"If you want to see all the best highlights and delights of scotland......
The magical Isle of Bute
Combine these most spectacular views...with a trip to the captiviating Isle of Bute a beautiful little island about 15 miles long and nearly 5 miles wide and within a hours drive of whistlefield Lodges, always a favourite day trip with much to offer with hills in the North and plenty of sandy beaches, ruined chapels and castles, yachting, fishing, golf, etc. Bute's many gardens benefit from the Gulf Stream which gives the island a mild climate enabling palm trees and other exotic plants to grow here. One of the main visitor attractions is the spectacular Mount Stuart house and gardens. Canada hill offers the best views from this island.
Bute Castle (left) and "Mount Stuart" and it's gardens (centre) and the short ferry crossing to the Isle of Bute (right)
The endangered Red Squirrel
Around Whistlefield Lodges, Pucks Glen and the Cowal peninsula, you will see many of the endangered Red squirrels they have a typical head to body length of 19 to 23 a tail length of 15 to 20 cm and a mass of 250 to 340. The red squirrel is slightly smaller than the common eastern grey squirrel, unfortunately the grey squirrel is the main reason for the red squirrels decline and you will see particularly in this area of Cowal, the many measures taken to try to preserve this endangered species such as their own rope bridges and tunnels across the busier roads!!
Dunoon and the Cowalfest
The highly popular October walking festival know as the Cowalfest is now firmly established as a highlight of the year in the Cowal calender, with all the walks graded and numbered. There are also cultural and social events to accompany this event, which usually last about 10 days around the middle of the month - A 'must' for walkers! and based around the popular capital town Dunoon, which offers all services, including 2 x supermarkets, high street shops include giftware, electrical, grocery, health, woolworths. One local hospital (Dunoon general), doctor, vet. Numerous leisure facilities include crown green bowling, tennis courts, swimming baths, quad biking, golf and crazy golf. There are 2 ferry regular ferry crossings to Gourock and the Waverley Puffer calls in the summer
Panoramas of Dunoon, the high street and square
Inverary....the castle, the old Jail, the Puffer and museum
Well worth a visit during your stay at Whistlefield and less than 50 minutes drive is the lovely town of Inveraray (Inbhir Aora in Gaelic) a former royal burgh in Argyll and Bute, located on the western shore of Loch Fyne near its head. One time traditional county town of Argyll and ancestral home to the Duke of Argyll, who founded the town in 1745, alongside his new home, Inveraray Castle. Its distinctive white buildings on the loch shore make it very photogenic and it is a very popular tourist destination, with a number of attractions in addition to the castle. The Georgian Inveraray Jail in the burgh is now a museum. Other attractions include the Argyll Folk Museum at Auchindrain. The Celtic Inveraray Cross can also been seen in the town. The Arctic Penguin ship Maritime Museum is moored at the pier, along with the Clyde puffer VIC 72, renamed Eilean Eisdeal.
Panorama of Inverary (left) the high street, the harbour, the castle and estate (right)
The highly acclaimed Loch Fyne Oster Restaurant and it's fantastic seafood shop
Bus services to Dunoon, Inverary and Toward from Whistlefield Lodges
If you are coming on holiday to actually take a break from driving, there is a fairly regular bus service run by West Coast Motors www.westcoastmotors.co.uk who run the 476 and 486 services between Toward, Innellan, Dunoon, Kilmun, Pucks Glen / Benmore Gardens, Whistlefield, Strachur, Loch Fyne Oyster Restaurant and Inverary.
There are 5 return trips in each direction mondays to satudays and 3 return trips on sundays from Easter to the end of October. They also operate services from Dunoon to the Isle of Bute plus a number of other destinations in Cowal.
Toward lighthouse (left and middle) and the array of wildlife living around this point 10 miles south of Dunoon
Mountain bikes and Walking Holidays
Along with numerous local walks, more serious walkers can sample a part / all of the Cowal way. The Cowal Way is a long distance footpath split into 6 sections, running the length of the Cowal Peninsula. It starts at Portavadie, beside Loch Fyne, and finishes in at Ardgartan, by Loch Long. It is 47 miles (75 km) long, climbing 5050 ft (1540 m) on the way. The route follows existing rights of way and public roads, most of which are extremely quiet, or cross Forestry Commission land, which includes a good deal of open hill. Access is not an issue. Fot the mountain bikers there is also the more local to where you are staying Glen Kin way an easy 6 mile / 10 Km circuit of a small glen in Cowal, Argyll that suits beginners and provides more experienced riders with optional challenges
For more information on guided walks, please contact Nikki Dayton Tel 01369 860324 or For further information please click here. You can hire bikes daily / Weekly from either Quadmania Ltd 01369 810246 Or ProAdventure Scotland 01369 707456
An evening out
Imagine an evening in a cosy 14th Century inn with an open fire and inviting atmosphere. Imagine a fantastic selection of Malt Whisky and beers and a restaurant with great food and the same panoramic sunset views as your own Whistlefield Lodge. Then travel no further than 200 or so metres from your accommodation and you'll arrive at the 'TV famous' Whistlefield Inn. The Inn is full of intrigue and history and you may well hear of ancient tales of smugglers, tunnels, ghosts and even an ancient massacre during your visit to the Inn. The Inn gained its well-deserved recognition on the TV series 'The House Detectives'.
