Ashfield House, Arrochar
Boutique Bed and Breakfast
Things to see and do
From our front door
.jpg)
Eating and dining
Castles and more
Days out
Arrochar is perfectly situated on the western side of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, in the Southern Highlands and the Arrochar Alps. The reason we came to live in Arrochar is because the village is located in some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Fairly unknown and therefore not too busy, we are only 45 minutes from Glasgow airport, an hour from the centre of vibrant Glasgow and close to the delights of Argyll and the Cowal Peninsular.
From our front door
Walks and hikes
As we are situated right in the heart of the Arrochar Alps, there are many walks and hikes that you can do directly from the front door at Ashfield House, from gentle walks in the glen to more challenging hikes up the mountains.
Cycling
We have a couple of bikes that you are welcome to use, just let me know and I'll reserve them for your stay. So you can bike around the village, up on the forestry paths, on the mountain bike routes, or up over Glen Douglas
Canoe on the loch
Walk over to Ardgarten and hire canoes paddle on the flat waters of Loch Long and enjoy a different perspective - and watch out for the golden eagles nesting in Glen Croe!
Shop at Mansefield Studios
Mansefield Studios in Arrochar is a contemporary craft gallery showcasing the work of independent designers and makers from Scotland: Harris Tweed homeware, lambswool accessories, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, prints and other traditional crafts.
Train ride to Fort William or Mallaig
Take the train from Arrochar on one of the mst beautiful train rides in the UK, up to Fort Wiliam over the amazing Rannoch Mor, and perhaps then onto Mallaig and over the Glenfinnan Viadust, featured in the Harry Potter films.
Cruise Loch Lomond
Head over to the pier at Tarbet and take a cruise on Loch Lomond. Perhaps take an early morning ride to Rowardennan, climb Ben Lommond, the most southerly Munro, and then back to Arrochar for a well earned dinner!
Castles and more
Inveraray Castle and Inveraray
Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and featured extensively in the TV series "Downton Abbey". The castle and grounds are wonderful to visit and the little town of Inveraray is delightful.
Ardkinglas Gardens
Close to Loch Fyne, Ardkinglas Gardens are lovely and very tranquil. Ardkinglas occasionally has live music events in their wonderful music room. Perhaps combine the garden visits with a visit to the Fyne Ales Brewery or the Oyster Bar?
Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. The original castle was built in the 1200’s and the present buildings were mostly built between 1490 and 1600.
Benmore Gardens
Benmore's 120 acres feature a world-famous collection of plants from the Orient and the Himalaya to North and South America. The journey to Benmore takes you past beautiful Loch Eck. Puck's Glen, a lovely short walk, is also close to Benmore Gardens.
Oban Distillery
Oban Distillery is both one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland and one of the smallest with just two pot stills, and pre-dating the town of Oban, it was originally established in 1794. The tour of the distillery is informative plus Oban is a lovely town to visit.
Auchentoshan Distillery
Close to Glasgow, the Auchentoshan distillery, meaning 'corner of the field', produces a delicate, smooth and light single malt whisky. Auchentoshan is distilled three times, unlike elsewhere in Scotland where whisky is distilled twice
Days out
Glencoe
Glencoe and Rannoch Moor have some of the mst spectacular scenary in the UK - and at about an hour from Ashfield House are well worth a visit. Glen Etive is a small beautiful glen just before Glencoe, and is where some of the James Bond "Skyfall" movie was shot
Inveraray
Inveraray is a pretty and relaxed little town on the shores of Loch Fyne. There's lots to do here, includning the castle, Loch Fyne Whiskies, and very good restaurants. And if you prefer you can get a bus to and from Arroochar.
Oban
Oban is an interesting fishing port on the west coast and is worth a visit. It has a good selection of shops and restaurant and the wonderful Oban Chocolate Company. And you can visit the standng stones at Kilmartin Glen or the lovely St. Conan's Kirk enroute
Glencoe - Oban loop
A long, scenic drive (c. 140 miles) but you’ll pass through a variety of landscapes, including Rannoch Moor and Glen Coe, and drive along the shores of 3 sea lochs and 2 fresh water lochs. Plus 3 castles to see, a brewery and distillery to try out if you wish.
Argyll's secret coast
A beautiful drive down to the Kyles of Bute and back up along the southern shore of Loch Fyne. The scenery is wonderful, less mountains but more sea lochs and remote, unspoilt Argyll countryside, plus there are excellent restaurants en-route.
The Trossachs and east of Loch Lomond
The east side of the National Park is well worth a trip, visiting Killin and its waterfall, and heading down through the Trossachs and the Queen Elisabeth National Park. Loch Lubnaig and Loch Katrine are stunning. Sterling, and Stirling Castle are nearby
Eating and dining
Eating and dining
Village Inn, Arrochar
The Village Inn is on the shores of the loch on Arrochar, and a pretty one mile walk from the house. The Inn has a good selection of food and drinks, including vegan and vegetarian menu. It gets busy especially at the weekends and booking is recommended.
Loch Fyne Oyster & Seafood Bar
The original Loch Fyne Oyster Bar and Restaurant is on the shores of Loch Fyne, roughly 12 miles away. The restaurant is a delight and has wonderful seafood.The fish is smoked on site and again won an excellence award last year.
Slanj, Tarbet
Slanj is in the next village to Arrochar, and has food and live music on a Friday and Saturday nights. They also offer a pick up service from Ashfield House so please let me know if you would like to book this.
Loch Fyne Ales
The Loch Fyne Ales Brewery Tap is admittedly more about the beer rather than the food, but they do have a small selection of food from their own farm. The courtyard is a great place to relax on a sunny afternoon.