Activities

Cycling & Mountain Biking

Whether you bring your own bike or hire when you get here, cycling is great fun and allows you to really get to know the area. Mountain Biking is becoming increasingly popular allowing you to get off the beaten track away from all the traffic.

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Shian Wildlife Walk

Only a mile from the park. A small walk and very peaceful.

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Bienn Lora Forest walk

A mixed conifer and broadleaf wood on the steep sides of Beinn Lora, with a trail leading to the summit, providing exhilarating views over the Firth of Lorne to Mull and beyond. There is a route diversion at Beinn Lora. A section of the Lower Loop - Coastal Climb walk and the Eagle's Eyrie and Summit walk will be closed until further notice. This is due to tree damage caused by recent gales. A diversion is in place - please follow the diversion signs. For your own safety, please observe all warning and prohibition signs.

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Rally Karting

Tralee Rally Karting. Suitable for ages 7 - 70 years. Arrive-n-Drive. Open all school holidays, Easter, Whitsun & Summer plus every weekend between Easter and Mid September - weather permiting. Please note:- we do not operate during or imediately after heave rain as the track becomes waterlogged. Please phone first if in doubt.

Kintaline Farm

A warm welcome awaits at our small Highland farm on the shore overlooking the mountains of Argyll. At Kintaline Plant and Poultry Centre we have pure breeds of chickens and ducks to see and feed, interesting and unusual garden plants, Smallholder Shop, horticultural supplies, wild bird feeds and feeders, Poultry, Pet and smallholder feeds, regular Local Producers Market. Take a leisurely stroll around the farm park of our poultry and waterfowl pens, see and feed over 30 breeds of ducks and chickens. Ask any advice you want about keeping birds yourselves. We have years of experience helping people and birds fit together the best way. We also love to learn, and enjoy hearing about other people's birds and experiences.

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Magic Show

Peter Barr presents a Magic Show for all the family. Magic shows are held in the Victory Hall, Benderloch on Sundays. The whole family will be entertained by the tricks of magician Peter Barr and the skills of his balloon modelling.

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Sea Freedom Kayak

Seafreedom is a mobile sea kayak resource based near Oban. We provide sea kayak instruction, coaching, guided day trips, tours and rental.

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Falls of Lora

The falls of Lora are generated when the tide level in the Firth of Lorn drops below the level of the water in Loch Etive. On the Ebb tide, the seawater in Loch Etive pours out through the narrows which are themselves spanned by the spectacular and historic Connel Bridge. The currents and waves produced by the flood tide are also well worth seeing and paddling. The falls provide excitement for kayakers and divers as well as a stunning sight for tourists and photographers.

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Sutherland's Grove forestry walk

Sutherland's Grove hosts a number of enticing forest walks through mixed woodlands including a grove of huge douglas fir trees planted in the 1870s along the Abhainn Teithil Burn. The waterfalls and gorge cut by the river are a spectacular focal point to this diverse woodland.

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Sealife Centre

Nestling in a mature spruce forest on the shores of beautiful Loch Creran the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary enjoys one of the most picturesque settings in Britain, and is home to some of the UK's most enchanting marine creatures. In crystal clear waters you can explore over 30 fascinating natural marine habitats containing everything from Octopus to Sharks. Come nose to nose with the graceful rays as they swim to the surface to greet you or stand in the middle of a huge shoal of salmon making you dizzy as they constantly swim around you in our unique shoaling ring. Every day there is a range of talks and feeding demonstrations from our team of marine experts which may allow you to hand feed some of our sharks and rays or perhaps to learn about and hold some starfish and crabs.

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Ardchattan Priory Garden

A garden has existed at Ardchattan since the thirteenth century, when the Priory was founded by the monks of the Valliscaulian order. Today's layout mainly has developed since the Victorian era, although a few names and features remind one of its monastic origins. Behind the Priory (now a private house) lie the ruins of the chapel, in the care of Historic Scotland. It is open with the garden.

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Dunstaffnage Castle

Dunstaffnage Castle is a partially ruined castle in Argyll and Bute, western Scotland. It lies 3 miles (4.8 km) N.N.E. of Oban, situated on a platform of conglomerate rock on a promontory at the south-west of the entrance to Loch Etive, and is surrounded on three sides by the sea.

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Waverly Excursions

WAVERLEY is the last sea-going paddle steamer in the world. Magnificently restored with towering funnels, timber decks, gleaming varnish and brass. See and hear the mighty engines - they will provide a whiff of nostalgia for some but are sure to impress all! Step aboard for DAY, AFTERNOON and EVENING CRUISES from Oban North Pier. Dates for 2010 are 28th May - 1st June.

