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.

Last Minute Offer at Airdeny

Thinking about a last minute holiday?   We're currently offering a 10% discount on bookings for all breaks at Airdeny taken before 4th April.  Perfect for putting a spring in your step!  Just call O1866 822648 to take advantage of this offer... and you could be waking up to this.

Living near the Gateway to the Isles

If you fancy a free ferry trip from Oban to Mull, Lismore, Colonsay, Coll, Tiree, Barra or South Uist there are currently free ferry tickets up for grabs as part of VisitScotland's Brilliant Island Moments campaign.  So where would you choose?  The islands that are scattered around Scotland's west coast offer some truly spectacular scenery and fantastic wildlife watching opportunities.  Here are some of my island highlights and photos.

Puffins on Treshnish

Staffa and Treshnish Isles
This is a fantastic day trip from Oban.  The awe-inspiring Fingal's Cave on the uninhabited Isle of Staffa is sure to fill you with wonder, with its impressive basalt columns.  A highlight of this day trip for me was when we landed on Treshnish and puffins wandered out from their burrow right next to where we had just sat down.

If you want to experience the atmospheric Fingal's Cave or enjoy some puffin-therapy, Turus Mara run wildlife trips to Mull, Iona, Staffa and the Treshnish Isles.

As well as exploring Staffa and Treshnish, you can hop on a boat from Mull to the enchanting Isle of Iona, with its wonderful Abbey.  

And if you're on Mull, you have to visit the magnificent Duart Castle, a watchman over the Sound of Mull.  Enjoy the sweeping views and its idyllic location (it reopens for the season on 1st April).

If you're visiting the beautiful island of Colonsay in spring, the Colonsay Festival of Spring (28th April - 18th May) is a great event, with a host of workshops, bird and historical walks and outdoor activities.

Tiree is ideal for easy walking as its very flat, the beaches are wonderful and there are fantastic views over to Mull, Iona and Staffa.  I particularly enjoyed visiting the Blue Beyond gallery, with its fabulous range of paintings, pottery, textiles and cards inspired by the Hebrides.

If you are lucky enough to win a pair of free tickets leaving from Oban, why not take a look at our availability and base yourself near the Gateway to the Isles.

3 Forest Walks near Taynuilt

If, according to Hippocrates, 'walking is man's best medicine', then these forest walks will leave you as fit as a fiddle.  With longer days approaching and spring inching ever closer, it's the perfect time to be nursed by the soothing, scenic Argyll countryside and give your mind time to recuperate from the daily grind.  For me, the tranquility of the forest, with its soundtrack of birdsong and babbling streams, has restorative powers.  If you also love a woodland walk, here are three of my favourites near Taynuilt you can explore on your next holiday.

Fearnoch Forest
Only four miles from Taynuilt lies the entrance to Fearnoch Forest, with two lovely walking routes (plus 14kms of cycling trails).  The shorter walk, Ceum nan Seangan, is 1.5 miles or for a slightly longer walk, you can set off down Tri Drochaidean (2.5 miles).  This is a favourite of Liath's (my dog).

Sutherland's Grove
There are a number of walks in Sutherland's Grove to discover, through ancient oakwood and a wonderful grove of huge Douglas Fir trees.  Take a picnic to enjoy by the river, and keep an eye out for the waterfalls.  Sutherland's Grove is 17 miles from Airdeny - and after your walk you could soak up the views overlooking Castle Stalker.  The Castle Stalker View Cafe is a great place to have lunch or coffee after stretching your legs, and the view really is spectacular.

Glen Nant National Nature Reserve
This circuit trail takes you through beautiful oaklands of Glen Nant, which is a National Nature Reserve (and a haven for wildlife).  Enjoy the peacefulness of the 'Ant Trail' and views across to Ben Cruachan.



Do you have a favourite walk near Taynuilt? We'd love to hear from you - please leave your comments below.

A year of #brilliantmoments in Argyll

This year VisitScotland are asking you to share your #brilliantmoments - the Scottish scenery and sights that tug at your heart and stay with you long after you've left.  So here are some of the things in and around Airdeny Chalets that may be a 'brilliant moment' in waiting...

