The local area offers activities to suit many tastes. Those keen to
explore its fascinating history will find an embarrassment of riches, as
the peninsula and its vicinity are crammed with a prodigious mass of
standing st ones, cup and ring marks, Celtic wells (including Lunga's
own, blessed by St Fillan and thus magically able to withstand the
severest of droughts), Viking burials and hill forts.
Particularly notable are the imposing remains of the Iron Age fort at
Dunadd, just outside the nearby village of Kilmartin. This served as a
capital for the kings of Dalriada, and to this day bears the mark in
stone of a footprint used in their coronations. In the village itself is
the small but renowned Kilmartin Museum, with 'hands on' activities for children.
Moving south from here by a kilometre it is possible to jump a thousand years of history, arriving at the 18th century Crinan Canal,
through which is to be had a peaceful and relaxing trip, culminating in
'serious' chocolate cake in Crinan itself, also famous for its Basin,
where local fishermen land prawns, crabs and lobsters.
Closer to hand, heading out along the peninsula from Ardfern, there is
the chapel at Kilmharee, with its graves of chieftains and crusading
knights ; beyond this, on the way to Craignish Point, is Craignish
castle where it is possible to glimpse the private garden, designed by
Osgood Mackenzie.
For the more active, there are riding stables just 200m north of the house. For enquiries or bookings contact Lunga Riding Stables
directly on 01852 500 632. The stables have an all weather mange and a
park which is frequently used for jumping or dressage, as well as a
cross-country course. Many people, however, see riding simply as an
enjoyable and natural way of exploring the beautiful countryside. The
stables welcome beginners, prov ide B.H.S approved instruction, and
organise regular rides by the hour or half day.
Away from dry land, the Craignish boat club in the local village of
Ardfern offers children the chance to learn sailing or canoeing. Yacht
chartering is available from the two busy local marinas at Ardfern and
Craobh Haven as well as boat trips to the nearby islands.
For golfers, both Oban and Lochgilphead have courses. An hour away at
Machrihanish is a championship course. Those after a truly extreme
golfing experience can even get a morning boat to the island of
Colonsay, play a round and return in the evening - that is, if they can
avoid being otherwise ensnared by the pleasures of this delightful
island and its tidal sister, the island of Oransay, site of the world's
most beautiful oyster farm as well as a medieval monastery held by some
to be one of Columba's bases before Iona.
Fishing is available in the Lunga estate's six hill lochs; in the sea,
while on boat trips from Ardfern or Craobh or, with a permit, in the
nearby Loch Awe. This last represents a wonderful day out. As well as
offering excellent sport (the world's largest trout was caught here, and
other record-breaking fish) the thirty five mile loch has a number of
small islands with ruined castles, chapels and ancient graveyards, as
well as the odd high-class hotel.
For those winding down from such exertions, there are a variety of
places to eat and drink out. Starting within the bounds of the estate
itself, Ardfern and Craobh each have their own pubs: respectively, the
bustling Galley of Lorne and the justly famous Lord of the Isles,
both of which also serve food. In addition to these, Craobh has a
waterside cafe offering breakfast, lunch and snacks; Ardfern has the
transparently named Crafty Kitchen,
a cafe and craft shop in one. 3km to the north, at Arduanie is the Loch
Melfort Hotel with an excellent seafood restaurant as well as more
modestly priced bar meals. Visitors may want to work up an appetite by
taking a walk through the Scottish National Trust owned Arduanie Garden,
with its delightful woodland and water gardens and spectacular
collection of azaleas and rhododendrons.
Perhaps, though, the greatest attraction of our gentle wilderness is
simply the chance to relax, to take life slowly in an atmosphere of
profound calm. The weather is mild, even in winter, and guests at Lunga
(and their pets ) are free to wander as they please through the woods
and over the hills. The short walk down to the sea takes you to a sandy,
pebbly bay, where mooring is offered for boats of up to thirty-five
feet. Beyond this, the coast line is completely wild for ten miles.
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