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Dunollie Castle, Oban

Dunollie Castle is situated on the Ganavan road approximately a mile to the north of Oban. It sits overlooking the small strait between the mainland and the island of Kerrera, which is also owned by the MacDougall estate. The small grassy island is Maiden Island which in itself has an interesting legend attributed to it.

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McCaig's Tower

The town of Oban's great landmark is McCaig's Tower or Folly, a structure that resembles Rome's Coliseum and which dominates the skyline. There's not much to see, apart from the exterior walls, but the views of the town and bay are quite magnificent and well worth the climb up.

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The Waterfront Restaurant

The Waterfront Restaurant is located on the upper floor of what used to be the old Fishermen's Mission, with spectacular views over beautiful Oban Bay on the West Coast of Scotland. Watch the comings and goings of the ferries and fishing boats as you eat, and maybe catch sight of a seal in the bay. Facing west, we also have the luxury of views of the sun going down behind the Island of Kerrera.

submitted by Stephen Chown from Bristol

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War and Peace Museum

Oban's War & Peace Museum contains a fascinating collection of artefacts and photographs depicting the rich cultural history of the busy port town and its people. You can find out about the fishing and maritime industries, the railways, road transport, and the strategic role played by Oban during the war years when the town was home to Australian, Canadian and US aircrew and RAF Flying Boats operated from the bay. The involvement of local men and women in WWII is also recalled as are the other Services who operated in the area at that time. Local sports such as Shinty are featured and displays tell the story of the first transatlantic telephone cable link, the operations of the Northern Lighthouse Board, our local emergency services, the construction of McCaig's Tower and the history of the museum itself. There is so much more to see at the museum and we hope you will come and visit us soon to find out about Oban's heritage.

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Atlantis Leisure

Atlantis Leisure is owned and operated by the community. We are extremely proud of our facilities and the services on offer-the best in the West Highlands - and are delighted to welcome visitors and locals alike to enjoy sport and leisure time with us at Atlantis.

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National Kayak School

National Kayak School Sea Kayaking trips and courses are designed to help you develop as a Sea Kayaker. Oban is perfect for beginners sea Kayaking with plenty of sheltered water when its needed while experts will enjoy its famous tideraces and overfalls (Falls of Lora and the Gulf of Corriewvreckan). It is also well situated for the ideal whitewater kayaking course venue the River Awe. Dam controlled it runs at a great level all summer long from Loch Awe to the sea in Loch Etive.

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Highland Theatre Oban

Oban's family run independent Cinema showing a wide range of movies including the latest UK Premiere releases. The 2 screens show a wide range of films for all the family and they are open 7 days a week all year round.

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Oban Distillery

Oban Distillery Nestling beneath the steep cliff that overlooks Oban, one of Scotland's oldest sources of single malt scotch whisky is but a stone's throw from the sea. Visitors are welcome all year round. Admission is refundable on purchase in the gift shop. Children under the age of eight are not allowed in the production area. The last tour commences one hour before closing time.

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Mara Mhor Cruises

Argyll Charters specialises in scenic, wildlife cruises in the Sound of Mull and around the islands in the Firth of Lorn Special Area of Conservation. All cruises depart from the Corran Esplanade Slipway, Oban.

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Skipinnish

Skipinnish Ceilidh House is a purpose built music venue in the heart of Oban with spectacular views across Oban Bay. Run by professional musicians & record company owners Angus MacPhail & Andrew Stevenson of the well known Celtic Music band Skipinnish, it is unrivalled for traditional music performance.

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Glencruitten Golf Club

Glencruitten Golf Course is James Braid's hidden gem nestling among the hills of Glencruitten Estate on the outskirts of Oban. Visitors, juniors and non-members are made very welcome at this 18 hole course. The clubhouse has full catering, shower facilities and shop. Club and trolley hire available.

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Piazza

We are a pizza/pasta restaurant on a pier in beautiful Oban Bay in Scotland, with spectacular views to Kerrera, Mull and the townscape. Piazza has a great atmosphere whatever the occasion! Every dish is cooked to order, using the finest ingredients we can acquire! When you visit us you can be assured of attentive and efficient service from a team that care.

