Places to visit & things to do there
Here at Stonefield Castle you can happily spend your time exploring the 60 acres of woodland gardens and beautiful shores of Loch Fyne. However, should you wish to venture further afield, there are many beautiful walks and a variety of activities such as wildlife spotting, ferry trips, clay pigeon shooting and fishing.
The picturesque village of Tarbert is also only two miles away for you to explore and experience its fishing boats, yachts and the occasional pod of dolphins that visit the harbour. Or if you prefer the water you can encounter the stunning journey to Sejl Island or witness the natural phenomenon that is the Corryvreckan Whirlpool.
Here at the Castle, we are happy to arrange activities for you, including fishing on Loch Fyne. And, for those of you that love your golf, we also have 5 courses within 40 miles of the Castle.
Below are suggestions of just some of the things we recommend
Barmore Island (5 minute walk)
Just opposite the Castle, we have our very own island, ‘Barmore Island’ with viewpoints where, sometimes you may be able to spot seals and otters. Here you can have a leisurely walk and then record your findings in our nature spot at the bottom of the main staircase in the Castle.
The walk will take you approximately 40 minutes but remember your wellies/walking boots if it’s not great weather as it can get very muddy.
Clay Pigeon Shooting at Auchinafaud (30 minute drive)
Bob McColl is our recommended local clay pigeon shooting instructor, a fully qualified shooter and friend of the Castle for many years; Bob can provide you with a good couple of hours of fun over at Auchinafaud.
We do advise to check availability first as this activity can be very popular – approx. £35 per person.
Kilmartin (30 minutes)
Kilmartin Museum is home to ancient monuments - Chargeable at £7.00 Per Adult
-The Kilmartin Museum Shop & Café are free of charge to access, and the Café serves some of the best cakes in the local area!
Kilmartin Glen – Take a walk around the Kilmartin Glen, one of the world’s most significant archaeological landscapes – this is accessible from Kilmartin Museum.
Tarbert (10 minute drive/40 minute walk)
Tarbert is our local village, a fishing village where a lot of seafood is transported to. You can taste some of Loch Fyne’s beautiful seafood at any of the local Restaurants that surround the Castle. Outside of the Castle, we would highly recommend the Restaurant Starfish that is located behind the Tarbert high street.
As you drive into Tarbert, the old Castle ruin ‘Tarbert Castle’ is on the hill on the left hand side of your view. Park your car free of charge in the village and take a walk up there; this is the start of the famous Kintyre trail. From this point, you can either decide to walk the full Kintyre trail (which
could take up to 7 days), or a shorter walk of 1 to 3 miles.
On a clear day, you can overlook the village, Portavadie on the opposite island and our very own Barmore Island just next to the Castle.
-Tarbert also provides a small collection of gift shops, cafes, supermarket and pharmacy should any of these interest you.
Stuart Herd Art: One of the local artists who has their portraits displayed in the Castle is Stuart Herd, he welcomes any guests of the Castle into his art studio should you be interested in more of his work. His studio is located at the very end of Tarbert high street (on Tarbert Castle side), just a few minutes’ walk from the Tarbert-Portavadie ferry crossing. Stuart also owns the Harbour Gallery (just opposite The Co-operative Supermarket) where there are more of his portraits and other gifts to see and buy.
Tabert Golf Club
Nestled at the top of West Loch Fyne, on the Kintyre Peninsula, Tarbert Golf Club offers the casual or serious golfer a challenge. The nine-hole course has a good mix of par four and par three holes each with their own character. Often described as a ‘hidden gem’ the course is available to locals, visitors, passing golfers, golf parties, societies and corporate groups
Portavadie & Otter Ferry (30 minutes ferry crossing – with car or by foot)
Within just a short ferry ride from Tarbert, Portavadie is a tranquil destination that boasts of some wonderful views over Loch Fyne. It has a marina, spa and leisure facilities, small shop and two restaurants with waterside dining available.
Otter Ferry is a further 15-minute drive just north of Portavide and there is a pub there named The Oystercatcher, which we highly recommend for walks along the shore, great coffee, local Loch Fyne ales and good evening meals from 6pm over the Summer.
Oban (1 hour drive)
‘Sealife Adventures’ – The area is exceptional for minke whales/dolphins/basking sharks/otters and seals. Bird watching highlights include eagles and puffins. Sealife Adventures run 3, 4 and 5 hour boat tours so that you can hope to spot some of these amazing sea creatures! You can pre-book by visiting their website or asking our Reception to book on your behalf. They are located just 10 minutes outside of Oban.
This is just one of the many boat trips that you can get from Oban; most of which go daily from the seafront and do not have to be pre-booked.
Oban probably boasts of having the best Fish & Chips in the area – if you like them and you are in Oban, go to ‘Norries’, they are the best Fish & Chips that we have ever tried!
Visit McCaig’s Tower, an old Roman ruin that overlooks Oban
Visit Oban Distillery – the Whisky producer was founded in the 18th century – pop in for a tour and tasting.
Tighnabruaich (1 hour)
Tighnabruaich is a village on the Cowal peninsula, on the Western arm of the Kyles.
Inveraray (1 hour drive)
Inveraray Castle & Gardens (tickets can be booked either online or directly at venue
Chargeable at £10 Per Adult
Post code: PA32 8XE
Inveraray Jail & Museum
Chargeable at £11.95 Per Adult
Inveraray
Have a potter along the main high street and pop into the local shops, sample some local whiskies and just admire the beautiful view of Loch Fyne. If driving on your way to the Castle or back towards Glasgow, we would definitely recommend stopping here and having some food and drinks at The George Pub – a cosy pub full of log fires and a lovely atmosphere.
Alternatively, we also recommend the original Loch Fyne Restaurant, which is just a further 20 minute drive towards Glasgow from Inveraray.