Sunsets over Ben Cruachan
The chalet park is set in tranquil surroundings under the watchful gaze of Ben Cruachan.  For me sunsets are always a 'run for your camera' moment - there's something so hypnotic about watching the sun cling to the sky before being swallowed by the land.  Seeing the sun set over Ben Cruachan is sure to leave you a-glow.

Walking in Glen Strae
There's a wonderful walk down Glen Strae, with a lovely waterfall.  A beautiful place to get away from it all and immerse yourself in spectacular views.  The walk is signposted to the 'ruined village' but I've never found it - who wants to take on the challenge...?

Springing into life
You could enjoy your own 'Spring Watch' at Airdeny.  Surrounding yourself in nature as spring unravels and unfurls is surely food for the soul - and where better than in 3.5 acres of land, with the air thick with birdsong and the ground beneath your feet thick with bluebells?  You can see a host of wildlife without even leaving the chalet park, from red squirrels, woodpeckers, cuckoos and buzzards to otters, which have been spotted by the stream at the bottom of the bluebell wood.  When you're out and about in Argyll you can also keep an eye out for golden and sea eagles, as well as Ospreys.  April is also the start of Puffin season - these adorable birds are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face (and did you know that a baby Puffin is called a 'Puffling'?).

Highland Games
Traditional Highland Games are truly a sight to behold and there a number of Highland Games in the area, including right here in Tayuilt.  The Oban Games, known as the Argyllshire Gathering, is one of the largest in Scotland.  With kilts, piping and dancing galore, plus track and field events like tossing the caber, it's a time to soak up some Scottish-ness!

Canoeing on Loch Etive

Loch Etive is just a stone's throw from the chalet park and is an idyllic place to enjoy a spot of fishing or a tranquil canoe trip.  Stretching from the foot of Ben Cruachan to the Glencoe hills, this lovely sea loch offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape - just the place to watch the world go by.

Why not take a look at our availability page to see when you can discover all the #brilliantmoments waiting on the West?

Oban Winter Festival 16th - 25th November

Winter in Argyll is magical - why not experience it for yourself?  Plan a winter getaway in the Oban area this November and enjoy glorious coastal scenery wrapped in a winter blanket, plus a range of events and activities the whole family will love at the Oban Winter Festival.  Last year's festival included:

• Markets
• Reindeer parade
• Carriage rides
• Wine tasting
• Ceilidhs
• Outdoor activities - cycling, dry ski slope, gorge walking
• Children's cookery workshops
• Choirs
• Lantern parade

The Festival will be held from 16th - 25th November 2012 - for updates on events and activities, visit the Oban Winter Festival Facebook page.

As well as the Winter Festival, you can enjoy winter walks, explore historical attractions and just relax in the run up to the festive season.  If you're looking for accommodation in November to explore the beauty of Oban and the surrounding area in winter, why not curl up in your own chalet?  Airdeny is only 12 miles from Oban, set in beautiful, tranquil surroundings with stunning views of Ben Cruachan.  Take a look at our availability page to view vacancies for the winter months.

Fishing in Argyll

Argyll is an ideal destination for the keen angler, with a variety of fantastic fishing on offer, including sea fishing, river fishing and loch fishing, and beautiful, tranquil surroundings to enjoy this peaceful pastime.

Sea Fishing
If you're after the likes of mackerel, skate and sea trout, try your hand at sea fishing in Argyll.  With its lengthy coastline, Argyll is perfect for sea angling (and a spot of wildlife watching).  You can fish the tidal waters of Loch Etive, near Airdeny Chalets, until October.

River Fishing
The River Awe runs for three miles from Loch Awe into Loch Etive, and fishing is by fly only.  Fish for salmon and sea trout until the end of the season in October.

Loch Fishing
Set amongst stunning scenery, Loch Awe is the longest freshwater loch in Scotland.   Fish this popular loch for brown trout, Arctic char, perch, pike and ferox trout.  As with the River Awe, the season runs until October.




If you've always wanted to learn to fish, you can take advantage of the free fly fishing starter course available to all guests at Airdeny.  Willie Cameron, a local fly fisherman, will explain about the equipment, demonstrate some basic knots and help you try your hand at casting.

So why not unwind with a fishing holiday in Argyll?  Enjoy a few days fishing and the beauty of the Argyll landscapes in an autumnal cloak.