ARDFERN
Nestling at the head of Loch Craignish, one of Scotland’s most beautiful sea lochs, Ardfern is amongst the most popular cruising areas on the west coast. It’s sheltered position, easy accessibility by road and the absence of tidal access problems or lock gates makes it the perfect location for relaxing local sailing or more exciting cruises to the Hebrides or St.Kilda.
Ardfern dates back to 1778 and has a history steeped in nautical development. Built around an old pier that was once frequented by steamers and puffers, the village is the ideal place for visitors wanting to get away from it all. There is a good provisions store and a hotel with bar and restaurant. And as you would expect there are plenty of berths for visiting yachts.
Onshore there are some superb walking opportunities and wonderful countryside which is home to some fabulous wildlife. Horse riding is also very popular and, as you would expect from a Scottish resort, the golf is superb. For anyone who relishes isolation with a few home comforts Ardfern comes highly recommended.
I recently used the services of Optimum Marine to carry out a survey of my vessel. Oli Byles carried out the survey and I found the service professional, informative and courteous. I would recommend this company. John Heale
The Galley of Lorne Inn Ardfern
Retreat to the West Coast of Scotland
Winners of 'The Award Of Excellence for Quality & Service Retreat of the Year 2008 - 2009' awarded by The Shires Magazine
Proud to be members of Britain's Finest Hotels
The Galley of Lorne Inn is a 17th Century Drover's Inn and country retreat situated in the picturesque village of Ardfern which nestles among the hills beside Loch Craignish. This beautiful corner of Argyll has long been a favourite for yachtsmen, artists and those who appreciate beauty, wildness plus the good things in life.
Our centrally located hotel on the West Coast of Scotland is ideally situated for touring. After your bed and breakfast Oban (the gateway to the isles) is only half an hour away and other attractions like the historically unique Kilmartin Glen only minutes away.
Two contrasting dining areas provide the perfect setting for enjoying delicious uncomplicated Scottish cuisine. The Ocean restaurant is a small bistro style room close to the Poachers Bar, and there is a lovely spacious dining area next to the magnificent residents' lounge. Food is regularly available in the Poachers Bar.
Dinner, Supper, Snack and Lunch menus are available daily.
The inn is one of the area's most popular and favourite country eating out experiences. Much of our produce, including wonderful Scotch beef, comes from the surrounding farms and our local farmers are very discerning about how their endeavours are presented and flavoured on the plate, yet are some of our very best regular customers so there is a local recommendation if ever there was one! Local fisherman love our fresh fish too.
Address: Cuilfail Hotel, Kilmelford, By Oban, PA34 4XA
In 2005 we opened our newly constructed Restaurant and Function Room with its massive picture window giving all diners unparalleled, breathtaking views across Loch Craignish. Our restaurant is bright, friendly and unusually spacious, capable of seating 100 guests for events. See our weddings & functions page.
With a menu to rival any restaurant in Oban, the Galley of Lorne offers delicious and stylish dining. You stroll a few steps directly into the comfortable Lounge Bar to enjoy a drink before and/or after your meal in the company of our spectacular carved oak lions.
In addition to our superb menu, we also have menus for children's meals and our own homemade desserts and coffee menu. Furthermore, there are always a selection of 'specials' to give you even more choice.
Address: Ardfern, by Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8QN
This delightful little inn style hotel nestles invitingly at the foot of rolling hills close to the shores of Loch Melfort, in the quiet roadside hamlet of Kilmelford, 14 miles south of Oban.
Part of the hotel was originally an old drovers' inn, however the majority of the hotel was built during the Victorian era. The name Cuilfail (pronounced 'cool-fail') in Gaelic appropriately means "Sheltered Corner".
The atmosphere is one of total peace and tranquillity.
Ardfern Yacht Centre is located at the head of Loch Craignish, one of Scotlands most beautiful and sheltered sea lochs. It has several islands and natural anchorages and the yacht centre has an interesting history having been developed around an old pier where steamers and puffers once called.
Ardfern is an ideal base for cruising the west coast of Scotland; it is easily accessible by road, has no tidal access problems or lock gates and is perfectly located either for gentle local sailing, or more adventurous cruising to the Hebrides or even remote St. Kilda.
The village of Ardfern has an excellent provisions store and a choice of eating places, including a hotel with bar and restaurant. Horse riding, cycling, walking and golf are all available locally.
