Enjoying your holiday cottage in Oban - Argyll Scotland

When self catering at Melfort, you will be ideally situated to enjoy all that Oban and the surrounding area has to offer. Melfort is almost equidistant between the towns of Oban and Lochgilphead and in the midst of all the Argyll visitor attractions, often less than half an hour’s journey by car.

One of the joys of Melfort self catering is that you can start the day in a leisurely way, enjoying your holiday cottage and the beautiful surroundings. After taking advice from our friendly Reception staff about the best places to visit, you can spend the afternoon exploring Argyll, enjoy a wonderful meal in one of the many West Coast restaurants and finally, return to your self catering cottage at Melfort to enjoy a peaceful, relaxing evening.

Once you've settled in to your holiday cottage you're bound to wonder what treasures Oban & Argyll have to offer the visitor and this page hopes to illustrate some of the 'little gems' that are within easy reach. The West Coast has many wonderful places to visit: ancient castles and monuments; glorious gardens; visitor attractions; the magical islands of Mull, Iona, and Staffa by ferry from Oban. A huge range of visitor attraction leaflets are freely available from reception.

The staff at Melfort Village thought that guests may need a little assistance in getting to know the area and have graciously agreed to share some of their little “gems” with you! Enjoy …

Willowburn Hotel Argyll

Judith, in Accounts, says “When we have a special occasion to celebrate, we like nothing more than a meal at the Willowburn Hotel just across the Bridge over the Atlantic on Seil Island. The food is excellent and you can look across the water whilst eating the best of local produce”

The Barn Bar, Lerags (5 mins from Oban)

Christine, our Manager, who has two small children, recommends the Barn Bar on a sunny day. “Its great – you can sit outside, enjoy a drink or home-cooked bar meal, the kids can play in the playpark and chase the long-suffering ducks and chickens!”

The Rowan Café- Dalavich Argyll

Mairi, our Assistant Housekeeper, takes her grandchildren to the Rowan Café, at Dalavich. “Its very friendly, they really welcome children – my grandchildren enjoyed a toastie, crisps and juice for under £2 – we usually follow this up with a walk in the Dalavich Oak Woods or to Loch Avich Falls”

Crinan Walks

Simone, who works in Reception, tells us that her favourite walk in the Woodland Trust walk across the lock gates by the Crinan Hotel. Although only taking about an hour to complete, it is quite elevated and the 365°views of Kilmartin Glen , the Paps of Jura and Ben Mhor on Mull, are amazing! All rounded off with lovely home baking and tea in the Crinan Coffee Shop!

Further useful information around Oban & Argyll

Wonderful boat trips through the Corrie Vreckan whirl pool can be experienced on Farsain Cruises at Craobh Haven. Something for all the family – see golden and sea eagles, wild goats, deer, seals and more, with skipper Duncan Phillips. Bookings at Melfort Reception.

There are beautiful gardens at Arduaine, just 5 miles away, which have a wonderful collection of rhododendrons and azaleas. Find out more about the gardens of Argyll by looking at Glorious Gardens of Argyll and Bute.

Many of our guests enjoy a visit to Mull and lovely Iona, or even farther afield the windswept islands of Coll and Tiree. For information about ferries, have a look at the Caledonian MacBrayne web site.

The Oban & Lorn Tourism Association promotes the attractions in and around Oban. It is worth a browse to plan your holiday schedule.