35SATURDAY AUGUST 29 2015

fuel the turbines.A picturesque town to take time to visit isOban, which is 10 miles from Taynuilt. It’s alovely spot that would remind you of somecoastal towns in the west of Ireland.

Perhaps the most striking sight is McCaig’sTower – like a mini-Colosseum – perchedon the cliff that overlooks the town and aplace that offers some stunning views.Across the Firth of Lorn from Oban is theIsle of Mull and you can take ferries over toLismore, Colonsay, Islay, Coll, Tiree, Mull,and Barra. Unsurprisingly, Oban has a longlist of seafood dining options – from cheapand cheerful fish and chips to fine diningestablishments.For anyone with a sweet tooth, we canheartily recommend the Oban ChocolateCompany, a chocolatier and cafe that offersunbelievably good chocolates.Three options to get you started are the

toffee crisp, Belgian vanilla and whiskytruffle.There’s a more intensive and informativewhisky experience to be had at the ObanDistillery – handily located in the centre ofthe town - one of Scotland’s oldest sourcesof single malt scotch. Their 14-year-oldsingle malt is worth the admission on itsown.As we drove out of Oban to see wherewe could take in next, we noticed thatCampbeltown was 80 miles south.We didn’t bother. As my wife said, ‘It’s toofar and it isn’t even spelled right’.But we’ll definitely return to Oban, Taynuiltand Inveraray.

WEEKEND

n Inveraray Castle

Picture: Paul Tomkins/VisitScotlandn The view across the bay towards McCaig's

Tower at dusk in Oban, Argyll

Picture: Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland

n The Loch Etive suite in theTaynuilt Hotel, near Oban

n The Taynuilt Hotel has been astaging post for centuries

n Rooms at the Taynuilt Hotel (10 milesoutside Oban) start at around £65. Tobook, call 01866 822 437,visit TaynuiltHotel.co.uk oremail enquiries@taynuilthotel.co.ukn Inveraray Castle is open until October31 (Inveraray-Castle.com). The Best of theWest festival (Bowfest.co.uk) takes placeat the castle on September 12 & 13n Oban Chocolate Company:ObanChocolate.co.ukn Cruachan Hollow Mountain:VisitCruachan.co.ukn Oban Distillery: http://www.discovering-distilleries.com/oban/n For more information, go toVisitScotland.com/argyll-islesn P&O Ferries operates frequentcrossings between Northern Ireland andScotland. You can sail from Larne toCairnryan (up to seven sailings a day) orfrom Larne to Troon. The Express betweenLarne and Troon runs until September30, with one return sailing each day inSeptember. On board you can avail ofthe food court, shopping and children’sentertainment. Fares start from £74 eachway from Larne to Cairnryan for a car anddriver, with the Troon Express fare startingat £99. Upgrading to the Club Lounge– offering complimentary newspapers,magazines and refreshments – costs £12in advance. For more information and tobook tickets, visit POFerries.com

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