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This stunning boathouse and adjacent cottage sleep 8-10 and 4 respectively. They can be booked separately or together. Inver Boathouse and cottage are set in a spectacular picturesque setting directly on the shore of Loch Creran, surrounded by mountains, farmland and a nature reserve. |
There are wonderful views of the mountain ranges and sea loch. Birds and wildlife abound on the foreshore and loch including oyster catchers, otters and seals. Visitors to the boathouse and cottage can enjoy the beautiful peaceful surroundings from their own beach. |
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History: Inver Boathouse
Inver boathouse was built in 1907 for the estate in Glen Creran. It was the landing point for supplies for the inhabitants of the Glen. The captain of the supply ship lived on the first floor of the boathouse. In 1993 the boathouse was restored.
In all directions there are views of the mountains and in front of you is the sea – Loch Ceran. Bird and wildlife life abound on the foreshore and the loch, including oyster catchers, otters and seals. Boating and diving is either in the sheltered waters next to the boathouse, further down the sea loch, or 4 miles away in open sea.
Boats of all sizes are easily launched on the slipway. Behind the Boathouse is a nature reserve, Glasdrum wood, on the slopes of Ben Churalain. Mosses and lichens thrive here in the moist Atlantic climate and acid and lime-rich rocks. The oak and ash woodlands and open areas of bracken, heath and grassland attract a variety of butterfly species, including the rare chequered skipper.
Loch Creran
Loch Creran is a typical fjordic sea loch. The site is particularly notable for biogenic reefs of the calcareous tube-worm Serpula vermicularis, which occur in shallow water around the periphery of the loch. This species has a world-wide distribution but the development of reefs is extremely rare; Loch Creran is the only known site in the UK to contain living S. vermicularis reefs and there are no known occurrences of similarly abundant reefs in Europe.
Biogenic reefs of the horse mussel Modiolus modiolus, also confined to the shallow sublittoral, occur in the upper basin of the loch. The biogenic reefs increase habitat complexity and are colonised by an abundant and diverse faunal assemblage, including bryozoans, ascidians and sponges. Localised areas of bedrock reef, which support further species-rich assemblages, are also included within the site. Loch Creran is a Special Area of Conservation.
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| BOATHOUSE |
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Boats can be launched on the slipway - boat hire can be arranged on request. There are excellent opportunities for sea/loch fishing and fly fishing. Glencoe/Fort William are within easy reach for mountain walking /climbing and skiing in season.
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The boathouse sleeps 8-10 people, is well maintained and fully equipped, offering a high standard of accommodation. Rooms are spacious, modern, bright and very comfortably furnished featuring wood panelling in all rooms and a central fireplace on all 3 floors.
Larger parties can book the boathouse as well as the cottage. There is a lockable connecting door at first floor level.
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Ground Floor:
2 twin bedrooms (cot and high chair available); day room with open fire, jacuzzi bath/shower room, sauna.
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Games room includes pool table and football table. There is a utility area with washing machine and tumble dryer.
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First Floor:
1twin and 1 room with twin beds (or can be double) plus single bed (2xZ beds also available); bathroom with shower. Bed linen is provided. |
Sitting room with wood burning stove, dining room, well equipped kitchen (electric cooker, microwave, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, payphone). |
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Gallery Floor:
Lounge with very comfortable seating. All electric heating plus wood burning stove and open fires, (electricity and logs are charged at cost). Satellite TV, VHS video player. |
Looking out to Loch Creran. |
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| COTTAGE |
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The cottage is the building on the right hand side of the image. Boats can be launched on the slipway - boat hire can be arranged on request. Boating and diving is either in the sheltered waters of the sea loch or in the open sea (4 miles). There are excellent opportunities for sea/loch fishing and fly fishing. All types of walks are available locally, and Glencoe/Fort William are within easy reach for mountain walking /climbing and skiing in season.
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The cottage offers a high standard, the rooms are modern, bright and comfortably furnished, featuring wood panelling in the bedrooms and a wood-burning stove in the sitting room. Bed linen is provided. 2 twin bedrooms upstairs (cot and highchair available).
Larger parties can book the boathouse as well as the cottage. There is a lockable connecting door at first floor level.
