Mid Argyll
Follow the single track road Kilberry and
South Knapdale
Inveraray
I
f your idea of the perfect escape is a road less travelled, you could do no better than to take the B8024. The bland numbers
may do little to reveal its charms, but the single track known as the Kilberry Road of- fers a surfeit of treats for travellers looking for something out of the ordinary. Bordering the Sound of Jura for much of its length, the 35-mile route from Tarbert through South Knapdale passes three scenic lochs – Loch Caolisport, Loch Stornoway and West Loch Tarbert - and photogenic ham- lets from Ormsary to Kilberry itself. Though the impression is of remoteness, there is a warm welcome waiting here for those who choose to pause and enjoy the facilities and experiences on offer. Punctuated by historic roadside milestones, this route is dotted with echoes from the past, with St Columba, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland, the most infl uential fi gure. Local history has it that he worshipped at St Columba’s Cave, on Loch Caolisport near Ellary, which was also the source of the stone baptismal font now at the parish church at Achahoish. Other ancient attractions include the Chap- el of Keills, with its remarkable grave-slab carvings featuring the famous ‘Queen Mary Harp’ or clarsach, and Kilmory Knap Chapel, which houses more example of early cross and gravestone mason’s skills.
With scenery to take your breath away, there’s plenty of romance to warm the heart in South Knapdale, and the special mix of beauty and seclusion have ensured that it has become a popular wedding destination. Crear (
www.crearweddings.co.uk) is a unique Kilberry arts space and venue that has built a reputation for offering magical ‘wee weddings’. Events range from private celebrations for only a bride and groom, to gatherings of around a dozen guests, or tra- ditional ceilidh-style celebrations . With the distant Hebrides as the backdrop for the fes- tivities and local produce on the menu, it’s easy to see why couples travel from all over the world to say “I do.” Also making fresh local food and drink a
priority is the Kilberry Inn – the multi award- winning red-roofed restaurant that is helping to make Kilberry a destination in its own right (
www.kilberryinn.com). It offers lunch, dinner (including fi sh prepared at its own smokery just across the road) and accommodation. South Knapdale is defi nitely not just for grown-ups. There is plenty for families too, from cycle rides and forest walks, to the beaches at Ormsary, Loch Stornoway and the Coves, just south of Kilberry. Nestled between the hill and the shore out- side Kilberry, Port Bàn Holiday Park is a base from which children can explore and enjoy a taste of freedom. The park caters for camp-
ing, touring and static caravans, with a play park, organised activities and cafe. You don’t have to take our word for the lovely setting – see it for yourself at the webcam www.
portban.com. The road leaves the sea at Kilberry church,
on through Carse and past the Ardpatrick road end to Dunmore (Dun Mhor & The Big Fort), the home of a set of Clan Mac- Millan. Following the road you will reach the old Dunmore School House and an ancient cemetery, which leads to Dunmore Court
www.dunmorecourt.com. These attractively converted farm buildings offer self catering accomodation overlooking the loch. For bed and breakfast, Barr na Criche House, offers something out of the ordinary. Set in extensive ancient woodland, guests here – or at the self catering cottage on the same site – enjoy access to a beach hut on the shore. The road again joins the sea at Anchor cot- tage in the grounds of the Dunmore Villa. With its magnifi cent views up and down West Loch Tarbert, and recently completed six bedrooms with three public rooms, this is the ideal location for family holidays and fes- tivities
www.dunmoreestate.com. The 900 acres of land, with over 2 miles of coastline also has a slipway and very attractive plots for sale where some construction has al- ready started.
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