Smith tip
Did you know that whisky has legs? No, we’re not talking about drunken staggering. The older the whisky, the slower if runs down the side of the glass; these are its ‘legs’. Whisky can be a complex business so it’s best to put yourself in the hands of a local expert for a tasting. The word ‘whisky’ comes from the Gaelic, uisge beatha, meaning 'water of life’. Although we can’t vouch for its medicinal qualities, it can certainly make you feel pretty good.
The Lodge
Argyll, United Kingdom[view map]
Best picnics
There’s a peaceful beach on the other side of the loch; the Lodge can arrange a boat to get you there. There are some lovely picnic spots further down the loch at Ardentinny, which is best reached by boat.Best beaches
If you’re looking for white sandy beaches then you should head for the Isle of Bute; Scalpsie Bay is one of the finest, but you’ll have to share it with a colony of seals. During the summer, you can take midnight fishing trips to peaceful anchorages on Loch Goil.Best walks
There are magnificent walks in practically every direction. Follow marked trails up the mountain directly behind the Lodge. The walk from Lochgoilhead along Donich Water is particularly pretty.Shopping
The nearest supermarkets are over 45 minutes away on the outskirts of Glasgow, but since the Lodge is fully catered,thankfully you shouldn’t need to do any shopping.Activities
All kinds of outdoor pursuits can be organized and the Lodge is happy to help make arrangements. There’s excellent fishing on Loch Fad on the Isle of Bute (www.isle-of-bute.com/lochfad) or you could simply try your luck at the end of the garden. The area has some world-class golf courses within easy reach, including the links courses at Machrie on The Isle of Islay (www.machrie.com) and Machrihanish on Kintyre (www.machgolf.com); even Lochgoilhead has its own gentle nine-hole course. You can admire the scenery on horseback with Argyll Riding (www.horserides.co.uk) or take to one of the many mountain bike trails. If you have the stamina, the Lodge can also arrange sea kayaking, gorge walking and mountaineering with a former Royal Marine; alternatively you might prefer some gentle curling at the nearby Drimsynie ice rink. If you want to drive through the mountains in style then try Caledonian Classics; the Lodge can have the classic car of your choice delivered to the door (www.caledonianclassics.co.uk).
Restaurants
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar
+44 (0)1499 600 236This is one of the most famous restaurants on the west coast; if the seafood was any fresher it would still be in the net. The oysters are unbeatable but the smoked salmon is also excellent. It’s best in the afternoon.
Clachan, Cairndow, Argyll PA26 8BL
Shore House Inn
+44 (0)1301 703 340This is the best restaurant in the village, with a simple but very tasty menu and a great setting at the head of the loch.
Shore House Inn, Lochgoilhead, Argyll PA24 8AJ
The George Hotel
+44 (0)1499 302 111This is an excellent restaurant that’s been going strong for well over a century. It specialises is well hung West Highland beef and lamb as well as fresh seafood from Loch Fyne and the fishing port of Tarbert.
The George Hotel, Main St East, Inveraray, Argyll, PA32 8TT
Bars
Village Inn
This pub in Arrochar has a good atmosphere and is a popular place for a pint or two. Its beer garden is very pleasant on a summer’s day.
Arrochar, Argyll G83 7AX
The Drovers Inn
+44 (0)1301 704 234It’s some distance away, on the shores of Loch Lomond, but this 300-year-old pub is definitely worth the trip; Rob Roy certainly thought so. There’s live music most weekend evenings.
Inverarnan By Ardlui North Loch Lomond G83 7DX