Taynuilt Village
Taynuilt is situated on the shore of Loch Etive by Ben Crauchan, one of Scotlands largest mountains. The village is 12 miles from Oban and is self contained with its own, hotel, shops, post office, train station, doctors surgery, hair dressers and tea room.
There are lots of beautiful walks and cycle rides around the immediate Taynuilt area and with no main road passing through the village it is a safe place for children to walk and cycle. Loch Etive also provides easy access for boats, kayaks, swimming and fishing.
Bonawe iron Furnace is an Historic Scotland visitor attraction explaining how iron ore was produces in the area from the middle of the 18th century through to the end of the 19th century. Every July the village hosts its own Highland games with people coming from all over to visit.
The Best Things to Do in Taynuilt
Found on the south shoreline of beautiful and desolate Loch Etive, the village of Taynuilt includes an attractive collection of houses built from local grey stone, set against a backdrop of the West Highlands. With an active train station and many sites of interest nearby, visitors to this area of Scotland often mark Taynuilt on their map as a place to pass through and enjoy.
A few of its charms are listed here.
Meet our local shops:
The Robin’s Nest Tearoom – open Thursday to Sunday with superb home-made fare, run by Mairaid Sim.
Graham’s the Grocers – A gem of a village shop, catering for both good value and organic, and specialist diets. Run by Iain Campbell
Turadh Crafts and Clothing shop – Set up by young local photographer, Eilidh Livingstone, in 2018, she sells a wide range of locally made crafts, as well as some outdoor clothing.
Taynuilt Post Office – Lorna welcomes you to our local post office. It has a wide range of stationary, beautiful postcards and small gifts.
Grants the Butcher – It is so unusual to still have a quality butcher in a small village. People come from far and wide for his reputation.
Muckairn Church
A modest church built in 1829, Muckairn Church is set on a grassy rise and offers beautiful views in all directions of the surrounding area, including the aptly named Loch Awe and the stone quarries near its shores, from which was built the church itself.
What is known about Muckairn Church is that a place of worship existed in some form on the site centuries before the current structure was built. An examination of the church guide reveals that the churchyard is home to several interesting examples of traditional West Highland headstones carved over a variety of periods.
Taynuilt Hotel
A handsome coach house inn painted in white, Taynuilt Hotel sits at the centre of the village and is thus ideally situated. Its interior is comfortable and traditional, and includes guest rooms, a breakfast room for overnight guests, lounge room and public bar.
Those wishing to eat at the Taynuilt Hotel will not be disappointed by the menu or its offerings; all dishes are made in house and from scratch using locally sourced ingredients. A nod to the traditional is in evidence, albeit elevated with enthusiasm and flair, and the service throughout the establishment is known to be warm, informal and friendly.
Inverawe Fisheries and Smokery
Heading east out of Taynuilt will take you to Inverawe, home of a traditional fishery and smokery set in a truly delightful country park. There is much to be enjoyed here, including information for visitors on the process of smoking salmon and other fish, and the opportunity to purchase products from the gift shop. Those seeking immediate gratification in sampling the culinary delights on offer can order lunch in the café, or alternatively picnic in the parkland near the trout and salmon lochs nearby.
An excellent choice for families, Inverawe Fisheries is also home to a play area and adventure trail walks, set among oak and beech woodland.
The Scottish Coast to Coast Walk
Taynuilt enjoys a position on the Coast to Coast Walk running from Oban to St Andrews, which means enthusiastic walkers can make the journey from Taynuilt to nearby Dalmally or Oban, 12 or so miles in either direction, on foot. Arguably the best way to experience the full beauty of the West Highlands, the scenery along the way takes in lochs, churches, mountains, picturesque villages and local wildlife.
Depending on the time of year, keen spotters may sight numerous species of deer, golden eagles, otters, seals, pine martens and wildcats. Confident trekkers with appropriate knowledge of local conditions may opt to wild camp for a fully immersive Highland experience.