After your journey to Garragh Mhor, why not leave the car and take a relaxing walk around Ellenabeich with fantastic views of Mull to the north and the islands of Scarba and Jura to the south. There you will find the village shop, the Highland Arts Studio and the Oyster bar where you will be served with real ale and the finest of foods.
From the village itself you can catch the small ferry to Easdale Island which takes about 3 minutes and visit the local museum. Or you can simply walk round the whole island which takes about 20 minutes.
Sea-fari Adventures run various wildlife trips from the jetty just 5 minutes walk from Garragh Mhor. Depending on the time of year there are dolphins, porpoise and even minke whales to be seen. Also since the re-introduction of sea eagles on Mull, we are now spotting them quite often along with a host of other birds as well as the occasional otter. Other tours such as whale watching trips visit the areas where whales are often seen feeding. The most commonly sighted are the Minke whales but who knows what you may see? Further out to sea you can visit Iona the Holy Island famed by Columba with its fantastic Abbey and white sands; a truly tranquil place.
Other trips to any of the islands can be arranged or simply make up your own itinerary.
Sealife Adventures are also based near Garragh Mhor - they are a Visit Scotland four star quality assured wildlife experience and offer whale, dolphin, wildlife and Corryvreckan Whirlpool boat trips in an outstanding boat (at 900 horsepower it is the most powerful in the area and offers a combination of exceptional speed, uncrowded comfort and stability).
Visit our beautiful local gardens. Just a few minutes walk away you have An Cala with its natural rockeries, streams and quirky garden buildings.
A ten minute drive takes you to Ardmaddy Castle gardens with its formal walled garden on one side and stunning island views on the other. The garden has a fantastic collection of species and hybrid rhododendrons with plants and seasonal vegetables for sale.
Heading towards Lochgilphead you come next to Arduaine with twenty acres of outstanding woodland plants.
There are many other gardens in Argyll. If you require more details ask Jan or Daz or visit the Gardens of Argyll website .
Visit Oban, the "Gateway to the Isles" as it's known. Soak in the atmosphere of this seaside port; try out the various restaurants or take a stroll along the esplanade and people watch.
Oban is also famous for its distillery where you can see distillers at work producing the rich sweet malt whisky with a hint of sea salt and a peaty smokiness.
If your taste differs slightly visit the Oban Chocolate Company and observe the chocolatier at work and relax with one of their wonderful creations.
If you reach McCaig's Tower which overlooks the town, you will get the most amazing views of Lismore, Mull and Kerrera Sound.
The Isle of Mull a 30 minute drive takes you to the ferry terminal and after a 45 minute crossing you will arrive on the Isle of Mull famous for its picturesque village Tobermory (or to us younger people Balamory). You can take your car across or go as a passenger and be transported by bus at the other side.
Kilmartin Glen is famous for its archaeology and history; well before the pyramids were built the inhabitants of this area had constructed the first burial cairns. These Neolithic and bronze age monuments with the stone circle Templewood and the standing stones at Ballymeanoch are all part of the landscape of Kilmartin Glen. Dunadd, an iron age fort, overlooks Mine Mhor, capital of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. It is said that the stone of destiny was used here to crown the first kings of Scotland.
Jan was delighted to discover that her family name - 'McSkimming' was born out of the ancient Celtic clans of Dalriada! How about that for incredible synchronicity? Didn't know that until AFTER moving to Argyll! It would seem that the ancient kingdom of Dalriada has called the wee lassie hame!!
Inveraray
See one of Argyll's most famous castles; Inveraray Castle is the clan seat of the Campbell's and still the home of the Duke of Argyll who is the only person in the UK allowed to raise a private army. Inveraray jail also gives visitors an authentic view of a 19th century Scottish prison. The bell tower of All Saints Episcopal church contains the 2nd heaviest ring of bells in the world. To cap it all the views over Loch Fyne are spectacular.
The waters around Seil Island boast some of the best sea kayaking in the UK, (“Probably the World”). Features such as The Cuan Sound, The Grey Dogs, The Coryvreckan, (with its famous whirlpool – ‘The Hag’ that nearly claimed the life of George Orwell and his son), The Falls of Lora and Dorus Mhor are all within reasonable striking distance from the B&B. Reputable guides and group leaders are active in the area. Jan and Darren, (Owners at Garragh Mhor) are sea kayakers themselves and can give you some useful steers for beautiful paddles and nifty put-ins after paddling these waters for the last 12 years.
Other activities available are:
Riding
Walking
Golfing
And of course, the area of a feast for the eyes – stunningly beautiful landscapes with so much history and wildlife it makes for an ideal destination for artists, painters and photographers.
