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Whisky!
Stay in Corranbuie, stay on the whisky coast!
Kintyre region is well known for its whisky industry, and Corranbuie is the ideal launchpad to visit many of the finest distilleries. The islands of Arran and Islay are both a just ferry trip away, while Campbeltown just a 40 minute car journey.
Despite Kintyre and the islands being home to so many distilleries, it’s surprising how different each whisky is. The best way to find your favourite is, of course, to try them! You’ll find guided tours at each distillery, at the end of which you’ll be invited to try a drop! Whether you decide to visit one, some or all the distilleries in the area you can be assured of a fine day out!
Arran
If you visit us in summer a day trip to Arran is just a short, regular ferry ride away. You’ll also find Arran Whisky, based in Lochranza, the only distillery left on Arran.
Arran Distillery has been in operation since 1995, a relative newcomer, but they still use traditional methods and materials. Look out for their blending and tasting building ‘Rowan House’ and enjoy recent bottlings and exclusive editions.
Islay
Arguably the best known whiskies come from the island of Islay. With nine distilleries to choose from you’re sure to find your favourite! Islay also boasts one of Scotland’s oldest distilleries, Bowmore, which was founded in 1779.
Taking a day trip couldn’t be easier. The Caledonian MacBrayne ferry port of Kennacraig lies three miles south of Corranbuie.
Campbeltown
Contrary to the song, Campbeltown Loch is not made of whisky, but you will find a guided tour of Springbank Distillery a fascinating insight to a town, which is steeped in whisky heritage. Campbeltown was once home to 34 distilleries, but today just three remain. And, on your tour of Springbank you’ll find it is the only distillery in Scotland which carries out the entire production cycle onsite.
Suggested Whisky Trail
Oban Distillery Stafford Street, Oban
Tel: 01631 572004 web: www.malts.com
Campbeltown Distillery 85 Longrow, Campbeltown PA28 6EX
Tel: 01586 552085 web: www.springwhisky.com
Glen Scotia Distillery 12 High Street Campbeltown PA28 6DS
Tel: 01586 552288 web: www.glenscotia.com
Arran Distillery Lochranza KA27 8HJ
Tel: 01770 830264 web: www.arranwhisky.com
Islay Distilleries
Among the many on Islay are:
Laphroiag Distillery Port Ellen PA42 7DU
Tel: 01496 302418 web: www.laphroiag.com
Ardbeg Distillery Port Ellen PA42 7EA
Tel: 01496 302244 web: www.ardbeg.com
Lagavulin Distillery Distillery Cottages Lagavulin PA42 7DZ
Tel: 01496 302749 web: www.discovering-distilleries.com
PLACES TO VISIT
OBAN
About 1.25 hours drive away. Either go for the pictures, wildlife or ferries to major islands, including Mull. There’s also the famous Oban Distillery. Ask in the local tourist office for local Highland Games.
On the road to Oban…
Arduaine Garden –moist and mossy garden. On a clear day you can see several islands from here.
Crarae Garden (near Inverary) – On the banks of Loch Fyne. Very beautiful, especially in autumn.
ISLANDS NEAR HERE
All the ferry terminals to islands are a few minutes drive from Corranbuie
Islay - Malt distilleries. Famous for swamp walks.
Arran - Malt distilleries and golf! Goat Fell is the highest peak on Arran with fantastic views from the summit. It's a good hike though so only attempt if you are feeling energetic.
Jura – Herds of red deer and loads of birds. Very few people live there.
Gigha - Small island with pristine beaches. Perfect outing if you have only a few hours to spare.
SPOT WILDLIFE
Below is a list of animals and birds that we and our guests have seen from the house. See if you can get them all, and please share your favourites with us on instagram #corranbuietarbert
Roe deer - Field vole - Otter - Osprey - Buzzard - Red breasted merganser - Gannet - Grey heron - Mew gull - Greater black-backed gull - Herring gull - Woodcock - Tree pipit - Gold finch - Siskin - Blue tit - Great tit - Song thrush - Willow warbler - Chiffchaff - Cuckoo - Greylay goose - Canada goose - Common sand piper
Curlew - Oyster catcher - Mallard - Starling - Great spotted wood pecker - House sparrow - Swallow - House martin - Black bird - Wren
FRESHEST SEAFOOD
Tarbert is famous for its seafood and hosts a seafood festival every year. Being a working harbour, its also a place where fresh seafood is landed all the time. If you are into fishing then there are ample locations to fish from. If staying in Corranbuie just get into your waders and head into the loch from our garden to where the burn meets it - there's trout there.
If you'd rather not 'work' for your food then head to
Prentice Seafoods for shellfish. It is on the Tarbert Ferry Terminal. Post code is PA29 6UF. What3Words: cyber.rainy.drop.
Best fresh fish comes from a hidden away shop on Castle Street in Tarbert. Turn into Castle street at the corner of ‘The Corner House’ (green and yellow building) and go up the fairly steep ramp behind flats on the left (see picture on the left). Best time to catch Andrew or Dougal is between 9 and 10.30am.
What3Words: published.equality.spouting.
YATCHING
Tarbert plays host to the Scottish Series. It is the second largest yacht race in Britain, surpassed only by Cowes Week. It returns to Tarbert in June 2022, after 2 years' cancellations due to Covid.
Visit https://www.scottishseries.info for more information