The fresh waters of Loch Sween are popular with wild swimmers for their scenic location and peaceful qualities. A sea loch located near Lochilphead, Loch Sween and the surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities for visitors to connect with the past and the present.
On the southern shore is Castle Sween, the oldest castle on the Scottish mainland probably built in the 1100s, former stronghold of Suibhne ‘the Red’, a chieftain of Irish descent and ancestor of the MacSweens, and the later the MacDonald Lords of the Isles. On the northern shore is the picturesque fishing village of Tayvallich. Giving a stunning view over to Jura, the village has self-catering accommodation, a shop, pub and restaurant to enjoy.
LOCHS AND LOCHS OF FUN
In 2014 Loch Sween was designated as a Nature Conservation Marine Protected Area and is home to one of Scotland’s most important populations of native oyster. Caol Scotnish is a very narrow finger that reaches further north and east than the main body of water. Wild swimmers can go out into the waters with an instructor, like the highly knowledgeable Dan the Merman, to enjoy a cool dip and stories of the area and Gaelic heritage.
To the South and West is Loch a' Bhealaich. There is the small, bridged embayment of Loch Craiglin on the south side of the inner loch and another larger inlet incorporating Bàgh na h-Araich Glaise that leads to the settlement of Achnamara.
Lochgilphead is situated at the apex of a short loch called Loch Gilp, an offshoot on the western shore of the much larger Loch Fyne. Lochgilphead was first laid out as a planned town in the late 18th century, accessed by the newly completed road from Inveraray to Campbeltown. The Crinan Canal provides a short cut across the Kintyre Peninsula making Lochgilphead an ideal base for exploring the area with a good range of accommodation and local food spots too. The Egg Shed, Ardrishaig, is a heritage hub part of the Scottish Canals project and well worth spending some time in learning about the importance of canals in the Highlands.
From Lochgilphead, head out to explore some of Scotland’s most iconic places and monuments such as Kilmartin Glen, Crinan, and Knapdale. Discover the history of the area and follow in the footsteps of ancient kings at Dunadd Fort, an impressive rocky outcrop in Argyll.
Steeped in history and natural beauty, explore Lochilphead and Loch Sween as part of your next visit to Argyll and the Isles.
