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Escape:to the gorgeous, dramatic west coast of Argyll, Scotland - Earra-Ghaidheal - land of ancient standing stones, steeped in history and abundant with wildlife
Retreat:to Elder Cottage - a small holiday house in Craobh Haven - a tiny coastal village, 16 miles north west of Lochgilphead and 24 miles south of Oban, Gateway to the Isles and Scotland's seafood capital
Relax:taking time out for you and your friends or family in this peaceful setting
Enjoy:the opportunities to sit outside in the perfect sun trap or stroll round the coastline
Explore:the wild Atlantic coast, the Scottish rainforest and ancient Kilmartin Glen. Take a boat trip, paddle your kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board to experience the waters and wildlife first hand.
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What's on......
There is lots to do and see on and around the local area of the Craignish Peninsula
please check local business websites regularly for up to date opening hours and services
Community noticeboards with posters and flyers of what’s happening are located:
Craobh Haven waterfront
Ardfern road end
Ardfern Village Store
There is lots to do and see on and around the local area of the Craignish Peninsula
please check local business websites regularly for up to date opening hours and services
Community noticeboards with posters and flyers of what’s happening are located:
Craobh Haven waterfront
Ardfern road end
Ardfern Village Store
shops & eating out
Shops and eating out
Lord of the Isles, Craobh Haven - restaurant, pub, shop and events
Food and beverages - check website for opening hours. I would recommend booking a table if you wish to eat here especially during holidays and weekends - it can get very busy with visiting yacht crews. [t] 01852 500658
Ardfern Village Stores offers a large range of items and Rebecca makes delicious cakes and pies. There is often locally made / grown produce for sale there too. If you would like to preorder anything for your stay or to find out if they have what you are looking for, then give the shop a phone or email Rebecca. [t] 01852 500298 [e] [email protected]
Shop opening hours (spring - autumn): 08.00 - 18.30 Monday - Saturday; 09.00 - 18.00 Sunday
for winter opening hours - check shop door
The Giving Tree, Craobh Haven is a lovely wee cafe and gift shop. Lorraine stocks an eclectic range of eco and handmade gifts and treasures. She serves a lovely pot of tea or coffee and cake too
Lucy’s, Ardfern Great menus, their food is delicious and special dietary considerations are well accommodated. Check out their website and Facebook for up to date information, opening hours and menus [t] 01852 500781
The Galley of Lorne, Ardfern - originally a 17th century drovers inn, the Galley now boasts a pub and restaurant. Again, check their website for events. [t] 01852 500284 Please check their facebook for up to date information.
The Loch Fyne Seafood Shack mobile van comes to Craobh Haven car park every Wednesday around 12noon - [t] 07840518003 if you want to make an order and check the website for more accurate times
Kilmelford Village Store and Cafe on the road to Oban, is your nearest post office. Again, please check their website for opening hours and current services
Catchacarrot Vegan Cafe - Janine makes the most amazing vegan food (and you don't have to be vegan to enjoy it)
Bea's Kitchen Catering is a great way to have delicious homemade food that you didn't have to make yourself, contact Bea to discuss menus
Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduanie has a lovely restaurant and bistro. You can combine a visit to the tranquil Arduanie Gardens with lunch or dinner or simply tea and cake. [t] 01852 200 233 [facebook]
The Room at the Top Restaurant, Melfort. Check their website for current hours and information.
Craobh Haven Marina has a small chandlery and you never know what you will find in there.
Ardfern Yacht Centre has an excellent chandlery and also sells clothes - with a great sale rail.