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White Water Rafting on the River Awe

Highland Activities offers White Water Rafting and Funyaking on the River Awe! This is an excellent Family activity on some awesome grade 2-3 White Waters! You are supplied with all the safety gear you require and will be guided down the river by a qualified instructor.

submitted by Megan from Fort William

Kerrera Ferry

The island of Kerrera has been described as a jewel in the Firth of Lorne. Just a few minutes ferry ride away from the mainland of Oban. It offers a peace and beauty that is unique, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Kerrera is an ever-changing landscape from fertile low pastures where the farming tradition goes back hundreds of years - to bog and heathland, small coastal bays and beaches with cliffs and caves - home to a rich tapestry of flowers and wildlife.

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Taynuilt Golf Club

Taynuilt Golf Club is a challenging 9-hole parkland course which was founded in 1987. The course is surrounded by majestic scenery located close to the base of Ben Cruachan and with stunning views up Loch Etive. Visitors are welcome at any time - no handicap certificate required.

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Angus Garden

Angus's Garden, Barguillean Farm is situated in Taynuilt near Loch Etive. The garden covers approx nine acres and has been planted with many varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas, as well as other flowering shrubs and trees.

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Castle Stalker

Castle Stalker (Scottish Gaelic: Caisteal an Stalcaire) is a four story tower house or keep picturesquely set on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe. It is located about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) north east of Port Appin, Argyll, Scotland and visible from the A828 main road about mid-way between Oban and Glen Coe. The islet is accessible (with difficulty) from the shore at low tide or by boat at high tide.

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Kinlochlaich Gardens

West Highlands' largest nursery garden centre An original "family" affair, the gardens are run by Fiona Hutchison with parents Donald and Susie. There are various plantings throughout the grounds and within the walled garden which offer year round interest. These are being constantly added to and are maturing well.

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Isle of Lismore

If you’ve not yet visited our island you could be in for a special experience. Just 7 miles by car ferry from Oban and a mere 5 minute crossing by passenger ferry from Port Appin, it is one of the most accessible of Argyll islands. Yet despite its accessibility you will feel when you step off the ferry that you’ve arrived in a different world. There is an immediate sense of peace, of having “got away”. Once the ferry traffic has departed, there is little sound but the calling of birds. The air is pure and intoxicating!

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Lettershuna Riding Centre

Lettershuna Riding Centre is a well established riding centre near Oban, Scotland, specialising in supervised riding and trekking excursions in the Appin area.

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Inverawe Fisheries

This attraction is unique in that it is built around a business that supplies smoked products which can be purchased in the shop. It also provides for wonderful walks in wild scenery where it is possible to catch a glimpse of Red and Roe deer. Over 100 species of bird have been recorded in a lush landscape which also provides splendid mountain views. Trout fishing can be enjoyed on three lochs and Salmon fishing on a beautiful stretch of the river awe. Equipment hire, tuition and refreshments are also available.

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Mull Railway

The first steam locomotive to run on the railway was the privately owned Lady of the Isles, known as LOTI, a 2-6-4 tank locomotive built in 1981 specially for the Mull Railway. Painted in the colours of the Old North British Railway (and incidentally similar to Edinburgh Corporation Steam Rollers and the much lamented Campbeltown and Macrihanish Railway) she has borne the brunt of the steam hauled traffic since the railway opened. LOTI was built at Brittania Works, Hinckley, by Roger Marsh in 1981.

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St Conan's Kirk

St. Conan’s Kirk is situated on the North shore of Loch Awe and is very popular with tourists. The building is open every day and guidebooks, postcards and souvenirs are available. St. Conan is the patron saint of Lorne and is reputed to have lived in Glenorchy. There is a well named after him on the far side of Dalmally. He was a disciple though not a contemporary of Columba, and like him came from Ireland. In order to maintain the Kirk for future generations as its builders would have wished, please put a contribution, large or small, in one of the boxes provided for the purpose at the doors?

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Torosay Castle and Gardens

Torosay is a spectacular 150 year old Scottish baronial style castle surrounded by magnificent and unique gardens, just a mile from the ferry pier at Craignure on the south- east of the Isle of Mull. Connected by its very own narrow gauge steam railway, the castle and gardens have become a ‘must see’ attraction for visitors to Argyll and the Isles alike. History and garden lovers are particularly drawn to Torosay, although any visitor can’t fail to have their breath taken away by the spectacular setting of this unique part of Scotland.

