North Connel and surrounding area

North Connel is a wonderful centre for exploring the West Highlands. The village runs along the north shore of Loch Etive, in a peaceful crofting and farming area. Small local roads, often single-track, provide attractive walks, cycle rides or scenic drives.

Ardshellach is a springboard for a splendid range of holiday attractions. Within easy reach there is an unusual concentration of the top sites and activities in the West Highlands. It covers an area roughly up to Fort William in the north, Mid-Argyll in the south, and Inner Hebridean islands in the west.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there is good walking - from gentle strolls to hill-walking, marked trails, forest walking and climbing - including Ben Lora, Ben Cruachan (3,689 ft) and the Glencoe mountains. Outdoor activities in the area include sailing - plus boat and skipper hire - swimming, diving, skiing (in season), gliding, cycling, fishing, golf and tennis.

The area is rich in interest for the historian and archaeologist, with Bronze Age remains, several fine castles, and the 13th century Ardchattan Priory nearby. And for the naturalist, artist, photographer, or anyone who enjoys peace, beauty and wonderful scenery, this part of the West Highlands is a constant delight.

Oban offers good shops, restaurants and visitor attractions. Details are found in the information folders in Ardshellach.

This part of Argyll also has an outstanding group of beautiful gardens open to the public, from privately owned to National Trust owned. Rare trees and plants are here to enjoy, benefiting from the foresight of Victorian estate owners as well as from the temperate west-coast climate. And, with the wonderful scenery as backdrop as well, walks in these gardens are a special pleasure.