This small village is popular with walkers and is located on the West Highland Way so would be convenient for walking a section of it. It is surrounded by hills and mountains.
Where to stay (walking distances given from the train station)
Tigh-na-Fraoch B&B (0.19 miles/0.3 km)
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
Clifton Cottage B&B (0.28 miles/0.45 km)
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.7 on TripAdvisor
Tyndrum Lodges B&B (0.41 miles/0.65 km)
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.6 on TripAdvisor
The Tyndrum Inn (0.42 miles/0.67 km)
Reviews: 4.2 on Google, 3.9 on TripAdvisor
Glengarry House (0.64 miles/1.02 km)
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Where to eat
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.8 on TripAdvisor
Reviews: 4.5 on Google, 4.4 on TripAdvisor
Reviews including accommodation: 4.2 on Google, 3.9 on TripAdvisor
View over to Ben Lui from the A82 in Tyndrum
Photo credit: “IMGP9849” by Matt Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0
Sheep near Tyndrum
Photo credit: “Sheep near Tyndrum” by Ashlynn Pai, CC BY 2.0
Dalmally is an attractive small village on the River Orchy with surrounding woods and mountains.
The present church is the latest to occupy the site. Previously there was a medieval and then a 17th century church.
It is gothic in style and dates from 1810, however, the graveyard contains medieval graveslabs dating from the 14th to 15th centuries.
Walks
There are pleasant woodland walks in this area, as well as a Wild Woodland Garden and Community Orchard behind the church with views of the River Orchy, Ben Cruachan and Ben Lui.
This monument on Dun Athaich is for the important 18th century Scottish Gaelic poet and was built by public subscription. Is a pleasant 35 minutes' walk from the village along a single track road through trees and with lovely views.
Where to stay
There is one guesthouse and one B&B in the village but nowhere open for lunch or evening meals, so either take snacks or buy something from the Dalmally Village Store to keep you going.
Craig Villa Guest House (0.62 miles/0.99 km)
Reviews: 4.9 on Google, 4.8 on TripAdvisor
Orchy Bank House B&B (0.94 miles/1.51 km)
Reviews: 5.0 on Google, 4.9 on TripAdvisor
Dalmally station at night
Photo credit: “IMGP3332” by Matt Buck, CC BY-SA 2.0
Loch Awe is a picturesque small village with views over the loch, Kilchurn Castle (currently closed) and Ben Lui. The loch is the longest freshwater loch in Scotland at 25 miles and is home to lots of wildlife.
This church is an architectural feast, mixing an impressive range of styles. Features include the cloisters, a Norman archway, stone carvings, and stained glass windows. During the summer there is a part-time tearoom.
Accommodation and places to eat are limited, so this location is perhaps best visited as a day trip.
Loch Awe Hotel (85 foot/0.02 km)
Primarily used for the company's coach tours but have a few rooms available for B&B. Dinner can be booked on arrival.
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.5 on TripAdvisor
Ben Cruachan Inn (0.11 miles/0.17 km)
Does not serve breakfast, and in the quieter months the restaurant and bar may be closed.
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.5 on TripAdvisor
Framed Kilchurn Castle. From outside St Conan's Kirk, Loch Awe.
Photo credit: “Framed Kilchurn Castle” by Phil Gayton, CC BY 2.0
St Conan's Kirk chancel
Photo credit: “St Conan's Kirk chancel” by Phil Gayton, CC BY 2.0
The tiny request stop station at Falls of Cruachan is open from April to October only as there is no station lighting. Also be aware that there are steep steps up to the single platform.
This station is in a ravine with steep sides and on the opposite side of the tracks is the River Awe. The station opened as long ago as 1893 and is purely a tourist destination, there being no settlement here.
This waterfall is a steep climb with the path starting from the station. Wear good footwear.
Ben Cruachan and the Cruachan Power Station Visitor Centre
The mountain is known as the hollow mountain on account of the hydro power station inside. The power station is 200 metres from the railway station.
It has a visitor centre with free exhibition, cafe and shop. Many people enjoy stopping here for what must be one of the world’s few hydro stations which allow visitors.