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Loch Awe fishing

Fishing-Argyll is run in our spare time and or aim is to help you make the most of your fishing trips in the area, be it sea or freshwater. On the site you'll find information on lochs in the Argyll area, sea fishing marks, up to date fishing reports and tips on what's catching fish and where. If you need to get in touch with us then feel free to e-mail. Please be aware that we receive a fair bit of e-mail and, although we try, it's not always possible to answer every one - we do have daytime jobs too! . . . This picture shows Brian Rutland with his British record brown trout of 31lb 12oz caught in Loch Awe in March 2002.

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Ben Cruachan Munro walk

Ben Cruachan (Gaelic: Cruachan) is a 1126 m mountain that is the highest point in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It gives its name to a pumped-storage hydroelectric power station located in a cavern inside the mountain. It is the high point of a ring of mountains, known as the Cruachan Horseshoe, that surrounds the power station reservoir. The horseshoe includes a further Munro (Stob Diamh), a Corbett (Beinn a' Bhuiridh), and several subsidiary summits.

Kilchurn Castle

Standing at the head of Loch Awe on what is today a low, rocky mound, but which, in medieval times, was an island, Kilchurn Castle was built, probably, around 1440 by Margaret, wife of Sir Colin Campbell, first Laird of Glenurquhay. The fabric of the Castle is in unusually good order and access is by a ½ mile walk on a rough path. The scale of the construction is vast and extremely interesting. Historic Scotland have built access stairs and it is possible to climb to the highest towers from where the views are breathtaking. It is open every day and until 9pm in the summer. It is also possible to visit the Castle in summer by boat from Loch Awe station.

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Ardmaddy Castle Garden

Ardmaddy rises above its formal walled garden on one side with outstanding views of the Islands on the other. Visitors approach the garden by an old arched footbridge over a burn finding its final path to the sea. A fine collection of species and hybrid rhododendrons, azaleas and climbing plants line the walls with a continually increasing variety of shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Between dwarf box hedges flourish a wide range of interesting vegetables and cane fruits which are grown using labour-saving methods.

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Duart Castle, Mull

Duart Castle, on the Isle of Mull in Scotland is the ancestral home of the Clan Maclean. Standing proudly on a clifftop guarding the Sound of Mull, Duart enjoys one of the most spectacular and unique positions on the West Coast of Scotland. Duart Castle and its grounds are open to the public from April to mid October. There is a carpark, and the byre just below the Castle has been converted into an unusual and attractive tearoom and gift shop.

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Kinlochleven Walk and Ice Wall

The village of Kinlochleven is surrounded by stunning mountains and scenery. The West Highland Way passes through Kinlochleven from the renowned Devils Staircase from Glencoe and the village is a popular stop off point for walkers and brings a steady stream of visitors looking for accommodation before setting off the following morning to Fort William. The walks in Kinlochleven have a character of their own. Many walks are of historical and scientific interest. Other activities include climbing, kayaking, sailing and fishing.

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Sealife adventures

Experience a whale watching boat trip in Scotland with Sealife Adventures, based on the mainland near Oban, Argyll, Scotland. Cruise through the infamous Corryvreckan Whirlpool. The stunning panorama of the Inner Hebrides includes Mull, Iona Jura and Islay. This area is exceptional for wildlife watching. It is a hot spot for porpoise, dolphins, minke whales and basking sharks. Bird watching highlights include sea eagles, golden eagles and puffins, while otters, seals, and deer can be seen along the shore.

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Ben Nevis Mountain Walk

If you ever get the courage to walk up Ben Nevis do it. For the athletic among us it's a 3 hour run. Normal people 5-6 hours of hard work is waiting for you, for the rest of us allow 7-9 hours and a early start. You will be amazed at all the different ages and condition of the people thoroughly enjoying the climb. Take plenty of water and clothing its cold at the top. Late June to September are the best months, expect snow at the top any other month.

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Easdale Island

The picturesque car-free island of Easdale is accessed by a 3 minute ferry crossing from Seil. It has neat rows of whitewashed houses which housed the slate quarrymen and the history can be found in their own museum. The Easdale Folk Museum aims to show a snapshot of life on Easdale Island as it was in the 19th Century, when the Island was the centre of the Scottish slate industry. The island also has a striking community hall building which is well worth a visit.

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Glencoe

Glencoe is an amazing place - internationally famous for its amazing landscape, its natural and cultural heritage. It’s a place of towering, spectacular, brooding hills, diverse and rare wildlife and of a famous yet tragic event in Scotland’s history.

