Your home in the Highlands
We sit at the heart of some of Scotland's most storied country, from island abbeys and clan strongholds to the monuments of the Jacobite risings. Here are our favourite castles and historical sites near Glencoe, Appin and Oban, roughly nearest first, with directions to reach them.
Days out
On our doorstep, in Appin and Glencoe
The ones you can slot in between breakfast and dinner.
Castle Stalker, Appin
On the A828 towards Oban, as you drop down into Portnacroish, you cannot miss Castle Stalker on its own tiny island in Loch Laich. This four-storey tower house dates back to the fifteenth century, and film fans may know it as Castle Aaargh from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. There is a tearoom and gift shop at the top of the hill with fantastic views out to it. We think it one of the most scenic castles in the whole of Scotland.
The Appin Murder Trail, Kentallen
Turn left out of the hotel, then right up the forestry track after the signs for Ardnoe House on the Leitir Mhor road. The walk leads to a cairn marking the Appin Murder of 1752, for which James Stewart, James of the Glen, was hanged despite the doubts over his guilt. The case went on to inspire Robert Louis Stevenson's novel Kidnapped.
Glencoe Folk Museum, Glencoe
In the heart of Glencoe village, beside the village shop, this characterful little museum sits under its own thatched roof. It is full of local history, with plenty on the massacre and on everyday life in the glen down the years. Open through the season.
Days out
Around Oban and mid-Argyll
Easy to weave into a day out down the coast.
Dunstaffnage Castle, by Oban
Halfway between Connel and Oban, turn off into Dunbeg and follow the road through the village to the castle. A stout thirteenth-century stronghold with a fine outlook to Lismore and Mull, good interpretation boards and a ruined chapel in the woods nearby. Flora MacDonald was once held here.
Kilmartin Museum and Glen
Follow the A828 to Oban, then the signs for Lochgilphead. Reopened in 2023 after a major rebuild, the award-winning Kilmartin Museum tells more than five thousand years of history, with a bookshop and a lovely cafe. The glen around it holds one of the richest concentrations of standing stones, burial cairns and carved rocks in Scotland.
Days out
West to Ardnamurchan and the Road to the Isles
Across the Corran Ferry, or up the Mallaig road.
Castle Tioram
Cross the Corran Ferry and follow the signs for Acharacle, then Dorlin. It is a wee bit hard to find, but worth it: at the end of the road there is a car park, a picnic site and an information board, and at low tide you can walk across the sands to the castle on its tidal island.
Glenfinnan Monument
Take the Mallaig road from Fort William. Raised in 1815, the monument stands where Bonnie Prince Charlie unfurled his standard in 1745 to launch the Jacobite rising, at the head of Loch Shiel. The National Trust visitor centre has displays and a cafe, and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, of Hogwarts Express fame, curves right alongside.
Days out
Out to Mull and Iona
A full day, and worth every minute.
Duart Castle, Mull
Reach Mull by the ferry from Oban, or cross the Corran Ferry and take the shorter Lochaline crossing. Perched on its clifftop guarding the Sound of Mull, Duart has been the seat of the Chief of Clan Maclean for centuries, restored to its present state in 1911 after years as a ruin.
Iona Abbey, Iona
Cross to Iona from the west end of Mull to reach this world-famous abbey, founded by St Columba in 563 as he brought Christianity to Scotland, and the burial place of early Scottish kings. It is busy, but the facilities are good and the island has an aura all its own. With time, a boat trip on to Staffa and Fingal's Cave is unforgettable.
Days out
Along the Great Glen and further afield
Bigger drives, for a day when you fancy the road.
Commando Memorial, Spean Bridge
Follow the Inverness road out of Fort William to Spean Bridge. Unveiled in 1952, the memorial honours the commandos who trained at nearby Achnacarry during the Second World War, and stands high above the village with outstanding views to the Nevis Range and the Grey Corries.
Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness
On the road to Inverness and a very popular stop. These are the ruins of one of Scotland's largest castles, in a commanding position over Loch Ness, with a visitor centre, shop and cafe. Keep half an eye on the water.
Eilean Donan Castle
Few would argue with its claim to be Scotland's most romantic castle, on its little island where three lochs meet. Rebuilt between 1919 and 1932 after being reduced to rubble in 1719, it has starred on screen more than once, from Highlander to a James Bond film. A stunning drive of about an hour and a half up towards Kyle of Lochalsh, with plenty of coffee stops on the way.
Highland Folk Museum, Newtonmore
Past Dalwhinnie on the A9, Britain's first open-air museum spreads along a mile-long site with dwellings and buildings from the 1700s to the 1930s, brought to life by costumed staff. Entry is free, there is a nice coffee shop and plenty for children, and Outlander fans will recognise the eighteenth-century township.