About the Loch Awe Area
Loch Awe is 26 miles long, a freshwater loch stretching NE - SW from the Central Highlands to within a few miles of the sea. The A85 runs along the north shore from the romantic ruins of Kilchurn Castle dominating the eastern end, through the village of Lochawe, to the Pass of Brander, a narrow defile with sheer scree slopes cascading to the loch as it flows out into the River Awe, reaching the sea via Loch Etive.
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Rivers such as the Orchy, the Strae, and the Lochy, rich in trout and salmon, flow through beautiful glens into the north-east end of Loch Awe. These glens provide wonderful walking.
The north side of Loch Awe is dominated by Ben Cruachan mountain range on which St Conan's Tower stands. Cruachan is not a difficult ascent, despite its awesome appearance; there are routes for both the less and more experienced, rewarding the climber with magnificent views from the island of Jura to Ben Nevis. Cruachan also offers a great tourist attraction; a bus tour inside the mountain to see the hydro-electric Power Station, a fantastic feat of engineering.
Other local attractions include the Bonawe ironworks at Taynuilt, a loch cruise up Loch Etive (scenery and seals), and of course, Kilchurn Castle. Two single track roads border the loch. The East-Lochaweside road (accessed from A819 Inveraray road - off the A85 just east of Lochawe village) offers the hamlets of Portsonachan (hotel), Ardbrecknish (where you can hire a boat on the loch), and Eredine (forest walks).
The West-Lochaweside road (accessed from the A85 just before Taynuilt, 10 miles west of Lochawe village) meanders through Glen Nant, passes through Kilchrenan village (hotel and pub, plus the nearby luxury hotels of Ardanaseig and Taychreggan), and on down through Dalavich, a Forestry Commission village of wooden chalets, to the village of Ford, where it joins the eastern road and continues to Kilmichael Glassary to meet the A816 Oban - Lochgilphead road. There are many beauty spots and forest walks areas, with waterfalls, Caledonian forest, and lochside locations.
In all the areas around Loch Awe the wildlife is as interesting as the scenery. As well as a marvellous variety of birds, great fishing opportunities (Loch Awe is famous for its trout and pike), fascination for the botanist or geologist, the highlights include golden eagles, otters, red and roe deer, pine martens, and even wildcat. Further afield, the touring opportunities are endless - Glencoe 40 minutes drive; Oban 25 minutes, with access to the western isles, especially Mull and Iona; Fort William and Mallaig, either via Connel, or via Glen Coe; Stirling and Glasgow, each an hour and a half's drive. And there is the tempting alternative of taking the famous West Highland Railway, an experience in itself.
About St Conan's Tower
St Conan's Tower nestles in a natural tapestry of woodland and water. Overlooking Loch Awe, but secluded in its own wooded landscape of redwoods, fir trees, oaks, birches and rowan, this historic house offers a haven of tranquillity. So many of our visitors comment on the stress-free environment, as well as the relaxation provided by the comfortable, well-equipped apartments, each with their own video, book, and CD collections.
St Conan's Tower is only 5 minutes from Lochawe village shop and pub with access to the A85 west to Oban and the Isles (or east to Glencoe, Loch Lomond or Stirling). There is also a railway station at Lochawe on the Glasgow-Oban West Highland Line. The Tower's situation could not be more convenient for touring the Highlands or simply enjoying the spectacular setting and scenery.
History of St Conan's Tower
St Conan's Tower was built by the Duke of Argyll's great-grandfather, Walter Douglas Campbell, at the end of the 19th century. Walter was a self-made architect and delighted in building unusual properties, the best known of which is St Conan's Kirk in Lochawe village. The Tower itself, built of granite from Cruachan mountain, was intended as a winter home for the Campbell family who lived on Innis Chonain, the island just off the shore of Loch Awe.
Through its 100-year history, the Tower has undergone several ownerships as private dwelling, boarding house, youth hostel, and B&B establishment.
In 1996 the house was renovated and refurbished, and we continue to improve both the house and garden to create a comfortable holiday home for apartment guests. The house is fitted with the latest fire safety precautions and has the added advantages for visitors of a laundry/drying room, carport for bicycles, and ample car park.
Links
West Coast Character Cottages - three self catering cottages near Oban.