Old Castle Lachlan and The Inver Restaurant
A hidden gem on Loch Fyne on the Argyll Coast
The A83 that splits off from Loch Lomond and heads over the famous ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ road to Loch Fyne sees 100s of 1000s of visitors each year. Visitors on their way to the wonderful Loch Fyne Oyster Bar or Inverary Castle or heading further west to Oban and the islands of the Inner Hebrides and Outer Hebrides. The majority of these travellers and locals take the road around the north of the Loch Fyne totally missing the amazing coastline to the south.
Our secret hidden location lies on the south side of Loch Fyne amongst a series of walking trails and is one of many castle ruins along this side of Loch Fyne.
The highly acclaimed foodie haven, Inver Restaurant looks out over the Castle and Loch Fyne and provides fresh seafood, native meat and game.
Loch Fyne
One of Scotland’s most famous sea lochs, Loch Fyne is one of the longest sea lochs in Scotland and is renowned for its rich history and world-class seafood, particularly its oysters and shellfish.
A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, Loch Fyne is a great place to spot seals, otters and porpoises as well as a variety of birds including ospreys and sea eagles.
The strategic location of Loch Fyne made it an attractive area for settlement particularly during the Viking age with the loch’s sheltered waters providing a safe haven for ships into the medieval age. A number of castles were built along the banks of Loch Fyne.
Into the 18th and 19th Centuries, a herring boom brought considerable economic growth to the region until overfishing and changing market conditions pushed the transition to cultivation of oysters and mussels.
Old Castle Lachlan
Located on a promontory overlooking Loch Fyne, half way along the south side of Loch Fyne, Old Castle Lachlan provides stunning views and is accessible via a short walk from the roadside.
The castle dates back to the 15th century and played a role in the turbulent history of the Scottish clans. Home to the MacLachlan clan, the clan had a long history of support for the Jacobite Prince Charlie and were punished for this after the Battle of Culloden. Castle Lachlan was bombarded from the sea in 1746 on the orders of the Duke of Cumberland and since then Old Castle Lachlan has remained uninhabited and fallen into ruin.
A wonderful hidden gem, the special thing about visiting Old Castle Lachlan today is it’s incredible location on the edge of Loch Fyne and the lack of visitors to it. A wonderful place to take the kids who can run around its fortress walls and imagine themselves defending the castle, or simply sit quietly beside it, overlooking the loch imagining another world
The Inver Restaurant
This charming and understated restaurant is a real find for any foodie!! Housed in a beautifully restored croft building combining rustic charm and contemporary design, the dining area is intimate and minimalist that allows the surrounding area and the food to take centre stage.
The menu has a strong emphasis on sustainability and local sourcing with ingredients often foraged, fished, or farmed from the surrounding area, including seafood from Loch Fyne and game from nearby estates.
The Inver has received critical acclaim and has been recognised by prestigious guides like the Michelin Guide.
An evening tasting menu is a highlight with paired wine and six courses; or enjoy the a la carte lunch of simply prepared fresh seafood and game.
Things to see and do around Loch Fyne
- The Loch Fyne Oyster Bar located at the south end of Loch Fyne is a great place to stop for lunch or pick up some oysters, smoked salmon or langoustines to take away with you for supper
- The Tree Shop is located next to the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar has wonderful cakes and coffee and an awesome gift shop as well as a large selection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas for sale.
- Inverary Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell. This fairy tale castle is a must to visit with an impressive collection of historical as well as family artefacts
- Inverary Jail is a wonderful wet weather venue with its self guided tour through the torture roos as well as the county courtroom where you can take your seat alongside the witnesses for a truly immersive experience
- Fyne Fest is held in June each year and is a wonderful festival of beer, food and music
- Fyne Ales Brewery is a family owned brewery offering small-batch special releases. Visitors can visit the Brewery Tap for some tastings and purchases
Where to Stay around Loch Fyne and the Cowal Peninsula
The narrow roads around the southern road of Loch Fyne mean that there are very few opportunities for informal camping in your motorhome. There are however a couple of campsites and motorhome/campervan parks
- Portavadie Marina- Overlooking this busy Marina with its Spa and Marina Restaurant, the Portavadie Motorhome and campervan park is provided nearby with access to toilets and showers. There is an option to use the spa and dining facilities and the site offers hook-ups, water supply and waste disposal
- Glendaruel Caravan Park is situated in the woodland and hills of the Cowal Peninsula. Offering numerous walking trails nearby, it is a wonderful stopping point on your road trip around Argyll
