Sunday Train Service

Last year's experiment by Scotrail to offer a direct train service from Edinburgh to Oban went well - so much so that for this season the service has been extended and the first service leaves Edinburgh on 26th June and runs for the next 10 Sundays. Of course you can stay for more than one day and we hope you will do so as five hours is not enough time to appreciate any of the surrounding attractions in Lorn. Consider it a wee taster of what's on offer.

If you are planning a trip to Cologin by public transport then the easiest route is from Glasgow by train or coach. There are daily services from Glasgow city centre throughout the year and in the summer extra trains are provided. From Perth, Inverness, Stirling and Edinburgh the only real options are by coach -  summer only services - or by train if you can travel on a Sunday from Edinburgh! Once in Oban you really would be advised to hire a car. There is no public bus to Cologin (other than the school bus) and using taxis all week could cost more than hiring. Argyll has many attractions but most of them are not on the main bus routes so a car is your best bet. At least we have fantastic scenery to look at as you drive around.

Gourmet Dinner at Loch Melfort

Just back from a fantastic 7 course dinner with wine at Loch Melfort in their newly renamed Asknish Bay restaurant. The hotel has a fabulous setting with views to die for and the 2 Red Rosetted restaurant produces wonderful food - more often than not from local producers.

I would strongly recommend our Cologin customers to treat themselves to dinner - it's not too far down the road (about 14 miles from our lodges) and in the summer with late sunsets the views alone would be worth the drive. Otherwise go during the day and drop in to Arduaine Gardens next door. A light lunch at the Chartroom Bistro (again - great views) will provide a lovely day out for the family. Rachel and Calum are to be warmly congratulated for the way they run Loch Melfort. It is child friendly, relaxed and yet totally professional and very grown up!  We certainly enjoyed our meal (with excellent wines) and will be back regularly. Perhaps we'll take the boat round next time and use the moorings.