Food and beverages - check website for opening hours. I would recommend booking a table if you wish to eat here especially during holidays and weekends - it can get very busy with visiting yacht crews. [t] 01852 500658
Ardfern Village Stores offers a large range of items and Rebecca makes delicious cakes and pies. There is often locally made / grown produce for sale there too. If you would like to preorder anything for your stay or to find out if they have what you are looking for, then give the shop a phone or email Rebecca. [t] 01852 500298 [e] [email protected]
Shop opening hours (spring - autumn): 08.00 - 18.30 Monday - Saturday; 09.00 - 18.00 Sunday
for winter opening hours - check shop door
The Giving Tree, Craobh Haven is a lovely wee cafe and gift shop. Lorraine stocks an eclectic range of eco and handmade gifts and treasures. She serves a lovely pot of tea or coffee and cake too
Lucy’s, Ardfern Great menus, their food is delicious and special dietary considerations are well accommodated. Check out their website and Facebook for up to date information, opening hours and menus [t] 01852 500781
The Galley of Lorne, Ardfern - originally a 17th century drovers inn, the Galley now boasts a pub and restaurant. Again, check their website for events. [t] 01852 500284 Please check their facebook for up to date information.
The Loch Fyne Seafood Shack mobile van comes to Craobh Haven car park every Wednesday around 12noon - [t] 07840518003 if you want to make an order and check the website for more accurate times
Kilmelford Village Store and Cafe on the road to Oban, is your nearest post office. Again, please check their website for opening hours and current services
Catchacarrot Vegan Cafe - Janine makes the most amazing vegan food (and you don't have to be vegan to enjoy it)
Bea's Kitchen Catering is a great way to have delicious homemade food that you didn't have to make yourself, contact Bea to discuss menus
Loch Melfort Hotel, Arduanie has a lovely restaurant and bistro. You can combine a visit to the tranquil Arduanie Gardens with lunch or dinner or simply tea and cake. [t] 01852 200 233 [facebook]
The Room at the Top Restaurant, Melfort. Check their website for current hours and information.
Craobh Haven Marina has a small chandlery and you never know what you will find in there.
Ardfern Yacht Centre has an excellent chandlery and also sells clothes - with a great sale rail.
activities
Boat trips
The sea is such an important factor in Argyll - we have more coastline than the rest of the British Isles put together and there are several companies offering you ways to experience the sea, the islands and the wildlife.
From Craobh Haven
From Ardfern
From Crinan
From Easdale
From Craobh Haven
- Farsain Cruises [t] 07880 714165 - lots of comments in the Elder Cottage visitors books about brilliant trips out on farsain with skipper Tony - lots of sea eagle and dolphin sitings
- Jenny Wren Boat Charters [t] 01852 500779
From Ardfern
- Craignish Cruises temporarily closed (July 2023) - check website for up to date info [t] 01852 200526
From Crinan
- Venture West [t] 07789 071188
From Easdale
- Seafari [t] 01852 300003
Watersports
Craobh Haven Watersports and Cafe - temporarily closed (July 2023) - check website for up to date info
The Argyll Sea Kayak Trail almost passes the door with Arduanie being the beginning / end of two of the routes.
Explore Wild Argyll on foot or by sea kayak with experienced guides
The Argyll Sea Kayak Trail almost passes the door with Arduanie being the beginning / end of two of the routes.
Explore Wild Argyll on foot or by sea kayak with experienced guides
Local walks
The peninsula is a lovely place to explore on foot. Walk from pub to pub; look out towards the Corrievreykan whirlpool or watch the Dorus Mor tidal race
Information about local walks and maps can be found and downloaded here.
Information about local walks and maps can be found and downloaded here.
Local wildlife
Learn more about our coastal landscape and sea bed conservation with CROMACH and by following the progress of the Seawilding project.
Visit Argyll Beaver Centre - their guided walks are fantastic for seeing the beaver habitat and catching an occasional glimpse of the shy creatures themselves.
Visit Argyll Beaver Centre - their guided walks are fantastic for seeing the beaver habitat and catching an occasional glimpse of the shy creatures themselves.
Horse riding
Explore the Craignish peninsula by horse.
Lunga Riding Stables offer a range of rides and lessons lasting from 30 minutes to 4 hours. [t] 01852 500632
Lunga Riding Stables offer a range of rides and lessons lasting from 30 minutes to 4 hours. [t] 01852 500632
Swimming
As well as all this lovely sea to go swimming in, if you fancy something a bit warmer there are 2 local community owned swimming pools.
