The western highlands of Scotland encompass some of its most rugged parts. These highlands are believed to be the birthplace of the Scottish nation as they are closely associated with the ancient history of the formation of Scotland. The land here is harsh and wild and it is dominated by sharp mountains that rise suddenly out of the surrounding wet marshy areas. This dramatic terrain is made up of sea lochs, narrow ridges, and wooded glens and is home to wildlife like eagles, ospreys, wildcats, antlered stags, whales and dolphins.
Ancient History
South Lochaweside is located in a county known as Argyll in the Western Highlands of Scotland. Argyll begins on the outer limits of the city of Glasgow and has within it some parts of Scotland’s First National Park – Loch Lomond and Trossachs as it extends into Ardnamurchan. The county of Argyll also includes twenty six inhabited Islands which can be reached by commuter ferries. This area is the core of the Scottish nation and it was first established as the Kingdom of Dalriada in 500AD. The region is also the birthplace of the Gaelic language in Scotland. The people from the North of Ireland came here to Argyll in order to establish the Kingdom of Dalaid and brought with them the Gaelic language, which is still spoken here until today.
The wild rugged beauty of the Western Higlands Photo Credit-Philip C
The region is also credited with bringing Celtic Christianity to Scotland. This happened when the Irish monk, St Colomba set up camp on the Isle of Iona in 563 AD. It is in this historically prominent and wildly beautiful area of Scotland that your vacation rental is located at a historic 16th century tower house known as Ardbrecknish House. Your vacation rental at Ardbrecknish House is especially scenic as it is located among twenty acres of lush woodlands where red and roe deer roam freely. Ardbrecknish House is located on the banks of Loch Awe which is the UK’s longest freshwater loch that extends for 26 miles.
Magnificent historic Ardbrecknish House your gateway to the delights of South Lochaweside
The clean waters of Loch Awe are an ideal breeding ground for wild brown trout and the loch is a favorite with fishing enthusiasts who love to come out here and try their luck. In fact the British rod caught record has been broken four times at Loch Awe during the past decade. Apart from fishing, your vacation rental at Ardbrecknish house will give you access to much indoor and outdoor activity depending on your mood and preference as it has the fortunate location of being off the beaten track yet highly accessible to the various attractions of Lochweside and Argyll which lie at its door step.
If you are the outdoorsy sort, you could go hiking or mountain biking on the various trails around Loch Awe, the staff at Ardbrecknish house would be happy to assist you in planning these walks for you. For the avid hiker and mountain climber there exists a wealth of options as Ben Cruachan and its three neighboring Munros(Scottish mountains), Stob Diamh, Beinn a’ chochuill feet and Beinh Eunaich are all within close proximity to Ardbrecknish and Loch Awe. More Munros are also found within a 50 mile radius from the area like the Arrochar Alps, the Crianlarich Hills, Lawers Group, Bridge of Orchy Hills, Mamlorn Hills, Etive Range and the magnificent Glencoe (which has skiing facilities as well), Rannoch and Glen Lyonn. So for a mountain climbing enthusiast a vacation rental located here would be akin to heaven. The more sedentary and not so adventurous, have the option to leisurely stroll along the magnificent woodlands of Ardbrecknish House or on the waterside of Loch Awe.
Beautiful Argyll the birthplace of the Scottish Nation- Photo credit Ceiling
Loch Awe has much to offer for the water sports enthusiast as well as you can rent canoes, row or motor boats here and head out to explore the various islands with their ruined castles, burial sites and secret bays or you could head out in a kayak to the sea lochs to discover the many hidden coves and beaches along the coastline. If all this activity is not your cup of tea you could even drive out to the busy harbor town of Oban for a day trip and take a ferry to cruise the western isles.
At the end of your busy and activity filled day, you could then come back to the bar at your vacation rental at Ardbrecknish house and relax in front of a roaring fire as you play pool or darts and imbibe some excellent Scottish malt whiskies.
Share Your Travel Stories