With lovely views over Loch Awe from the master bedroom, lounge, sunroom and garden, Barr-beithe Upper is situated on a hill farm in a scenic area of rural Argyll with just a short walk to the shore of Loch Awe.
Argyll with its lochs, hills and mountains to climb is one of the most scenic areas of Scotland and Barr-beithe Upper is a good base for exploring Oban, Inveraray, Glencoe, Loch Lomond, mid-Argyll where you’ll find Crinan Canal and historic Kilmartin Glen, and the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre.
Closer to home you can book online to visit Kintail Birds of Prey in Eredine Village or join a Cladich Farm Tour to see their highland cattle or enjoy a walk up the nearby forest track or to the ruined settlements on the farm.
The large well-equipped kitchen/diner at the back of the house looks across the hillside by the cottage.
Looking over Loch Awe, the lounge has comfortable seating for 6, TV and a coal-effect gas stove.
The sunroom has seating for 4 and gives access to the garden.
There are 3 bedrooms;
Bedroom 1: King-sized double
Bedrooms 2: zipped linked super-king or twin (single) beds
Bedrooms 3: twin (single) beds
Beds will be made for you and towels supplied for your arrival as follows: one bath towel per person, a hand towel in both the shower and bathrooms as well as hand and dish towels for the kitchen.
There are both a shower room and a separate bathroom.
There are 3 steps and a handrail to the entrance porch and this has plenty space for storing boots, shoes and hanging coats.
The garden is full of azaleas and heathers and a picnic table and sitting-bench enjoy good views over Loch Awe.
Loch Awe
Loch Awe is 25 miles long and the longest loch in Scotland. Surrounded by forests, farms, hills and mighty Ben Cruachan .
The Farm
Traditional blackface sheep and luing cattle are farmed on 2,000 acres in this beautiful area of Argyll and guests are welcome to walk and explore the farm:
- to fish or enjoy a walk to the loch shore
- to the viewpoint on An Sidhean (fairy/enchanted view) for a picnic and amazing views of Loch Awe
- to old ruined settlements abandoned nearly 150 years ago
- on a nearby forest walk (circular walk coming back via the farm)
- to our many waterfalls. The wide waterfall on Allt Beochlich is at Barr-beithe.
Fishing on Loch Awe
Fishing for trout and pike is by permit and these are available online.
Nature and wildlife:
Red squirrels and Pine Marten come to the feeder by Barn, though the Pine Marten are generally night visitors. Red Deer come into the fields in the evening especially during the colder months and they often take a short cut by Barn when returning to the hill in the morning. When travelling home in the evening you will probably see some small Roe Deer by the roadside. During the spring and summer Loch Awe is also home to many Osprey which swoop down to take fish from the loch. Kintail Birds of Prey is nearby.
Eagles, dolphins and porpoises are best seen by joining an organized tour from Oban, Easdale or Crinan.
Exploring Argyll and the west highlands of Scotland:
Some ideas, walks and wonderful scenery within easy reach on a day out:
- Oban and the distillery
- Islands of Mull and Iona (ferry from Oban) & wildlife tours
- Inveraray Castle and old victorian Jail
- Ruined Castles especially Kilchurn, near Dalmally on Loch Awe and Carnasserie Castle near Kilmartin
- majestic Glen Coe which has amazing mountain scenery and the wilderness of Rannoch Moor which you will see enroute, plus the red deer along Glen Etive if you take a little diversion
- the ‘bonny banks’ of Loch Lomond – the little village of Luss is nice
- Kilmartin Glen has standing stones,
For children
Inveraray Castle and Jail both have a quiz to hold the interest of young people and for activities Argyll Adventure offers pony trekking and zombie games. Another popular afternoon out is to the Scottish Seal Sanctuary which also has otters and an indoor aquarium.
Cycling: if you bring your own bicycles then the tow path along Crinan Canal is lovely.
Horse Riding: Argyll Adventure near Inveraray offer 1hour and 2 hour treks.
Walking: guests are welcome to explore the farm, and our nearest Munro (mountain over 3,000ft) is Ben Cruachan at the end North end of Loch Awe.
Eating Out: there are many lovely cafes, pubs and restaurants for lunch or homemade cake when out and about exploring Argyll and most guests do opt to enjoy a good lunch or early evening meal before returning to their cottage to relax and enjoy the view.