MACPool, Lochgilphead - check website for opening times. Refurbished 2021 and has a lovely new cafe now too
Atlantis Leisure Centre, Oban has a pool with flumes, soft play, small indoor climbing wall and cafe.
A bit further afield, Portavadie Spa & Leisure, has an infinity outdoor pool as well as full spa facilities. Only an hour’s drive to Tarbert, Loch Fyne and then a short ferry across. The Spa is only a 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal - check website for opening times and to book.
MACPool, Lochgilphead - check website for opening times. Refurbished 2021 and has a lovely new cafe now too
Atlantis Leisure Centre, Oban has a pool with flumes, soft play, small indoor climbing wall and cafe.
A bit further afield, Portavadie Spa & Leisure, has an infinity outdoor pool as well as full spa facilities. Only an hour’s drive to Tarbert, Loch Fyne and then a short ferry across. The Spa is only a 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal - check website for opening times and to book.
local attractions
Local attractions
Kilmartin Museum and Cafe (on the road towards Lochgilphead) centres around the neolithic remains, stone circles and history of Dalriada. The museum has recently undergone a major transformation and will re-open on 3rd September 2023
[Museum info] [Cafe info] [Shop info]
Whilst the museum is completing their refurbishment you can still walk round the stone circles and chamber cairns. They have guided walks and lots of interesting talks and events online - keep an eye on their facebook for up to date information
Argyll Beaver Centre, Knapdale is run by the Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation and hosts wonderful guided walks and events.
Dunadd Fort (in Kilmartin Glen) was the capital of Dalriada, home to kings and is well worth a visit.
Carnasserie Castle (near Kilmartin) is a 16th century tower house and a short walk from the roadside carpark. Open 24 hours. The car park there is also a great place to park up and then cycle along the off road cycle path to Kilmartin Glen and Museum.
Oban Phoenix Cinema has been run by the local community since they purchased and renovated it in 2009. It as lovely place to go and enjoy a film and occasionally has live screenings of big shows. Check out facebook for more info.
Arduanie Garden (2 miles along the road towards Oban) is a beautiful coastal garden with an exotic collection of Himalayan plants and specimen trees. Open every day of the year from 09.30 until sunset and the garden reception is open daily from 09.30-16.30 April - September.
There are approximately 20 gorgeous gardens to visit across Argyll and Bute and this excellent website lists them all. I am quite biased as I spent the first 2 years of my life at Benmore Gardens near Dunoon where my father was one of the gardeners ;)
Art Map Argyll open studios and artists collective. Please check out the artists information - many of them run studios and galleries or are happy to chat to you about their work. Some run workshops. Art Map open studios only runs once a year but the website has lots of information.
[Museum info] [Cafe info] [Shop info]
Whilst the museum is completing their refurbishment you can still walk round the stone circles and chamber cairns. They have guided walks and lots of interesting talks and events online - keep an eye on their facebook for up to date information
Argyll Beaver Centre, Knapdale is run by the Heart of Argyll Wildlife Organisation and hosts wonderful guided walks and events.
Dunadd Fort (in Kilmartin Glen) was the capital of Dalriada, home to kings and is well worth a visit.
Carnasserie Castle (near Kilmartin) is a 16th century tower house and a short walk from the roadside carpark. Open 24 hours. The car park there is also a great place to park up and then cycle along the off road cycle path to Kilmartin Glen and Museum.
Oban Phoenix Cinema has been run by the local community since they purchased and renovated it in 2009. It as lovely place to go and enjoy a film and occasionally has live screenings of big shows. Check out facebook for more info.
Arduanie Garden (2 miles along the road towards Oban) is a beautiful coastal garden with an exotic collection of Himalayan plants and specimen trees. Open every day of the year from 09.30 until sunset and the garden reception is open daily from 09.30-16.30 April - September.
There are approximately 20 gorgeous gardens to visit across Argyll and Bute and this excellent website lists them all. I am quite biased as I spent the first 2 years of my life at Benmore Gardens near Dunoon where my father was one of the gardeners ;)
Art Map Argyll open studios and artists collective. Please check out the artists information - many of them run studios and galleries or are happy to chat to you about their work. Some run workshops. Art Map open studios only runs once a year but the website has lots of information.