Guided tours are currently suspended while the power station is being upgraded (October 2025).
Ben Cruachan
Photo credit: “Ben Cruachan” by John Mason, CC BY 2.0
Taynuilt lies near to the south shore of Loch Etive. The main street runs north and includes a selection of local shops.
Much of the village is built in an attractive grey stone that blends well with the surrounding mountains. The more adventurous will come across Taynuilt while following the route of the Coast to Coast Walk from Oban to St Andrews.
The only attraction, Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace, is open from April to September. The best days to visit are Saturday and Sunday, when you can visit the Furnace and have lunch at The Taynuilt Inn.
On other days take a packed lunch! If you find yourself stuck without food, go to the village shop Grahams the Grocers for snacks.
Where to visit
Founded in 1753 and active until the 1870s, this is the most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain. The furnace itself is still fairly complete.
There is also an exhibition showing how pig iron was made including for cannonballs used in the Napoleonic Wars. It is about 20 minutes’ walk from the station.
There is a small pebble beach here with glorious views to Duirinnis hill and Bonawe. This is about 30 minutes' walk from the village.
Where to eat
The Inn was devastated by fire in 2021 and has partially reopened for food and drinks. They hope to have rooms open again in Spring 2026.
Reviews: 4.8 on Google, 4.2 on TripAdvisor
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace, Taynuilt
Photo credit: “Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace, Taynuilt” by René Deprez, CC BY 2.0
Connel is a small, pretty village at the sea end of Loch Etive. It is separated from North Connel by a steel cantilever bridge built in 1903.
There is a pavement across the bridge which is worth a walk across for the magnificent views in both directions. Depending on the tides you may also be able to see the Falls of Lora.
Where to visit
Offers instruction, coaching and guidance in sea kayaking for individuals and small groups.
Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
The castle is located in nearby Dunbeg overlooking Firth of Lorn. It is one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, built in the 13th century for the powerful MacDougalls.
It was besieged by Robert the Bruce around 1308 and in 1746 held Flora MacDonald for a few days after her arrest for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape.
The Northwest tower is currently closed (October 2025).
The castle is 5 minutes' bus journey from Connel Ferry to Dunbeg followed by a 20 minute walk.
See West Coast Motors services 405, 408 and 415 and alight at stop 'Road End', and also their service 918 (tickets for this service bookable through Citylink).
Also see the Citylink Glasgow to Oban service (numbers 975, 976, 977, 978).
On the walk to Dunstaffnage Castle you will pass this free visitor centre. Here you can learn all about marine science through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and a cinema. There is also a cafe and shop.
Hebridean Air Services operate regular scheduled flights to the islands of Coll, Tiree and Colonsay.
With short journey times, you could book a same day return and spend the day at an island. They also operate 30 minute scenic flights around Oban and the Hebrides.
The airport is 5 minutes' bus journey from Connel, in North Connel over the bridge. See West Coast Motors service 405 and alight at stop 'Oban Airport', or their service 918 (tickets bookable through Citylink) and alight at stop 'Airport Road End'.
Where to stay and eat (walking distances given from the train station)
Falls of Lora Hotel (456 foot/0.13 km)
Bistro on site
Reviews: 4.4 on Google, 3.9 on TripAdvisor
Oyster Inn (0.58 miles/0.93 km)
Oyster restaurant on site specialising in seafood
Reviews: 4.3 on Google, 4.0 on TripAdvisor
Ronebhal Guest House (0.42 miles/0.67 km)
Reviews: 4.7 on Google, 4.8 on TripAdvisor
The Rowans B&B (0.57 miles/0.91 km)
Reviews: 4.6 on Google, 4.5 on TripAdvisor
Ards House (0.78 miles/1.25 km)
Reviews: 4.2 on Google, 4.5 on TripAdvisor
Connel Bridge
Photo credit: “Connel Bridge” by Tom Parnell, CC BY-SA 2.0
Dunstaffnage Castle
Dunstaffnage Marina from the castle
Dunstaffnage Bay
Dunstaffnage Castle interior
Dunstaffnage Chapel
Page last updated 02 October 2025