Leonard’s guidebook

Leonard
Leonard’s guidebook

Places to visit - Worth considering...

This AirBnB guidebook is powered by Google Places. That means I can only suggest places listed on Google, handy if you use SatNav and want directions. These are my recommendations based on my own visits as well as feedback from guests. Times shown at the start of each listing is by car from Lochgoilhead. I have not included the likes of Edinburgh, Stirling, Oban and Glencoe - all worthwhile and doable on day trips from Lochgoilhead. These are more local places to go. Scenic drive suggestions are available on my Lochgoilheadholidays.com website.
35 minutes. Visitors of all ages will enjoy a trip through time to this 19th century jail and courtroom. Open all year. Lots of info on their excellent website. This is a fun and educational trip back. Buy your ticket online before you go and save some money.
61 locals recommend
Inveraray Jail
61 locals recommend
35 minutes. Visitors of all ages will enjoy a trip through time to this 19th century jail and courtroom. Open all year. Lots of info on their excellent website. This is a fun and educational trip back. Buy your ticket online before you go and save some money.
30 minutes. We love boat trips. A sightseeing cruise of Loch Lomond is a great way to find out more about this most famous of Scottish lochs. There are a number of options on their website - including heading over the loch and walking part of the West Highland Way, or even climbing Ben Lomond.
17 locals recommend
Cruise Loch Lomond Ltd
17 locals recommend
30 minutes. We love boat trips. A sightseeing cruise of Loch Lomond is a great way to find out more about this most famous of Scottish lochs. There are a number of options on their website - including heading over the loch and walking part of the West Highland Way, or even climbing Ben Lomond.
45 minutes. I do like a bit of local history. Auchindrain is a mudeum of the only township to survive substantially unaltered from amongst the many hundreds that existed across the Scottish Highlands before the Highland Clearances of the late 18th and 19th centuries.
10 locals recommend
Auchindrain Township
10 locals recommend
45 minutes. I do like a bit of local history. Auchindrain is a mudeum of the only township to survive substantially unaltered from amongst the many hundreds that existed across the Scottish Highlands before the Highland Clearances of the late 18th and 19th centuries.
45 minutes. A wonderful botanic garden. Worth the visit for the surrounds and displays. There is a cafe, squirrel hide and an exhibition space.
66 locals recommend
Benmore Botanic Garden
4 Uig
66 locals recommend
45 minutes. A wonderful botanic garden. Worth the visit for the surrounds and displays. There is a cafe, squirrel hide and an exhibition space.
35 minutes. This is a sightseeing platform in a forest setting offering views down and across Loch Lomond. A lovely place to sit on a nice day and watch the comings and goings in the loch. Take our camera. Cafe and WC's.
Inveruglas Pyramid - An Ceann Mòr
A82
35 minutes. This is a sightseeing platform in a forest setting offering views down and across Loch Lomond. A lovely place to sit on a nice day and watch the comings and goings in the loch. Take our camera. Cafe and WC's.
35 minutes. This is the real deal. The home of the Duke of Argyll. From the car park at the castle there are a number of marked walking trials throughout the estate. The castle is open Easter to October. This is the starting point to hike up to the monument on Dun na Cuaiche, a prominent landmark from Inveraray; it is a wonderful viewpoint.
96 locals recommend
Inveraray Castle
96 locals recommend
35 minutes. This is the real deal. The home of the Duke of Argyll. From the car park at the castle there are a number of marked walking trials throughout the estate. The castle is open Easter to October. This is the starting point to hike up to the monument on Dun na Cuaiche, a prominent landmark from Inveraray; it is a wonderful viewpoint.
40 minutes. The viewpoint is high on the road as you head down towards the village of Tighnabruaich. There is a parking lay-by and an information board pointing out what you are looking over. This narrow stretch of water separates the Isle of Bute from Argyll.
Kyles of Bute
40 minutes. The viewpoint is high on the road as you head down towards the village of Tighnabruaich. There is a parking lay-by and an information board pointing out what you are looking over. This narrow stretch of water separates the Isle of Bute from Argyll.
55 minutes. On the way to Oban (via Inveraray) you will pass this famous picture postcard castle on the shores of Loch Awe. The panoramic viewpoint is across the loch from it - picture opportunity. I recommend you take the time to head round the loch to the parking lot and walk to have a closer look at the ruin. Information boards tell the history. Well worth it.
32 locals recommend
Kilchurn Castle
32 locals recommend
