Castles of Argyll

Introduction
Argyle Scotland

The Argyll Castles Trail is a seven night, six day adventure trail with luxury accommodation and food. This trail takes you through the heart of Argyll, often described as “Scotland in miniature”. This area of Scotland, steeped in history and incredible flora and wildlife, was the birthplace of the Scots.
The ride is about 120 miles in length and is mostly over private land and open hill, commanding  and breathtaking views over the West Highland and Western Isles, taking you from Inverary to Brenfield. Visit Iverary Castle (home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll), the famous ruins of the 16th century Carnasserie Castle and gallop past Duntrune Castle as you race across the beach! This trail has a fair amount of fast riding work in it and the opportunity to take in some jumps and a long exhilarating beach gallop! Expect to spend around four to six hours in the saddle each day.
On this trail we use two excellent hotels, one offers spa facilities including a swimming pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi and much more! Whilst the other is a 4 star resort on the Crinan Canal. Both of these hotels have an impressive dinner menu, using the best of the local produce, which is all included in the price of this trail! 

Accomodation

You will be lodged for 3 nights at the Crinan Hotel on the Crinan Canal and 4 nights at the Loch Fyne Spa Hotel.
All meals are included, some wines and spirits are included with the picnic lunches - but not with dinner.

Crinan Hotel

The Crinan Hotel is renowned for its world class seafood restaurant serving Scottish seafood, the freshest of shellfish and the best of Scotland's meat and cheese. Located on the Crinan Canal in Argyll this Scottish hotel and Restaurant has an excellent wine list and a well deserved reputation for warm hospitality and good food. The restaurant at Crinan has won many awards and top reviews for its outstanding cuisine.
At the north end of the Crinan Canal, connecting Loch Fyne to the Atlantic Ocean, is the tiny picturesque fishing village of Crinan with its population of just under 80 inhabitants.
For over 200 years the center of this little community has been Crinan Hotel. Today Crinan Hotel is an international meeting point for Hebridean sailors, fishermen, yachtsman, holiday makers and above all lovers of seafood and the best of Scottish produce.

There are 20 bedrooms over three floors of the hotel and a lift to get you there if you feel so inclined.All our rooms have been individually designed by Frances Macdonald and all have views either to the canal basin or others which look over Loch Crinan and out towards the sound of Jura, and the islands of Scarba and Mull. From each of the hotel's bedrooms - many with private balconies - guests can take in the panoramic views of Argyll's rugged west coast, historic castles and the ever-changing collection of boats in the canal basin.
Here is the ideal, undemanding base from which to enjoy the peaceful tranquility of this memorable part of the Scottish landscape.
The rooms are all ensuite with either shower or bath, or both, tea and coffee making facilities, hairdryer, terrestrial television, telephone and complimentary toiletries.

Crinan Hotel's restaurant, the Westward, is on the ground floor and looks out over Loch Crinan.
Here visitors can indulge in the delights of a real Scottish breakfast or a gourmet dinner including some of the dishes made famous by our Lock 16 restaurant.
The Westward restaurant has wonderful views towards the islands . Our chefs use the best of local organic produce including beef and lamb from nearby farms, venison from Jura and halibut and turbot from the islands.

Loch Fyne Hotel

Located on the shores of Loch Fyne, with a wealth of attractions and activities close by, we make our base for 3 nights. We like to give you a true taste of Scotland during your stay. The chefs source the best Scottish produce for some real local flavor. From porridge and kippers for breakfast to afternoon tea with scones, the best of Scotland is here to enjoy. Dine on Loch Fyne mussels or oysters or some fine Scotch beef or lamb in our Lochview Restaurant. Sample a local Fyne Ale in our bar or one of the malt whiskies from nearby distilleries.

There's plenty to enjoy on land and water around Loch Fyne. Stretch your legs on any number of country walks. Visit local attractions like the living museum of Inveraray Jail or the seat of the Dukes of Argyll at Inveraray Castle. Or try a spot of fishing on Loch Awe.
The Loch Fyne Hotel & Spa has 71 guest rooms. Standard rooms are a good size and come in warm, natural shades. Our superior double rooms are spacious with a separate sitting area. Book a Mini Suite and really spoil yourself with its roll top bath, large screen TV, DVD player and stunning views of the loch. Every room has coffee making facilities, private bathroom, hairdryer and trouser press.

