St Conan's Kirk, Loch Awe

You might associate Loch Awe with the ruins of the 15th century Kilchurn Castle, perched at the north end of the loch.  But did you know there is another gem, tucked just round the corner on the A85?  

The beautiful St Conan's Kirk is a must-visit if you are travelling between Dalmally and Taynuilt.  Built between 1881 and 1886, the original church is said to have been established by Walter Campbell, brother of the first Lord Blythswood, so that his mother didn't have to travel to the church at Dalmally.  Amateur architect Walter was apparently unsatisfied with the design of the church, however, and decided to elaborate on the original building, starting work again in 1907.  The church you see today was actually completed in 1930 by trustees of the Campbell family upon the deaths of Walter in 1914 and his sister in 1927.

The reason that the building is so unique is due to the vision of its architect: 'Walter took ideas and designs from different places and period and built a church that serves as a collection of all the best and most interesting features from other churches'.  The result is truly remarkable, a wonderful and 'eclectic mix of various styles from the Norman and Romanesque periods to celtic motifs and even pagan symbolism'. (Quotes from an information sign at the church).  It is a fascinating place to explore, with the feel of a much older building.

The loch-side location is certainly perfect for a place of worship and reflection, with far-stretching views reaching to the hills behind Kilchurn Castle and down Loch Awe.  To step out the back door of the building is to step into the most dreamy scenery.  There is a parapet (inscribed with 'Thy sun shall no more go down') with a sundial, where you enjoy the idyllic setting and immerse yourself in the peaceful loch views.

So if you're planning a trip to Airdeny Chalets take some time on route to soak up the beautiful views and interesting architecture at this lovely loch-side treasure.

For more information on the history of the church and its location, visit www.stconanskirk.org.uk.

A Bike Ride Through Glen Lonan: Photos & Video

Guest post by Emma Gibb

I like to think of it now as The West Highland Cow Way (even though the Highland Cows were congregated only around one section of our hour cycle).  A corridor that snakes between rugged hills, the road that weaves through Glen Lonan leads you into peaceful mountain landscape.  With many more cows than cars, it was also the perfect place for our first family bike ride.

The gorgeous Glen Lonan is on the doorstep of Airdeny Chalets, near Taynuilt (what a location - in the shadow of the mighty Ben Cruachan, a short drive to the shores of Loch Etive and on the edge of this scenic glen).  We opted to explore the glen by bike, despite the showery forecast, but didn't even need to leave the chalet park to organise bike hire.  RCS Cycles is based further up the road we intended to cycle and the owner Nick delivered the bikes down to the chalet park for us in the morning and picked them up that afternoon.

I'm pretty sure from his squeals of 'weeeeee' that my son enjoyed the bike ride as much as us.  Once we'd climbed the first initial hill the road levelled off; winding past the occasional house and farm, and forested landscapes.  We cycled slowly, soaking up the lovely scenery (nothing at all to do with being out of breath!).  After about half an hour, we arrived at the bottom of a hill where Highland Cows wandered freely. I'm sure our son would have happily watched them all afternoon, completely entranced by the sight of so many cows inches from the road.  And not just your traditional toffee coloured cows either - it was the first time I'd come across white and black Highland Cows.  I have to say, I probably did cycle ever so slightly faster past the very large white one (pictured below)...

After crossing the river and attempting a few more hills, we took a sudden (though short-lived) shower as a sign to turn back.  It felt more of an incline on the return journey, but there are plenty of hills to whizz down on the approach to the chalet park. 

It was a wonderful place to just enjoy some peace and quiet, and I would have loved to have cycled further along the road (which eventually arrives in Oban).  I'll save that for next time, though...

Why not see for yourself?  Emma also shared this short video clip of her Glen Lonan bike ride.

  You can read more from Emma on her blog - Emma Explores Scotland.

The Colour of May

In recent weeks we've enjoyed sunny blue skies over in the Taynuilt area of Argyll - but even on the mixed days (like the last few) where the sunshine has to fight to push through the clouds, the world is awash with spring colour and the chalet park is lit in shades of blossom, azaleas and rhododendrons.

It is a lovely time of year to explore the gardens of Argyll, with the full bloom of azaleas and rhododendrons peaking in the next couple of weeks, and carpets of bluebells lining the roads and walkways.

I wish I had a photo to share of the beautiful Great Spotted Woodpecker who frequents our bird feeders but alas he remains camera shy.  I was, however, able to snap the cheeky squirrel who manages to squeeze inside the 'squirrel-proof' bird feeders.  And perhaps (as in the photos below) there is nothing more lovely than the lush green of spring trees against a blue sky...

Although the bluebells in the chalet park are waiting patiently to throw down their purple carpet (being that little bit higher we are slightly later for bluebells bursting into colour), you can spot them all around the area (there's a lovely patch behind the 'Loch Cruises' and 'Bonawe Iron Furnace' tourist signs near Loch Etive in Taynuilt).

And even if Loch Etive isn't sparkling in the sun, the gorse is sure to brighten your day (if its heavenly coconut scent doesn't).  

The colours of the mixed weather days where the skies are a tangle of grey and layers of light, those are truly special.  Artists' say there is nothing like the light of Scottish skies, and I have to agree.

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.

Countryfile Programme about Loch Etive

Did you see the Countryfile programme on Sunday evening 18th September, all about Loch Etive. If you missed it you can view it on BBC IPlayer http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006t0bv

It really showed what a beautiful part of the world this is. Donald, our local boatman, took them on a trip down the loch. Philip Price, an award winning photographer, who runs Wildlife Photographic Safaris, showed how to take wildlife photos. There was also a play set at the historic Bonawe Furnace.

It couldn't have shown this wonderful part of Scotland better.You must come and visit it!