55 minutes. On the way to Oban (via Inveraray) you will pass this famous picture postcard castle on the shores of Loch Awe. The panoramic viewpoint is across the loch from it - picture opportunity. I recommend you take the time to head round the loch to the parking lot and walk to have a closer look at the ruin. Information boards tell the history. Well worth it.
1 hour 41minutes. Plan to make a day of it. Take the short ferry from Colintraive to the Isle of Bute and travel down through Rothesay to this magnificent building. A fascinating history. Lots of info on their website.
26 locals recommend
Mount Stuart
26 locals recommend
1 hour 41minutes. Plan to make a day of it. Take the short ferry from Colintraive to the Isle of Bute and travel down through Rothesay to this magnificent building. A fascinating history. Lots of info on their website.
20 minutes. Within the grounds of the Ardkinglas Estate the Woodland Garden also features a Gruffalo and Fairy Trail - that should entertain the youngsters in your party. The garden features some of the highest trees in the UK.
25 locals recommend
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden
25 locals recommend
20 minutes. Within the grounds of the Ardkinglas Estate the Woodland Garden also features a Gruffalo and Fairy Trail - that should entertain the youngsters in your party. The garden features some of the highest trees in the UK.
1 hour. On the way to Oban you will come across the the Cruachan Power Station and Visitor Centre - also known as the Hollow Mountain. Take a tour to see the power hall and power-generating turbines hidden deep within Ben Cruachan mountain.
31 locals recommend
Cruachan Visitor Centre
31 locals recommend
1 hour. On the way to Oban you will come across the the Cruachan Power Station and Visitor Centre - also known as the Hollow Mountain. Take a tour to see the power hall and power-generating turbines hidden deep within Ben Cruachan mountain.
15 minutes. You may be tempted to turn off the main road and head down the glen to your holiday home - but, hold on... The view from the Rest and be Thankful is worth stopping for. Don't forget to turn around and look back over Loch Restil and up the slopes of the mountains - this is eagle country. There is a commemorative stone and information board giving you the history and how it came by it's name.
14 locals recommend
Rest and be Thankful Viewpoint
14 locals recommend
15 minutes. You may be tempted to turn off the main road and head down the glen to your holiday home - but, hold on... The view from the Rest and be Thankful is worth stopping for. Don't forget to turn around and look back over Loch Restil and up the slopes of the mountains - this is eagle country. There is a commemorative stone and information board giving you the history and how it came by it's name.
48 minutes. A handy go-to place on a wet day. Tucked away behind the retail section of Loch Lomond Shores, this is a place you are not likely to stumble across.
29 locals recommend
Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium
Ben Lomond Way
29 locals recommend
48 minutes. A handy go-to place on a wet day. Tucked away behind the retail section of Loch Lomond Shores, this is a place you are not likely to stumble across.
57 minutes. I drove past this place for years in a rush to get to Oban. Mistake. This makes for an interesting stop. Read the reviews.
19 locals recommend
St. Conan’s Kirk
19 locals recommend
57 minutes. I drove past this place for years in a rush to get to Oban. Mistake. This makes for an interesting stop. Read the reviews.
25 minutes. Easy to miss as you head down to Dunoon. A wee museum offering an insight to what an old time village blacksmith did.
7 locals recommend
Strachur Smiddy Museum and Crafts
7 locals recommend
25 minutes. Easy to miss as you head down to Dunoon. A wee museum offering an insight to what an old time village blacksmith did.
55 minutes. Dunoon & The Clyde has an interesting history. This is the place to find out about it.
12 locals recommend
Castle House Museum
Castle Gardens
12 locals recommend
55 minutes. Dunoon & The Clyde has an interesting history. This is the place to find out about it.
50 minutes. Famous restored mansion designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, with formal gardens.
60 locals recommend
The Hill House
Upper Colquhoun Street
60 locals recommend
50 minutes. Famous restored mansion designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh, with formal gardens.
1 hour 37 minutes. We do this trip every year. A brilliant trip out to the Corryvrechan Whirlpool with the bonus of seeing sea eagles, osprey and the chance of dolphins. Times are subject to tides so check the trip options on their website. Guests who have done this have all loved it.
Craignish Cruises
1 hour 37 minutes. We do this trip every year. A brilliant trip out to the Corryvrechan Whirlpool with the bonus of seeing sea eagles, osprey and the chance of dolphins. Times are subject to tides so check the trip options on their website. Guests who have done this have all loved it.