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Seafari

CORRYVRECKAN WILDLIFE TOURS operate daily March to end Oct Operates daily - please phone 01852 300003 0r e mail for availability A fantastic general wildlife tour culminating in a visit to the Infamous Gulf Of Corryvreckan, home to the World's Third Largest Whirlpool. Our expert guides will identify and offer detailed information on all the wildlife found in the area. Species in the water include common seal, atlantic grey seal, harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, minke whale and otter.

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Arduaine Garden

Arduaine is a wonderfully moist and mossy coastal garden, influenced beneficially by the North Atlantic Drift and enjoyed by enthusiasts from all over the world. Twenty acres of outstanding woodland plants include not only a major rhododendron species collection with a leaning towards the more tender, but also all the usual spring-flowering favourites such as camellia, pieris, azalea and magnolia.

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Inveraray Jail

A superb visitor attraction with interest and excitement for all ages. As the former Courthouse and Prison for Argyll, Inveraray Jail recreates the story of the men, women and children who were tried in the original courtroom and served their sentences in the prison.

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Nevis Centre

The Nevis Centre in Fort William has a specially designed soft play area and a 10 pin bowling alley with adjacent bar and lounge. Diva's Cafe Bar offers an airport style coffee bar for meeting friends or planning your day.

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Inveraray Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum in Inveraray offers something for all ages. Come and enjoy the fascinating collection of Clyde Maritime displays, memorabilia, stunning archive film and entertaining hands-on activities gathered from far and wide on board our unique three masted schooner.

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The Jacobite Steam Train

The Jacobite Steam Train is the most scenic way to travel from Fort William to Mallaig. Passengers can choose to travel one way en route to the Isle of Skye or opt for the 84 mile round trip. The train stops at the village of Glenfinnan, the place where Bonnie Prince Charlie raised his standard in 1745. The steam train is famous for appearing in the Harry Potter films and the scene where the Hogwarts Express travels across a viaduct was filmed on the famous 21 arch Glenfinnan Viaduct.

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Kilmartin House Museum

There are more than 350 ancient monuments within a six-mile radius of the village of Kilmartin, Argyll: 150 of them are prehistoric. This extraordinary concentration and diversity of monuments distinguishes the Kilmartin Glen as an area of outstanding archaeological importance. It is one of Scotland’s richest prehistoric landscapes. Kilmartin House Museum is an award winning world-class centre for archaeology and landscape interpretation established to protect, investigage and interpret this internationally important archaeological landscape and the artefacts that have been found here. At this unique and vibrant centre you can also see ‘The Valley of Ghosts’ audio-visual – a time travelling experience with breath taking imagery and haunting music. There is an on site shop and an award winning cafe.

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Argyll Adventure

Horse Riding, Laser Blast Arena, Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, Bungee Trampolines, Climbing Walls, Cafe & Picnic Area - there really is something for everyone at Argyll Adventure, Inveraray. You can mix and match your activities and spend a couple of hours or the whole day. All activities are supervised by friendly staff, with the emphasis on fun, challenge and safety.

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Treasures of the Earth

Located near Fort William this award winning attraction features one of Europe's finest collections of priceless gemstones and beautiful crystals, displayed in a stunning simulation of cave, cavern and mining scenes. In area of over 6000sq ft of sheer delight, you can marvel at massive crystal geodes, some weighing over 100kg, fossil remains and casts ranging from 500 million years old Trilobites, to an amazing sabre tooth tiger skull.

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Auchindrain Museum

Auchindrain Museum is an extraordinary attraction, which brings a historic farming village back to life. On entering the Museum visitors step back in time to witness how the local community lived, worked and played. The original village buildings are furnished and give a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived and worked at Auchindrain.

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Isle of Iona

Iona is thought to be the first Christian site in Scotland. As such, this tiny island (1 mile wide, 3.5 miles long), now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland, is very popular with pilgrims and the thousands of tourists who come to visit the Abbey in the summer months. Reached by ferry from Oban, then overland by bus or car on Mull Island, then by passenger-only ferry to Iona. If the area around the Abbey gets too busy for you, then find one of Iona's sandy beaches and relax. The south and western parts of the island are not so well visited, but well worth seeing.

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Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre

At the Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre you will find an introduction to the natural environment of the peninsula. The focal point is an award winning interactive exhibition housed in the 'Living Building' where you can; Crawl through a wildcat tunnel, Search for the creatures of the "Nightwood" Discover if the pine marten is in its den, Study the underwater world of a Highland lochan and See live CCTV pictures of a heron's nest and what lurks under the surface of the River Glenmore.

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