museum also has an award-winning cafe, so you can enjoy a spot of lunch or coffee and home baking, plus a gift and bookshop to browse.  It is a trip that I highly recommend to guests at Airdeny - and I also suggest returning north along the A816 to end the day with fish and chips in Oban, and a stroll around the harbour.

. 

Kilmartin Museum is open every day from March to the end of October, 10am to 5pm.  There are reduced opening hours between November and Christmas.  Tickets cost £5 for adults, £2 for children and there are family tickets available.