Alternatively the local town of Dunoon is only a short drive from your accommodation and has a selection of excellent restaurants, fast food takeaways and a new cinema. Further afield but within easy reach are a number of excellent seafood restaurants and country pubs, in particular the Coylet Inn and the renowed Loch Fyne Oyster Bar where you can sample some of the world famous oysters from the shores of Loch Fyne.
The 14th century Whistlefield Inn (Left) and the Oyster Catcher" Inn / Restaurant (Right)
The nearest inn and restaurant is the Whistlefield Inn www.whistlefield.co.uk Tel 01369 860440 approx 200 metres or so from Whistlefield lodges, the nearest Petrol station and shops are approx (5/6 miles) in either direction of the lodges. The nearest town is Dunoon (11 miles) which has shops, supermarkets, restaurants, swimming pool, Leisure Centre, cinema, doctor / vet. The nearest golf course is Strone (9 miles) Benmore Botanic gardens are just (5 miles). Boat hire and fishing permits available at the Coylet Inn approx (2 miles).
Log Cabin Accommodation
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"Primrose Lodge" |
"The Lodge" |
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"Heather Lodge" |
"Smith Lodge" |
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"The Loch Eck" |
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This is a special holiday suiting only those who wish to escape, relax and see Scotland in its true beauty. These warm cosy cedar wood homes are accessed via single track road (just a short walk away from the whistlefield Inn) and offer you very comfortable accommodation. They are surrounded by wooded hillsides teaming with wildlife such as red squirrels and Roe Deer and offer stunning views over Loch Eck and the surrounding valley.
Self-Catering Lodge Accommodation
All lodges listed below are available on a first come, first serve basis. The Lodges with the Loch views tend to book out first (often 6 months or more in advance) you will be advised when enquiring which lodge is / lodges are available for your exact requirments.
Newly extended & refurbished Luxury Cabins
The Loch Eck and Benmore Lodge are now both brand newly extended refurbished deluxe Cabins almost identical in terms of interior furnishing, both these Cabins are fully double glazed and have 1 x master double bedroom, 1 x twin bedroom, 1 x bathroom with shower. The enlarged living areas have bed settees if required for the 5th person. Also featuring additional patio doors with enlarged patio decking. Both these Lodges have fantastic panoramic views of Loch Eck and the surrounding forest & mountains.
Heather Lodge and Smith Lodge are brand newly extended refurbished deluxe Cabins. Both fully double glazed with stylish new kitchens (Heather Lodge with additional breakfast bar), enlarged living areas, 1 x master double bedroom, 1 x twin bedroom, 1 x bathroom with shower with additional enlarged patio decking, this lodge has fantastic mountain and forest views.
Standard sized Log Cabins
Primrose Lodge and The Lodge both have 1 double and 1 twin bedroom with a additional bath with overhead shower. The Lodge has 1 double and 1 x twin bedroom including additional patio doors to outdoor decking, sun porch and corner bath suite, both these lodges have lovely mountain and forest views.
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"The Benmore" Lodge looking North in the Winter |
Panorama of "Whistlefield Lodges" in the Summer |
From "Benmore" Lodge looking North in the Summer |
All the Lodges
Have fully fitted kitchens which include Oven / Hob, Washing / Drying machine, kettle, microwave, toaster, sandwich maker, fridge with ice box, iron and ironing board, radio/cassette player. Other essentials such as glasses, crockery, cutlery and a corkscrew are also provided for your convenience.
All Living Spaces include comfortable medium size sofas / chairs, coffee table, dining table and 4 chairs, free view satelite TV / video / hi-fi / stereo and lovely views.
The Bathrooms feature either a Shower Cubicle or Bath with overhead shower, toilet and wash basin.
