As an
area steeped in history the many museums, galleries,
heritage centres, castles and historic houses of Glencoe
will provide an enlightened experience and transport
you right back to a fiercer time in the Higlands.
Duart Castle,
Mull – www.duartcastle.com,
01680 812 309. Get there by direct boat trip from
Oban or by driving to Mull via Lochaline (3.6).
This is the ancestral seat of the Clan MacLean who
still take up summer residence. A heady atmosphere
of bloodthirsty history. Tearoom. Open May to mid
October, 10:30 – 6.30. Additional nearby activities
include Torosay Castle and lovely Gardens and the
Mull Light Railway.
Castle Tioram - www.tioram.org.uk.
Cross the Corran Ferry (2.4) then take signs to
Acharacle then look out for signposted left turn.
Pronounced ‘cheeram’, these atmospheric,
romantic ruins are only accessible when the tide
is out. The wooded surroundings of Loch Moidart
are lovely. See also Ardgour and Moidart (3.5) and
the Singing Sands (2.4) above for other diversions.
Urquhart Castle
– www.historicscotland.net,
01456 450551. Follow A82 towards Inverness (3.7)
to get to this popular ruined fortress with impressive
views over Loch Ness. Recent development brings
an innovative new visitor centre, shop, café
and improved car parking. Open all year from 9.30.
Glencoe and North Lorn Folk Musuem,
Glencoe village, www.glencoe-scotland.net/museum
- 01855 811664. The only thatched roof building
in the area and well recommended. Exhibits include
Clan History, weapons, costume and the local slate
industry. Open April to October.
James of the Glen Trail –
follow the A828 to Oban, just before Kentallen village,
a track leads off the main road to the sight of
the "Appin Murder". This was the 18th
century killing for which "James of the Glen"
was wrongly hanged and whose real perpetrator is
still hotly disputed today.
Kilmartin - www.kilmartin.org,
01546 510 278. Follow A828 to Oban then continue
south towards Lochgilphead. This area is littered
with standing stones and other ancient relics. Ancient
capital Dunadd is worth a visit with mysterious
footprint on the rocks. Great exhibition and visitor
centre at Kilmartin House (in village) is an excellent
stop and also has first class café. Open
all year except Christmas and New Year, 10 –
5.
Glenfinnan – www.nts.org.uk,
01397 722250 . Follow Mallaig road from Fort William.
The place where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised the
standard in 1745 to rally the clans now has a climbable
monument, small visitor centre and classic views
down Loch Shiel. See also Loch Shiel cruises (1.3).
Glencoe Visitor Centre –
www.nts.org.uk,
01855 811307. Wide range of visitor facilities in
a fascinating living building built to high environmental
standards (see main entry). Great ranger guided
walks and land rover safaris available June –
end August , pre-booking essential. Open all year
with limited winter opening.
Glencoe Studio Art Gallery, Tigh
Phuirt, Glencoe, www.glencoestudiogallery.com,
01855 811861. Artist Caroline Cooke paints dramatic
Scottish scenes here. On display are a selection
of originals pieces and prints, pop in when you
visit Crafts & Things (13.5)!
The Lime Tree, Achintore Road,
Fort William, www.limetreestudio.co.uk,
01397 701806. A traditional Manse houses the working
artist studio and gallery of Landscape Artist David
Wilson.
Kranenburg & Fowler, Star
Brae, Oban, www.kranenburg-fowler.com,
01631 562303. We recommend this gallery which is
just off Argyll Square, opposite House & Home,
for striking, contemporary Scottish Art. Closed
Sundays.