History and ethos
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Diane Oliver, Woodland Elements has been custodian of Elder Cottage since January 2018. The Green was built in 1983 and the cottage is named Elder Cottage after its first owner. When you book and stay at Elder Cottage you are supporting the local community here in Argyll - I spent many years working in and around community development and it is an important value of mine that financial energy spins around a place as much as possible before leaving. I live and work in the area as do the tradespeople who help maintain the cottage to a high standard. We are pretty much all small independent businesses and truly appreciate your custom.
I have been gradually upgrading and improving the cottage - some of the highlights include:
Elder Cottage is 54 square metres so is a fairly tiny house - people sometimes ask me why there are no large coffee tables or a bread bin.
I love the concept of simple design and minimalism and I’m trying to balance ensuring that you have all the comforts you need without cluttering the place unnecessarily. I aim to leave space for you. I am passionate about living lightly and with a mindful awareness of our actions to others and our beautiful home - mother earth. There is a diffuser at Elder Cottage which acts as an air freshener and air purifier - many essential oils have anti bacterial properties as well as smelling lovely. Plug in air fresheners and most scented candles contain scent/ fragrance/ parfum - often a cocktail of harmful chemicals. I'm also using essential oils to make my own cleaning products where I can and aspiring to live lightly with less waste and less reliance on chemicals. Guests receive a small sample of essential oil to enjoy during their stay. Plants at Elder CottageAs a gardener's daughter and a permaculturist, I love plants, growing food and experimenting with creating a relaxing outside space for guests to enjoy - the patio at the back of the cottage is a lovely sun trap.
Elder Cottage garden already benefits from reasonably mature scot's pine and birch trees and a gorgeous acer just outside the kitchen window. I have now planted an elder (Elder Cottage finally has its own elder tree, yay), a rowan and a cobnut. Other plants in the garden include a range of ornamental juniper, pieris, hostas and several varieties of primula. I love forest gardening - building on wild edges for diversity and productivity - supporting the soil, the birds, insects, other animals and us. |
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I'm beginning to plant a soft fruit hedge - guests enjoy a jar of homemade currant jelly as part of their welcome gift and I've been taking cuttings from my fruit bushes to create a hedge. The blackcurrant cuttings are coming on well and I plan on adding red and white currants and possibly and blueberries in due course. Hopefully the fruits can be enjoyed by those who are here at the right time.
I've been adding some herbs and edible perennials - there is a bay tree, chives and nasturtiums in pots - did you know you can add the leaves and flowers of both plants to your salads? There is a pot of black peppermint - great in salads, with your boiled potatoes or in hot water as a peppermint tea. I've planted some thyme, wild garlic, garlic chives, babington's leeks and tree onions which can be harvested at various times of the year.
Other plants with culinary, herbal or medicinal properties that you can find in / around the garden include lady's mantle, plantain, nettles, dandelions, self heal, buttercup, red clover, evening primrose and sorrel.
Please enjoy, please be sure that you are confident in what you are picking (I have labelled some of the herbs) and please always pick considerately and leave plenty for the plant so it can keep growing and produce more for you and others - in line with foraging guidelines.
I've been adding some herbs and edible perennials - there is a bay tree, chives and nasturtiums in pots - did you know you can add the leaves and flowers of both plants to your salads? There is a pot of black peppermint - great in salads, with your boiled potatoes or in hot water as a peppermint tea. I've planted some thyme, wild garlic, garlic chives, babington's leeks and tree onions which can be harvested at various times of the year.
Other plants with culinary, herbal or medicinal properties that you can find in / around the garden include lady's mantle, plantain, nettles, dandelions, self heal, buttercup, red clover, evening primrose and sorrel.
Please enjoy, please be sure that you are confident in what you are picking (I have labelled some of the herbs) and please always pick considerately and leave plenty for the plant so it can keep growing and produce more for you and others - in line with foraging guidelines.