The Bedrooms Each Lodge has 1 x Twin bedroom and 1 x Double bedroom both bedrooms have electric heating, hanging and drawer space.
(Please see inventory lists above for your exact requirements)
Regret for safety reasons and Scottish law no smoking inside the lodges please.
"All Log Cabins have free view tv"
Location of the Log Cabins |
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"Pet Friendly"
We are pet friendly by prior arrangement only, clean well-behaved pets are welcome at a surcharge of just (£5 per pet per week booking) to cover any extra cleaning. All Pets must be kept under strict control at all times around the lodge gardens and must not be allowed in the bedrooms, or on any furniture.
The outside of the Lodges
The Loch Eck and Benmore Lodges both have fantastic views of Loch Eck and the surrounding forest valley with Patio doors leading to fully enclosed outdoor wooden decking.
The Heather and Smith Lodges have fantastic views of the surrounding forest and valley with Patio doors leading to outdoor wooden decking
The standard sized Lodge has additional patio doors to a covered outdoor decking area, with additional sun porch and views of the surrounding valley. The standard Primrose Lodge has a covered verandah area and a small Patio decking area with mountain and forest views.
The banks of Loch Eck and numerous lochside, seaside, hillside and country walks... on your door step or just round the corner....
Boat hire on Loch Eck and fishing permits
Motor boats are available from (£12 per hour / £40 per day / £25 half day) Rowing boats are available at the Coylet Inn by Loch Eck from £5 per hour / £15 per day / £10 half day Tel 01369 840576 or 01369 840426.
Salmon Fishing permits are available for the river Eachaig from May and Loch Long from early February at £5 per day / £20 per 7 days. The Brown Trout Season is from the 15th of March until the 6th of October, Coarse fishing, Sea fishing and Rainbow Trout fishing are permitted all year round and no national rod licence is required in Scotland. Fishing permits of all kinds are available from the Coylet Inn Tel 01369 840426
Fishing Tackle hire in Dunoon
For the novice and if you are not bringing your own fishing tackle you can visit or call the tackle shop in Dunoon. I.C. Purdie 112 Argyll Street, Dunoon. Tel. 01369 703232 for fishing advice and permits for all the local Lochs and Rivers.
Don't forget the view
The view from "The Benmore" (left) and the view from "The Loch Eck" (right)
Scottish Weather?
Click Here... you might well be surprised!
Travel
"It sounds wonderful, but it's a long way to drive from the south of England, how can I avoid the long journey?"
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The Red Squirrel (left) and Sea Eagle (right) are local inhabitants |
This location and property not for you?
Happy Guests
"This must be the most relaxing week, my wife and I have had for a long time! I wont bother you with rantings about the views or the scenery because if you are reading this you can see for your self (goon peak out of the window)... you can't fail to be in awe of it's rugged splendor come rain or shine... thanx to Elspeth for the secret recipe cake when we first got here and the delivery of the new fridge... we shall be back again sometime..."
Nigel, Sharon and Charlie the dog. |
How much?
Weekly holidays starting from just £195.00 per week per lodge, sleeping up to 4 persons. Pets are always welcome. Low season weekend / short breaks are usually available in November, December and January. Example 3 nights hire from just £99.00 (subject to availability).
"Availability"
Scale of (7 day) weekly hire charges
All prices are per property...not per person! |
Standard sized Log Cabins sleeping 4 people
Primrose Lodge, The Lodge & Smith Lodge
Standard Log Cabin sleeping 4 people |
Low Season £195 |
Mid Season £295 |
High Season £375 |
Christmas & New Year POA |
All hire charges include all "Pillows, Duvets and all Bedding"
Larger newly refurbished / extended Log Cabins sleeping up to 5 people
Brand newly extended / refurbished Luxury Log Cabins, fully double glazed, featuring enlarged master bedrooms, living areas and patio doors with enlarged outdoor decking areas
Loch Eck, Benmore & Heather Lodge
Luxury Log Cabin sleeping up to 5 people |
Low Season £215 |
Mid Season £325 |
High Season £415 |
Christmas & New Year POA |
All hire charges include all "Pillows, Duvets and all Bedding"
Low season Winter Breaks, Short breaks and Weekend breaks available November, December, January from as little as £99 for 3 nights. February & March 7 night breaks from just £225
"Pet Friendly"
We are pet friendly by prior arrangement only, clean well-behaved pets are welcome at a surcharge of just (£5 per pet per week booking) to cover any extra cleaning. All Pets must be kept under strict control at all times around the lodge gardens and must not be allowed in the bedrooms, or on any furniture.