Fresh seafood, fabulous wine and the lovely Loch Fyne
Enjoy breathtaking views from the lounge bar, open from 11.00am until late. It is an idyllic spot in which to relax after a full day discovering Loch Fyne.
The Clansman is a popular Argyll restaurant, and rightly so. Guests, locals and passers-by all come to savour our fresh seafood and locally grown produce.

Pamper yourself in our tranquil spa
When you stay at our spa hotel on the shores of Loch Fyne, Scotland, you will enjoy full use of all our spa facilities. These include a 15 metre indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. For that extra bit of indulgence, let our trained therapists soothe tired muscles and make your skin glow with a wide range of treatments- choose from full aromatherapy body massages, Indian head massage, Reiki, hot stone massage and many facial treatments to name just a few...

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

The ride is about 150 Km in length and is mostly over private lands with little road work. This trail has a fair amount of fast work in it and the opportunity to take in some jumps and gallop on the beach. Expect to spend around four hours in the saddle each day.

Itinerary

Day 1: Transport will be at Glasgow Airport (GLA) at 12:00 noon. A representative of the riding centre will meet the riders at the International Arrivals Lounge. If you arrive early there is a coffee bar and lounge for you to relax in after your flight. The journey from Glasgow takes them deep into the western highlands of Argyll, along the picturesque banks of Loch Lomond and over the 'Rest and be Thankful', the high mountain pass into Argyll, then along the shores of the beautiful sea loch, Loch Fyne, arriving at your first hotel, the Loch Fyne Spa Hotel in Inverary, where you will stay for the first 3 nights. The Loch Fyne Spa Hotel is of a 4 star standard with a swimming pool & spa and magnificent views overlooking Loch Fyne – they even have an outdoor Jacuzzi! Tonight you will meet your trail host over dinner in the evening and discuss the week to come.
The Argyll Castles Trail is ideal for non riders to join in with their riding partners, as there is plenty for them to do and they can meet the ride most days for lunch. 

Day 2: You will meet your horse in the grounds of Inveraray Castle home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, whose beautiful historic estate we have the privilege of riding through. After riding through Glen Shira and onto high ground with splendid views of Inverary and Loch Fyne below, the ride then ascends to Dun na Cuaiche, the famous watch tower built by the 7th Duke of Argyll, with stunning views of Inverary and the beautiful 16th century castle. Make sure to bring your camera every day! We will take a late lunch in the Castle’s tea room, giving the opportunity to explore this famous castle, before visiting the Loch Fyne Whisky shop for a drop of the amber nectar!  We will then return to the Loch Fyne Spa Hotel to enjoy the facilities before relaxing over dinner. 

Day 3: We ride from Inverary castle through estate grounds along the River Aray, which has Salmon ladders which if you’re lucky you may even see a salmon leaping. After passing the Dovecot and Princess Louise’s fishing pool we cross into ancient woodlands, where you may jump the odd fallen tree, passing small lochans and see ruins from the Highland Clearances.
Picnic lunch is taken by Dalchenna situated on the shores of Loch Fyne.
In the afternoon the ride passes through the River Douglas (which if it is high tide you may have the opportunity to swim on horseback!).
We then follow the coast through Kenmore Forest passing the settlement of Pennymore before finishing at the village of Furnace, where we have a rare opportunity to look around the open air Victorian crofting museum of Auchindrain. We then return to the Loch Fyne Spa Hotel. 

