Activities in the area
The area is a haven for the outdoor enthusiast. Climbing, walking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, golfing and mountain biking are all easily accessible from Appin. Castle Stalker is just around the corner and is overlooked by a lovely cafe. Ben Nevis (Britain's highest mountain) Glencoe and the town of Oban with its ferries to the islands are only about 35 mins drive away....
ONSITE GAMES ROOM
We have a small games room with a pool table and table football as well as a selection of soft toys and small pushalongs, prams and a dolls house to keep the kids happy. It is well used by everybody on site! The area also contains a small tourist info centre on the local area. There is also Giant Chess and Draughts and a couple of tiny play houses built by Jim for the younger children in the grounds.
CYCLING
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. We are adjacent to the Red Fox Cycle route linking Oban - Fort William.
A wonderful scenic route almost entirely traffic free using parts of the old railway line, forest paths and along the roadside. With gorgeous views across the sea loch as you head north towards Duror, passing through Barcaldine and Appin. At Appin, look out for the Sheep Fank seat and a close up view of Castle Stalker from the shore. You can cycle around 6-10 miles from your base at Appin Holiday Homes to either the Sea Life Centre or Castle Stalker and Linnhe Marina, fantastic opportunities for safe cycling. We often take our bikes and a picnic on the ferry to the small island of Lismore. For Mountain Bikers cycling in the forests of North Argyll you will find dramatic scenery, interesting archaeological features and abundant wildlife. For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland . Bike hire is available on site. We have a selection of bikes available including a tandem. Please telephone us for details.
BOATING
Linnhe Marina www.linnhemarina.co.uk is a short 5 minute drive from the park or a 20 minute cycle. From here you can hire motorised and rowing boats and go fishing or just cruise on Loch Linnhe.
SEA KAYAKING
Sea Kayaking is one of the fastest growing water sports in Argyll. It appeals to people who like to get out into wild and beautiful places. Seafreedom is a mobile sea kayak resource based near Oban on the West Coast of Scotland. They provide sea kayak instruction, coaching, guided day trips, tours and rental. Lots of our customers bring their canoes or kayaks with them to use on Loch Creran.
GEO - CACHING
If you like treasure hunting, then get techy with geocaching - rent a GPS unit from us and try your luck at finding some of the over 70 secret geocaching treasure sites within 20 miles. If you are unsure what geo caching involves take a look at the following page http://gagb.co.uk/what-is-geocaching/
HORSE RIDING
Lettershuna Riding Centre is a well established riding centre, specialising in supervised riding and trekking excursions in the Appin area. They have a selection of well-schooled horses and ponies for hacking and trekking. Most of their riding is on quiet coastal tracks and beaches. They offer a variety of rides to cater for all standards. The minimum age is 4 years old and there’s no upper limit! You can visit their website on http://www.lettershunaridingcentre.com/index.html
KINLOCHLEVEN ICE FACTORY
As well as being the biggest indoor ice climbing facility in the world, The Ice Factor features the UK's largest articulated rock climbing wall, as well as a fixed railadventure course making it the perfect place to practise, train and learn every conceivable mountaineering skill. Call 01855 831100 for details! http://www.ice-factor.co.uk
RALLY KARTING
Tralee Rally Karting. Suitable for ages 7 - 70 years. Open all school holidays, Easter, Whitsun & Summer plus every weekend between Easter and Mid September - weather permiting. Please note:- They do not operate during or imediately after heavy rain as the track becomes waterlogged. Please phone first if in doubt. 01631 720 297
WALKING
There are a number of walks in the Appin area some of the most popular are the Port Appin circular route an easy-going coastal walk taking in the headland beyond Port Appin with fine views over Lismore and out towards Mull. Glasdrum nature reserve at the head of Loch Creran and the Fairy bridge walk. If you prefer guided walking try Les and Issy Silkowski at http://www.bed-breakfast-appin.co.uk/walking-appin.html
There are also a number of forestry tracks with outstanding views in the area. For more information on some of these walks visit the walk highlands website http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/oban.shtml.
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 exciting marine creatures. You can explore over 30 fascinating natural marine habitats containing everything from Octopus to Sharks. http://www.sealsanctuary.co.uk/oban1.html
BOAT TRIPS AND SEAFARI RIB ADVENTURES
Seafari Adventures are Oban’s only VisitScotland Quality Assured 4* Wildlife Experience They specialise in offering a unique combination of high adventure and pure exhilaration with the thrill of close encounters with Scotland's magnificent sealife and beautiful scenery. Their carefully chosen range of marine eco-tours include visits to the Gulf of Corryvreckan, home of the World’s Third Largest Whirlpool, whale and dolphin watching, a short boat trip to the nearest seal colony or a full day boat tour to the Garvellach Islands or Colonsay.
Wildlife watching and scenic cruises are also available on Mara Mhor from Oban Esplanade slipway opposite the Regent Hotel.http://www.boatwildlifeoban.co.uk/
T: 01631 730287 E: info@appinholidayhomes.co.uk