Activities - Things to do

Sit back and relax - but if you have a burst of energy you may want to go fishing, hire a kayak, go quad biking, or take a walk. As for walking, we are spoilt for choice. A copy of my Loch Goil Trails Walking Guide is included in your holiday home.
5 minutes. Easy to use motor boats. Ideal for getting out on the loch and enjoying the scenery, wildlife and for fishing. Flexible hire periods. Fishing equipment can be hired.
13 locals recommend
Loch Goil Cruisers
13 locals recommend
5 minutes. Easy to use motor boats. Ideal for getting out on the loch and enjoying the scenery, wildlife and for fishing. Flexible hire periods. Fishing equipment can be hired.
15 minutes. Based at Carrick Castle on Loch Goil you can hire kayaks or paddle boards. Equipment included.
9 locals recommend
lochgoilhead kayak hire
9 locals recommend
15 minutes. Based at Carrick Castle on Loch Goil you can hire kayaks or paddle boards. Equipment included.
55 minutes of scenic driving brings you to Quadmania overlooking Loch Long. Quad bikes and Archery. Wonderful trails making the most of their beautiful location.
16 locals recommend
Quadmania
16 locals recommend
55 minutes of scenic driving brings you to Quadmania overlooking Loch Long. Quad bikes and Archery. Wonderful trails making the most of their beautiful location.
3 minutes. Nearby to the village is an excellent leisure centre. A choice of things to do as well as range of child and family activities. Best to call in at their reception when you are here to check what is on during your stay.
7 locals recommend
Drimsynie Estate Leisure Centre
7 locals recommend
3 minutes. Nearby to the village is an excellent leisure centre. A choice of things to do as well as range of child and family activities. Best to call in at their reception when you are here to check what is on during your stay.
50 minutes. You'll need a head for heights to take this on. Great fun.
13 locals recommend
TreeZone Loch Lomond
13 locals recommend
50 minutes. You'll need a head for heights to take this on. Great fun.
40 minutes. Horse riding and pony trekking.
20 locals recommend
Argyll Adventure
20 locals recommend
40 minutes. Horse riding and pony trekking.
9 hole loch side golf course. Open to the public. Pay your green fees at the leisure centre. No need to book.
Lochgoilhead Golf Course
9 hole loch side golf course. Open to the public. Pay your green fees at the leisure centre. No need to book.

Eat & Drink

A Cafe on the road to Carrick Castle, The View Restaurant and DC's Take-Away at the Drimsynie Estate (not shown in the listing below) and The Goil Inn in the village. All handy when you are staying in the glen. I have included some of my favourites outside the glen.
The village pub. Patio with loch view. Serves bar meals. Friday night bar entertainment - check with them first. Dog friendly.
The Goil Inn
The village pub. Patio with loch view. Serves bar meals. Friday night bar entertainment - check with them first. Dog friendly.
5 minutes. The Boat Shed Cafe is locally owned and run. On the road down to Carrick Castle village call in and enjoy the view over the loch.
13 locals recommend
Loch Goil Cruisers
13 locals recommend
5 minutes. The Boat Shed Cafe is locally owned and run. On the road down to Carrick Castle village call in and enjoy the view over the loch.
23 minutes. A popular micro brewery easy to reach on your trip out to Inveraray. Sample the beers in their tap room or outside in the courtyard.
33 locals recommend
Fyne Ales Brewery Tap & Shop
33 locals recommend
23 minutes. A popular micro brewery easy to reach on your trip out to Inveraray. Sample the beers in their tap room or outside in the courtyard.
25 minutes. This is the place for sea food. A restaurant as well as a shop. Stock up and enjoy what their produce back in your holiday home.
58 locals recommend
Loch Fyne Oysters Ltd
58 locals recommend
25 minutes. This is the place for sea food. A restaurant as well as a shop. Stock up and enjoy what their produce back in your holiday home.
23 minutes. There is a real sense of history, and a hint of quirkiness, when you call into the bar & restaurant at the George Hotel. In the same family ownership for generations The George is a favourite with the locals. Go on in and enjoy the atmosphere.
39 locals recommend
The George Hotel
1 Main St E
39 locals recommend
23 minutes. There is a real sense of history, and a hint of quirkiness, when you call into the bar & restaurant at the George Hotel. In the same family ownership for generations The George is a favourite with the locals. Go on in and enjoy the atmosphere.
21 minutes. I like the bar here. One of those country pubs that has a real sense of history. You can sit outside on a nice day en take in the views over Loch Fyne.
Cairndow Stagecoach Inn
21 minutes. I like the bar here. One of those country pubs that has a real sense of history. You can sit outside on a nice day en take in the views over Loch Fyne.