Day 4: Today’s ride follows an ancient droving trail between Auchindrain on Loch Fyne and Ederline on Loch Awe.
This is the oldest track in Argyll, a former stage coach route and drove road for moving cattle from the Inner Hebrides to the markets of Stirling and Falkirk.
We have lunch in an old bothy at the abandoned village of Carron on Ederline Estate, this was the resting place for the horses and stagecoach. We usually have the picnic lunch (which has been carried by the horses) by candlelight and with a log fire, followed by tea and coffee heated over the open fire.
After lunch the trail goes onto the heather covered open hill. We climb to several mountain tops with 360 degree views overlooking the vast expanses of Loch Awe to the North and Loch Fyne to the South. Over 32 Lochs and Lochans can be seen from this vantage point!
The ride continues down across hills and moorland passing ruins of ancient settlements and onto the very old chapel of St Columba, who brought Christianity to Scotland in 497AD, which nestles between the trees and ferns and the later built Kilneuair Church overlooking Loch Awe. We continue on Ederline Estate through hills and woodland passing Ederline House and down through the Glen overlooking the Lochans where we may see the Osprey (the fish eagle). This day is a long ride with lots of canters & fast paced action finishing near to the village of Ford.
This evening riders are taken to Stonefield Castle Hotel which is a superb example of Scottish Baronial architecture set in sixty acres of woodland gardens, containing some of the finest examples of Himalayan rhododendrons and other exotic shrubs. 

Day 5: Today we ride to the famous ruin of Carnasserie Castle, the 16th century home of Bishop Carswell who as Bishop of the West Highlands of Scotland used this as his base when he translated the Bible into Gaelic for the Scottish people.
After we climb to the top of the fortified towers take the chance to enjoy a nip from your leader’s hip flask.
There is the opportunity to jump stone walls at the castle then gallop on to two Neolithic standing stones. The ride then takes you through Ormag Forest, which has superb views of the Craignish peninsula and on towards the Isle of Mull, before finishing at Kilmartin House Museum for a late lunch followed by a short film and a walk round this interactive museum showing early life in Scotland.
After lunch we will visit the ancient burial cairns and stone circles of Temple Wood (circa 5000 years old) and then on to see the remains of Dunadd Fort the location of the first crowning of the King of the original Scots in 500AD.
This is usually the perfect evening for traditional Scottish fare and live music. 

Day 6: This is the day of our famous three mile beach gallop across the head of Loch Crinan with Duntrune Castle (the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland) in the background! There is the strong possibility of being able to swim our horses across the River Add.
The ride then goes West along the tow path of the scenic Crinan Canal (opened in 1801 as a safe passage for boats to avoid having to navigate the treacherous waters around the Mull of Kintyre) passing local artist Fraser McIver and his unique “art studio” gypsy wagon (!) and picturesque lock keepers cottages. A steep and challenging ride up through dense woodland brings you to a clearing in the forest for a gourmet picnic lunch. After lunch we pass through forest tracks with fantastic views out over Loch Scotnish with blankets of purple heather in the foreground.
Fast riding to the “fairy isles” on soft grass verges and a visit to a medieval settlement are the order of the afternoon. A holy cross and well can clearly be seen, along with a water powered corn mill at the deserted village of Kilmory Oib.
We then return to enjoy our final night in Stonefield castle. 

Day 7:  Riding from Gartnagrenoch you are taken through a maze of forestry tracks, around small lochans with superb views of Loch Sween and Loch Coalisport, which brings you to the East end of the Crinan canal and Cairnbaan Hotel for lunch. The hotel is situated beside lock number 5, where we can watch the boats passing through the lock system as we enjoy our excellent cuisine!
The afternoon takes you homewards towards Brenfield estate, riding high in the hills above the town of Lochgilphead with magnificent views down Loch Fyne to the Isle of Arran. We reach Brenfield in time for afternoon tea in the garden overlooking the water and hills beyond. This evening is spent back at the Loch Fyne Spa Hotel for a final opportunity to benefit from their spa facilities before your return journey home. 

Day 8: We will collect you from your hotel around about 10am to get you to Glasgow Airport (GLA) by 12 noon.

Note:  The above itinerary is an approximate description of the trail.  The route may vary due to many factors, such as forestry work, farming activities or deer stalking, and tides making changes and detours necessary. Locations of night stops can in some circumstances vary too.  

Rates and Dates for Castles of Argyll

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Argyle
Airport: Glasgow
Transfer: Glasgow

Climate:

Generally, Scotland is cool, damp and cloudy, but daily weather is unpredictable and extremely changeable. January and February are the coldest months, averaging 41°F (5°C), and summer has average temperatures of 66°F (19°C) during its warmest months of July and August. Scottish weather is on average cooler than that of England. The coldest areas are the highlands and the northern latitude means short winter days and very long summer evenings. The east coast experiences more sunshine, but colder winters, compared to the west.

For evening wear- your clothes should be smart but casual.