Kilmelford??...Where?!
Kilmelford is a small village on the West coast of Scotland, on the A816 road between Lochgilphead 22 miles (oops, 35kms!) to the South, and Oban, 16 miles, 25 kms, to the North. That is about 110 miles, 175 kms, to the North of Glasgow. The village is located in a small valley a quarter of a mile north of the head of Loch na Cille, which is a small bay at the head of Loch Melfort. The centre of the village consists of a cluster of 25 or so houses, a hotel, Post Office and General Store, and the Kirk (Church of Scotland) which is prominently situated on a small knoll. Outside of the village centre there are homes dotted along the roads, especially the road to Degnish Point on the north side of Loch na Cille, as far as Fearnach Bay and Ardenstur, -- see map. The permanent population, who live within one mile, or one-and-a-half kilometres, from the village centre is about 80 to 100. This is boosted by up to 100 holidaymakers who stay at the Melfort Club timeshare complex, just to the North-east of Fearnach Bay.
A high proportion of the population (I guess 30 to 40 percent) is retired. The working population is engaged in farming, (cattle and hill sheep), fish farming, and work associated with the leisure industry, such as the Melfort Club timeshare, local hotels and restaurants, and Kilmelford Yacht Haven, the local boatyard which maintains and repairs all kinds of boats, but mainly yachts.
Kilmelford lies in area of outstanding natural beauty, and is ideally situated for those who wish to explore the hills on foot, or the surrounding coast and islands by boat. There are many miles of excellent walks some of which allow stunning views over the surrounding countryside and coast.
If you come by boat, or come to charter a boat, there are moorings available at Kilmelford Yacht Haven, and at Fearnach Bay at the head of Loch Melfort. This is a good starting point for visiting the islands of the Inner Hebrides, the main ones nearby being Islay, Jura, Scarba, and the Garvellachs. There are many sheltered anchorages to be found up and down the coast within a day's sail of Loch Melfort. Given favourable weather a circumnavigation of Mull, visiting the magical island of Iona, is possible in a long weekend, though I would recommend lingering a little longer.
For those interested in history, the area around Kilmartin, about 15 miles, 25 kms, to the South is the most important area of antiquarian and archeological significance in Scotland. This is the heart of Dalriada, the ancient kingdom of the Scots who came over from Ireland in the 6th century AD, but there are many archeological remains indicating that the area has been well populated for several thousand years. The museum at Kilmartin is well worth a visit, and their website is HERE.
Arduaine Garden, (pron. Ardoony), is a beautiful coastal garden owned by the National Trust for Scotland, and is located 4 miles, 6 kms, south of Kilmelford on the A816. There is a wonderful display of rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas, perennials, ferns and many other plants in a sheltered woodland situation. They are open all year, 9.30 a.m. to sunset, and well worth a visit. (Tel. 01852 200 366). Their website is HERE.
Places to stay. (Hotels)
Cuilfail Hotel (01852 200 274) ....more details here. Located in the village centre.
Loch Melfort Hotel (01852 200 233). Located at Arduaine, (pron. Ardoony!),about 4 miles, 6 kms, South of Kilmelford on the A816.
Melfort Pier, self catering luxury cottages, (01852 200 333). Located at Fearnach Bay, at the head of Loch Melfort, on the North side. More details here.
B&B or Self-catering.
Mrs. Fiona Wyllie, Traighuaine, (01852 200 227). Traighuaine (pron. Try-oony) is about 3 miles (5 Kms) south of Kilmelford on the A816. Fiona's house is in an elevated position above Asknish Bay, and has stunning views over to the islands of Shuna, Luing, Scarba and Jura.
Tom McKay, (01852 200 348). Located in the Old Manse, just up the hill past the Kirk. Also has 2 self-catering cottages. see also Tom's website at http://freespace.virgin.net/tom.kilmelford
Ken and Diane Scaife, Fearnoch House, Degnish Road. Located about a mile out of the village on the road by Fearnach Bay. (01852 200 208). Self catering apartment.
Alisdair and Melissa Oatts, Glenmore. (01852 200 314). Glenmore is a large country house in a beautiful situation overlooking the head of the loch, and about half a mile out of the village. See picture here
Ron & Sheila Smallshaw, Bothanuaine, Arduaine. (01852 200 204). Bothanuaine overlooks Asknish Bay, about 3 miles south of Kilmelford, with lovely views over to Shuna and Scarba.
Tom & Liz Calderwood, Willow Cottage, Arduaine. (01852 200 202), also overlooking Asknish Bay. Self-catering chalet.
Elspeth Campbell, Asknish Cottage, Arduiane. (01852 200 247). Yeah you've guessed it....also overlooking Asknish Bay!
Tony and Georgina Dalton, Maolachy, Loch Avich. (01866 844212). Maolachy is about 4 miles from Kilmelford on the road to Loch Awe. Self-catering cottages.
Robin & Anne Grey, Innie, Tralaig. (01852 200 225). Self-catering wooden chalets by Loch Tralaig, about 3 miles from Kilmelford, on the road to Oban.
Where to eat.
Cuilfail Hotel. (details above).
Loch Melfort Hotel. (details above).
The Shower of Herring, (01852 200 345). The 'Shower' is located within the Melfort Club complex about 2 miles, 3 kms, from the village centre, along the Degnish road.