Autumn in Argyll

Autumn is a beautiful time to visit Argyll and the Isles, with fiery shades lighting the landscapes.  If you're thinking about a getaway in autumn to recharge the batteries, why not head to glorious Argyll and enjoy a range of outdoor activities and events, or simply bask in the stunning autumnal colours?  Whether you need time away just to relax and unwind, or you want to get active in the great outdoors, there are a number of ways to spend an autumn break in Argyll.

Events
There are fantastic events happening across the Argyll area in September and October.

• Have a family day out at the Dalmally Agricultural Show on 1st September.
• Head to the Best of the West Festival in the grounds of Inveraray Castle from 15th - 16th September, for a celebration of music, food and drink.  Featuring headline acts Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Skerryvore.
• For something that little bit different, stop by The World Stone Skimming Championships, taking place on Easdale Island, near Oban, on 23rd September. 
• There are various venues across Argyll that will take part in Doors Open Days in September, giving you free access to a number of interesting buildings.
• Enjoy a gig by John Renbourn and Wizz Jones - two fabulous folk guitar artists performing on Easdale Island on 6th October.

Activities
Revel in the glow of Argyll's autumn landscapes whilst you explore the area on foot, by bike or boat. Take a wildlife boat trip, discover the many walks and bike tracks, explore historic sites or head to the nearby islands... there are many different activities in the Oban area to fill your days.

Why not make Airdeny Chalets your base for an autumn break?  Surround yourself in the tranquil surroundings of the chalet park, nestled in 3.5 acres, and enjoy spectacular views of Ben Cruachan and Glen Etive wrapped in an autumnal cloak.  Check our availability page to view vacancies for the autumn months.

What do you love about autumn in Argyll?  Leave your comments below.

The World Stone Skimming Championships 2012

If you love skimming stones, or if you're on holiday in the Oban area, why not head to The World Stone Skimming Championships?  Taking place on Easdale Island, near Oban in Argyll, on Sunday 23rd September, the championships are open to any age and skill level.  Contestants come from all across the world and the annual event attracts many spectators.

The competition is split into the following categories:

• Ladies
• Men
• Junior Boys and Girls
• Under 10's Boys and Girls

Each competitor is allowed three skims (using Easdale slate skimming stones) and the stone must bounce at least three times to qualify.  The skim is judged on the distance it achieves before sinking.

  

There is a Pre-Skim Party on the Saturday night before the championships at the Easdale Island Community Hall, with live music and a licensed bar.

Easdale Island is a beautiful, car-free island (the smallest of the Inner Hebrides) sixteen miles south of Oban.  You can reach the island via a five minute passenger ferry from the Isle of Seil (which is connected to the mainland by the 'Bridge over the Atlantic').  If you'd like to find out more about the islands around Oban, read our blog post on 'An Island Adventure'.

For more information on the categories, competition rules and how to register, visit www.stoneskimming.com.

Are you planning on going to the 2012 World Stone Skimming Championship?  Leave your comments or questions below.