Our Lochead Chalets are situated at the head of Loch Caolisport, giving fantastic views out over the Loch. We have 3 in total (all can be booked separately or together), and each has 2 bedrooms (1 double, 1 bunk room - full sized single bunks), a living room with kitchenette off, and a shower room. There are large picture windows in the living rooms to make the most of the views from, and there are generous veranda's in front of each, to enjoy the summer sun.
Argyll is located on the West Coast of Scotland, presenting what is often considered Scotland's most beautiful scenery.
It is home to lots of small villages, and perfect for those who love the great outdoors. It is increasingly popular with photographers, with the sunsets regularly being spectacular.
Ellary Estate lies between the shores of Loch Caolisport and Loch Sween. The cottages of Ellary are spread out along the edge of Loch Caolisport, and the caravan site is located around Castle Sween, on the Loch Sween shore.
Ellary is about half an hour from Lochgilphead, an hour and a half from Oban. Tarbert (with ferries to the islands etc) is about 35-40 minutes away, and Inverary is about an hours drive. It really is the heart of Argyll.
WILDLIFE - The unspoilt countryside of Ellary and Castle Sween makes it an ideal place to observe wildlife. There are large areas of oakwoods on the Loch Caolisport site and considerable areas of the Loch Sween site are wooded mainly with birch and alder. These areas are home to many of Scotland's native species, and it is not uncommon to see foxes, badgers, otters, roe deer, sika deer and red squirrels.
ARCHAEOLOGY - The remains of ruined settlements, chapels, castles, forts and graveyards indicate that, long ago, this area was much more populated than it is in present times.
HILL WALKING - As an occupier of accommodation at Ellary and Castle Sween, you are welcome to use the whole of the area of the estates which extend to approximately fifteen thousand acres. The enthusiastic hill walker will find all he could possibly wish for. Lochead Glen, for example, is one of the prettiest glens in Scotland, and from the heights of Corrbhan on a clear day, you can see as far as the Nevis range to the North, the head of Loch Fyne and Ben Arthur to the East, Kintyre and Northern Ireland to the South and the Isles of Jura, Scarba etc. to the West. At the same time, the less energetic, who may not feel the need for such exercise, can experience the same kind of adventure taking a comparatively easy stroll, for example the walk from Balimore down to Stronefield beach, or from Ellary down past the golf practise area to the Salmon Pool and beyond takes you into fascinating countryside, and there are many alternatives. Remember, you are free, when you are staying here, to go wherever you please.
TOURING - The impression of being isolated, at Ellary and Castle Sween, is because not very many people visit this area. But in fact you are right in the middle of the most attractive part of Scotland's west coast. Day trips can include destinations as far as Fort William and beyond to the North, most of central Scotland to the East and as far as Glasgow to the South. To the West, take ferry trips to Arran, Gigha, Islay, Jura, Mull and Iona and these can all be accomplished in time to get back for tea leaving plenty of time to do or see whatever motivated the trip. Such excursions might be to visit some of Scotlands most famous gardens (Brodick, Achamore, Arduaine, Crarae etc.) a trip on the steam locomotive from Fort William to Mallaig, a game of golf or a visit to a distillery on Islay, a day skiing at Glencoe or Aonach Morr or one of the hundreds of other attractions which the West of Scotland has to offer. Or perhaps you prefer to just drive a bit to explore the area and enjoy the scenery.
BOATING - Staying at Ellary and Castle Sween you are never far from the water. If you are a boat owner, you should certainly bring it, - there is a slipway at Castle Sween where it is possible to launch anything likely to be towed by a car. If you are staying on the Loch Caolisport side, assistance is available to launch any reasonable sized craft from the beach. The slipway at Castle Sween makes it very convenient to take boats in and out, and at Ellary there is a small harbour, if it is thought more convenient to leave it in.
All of our cottages are let Saturday-Saturday March-November, Fri-Fri November-March. Short breaks are welcome in The Chalets, please contact info@ellary for more info.
Dogs and children are always welcome - the first dog stays free of charge, and it is £30 per week for the second (maximum of 2 unless by prior arrangement). There are also various other cottages available on the estate - search Ellary.
Electricity is not included in the price - it is metered and charged at the end of your stay, at cost price. Bed linen is not included, so you will need to bring sheets and towels (duvets, pillows and blankets provided).
