Appin

Travel Guide

Castle Stalker featuring heritage elements, heritage architecture and a lake or waterhole
Castle Stalker showing a lake or waterhole, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Castle Stalker which includes heritage architecture, heritage elements and château or palace
Castle Stalker featuring heritage architecture, heritage elements and a castle
Castle Stalker which includes château or palace, heritage elements and a lake or waterhole

Best known for its beautiful castle, this charming little peninsula is a serene base for watersports, cycling, walking and fishing.

Appin is a lesser-visited Scottish peninsula with under-appreciated coastal scenery and a secluded atmosphere. Head to one of its main settlements, Port Appin, to rent bikes or book tours to more remote areas of the peninsula. Arrange a visit to the medieval castle, which sits moodily on a loch islet. Spend some time strolling through the lovely gardens found in the area.

Port Appin, one of the peninsula’s largest settlements, is an ideal place to rent bikes for further exploration of the region. It’s also the starting point for exciting sailing, windsurfing, pony trekking and waterskiing excursions. Stroll along the scenic 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) coastal walk that begins in town, admiring wonderful views over the Islands of Mull and Lismore en route.

Find Castle StalkerOpens in a new window, a 14th-century tower house perched on an islet in Loch Laich, north of the village. Book in advance to go on tour of this privately owned castle, led by a member of its current owners, the Steward Allward family.

For a gorgeous perspective on the castle, head to the nearby Castle Stalker View Café & Gift Shop. This inviting café overlooks the castle, as well as nearby Mull and Lismore.

See more picturesque views of the castle from Kinlochlaich Gardens. Established in the late 18th century, these stunning gardens include an octagonal walled garden, as well as a bluebell woodland. Look for magnolias, eucryphia and rhododendrons as you stroll through them. A large selection of plants are also available for sale here.

More inviting garden strolls can be enjoyed at Druimneil House, a Victorian house surrounded by a 10-acre (4-hectare) garden overlooking Loch Linnhe. Find oak, beech and elm trees, along with azaleas and meconopsis blue poppies, among the foliage.

Appin lies between Oban and Ballachulish. It can be easily reached by car from Fort WilliamOpens in a new window, which is 30 miles (47 kilometers) away. Port Appin is connected to Lismore by ferry service. Buses en route to Oban make stops in Appin and Port Appin. Escape to this serene outdoor enthusiasts’ haven.

Holly Tree Hotel, Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
Holly Tree Hotel, Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
3 out of 5
Kentallen Pier, Kentallen, Appin, Scotland
The price is HK$1,965 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
HK$1,965
HK$2,359 total
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Appin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (237 reviews)
"Great stay helpful staff"

Reviewed on 24 Apr 2025

Holly Tree Hotel, Swimming Pool & Hot Tub
The Pierhouse Hotel
The Pierhouse Hotel
4 out of 5
Port Appin, Appin, Scotland
The price is HK$2,143 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
HK$2,143
HK$2,571 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach inn in Appin. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Eilean Ramsay and Castle Stalker are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (214 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Clean comfortable rooms. Good location with great vies across loch"

Reviewed on 17 Jun 2025

The Pierhouse Hotel
The Caledonian Hotel
The Caledonian Hotel
3 out of 5
Achintoe Road, Fort William, Scotland
The price is HK$1,094 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
HK$1,094
HK$1,313 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fort William. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
7/10 Good! (1,110 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful reception staff. Also we had breakfast and it was good value."

Reviewed on 3 Jul 2025

The Caledonian Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Waterfront Lodge 6 with Hot Tub
Waterfront Lodge 6 with Hot Tub
Kentallen Pier
Stay at this cottage in Appin. Enjoy a hot tub. Popular attractions The Dragons Tooth Golf Course and Pixel Spirits Distillery are located nearby.
"This has to be one of the best places for its views that I have been to. So quiet and peaceful, sun was out, absolutely breath taking! Lodge was spotless, spacious and would definitely come back. Well worth the money!"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Waterfront Lodge 6 with Hot Tub
Beach House 5 with Hot Tub
Beach House 5 with Hot Tub
Appin
Stay at this apartment in Appin. Popular attractions The Dragons Tooth Golf Course and Pixel Spirits Distillery are located nearby.
Awesome!
"Myself and a friend escaped busy Edinburgh out here for the peace, quiet and of course the views. So much to see out here. From the beach house to the ride around to the nearby towns. The views are gorgeous. Makes you want to just stay ."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2023

Beach House 5 with Hot Tub
Waterfront Lodge 5 with Hot Tub
Waterfront Lodge 5 with Hot Tub
Kentallen Pier
Stay at this cottage in Appin. Popular attractions The Dragons Tooth Golf Course and Pixel Spirits Distillery are located nearby.
Room with a view
"Stunning views from the lodge and private hot tub. Spotlessly clean, well equipped kitchen, perfect for our 1 night, however a little dated in places and in need of a bit of tlc."

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

Waterfront Lodge 5 with Hot Tub
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Appin

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
10
5 - Excellent 59%
4 - Good
3
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 24%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Lacking in good quality hotels which take pets

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Stunning and relaxing.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful locaton

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Pool & spa lovely- staff very helpful especially when husband needed assistance.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

I didnt stay im Appin Stayed in port Appin which was several miles away and follow day we visited Lismore island . Then left for our next destination