HIDDEN GEMS

Off the beaten track - and worth exploring

IT’S worth making the effort. Our main streets are filled with plenty of places to spend your hard-earned cash. But look just around the corner, slightly off the beaten track, and you will find some fantastic independent shops, galleries and many other attractions. Jewels, just waiting to be discovered. So why not indulge your sense of adventure? You never know what you'll find - just around the corner. Ballochgair Farmhouse

A real hidden gem, newly available this season, is a selfcatering holiday rental property Ballochgair Farmhouse, located by Peninver, just outside Campbeltown. This traditional farmhouse sits in an elevated location with spectacular views over the Kilbrannan Sound towards the Isle of Arran, and has all you would want or need for a relaxing, get away from it all, break. To add to the relaxing atmosphere of Ballochgair, on the outside decking is a hot tub, to be enjoyed whatever the season or weather. The house is family and pet friendly, comfortably sleeping 7 people. Its two sitting rooms allow some to make use of the Wii, the Sony PS3 or TV, while others may enjoy a more peaceful room to enjoy a quiet read or chat, in front of the inviting open fires. An idyllic location, close to the beach, Ballochgair will help you enjoy that well deserved break. Email ballochgair@gmail.com or visit www. ballochgair.com to find out more.

Ashbank Hotel

Located in the picturesque fishing village of Carradale on the east coast of the Kintyre peninsula sits the Ashbank Hotel. With views across the Kilbrannan Sound to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, the beautiful sandy beaches and with Carradale Harbour only a short walk away, the Ashbank is its own little gem. Situated in the heart of the village, it serves as a great base for walkers and cyclists who endeavour to enjoy ‘The Kintyre Way’. The hotel is within easy access to all ferry ports to the surrounding islands of Islay, Jura, Arran and Gigha. If you are visiting for the day, enjoy a light lunch, scrummy cakes and afternoon tea, available to enjoy inside or in the sunny garden. A more substantial menu available in the evening. Fully licensed and private parties and events are all welcome. Please note booking is preferred for lunches and meals. Whether you wish to just relax or explore, the Ashbank will ensure you receive the warmest welcome and most enjoyable stay or day out. See their website, www.ashbankhotel.com or Facebook page for more details.

The Crinan Hotel

The Crinan Hotel is a magnificently eccentric hotel in Argyll on Scotland’s beautiful west coast. Family owned for over 40 years, guests at Crinan benefit from many original and authentic touches and a charming artistic flair and enjoy genuine warmth and colourful hospitality. The Westward Restaurant serves fine and exciting fare. The Crinan Seafood Bar is deliciously more informal. Lock 16 is a famous Seafood restaurant which has won many accolades including best Seafood Restaurant in the UK. It is open during the summer on Friday and Saturday evenings for dinner and for private parties at anytime. The Crinan Coffee Shop is just a few yards away from the hotel on the edge of the canal basin and is run as part of the hotel offering a great range of fresh home baking, light lunches and an excellent view of the boating activity outside! Also, why not come and explore the Secret Garden featured in Scotland’s Garden Scheme?

The Courtyard

LOOK no further than The Courtyard for gifts, jewellery and much more besides. And now there is even more reason to visit. Shop owner Jennifer McKillop has introduced takeaway snacks, including rich Italian coffee, with an outdoor seating area in the courtyard garden for customers to enjoy. An extensive range of unique gifts items includes arts and crafts, jewellery, candles and ceramics, leather bags and greetings cards. The Courtyard may be tucked away beside Inveraray Jail, but it is well worth the short trip. You won’t be disappointed.

The Fiddlers Inn

Enjoy a warm welcome in the small, family owned business whether you are visiting Campbeltown or you are a local. Here, you can soak up a true flavour of Campbeltown, while taking a look at the collection of framed vintage pictures of the town, dotted all around the bar and lounge. Weekends are very popular with locals with live music every Saturday and the Jukebox is always there to provide your choice of music the rest of the week. Hidden through the back however, is the Fiddlers Inn’s own wee gem, their beer garden. Be sure to take your sun cream as the sun beams down and captures the entire spot. Local malt whiskies, and a selection of beers, ciders and spirits await you as well as Sky Sports, a dart board and free Wifi. A selection of soft drinks and snacks are also available. See their website for more details. www.thefiddlersinn.co.uk

Glenbarr Stores

Just off the busy A83 lies Glenbarr Stores. A trio of gems, Glenbarr Stores incorporates a shop, cafe and garden centre. The shop caters for all your needs and stocks a wealth of Kintyre produce, from Mull of Kintyre cheese to local Highland beef, as well as a range of Scottish beer and wine. As you walk through the shop out to the back, you will find yourself in an idyllic setting full of wonderful plants and birds, along with the cafe which boasts outside seating. Experienced staff will be there to offer you help and advice on plants and garden equipment to ensure your garden looks its best all year round. The cafe, open daily until 5pm, offers a scrumptious selection of cakes and scones, as well as light lunches with a twist. Free Wifi. See their Facebook page, Glenbarr Stores, for more details.

Harlequin Tearoom

Nestled in the hills at Tangy, 6 miles (10 minutes) north of Campbeltown and surrounded by magnificent sea and countryside views lies one of Kintyre’s best hidden gems … the Harlequin Tearoom. It is not only the spectacular setting that will make your visit truly memorable but also the brightly coloured vintage tearoom where you can relax and indulge in a culinary delight … a sumptuous traditional afternoon tea with a South African twist. Specialising in traditional afternoon teas, children’s afternoon teas, light lunches and decadent cakes, they also have a playroom adjoining the tearoom to entertain the wee ones, a gift shop sells a range of bespoke jewellery, greeting cards, bath cosmetics, luxury napkins and many other quirky and quality items. The tearoom is also perfect for baby showers, hen parties, christenings, birthday parties, promotional events and other special occasions… or just for spending a relaxing, lazy afternoon with a group of friends! Open daily between 11am and 4pm. Closed Tuesdays, Thursdays and the last weekend of every month. One day’s prior booking essential. Loyalty cards and gift vouchers available.