Art Galleries

Artists do not often have Google listings, but that does not mean they are not worth visiting. In Lochgoilhead village you will find Sarah Ross-Thompson who is a Fine Art Printmaker specialising in hand-inked, collagraph prints. Sarah has a gallery attached to her home. We also have Derek Prescott who makes unique handcrafted jewellery in his home studio. He will do commissions. Visitors welcome. Google them both for details and directions.
57 minutes. The drive down to Tighnabruaich is all part of the fun. In the main street of this pretty village is the Tig Gallery. They always have an interesting range of original paintings, ceramics and jewellery on show.
10 locals recommend
Tighnabruaich Gallery
10 locals recommend
57 minutes. The drive down to Tighnabruaich is all part of the fun. In the main street of this pretty village is the Tig Gallery. They always have an interesting range of original paintings, ceramics and jewellery on show.
50 minutes. As part of a circular tour taking in Ardentinny and Benmore, worthwhile calling to to the Blairmore Gallery & Coffee Shop. Original art in a setting overlooking Loch Long.
Blairmore Gallery, Nr Dunoon
Shore Road
50 minutes. As part of a circular tour taking in Ardentinny and Benmore, worthwhile calling to to the Blairmore Gallery & Coffee Shop. Original art in a setting overlooking Loch Long.

Shopping & Groceries

ASDA home deliver to holiday homes in the glen. Address details on your arrival email. Do not arrive without provisions. The local Costcutter is not open late.
There is also a Post Office & grocery store, as well as a gift shop in Lochgoilhead village. Pine Trees Gift Shop is not on Google maps so it does not have it's own listing on this guidebook. That is a shame because Catherine the owner always has an interesting range of items. Please support our rural economy and give her a visit.
Costcutter
There is also a Post Office & grocery store, as well as a gift shop in Lochgoilhead village. Pine Trees Gift Shop is not on Google maps so it does not have it's own listing on this guidebook. That is a shame because Catherine the owner always has an interesting range of items. Please support our rural economy and give her a visit.
A well stocked Co-Op in Invereray. Handy for stocking up if you are out the glen on a sight-seeing trip.
Co-op Food - Inveraray New
The Avenue
A well stocked Co-Op in Invereray. Handy for stocking up if you are out the glen on a sight-seeing trip.
Handy if you are arriving from the Stirling direction.
16 locals recommend
Co-op Food - Balloch
Carrochan Road
16 locals recommend
Handy if you are arriving from the Stirling direction.
Retail and Tourist Board Office by Loch Lomond.
85 locals recommend
Loch Lomond Shores
Ben Lomond Way
85 locals recommend
Retail and Tourist Board Office by Loch Lomond.
It's a big ASDA - say no more. Best location if coming from Glasgow and the south.
12 locals recommend
Asda Dumbarton Superstore
Glasgow Road
12 locals recommend
It's a big ASDA - say no more. Best location if coming from Glasgow and the south.

Neighbourhoods

Sitting at the head of Loch Goil within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park we are surrounded by mountains and the tidal sea loch. This is a place to relax, enjoy the scenery and use as a base for touring the area. The village is easy to walk around and has a pub & restaurant, gift shop, small grocery store, bowling green, village hall, boat hire and leisure centre.
Lochgoilhead
Sitting at the head of Loch Goil within the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park we are surrounded by mountains and the tidal sea loch. This is a place to relax, enjoy the scenery and use as a base for touring the area. The village is easy to walk around and has a pub & restaurant, gift shop, small grocery store, bowling green, village hall, boat hire and leisure centre.

City advice

Getting around

Explore by car, bus, bike or on foot

CAR - Best way to explore this rural area. There are a lot of single track roads. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. Use the passing places to let cars overtake - you are on . holiday - there is no rush. BUS - From either Helensburgh or Dunoon, plus a connecting bus service at the Rest and be Thankful (not in the winter) from the Glasgow bus. Check Traveline online for times. BIKE - You can hire a bike locally. Hilly in parts but a bike is a great way to travel around the loch. WALKING - A FREE copy of my Loch Goil Trails Walking Guide is in the holiday home for you. Enjoy.