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| The lounge has French windows and a wood-burning stove and is open plan to the dining area. The kitchen is modern and well-equipped. All electric heating plus wood-burning stove, (electricity and logs are charged at cost) fridge, microwave, satellite colour television, DVD and video, payphone. Bathroom on ground floor. |
View to the East
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SERVICES IN THE AREA
Cinema
Oban. Tel. 01631 562 444
Fort William. Tel. 01397 567 500
Theatre
Oban. Tel. 01631 564 046
Tourist Board
Oban. 01631 563 122
Fort William. 01397 703 781
Rail
Oban. 01631 563 083
Fort William. 01397 703 791
Church Services
Church of Scotland in Appin - Sunday service at 10.30am
Catholic Church at Ballachulish -Sunday mass at 11.00am
Episcopal Church at Appin and Duror - alternative Sunday's services at 11.15am
Petrol
Gunns garage 4 miles north of boathouse on the A828. Tel. 01631 730 279
Shop
Port Appin (General store), 15 mins drive, open 8.30am - 5.30pm, Sunday 10am - 1am
Ballachulish (General store), 15 mins drive, open 8.30am - 10.0pm.
Oban, half an hour drive
GP
Dr McNicol in Port Appin, 6 miles, Tel. 01631 730 271
Dentist
Mr McCulloch in Oban. Tel. 01631 563 006
Hospital
Casualty at Lorn and Island District General Hospital Tel. 01631 567 500 |
ATTRACTIONS
Walks |
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Lismore
Foot passenger and cycle ferry from Port Appin - 10 minutes. Ferry is every 2 hours from 8 am to 4 PM with greatly extended hours and number of crossings in summer. Good easy walk around to Port Ramsay or down to St Muluig's church, 2 miles from ferry.
Glen Creran
Drive 4 miles to the top of the Glen and walk on forestry path which goes through to Ballachulish or follow the road around to Glenure estate or walk up into the forest over the jubilee bridge.
Coastal strip at Port Appin
Walk behind the Pierhouse hotel around the peninsula and back to Port Appin. |
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Boat Trips
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Caledonian Macbrayne on 01631-562285
Lismore
Foot passenger and cycle ferry from Port Appin - 10 minutes. Ferry is every 2 hours from 8 am to 4 PM with greatly extended hours and number of crossings in summer.
Kerrera
By ferry from Gallanach, just south of Oban. There is a circular walk of around 6 miles past the ruins of Gylen Castle. Café on the way.
Mull
By large car ferry from Oban to Craignure.
Iona
By short ferry ride from Fionnphort which is 1 hours drive from Craignure.
Loch Etive
3 hour cruise Tel: 018662-430 |
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Drives
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1) Through Fort William and past Glenfinnan Monument and Arisaig to Mallaig. (142 + miles)
2) Through Fort William around Loch Shiel and various routes through the Morven Peninsula returning by the Corran Ferry to Onich. (127 + miles)
3) Through Ballachulish and Glencoe and around the top of Loch Leven through Kinlochleven. (47 + miles)
4) Up Glencoe stopping at the visitor's centre and down Glen Etive to the top of Loch Etive. (119 + miles)
5) Through Glencoe over Rannoch Moor to Bridge of Orchy. Take minor road through Glen Orchy and along the Pass of Brander to Taynuilt and Connel. Small detour from Taynuilt to Kilchrenan and the Taychreggan hotel for Lunch (8 + miles) . (120 + miles)
6) To Inveraray via Oban, Lochgilphead, up Loch Fyne to Inveraray, up Glen Aray to Loch Awe and
through the pass of Brander. (130 + miles)
7) South of Oban to Easedale and over the bridge over the Atlantic. (80 + miles)
8) Barcaldine, Glen Salach and Loch Etive returning along the Loch to Connel via the Archattan Priory. (35 + miles) |
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Steam Train
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By Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig. You will need to book with Fort William station. Tel : 01397-703791
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Sights |
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Sandy Beach
Tralee at Benderloch. (20 minutes) |
Ben Nevis range
Gondola ride to Restaurant and also helicopter trips around Ben Nevis. (one hour drive) Tel: 01397-705825 |
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Glencoe Visitor Centre:
(40 minutes drive)
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Treasure of the Earth
This Award Winning Attraction features one of Europe's finest collections of priceless gemstones and beautiful crystals, displayed in a stunning simulation of cave, cavern and mining scenes: nuggets of gold and silver, aquamarines, blood-red garnets, emeralds, rubies, fiery opals, and diamonds glisten as they light your path. Tel: 01397 772283 Just north of Fort William. (one hour drive) |
