Lochside Lodges, Barcaldine, Oban

Argyll and the Islands is a region of contrasts, offering many delights for country lovers and sailors, it is essentially an out-door place and the first thing that strikes you is the space. There are tranquil spots and busy touristy ones, each has its own appeal.
Loch Creran has recently been designated a European Marine Special Area of Conservation because of it's living reefs of tube worms, "Serpula Vermicularis". To see more about these and other marine beasties take a visit to the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary just a mile away.
You will find walks to suit everyone, waymarked forest tracks are easy to follow or venture further into the hills where eagles and red deer can often be seen. There are also several interesting drove roads, including the old Coffin Route from Barcaldine to the grave yard at Achnaba on Loch Etive side. Glen Coe with its more strenuous routes is about 30 miles by car. If you have a mountain to climb, Ben Nevis is a good start at 1344mtrs!
The Victorians were great plant gatherers throughout the world and many of the gardens that surround large houses reflect this with their collections of rare trees and plants, especially rhododendrons and azaleas. Within a radius of 12 miles or so there are several historic gardens open to the public.
Small islands always hold a great fascination. Lismore, well known for its wild flowers, reached by taking the passenger ferry from the picturesque village of Port Appin or Kerera, in Oban Bay, where a six mile circular walk takes you past many historic sites including a 16th Century castle, are both definately worth exploring.
The diversity of wildlife here is incredible and your lodge makes a perfect hide. Herons, Curlews and Oyster Catchers are regular visitors and rafts of Eiders float amongst the boats, even Eagles are sometimes seen flying high up above the hills. Each lodge has a bird feeder and Pine Martins as well as many small garden birds enjoy peanuts. There are Otters in the loch but you need to get up early to observe these enchanting mammals playing and hunting in the shallow water.