The quaint village of Port Appin, nestled between the towering peaks of the Highlands and the shimmering waters of Loch Linnhe, has been crowned as Scotland’s top place to stay this year by The Times. Tucked away in Argyll, this hidden gem offers a tranquil retreat on Scotland’s breathtaking west coast.
With its few streets and tight-knit community, the charm of Port Appin lies in its simplicity and the welcoming nature of its residents. A quick ferry trip from the village pier transports visitors to the nearby island of Lismore. Its close proximity to the ‘Great Garden’ isle, as well as being sandwiched between Oban and Fort William, makes Port Appin an ideal base for both adventure and relaxation.
Whether you’re soaking up a golden sunset over the loch or wandering through the verdant trails that crisscross the area, the village provides ample opportunities for walkers and cyclists eager to immerse themselves in nature.
Just a stone’s throw from the village centre stands Castle Stalker, a magnificent 14th-century fortress situated on a tiny island. Completely surrounded by water, this historic tower house is one of the best-preserved of its kind in Scotland and boasts Category A listed status, reports the Daily Record.
Movie enthusiasts might also recognise it as Castle Aaargh from the hilarious finale of the classic comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Castle Stalker, located 25 miles north of Oban, is perched on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe. Its remote and unusual setting means it’s only accessible by foot at low tide, and even then, crossing can be tricky.
Just beyond Port Appin, you’ll find the Sgeir Bhuidhe Lighthouse, or the Yellow Reef Lighthouse in Gaelic, one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks.
The lighthouse is a popular spot for afternoon walks, offering a striking feature against the coastal landscape and providing a perfect photo opportunity.
In 2002, the original light was replaced with a new one. However, the old light wasn’t lost to history – it’s now proudly displayed in the village centre.
Visitors can get up close to the historic structure and learn about its story, as well as the wider history of Port Appin, through information boards.
Port Appin itself continues to enchant visitors with its natural beauty and tranquil pace of life. It’s a top pick for those wanting to unwind, reconnect with nature, and savour some of the region’s best seafood.
Foodies must visit The Pierhouse Hotel and Restaurant. Featured in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant is renowned for its locally sourced seafood served alongside breathtaking views over the water. It has become a hit with visitors, earning a 4.4-star average rating on Tripadvisor from over 700 reviews.
Travellers raving about their explorations along the coast and delightful treks are all suggesting the same thing – book yourself onto a Port Appin Boat Tour. Ran by a local gem of an operator, the boat tours get heaps of praise on TripAdvisor.
One ecstatic traveller gushed: “Great boat trip. Alistair is very knowledgeable and fun. “We saw seals, porpoises, loads of interesting birds and Alistair even made all the jellyfish interesting.
“A great way to spend an hour or so at Port Appin. Don’t hesitate… you will love it.”
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