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| Inveraray Castle (Tel: 01499-302203) and Jail. (Tel: 01499-302381) (1 1⁄2 hours drive) |
Inverawe Smokery
( 50 minutes drive) Tel: 018662-446 |
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Oban Distillery Visitor Centre
(18 + miles) Tel: 01631-564262 (30 minutes drive) |
Kinlochlaich House and Gardens
(5 minutes drive) Large nursery garden centre. Tel: 01631-730342 |
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Mystery World
Ballachulish: 01855-811660 (1/2 hour drive)
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Castle Stalker
Was built at the beginning of the 16th century and has been well restored. It was the ancient home of the Stewarts of Appin. (10 minutes drive) Arrange your visit in advance by ringing 01883-622768 or 01631-730234 (Spring and summer) |
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The Sea Life Centre and Marine Aquarium
This on Loch Creran contains a large collection of native marine life. There are seal displays, and a tidepool ‘touch tank’. (10 minutes drive) Tel: 01631-720386 |
Barcaldine Castle
Was built between 1579 and 1601 by ‘Black Duncan’ Campbell of Glenorchy. It has been much restored. (15 minutes drive) 01631-720598 |
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Bonawe Iron Works
Once the main iron-smelting centre for Scotland. Taynuilt provided the cannon and shot for the navy, and a monument near the church commemorates Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar. The restored remains of an 18th- to 19th- century furnace can be seen. (40 minutes drive) |
Highland Cows
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SPORTS
Fishing
Sea fishing from shore or boat, Fly Fishing by arrangement in the Glen.
Loch Creran is a 7 mile long Sea Loch. The southern basin drops to a depth of 50m and connects with the Lynn of Lorn via narrows at the Isle of Eriska. There are strong tidal streams here. The basin in front of the boathouse drops to a depth of 36m and is connected to the main body of the Loch via a quarter of a mile channel at creagan bridge. The bridge is a favourite fishing spot. It can produce a good Pollock, sea trout and the odd salmon. The top end of the loch can become quite coloured if the River Creran is in spate – ideal conditions for sea trout fishing. Loch Creran is home to a wide variety of shellfish which can be collected easily at low water.
Sea Fishing
Dunstaffnage marina, Oban : 07793-120958 (25 minutes drive)
Cycling
Mountain biking – farm track on the east of Glen Creran and then back via the single track road on the west side of Glen Creran.
Mill farm and Barcaldine and Glen Dubh on the way to Oban
Cycle Hire
Port Appin (10 minute drive) Margaret Davidson, 9 Shuna View, Port Appin. Tel: 01631-730391
Oban: 01631-566996 – 29 Lochside Street (30 minutes drive)
Diving:
Puffin Dive Centre: 01631-566088
Diving from shore or dingy.
Climbing and mountain walking:
Glencoe. (40 minutes drive)
Ben Nevis by Fort William. (One hour drive)
Next to the Boathouse, Beinn Sgulaird lies at the head of Loch Creran, so the ascent is from sea level. It is a mountain with four distinct tops in a line south-west to north-east, and there is one long ridge west from the south top (863m) which is a common ascent. To the south of the mountain is Coire Buidhe through which a track/path (not shown on OS map) leads to the bealach at its head. An ascent from the bealach may be difficult as there are many rocky outcrops on these slopes; however the path should be used to ascend to the col east of the minor top (488m) rather than losing height climbing over it. A direct ascent of the western slopes from Taraphocain to the col south of the summit, through rocky outcrops, is the shortest route. Finally to the north is Glen Ure where a private track/path facilitates an ascent via Stob Gaibhre (684m)
Skiing
Ben Nevis range (Tel: 01397-705825). (One hours drive)
Watersports
Boat Hire: Linnhe Marine on Loch Linnhe at Lettershuna (10 minutes drive). Tel: 07721-503981
Wild Water Experience
Vertical descents, Inchree Falls, Inchree, Onich, Fort William. 01855-821593 (40 minutes drive)
Borro Boats-Dungallen Parks, Gallanach Road, Oban. 01631-563292. Day sailing cruises or boats for hire. (40 minutes drive)
Sea Kayaking
Sea Freedom Kayak Company, Strumhor, Connel (20 minutes). Tel: 01631-710173
Rally Carting
18 Keil Crofts, Benderloch. Tel: 01631-720297 (15 minutes drive)
Swimming
Atlantis Leisure in Oban. Dalriach Road. 01631-566800
Public pool in Fort William
Flights
Planes: From Connel airport (12 miles south of boathouse)
Contact Paul Keegan Tel: 01631-720215 (20 minutes drive). Scheduled
flights from Oban Airport (Connel) to Glasgow.
