Located in the Argyll and Bute region of Scotland, Loch Fyne extends 41 miles inland from the Sound of Bute. This makes it the second longest sea loch in Scotland. The Crinan Canal connects the loch to the Sound of Jura. This area is home to many towns and villages and is a popular tourist destination because of the wealth of diving, sporting and fishing opportunities that are available in the region.
Diving enthusiasts find that the south shore of Loch Fyne offers the best opportunities to explore shipwrecks and see the underwater world at its finest. You can enjoy diving here all year long because the loch is naturally sheltered. It lies along an ancient fault line that extends into the Scottish Highlands. The eastern shores of the loch contain many sandy beaches, whereas the western shores contain more steep cliffs. According to expert divers, Kenmore Point, just south of Inveraray, where there is a vertical wall underneath the waters of the loch.
Some of the places that you can visit when in the Loch Fyne area include Furnace, where there was once an iron smelting industry. Inveraray Castle in Inveraray is a popular tourist attraction. Some of the other towns and villages include such places as Minard, Lochgair, Lochgilphead, Ardishaig and Tarbert. History lovers come here to explore the ancient ruins and evidence of people living here many centuries ago. You can walk in their footsteps and try to imagine what it must have been like for the Picts in battling the Norse raiders and the Roman invaders.
The scenic beauty of the area around Loch Fyne, combined with the sight of dolphins and seals in summer, is one that will remain in your memories long after you return home. The area was well known for its market towns in medieval time, with Inveraray dating back to 1453. Along with the castle in this town you can also visit other castles and ruins in the region, such as the ruins of Castle Lachlan, located about 4 miles from Inveraray.
Tarbert is one of the towns in the Loch Fyne region where there is an excellent yacht club and mooring facilities, should you decide to travel around Scotland by sea. The Tarbert Folk Festival is one of the best folk festivals held in this area and will give you a chance to hear the pipe bands and enjoy the great food and music.
Golf is not forgotten in the Loch Fyne area with many championship courses where you can tee off in breathtaking settings. If you like fishing, this is the spot for you. You can fish from shore or charter a boat to take you farther out on the loch where you just might catch the elusive big one. It also provides easy access to the Scottish islands by sailing through the Crinan Canal. This area offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in hillwalking or for just strolling along forest paths.
With the many accommodations offered in the towns and villages, you will not have any difficulty finding a comfortable bed for the night or for a week. When you dine at the restaurants you just have to sample the Loch Fyne oysters and taste the fine malt whisky that comes from the distilleries in this part of the country.
Pictures of Scotland by Ewan Chrystal
