Local Attractions to Visit and Explore

The Old School Apartments Ltd,
The Old School,
Dalavich,
Taynuilt,
Argyll & Bute
PA35 1HN

Tel: 01866 844 160
Mob: 07787 512 122

Email OSAL

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Carnassarie Castle

Taking the road from Dalavich to Ford will bring you out on the A816 from Oban to Kilmartin. Take a left and you will shortly see Carnassarie Castle rising above you on the right. Brown signs will direct you to the car park and the castle is a short walk up hill from there.

Carnassarie Castle Carnassarie Castle Carnassarie Castle

The tower house and hall remain an unusually good example of a 16th century castle and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It was destroyed by Royalist forces after the 9th Earl of Argyll supported the failed Monmouth Rebellion of 1685 against the Catholic Monarchy, and was never repaired.
The view from the top of the tower is well worth the climb, and the quiet of the surrounding countryside makes exploring and enjoying the castle and its wildlife a pleasure.

Taynish National Nature Reserve

Situated on a scenic peninsula in the heart of Knapdale, Taynish is one of the finest examples of Ancient Atlantic oak woodland in Europe. Taynish is located on the B8025 immediately south of the delightful coastal village of Tayvalich, and can be reached by taking the minor road from the south end of Tayvalich and following it to the small car park. Take care and drive slowly as the road is rough in the later stages.

Taynish Nature Reserve Taynish Nature Reserve

Taynish, having survived for over 7000 years, is one of the finest examples of 'temperate rainforest' in the United Kingdom, and is home to a wealth of wildlife. Mosses, lichens and ferns thrive in the mild, humid climate of the west coast. A wide range of insect life including butterflies, moths and dragonflies flourish in flower rich grasslands and water-logged mires. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn or winter there is something spectacular to see; blankets of springtime wild flowers, the delicate dance of the rare marsh fritillary butterfly, wild orchids, or a glimpse of the secretive otters as they slip through the woodlands.
There is a choice of self-guided trails which include an all-abilities trail to the Taynish Mill picnic site, a longer woodland trail circuit of 5km, and a trail to the viewpoint at the top of the Barr Mor.