Local attractions
Whether you just want to relax or pursue more energetic activities, The Pierhouse makes an ideal base. There is plenty to do on foot or by bike, starting from the hotel and exploring Appin or taking the ferry across to Lismore. Take a look below for some inspiration.
For the more adventurous, click on the link to read about the extensive range of organised adventure activities we will be pleased to arrange for you upon request.If you are looking for a spot of sightseeing, we've suggested some itineraries for days out from The Pierhouse - see our Places to Visit section.
However you choose to spend your break at The Pierhouse, relax and enjoy!
Activities
Walking in Appin
Appin is ideal for gentle walks. A leisurely 10 minute stroll from the rear of the hotel will take you to Clach Thoull, Gaelic for 'hole in the rock' - a dramatic natural stone arch formed countless years ago. The path takes you along an easy shore path with wild orchids and harebells in the springtime, whilst lush rhododendron and brilliant heather colours the late summer and autumn views. Local wildlife include sea otters, hares, seals, and a vast array of birdlife including oyster catchers, guillemots, kestrels and sea eagles.
A longer stroll, perhaps over Jubilee Bridge, will take you to commanding views of Castle Stalker, probably the best known landmark in northern Argyll. Standing on Eilean an Stalcaire (Hunters Island) at the mouth of Loch Laich, it was built to guard the Strath of Appin from invasion from the sea. It was used as the headquarters of Dugald Stewart at the Battle of Stalc in 1468, the culmination of the feud between the Stewarts and the Campbells. Today the castle is a comfortable home, restored and fully modernised by the Allward family. Open days are offered to the public in the summer months.
There are plenty of other options for exploring this beautiful area of woods and forests, gentle hills and rocky shores, including hopping over to Lismore on the ferry from our own pier. And if you'd like to be guided, Walking Appin's mountain leaders Les and Issy will help you explore the natural beauty of Argyll and Lochaber.
Cycling in Appin and Lismore
Situated on quiet single track roads, Port Appin and The Pierhouse Hotel are an ideal base for gentle cycling. This year's completion of the new cycle track between Appin and Loch Creran brings more great cycling opportunities in reach for those who want to stay off main roads - the little used loop around Loch Creran and the offroad cycling at Sutherlands Grove are all now in reach. The cycle track forms part of the National Cycle Network route 78 which will run from Oban to Ballachulish then Fort William - a major investment and much anticipated traffic-free paths for the use of local people and visitors to the area.
Another popular choice for cyclists is to hop over to Lismore on the passenger ferry leaving from our own pier, and explore this low lying, fertile island. Combined with a trip to the Lismore visitor centre for refreshments it can make for a perfect day out. If you don't have your own bikes, you can hire all-terrain mountain bikes from The Pierhouse - just ask!
Forestry Commission North Argyll cycling leaflet>
Gardens of North Argyll
The Pierhouse Hotel is a great centre for visiting some of Argyll's less well known gardens. Local gardens include Druimneil House garden, which displays a fine range of rhododendrons, shrubs and trees (open 1 April to mid-October), Ardchattan Priory, the second oldest house in Scotland with formal gardens and lawns (open April to October daily), and Kinlochlaich Gardens is the West Highlands largest nursery garden centre, situated in an old walled garden built circa 1790 by John Campbell (open daily from April to mid October, and Monday - Saturday mid October to March).
Further afield, yet ideal for a day trip from The Pierhouse are more coastal gardens with mature woodland and spendid displays of rhododendrons, azaleas and cascading streams. Visit Arduaine Gardens south of Oban and Crarae Gardens near Inverarary on Loch Fynne.
Segway Tours
Experience the Segway Personal Transporter - it's like nothing you have ever done before! Glide over the ground on this revolutionary electric platform - be master of your own magic carpet! Enjoy beautiful countryside as you enjoy the freedom of this brilliant, space-age way to travel. They are natural, safe and environmentally friendly, and under 30 minutes drive from The Pierhouse. Plus they're great fun!
Each eco-tour lasts 45 minutes and starts with an introdcution to the Segway Personal Transporter and professional guidance to get you up and "airbourne". Then you are off - on a glide that winds around a stunning, loch-side estate with fantastic views, wonderful scenery and a challenge or two as well. Your guide will give a fascinating tale of the local area, including insights into history, wildlife and the natural environment. Plus there's plenty of time for skills development and photos during the expedition.
Rally Karting
Rally karting is superb fun for all the family - suitable for ages 7 - 70 years! The track is at Tralee Bay in Benderloch, just 20 minutes drive from The Pierhouse - simply 'Arrive-n-Drive'.
Open all school holidays, Easter, Whitsun and throughout the summer, plus every weekend between Easter and mid September, weather permitting.
Note that the track does not operate during or immediately after heavy rain; please phone first if in doubt on 01631 720297.
Bird watching
Right on the shores of Loch Linnhe, The Pierhouse is a great location for seeing birds - and other wildlife. Regulars include eider ducks, oyster catchers, guillemots, shags, geese, terns, kestrels and sea eagles, plus a host of species that take advantages of the salt marshes by Castle Stalker.
Argyll Bird Club report recent sightings across Argyll including the Appin area.
The Isle of Lismore
The isle of Lismore - from the Gaelic Lios Mor, meaning big garden - is a short ferry ride away from the pier immediately in front of The Pierhouse Hotel. The island is perfect for walking or cycling with little-used old footpaths covering the fertile island. Lismore is steeped in history which you'll find as you explore this beautiful island - an Iron Age Broch, a ruined 13th century Cathedral church, the seat of the Bishops of Argyll, Castle Coeffin in its commanding position looking out to see.
To gain an insight into the islands rich history a visit to the award-winning Gaelic Heritage Museum is a must. You'll also find the cafe here which serves home cooked meals and baking all day.
If you don't have your own bikes, you can hire all-terrain mountain bikes from The Pierhouse - just ask!
Oban, Gateway to the Isles
The harbour town of Oban, known as the Gateway to the Isles and the Seafood Capital of Scotland, is a short 30 minute drive away. Visit McCaig's Tower, the replica of the Colosseum that is such a distinctive feature on the Oban skyline, to take in the view across Oban Bay to Kerrera and Mull. Take in Oban Distillery, where the Visitor Centre is open most days. Car ferries depart from the bustling Railway Pier for Mull, Colonsay and the other West Coast islands of the inner and outer Hebrides.
Your route to Oban takes you past many other attractions, so why not stop off at the Scottish Sea Life Sanctuary, Argyll Pottery, the white sands of Ganavan, just outside Oban, or Tralee Beach, 1 mile from Benderloch?
Glen Coe and Fort William
Heading north from The Pierhouse, the world famous and spectacular Glen Coe is only half an hour's drive away. You can take in the geological and human history at the National Trust for Scotland's visitor centre, or there are gentle walks through the woods in Glen Coe village from where there are stunning views up to the Pap of Glencoe and along Loch Leven. For the more adventurous, Glen Coe is a centre for walking, climbing and mountain biking: read more on our Activities page.
Just 20 minutes further up the coast from Glen Coe is Fort William, nestling at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK's highest mountain. The Outdoor Capital of the UK, Fort William is full of opportunities to have fun and explore, whatever the level of adventure you seek!
The Pierhouse Hotel Massage & Aromatherapy
Wherever you go, whatever you do through the day, afterwards take advantage of one of our excellent relaxation, therapeutic, aromatherapy or sports massage treatments in the comfort of your own room or just relax in our Finnish sauna. Ask our Reservations team for booking details.
To view this Flash you need Javascript on your browser and updated version of flash player.
- The Pierhouse Hotel rated "excellent" by 45 travellers
