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What's on......
There is lots to do and see on and around the local area of the Craignish Peninsula
As the area gradually re-opens for business
please check 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
As the area gradually re-opens for business
please check 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
Gourmet, award winning pub and restaurant and the village shop here in Craobh Haven. Their food is excellent and they are well known for their seafood. Don’t forget to try the local Fyne Ales there too. The shop opens during pub opening times - pop in to the bar to ask.
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
The LOTI (as it is affectionately known) has events and bands and in the winter, pub quizzes, bingo and theme nights. Check out the website or stick your head round their door to find out what is on while you are here.
Currently the shop is open 11:00 - 21:00 and offering delicious takeaway food on Friday - Sunday evenings.
Check out facebook for up to date information and menus.
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] rdalton@email.com
Shop opening hours: 08.00 - 18.30 Monday - Saturday; 09.00 - 18.00 Sunday
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. Some of you may remember The Crafty Kitchen - this closed at the end of 2018 and the building was demolished. There is now a completely new cafe run by Lucy which opened February 2020. They are currently offering a great bakery, breakfasts and lunches and have some tables outside for you to enjoy. Check out Facebook for up to date information [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.
O-Fish-Shell, Ardfern supply finest quality live shellfish to the UK and European markets. If you would like to taste their lobster, crab or mussels please pre-order or look out for the ´for sale´ sign outside the yard [t] 01852 500604 [e] ofishshell@btconnect.com
Aray Fish deliver to Croabh Haven on a Thursday. Place your order online before 1pm on a Monday and they will deliver to the door.
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). She is currently taking orders and delivering. She will be taking over the cafe at the Kilmelford Village Store in due course.
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.
Gourmet, award winning pub and restaurant and the village shop here in Craobh Haven. Their food is excellent and they are well known for their seafood. Don’t forget to try the local Fyne Ales there too. The shop opens during pub opening times - pop in to the bar to ask.
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
The LOTI (as it is affectionately known) has events and bands and in the winter, pub quizzes, bingo and theme nights. Check out the website or stick your head round their door to find out what is on while you are here.
Currently the shop is open 11:00 - 21:00 and offering delicious takeaway food on Friday - Sunday evenings.
Check out facebook for up to date information and menus.
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] rdalton@email.com
Shop opening hours: 08.00 - 18.30 Monday - Saturday; 09.00 - 18.00 Sunday
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. Some of you may remember The Crafty Kitchen - this closed at the end of 2018 and the building was demolished. There is now a completely new cafe run by Lucy which opened February 2020. They are currently offering a great bakery, breakfasts and lunches and have some tables outside for you to enjoy. Check out Facebook for up to date information [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.
O-Fish-Shell, Ardfern supply finest quality live shellfish to the UK and European markets. If you would like to taste their lobster, crab or mussels please pre-order or look out for the ´for sale´ sign outside the yard [t] 01852 500604 [e] ofishshell@btconnect.com
Aray Fish deliver to Croabh Haven on a Thursday. Place your order online before 1pm on a Monday and they will deliver to the door.
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). She is currently taking orders and delivering. She will be taking over the cafe at the Kilmelford Village Store in due course.
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 phone Duncan on [t] 07880 714165 (or chat to him if he is cutting the grass out the back).
- Jenny Wren Boat Charters [t] 01852 500779
From Ardfern
- Craignish Cruises [t] 01852 200526
From Crinan
- Venture West [t] 07789 071188
From Easdale
- Seafari [t] 01852 300003
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.
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
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 a 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal.
MACPool, Lochgilphead
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 a 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal.
local attractions
Local attractions
Kilmartin Museum and Cafe (on the road towards Lochgilphead) centres around the neolithic remains, stone circles and history of Dalriada.
[Museum info] [Cafe info] [Shop info]
The cafe and museum are currently closed, you can walk round the stone circles and chamber cairns - please observe COVID-19 guidelines around social distancing and using gates / stiles etc.
Carnasserie Castle (near Kilmartin) is a 16th century tower house and a lovely short walk from the roadside carpark. Open 24 hours.
Oban Phoenix Cinema was bought over and fully renovated by the local community 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. Currently closed.
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]
The cafe and museum are currently closed, you can walk round the stone circles and chamber cairns - please observe COVID-19 guidelines around social distancing and using gates / stiles etc.
Carnasserie Castle (near Kilmartin) is a 16th century tower house and a lovely short walk from the roadside carpark. Open 24 hours.
Oban Phoenix Cinema was bought over and fully renovated by the local community 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. Currently closed.
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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I purchased Elder Cottage in January 2018 and it was already a holiday cottage. The Green was built in 1983 and I believe the cottage is called Elder Cottage after it’s first owner.
I have been slowly continuing with improvements to the cottage as well as ongoing maintenance.
I love the concept of simple design and minimalism. I’m also trying to balance my enthusiasm for ripping the place apart and running a financially sound business which is why it will be small improvements only where necessary for a while - still paying off the new windows ;) |
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Essential oils at Elder Cottage
I am passionate about essential oils - their uses and benefits.
One of the reasons I love doTERRA essential oils is that they are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. doTERRA is committed to providing pure, potent essential oils, working with a global network of farmers. All doTERRA essential oils are tested and free of contaminants.
There is a diffuser at Elder Cottage which acts as an air freshener and air purifier - many oils have anti bacterial properties as well as smelling lovely. Plug in air fresheners and most scented candles contain scent/ fragrance/ parfum - often containing 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. If you wish to know more or purchase any, please get in touch.
One of the reasons I love doTERRA essential oils is that they are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade. doTERRA is committed to providing pure, potent essential oils, working with a global network of farmers. All doTERRA essential oils are tested and free of contaminants.
There is a diffuser at Elder Cottage which acts as an air freshener and air purifier - many oils have anti bacterial properties as well as smelling lovely. Plug in air fresheners and most scented candles contain scent/ fragrance/ parfum - often containing 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. If you wish to know more or purchase any, please get in touch.
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, a cobnut and a witch hazel. 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 jostaberries 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 are chives and nasturtiums in a pot - 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 are chives and nasturtiums in a pot - 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.