Seaplanes
Loch Lomond Seaplanes Tel: 08702421457. Regular flights from Oban
Harbour to the River Clyde, Centre of Glasgow.
Helicopters
Oban helicopter tours: 01875-320032 (www.lothianhelicopters.co.uk)
Golf
Courses at Oban (01631-562868), Fort William, Dalmally and Taynuilt
(01866-822429)
Riding
Lettershuna Riding Centre: Appin ( 10minutes drive) 01631-730551
Walking Tour
Walking tour of Oban: 01631-570638 (1/2 hours drive)
Diving
Puffin Dive Centre, Port Gallanach, Oban. Tel: 01631-566088 (40
minutes drive)
Sea Adventures
Seafari Adventure From Easdale harbour on the Isle of Seil (one
1/4 hour drive). Adventure and nature trips on high speed inflatable
boats to see the wildlife and Corryveckan, the world’s third
largest whirlpool. Tel: 01852 300003
Sealife Adventure from Dunaverty, Easdale. (one 1/4 hour drive).
Adventure and nature trips on high speed boat with heated
wheelhouse to see the wildlife and Corryveckan, the world’s
third largest whirlpool. Tel: 01631-571010
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EATING OUT
Pricey but excellent standard
Aird's Hotel in Port Appin (10 minutes) Tel: 01631-730236
Beautifully served cordon Bleu food.
Isle of Eriska Hotel in Eriska. (15 minutes) Tel: 01631-720371
Lovely surroundings, Egon Ronay recommended. Need to have a tie.
Intermediate in Price
The Pier House in Port Appin (10 minutes) Tel: 01631-730302
Beautiful situation on waterfront and overlooking Lismore. Beautiful seafood.
Falls of Lora Hotel in Connel (20 minutes) Tel: 01631-710483
Overlooking Loch Etive and the Connel bridge. Very friendly.
Café
Castle stalker view Café. 09.30 to 18.00 7 days March to October. (10 minutes) Portnacriosh, Appin. Tel: 01631-730444
Pubs
Creagan Inn. 2 miles north of Boathouse
Pierhouse. Port Appin (6 miles)
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LOCATION
Getting There:
The Boathouse is one mile from the A828 on the North Shore of Loch Creran and approximately one mile from the Glen Creran end of Loch Creran.
Travel:
Car: half an hour from Oban, 40 minutes from Fort William, two and a half hours from Glasgow.
Rail: Train from Glasgow to Oban or Fort William or by over night sleeper from London (Euston) - it arrives around 10.00am at Fort William. The train from Glasgow passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
Air: To Glasgow airport and then by scheduled flight to Oban airport
(12 miles from the boathouse). Also Loch Lomond seaplanes; Centre
of Glasgow to Oban Harbour.
Bus: Approxiamately 3 times a day from Fort William and Oban stopping one mile from the Boathouse on the A828. |
TO BOOK
WEB: www.mackays-scotland.co.uk
then property reference code for Inverboathouse is AG481a and property reference code for Inverboathouse Cottage is AG481b
Telephone: 0870-429-5359
e-mail: bookings@mackays-scotland.co.uk
by post: Mackays Agency, 30 Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2JR, UK.
PRICES:
Boathouse: £539 to £1940
Cottage: £264 to £623 |