Spectacular, rural, peaceful location overlooking Loch Eck, Argyll less than 90 minutes drive from Glasgow, easily accessible in the winter and within walking distance of the 14th Century TV Famous "Whistlefield Inn" offering fine food and drinks. Treat yourselves to a great value holiday of relaxation, walking, fishing, golfing and bird watching in a limited choice of select privately owned Luxury Log Cabins.

"The Benmore" Lodge looking North in the Winter	Panorama of "Whistlefield Lodges" in the Summer	From "Benmore" Lodge looking North in the Summer

 

 

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An limited exclusive choice of Log Cabins offering Luxury and tranquility with spectacular views of Loch Eck and the surrounding mountains and woodland

 

 

Why visit Argyll, Cowal and Bute?

Why not head North to Oban and Fort William? 90% of Scotland's most appreciated tourist do just that...year after year. Yet Argyll, Cowal and Bute offer you the most populated area of lochs and walkways, spectacular scenery, botanic gardens, castles and wildlife in Scotland and because it is off the beaten tourist track, a very peaceful and relaxing place in which to stay.

The very best of Scotland in miniature and packed into an area of only 35 x 25 miles and all within 60 minutes of your Whistlefield holiday lodge.

"If you want to see all the best highlights and delights of scotland......

stay in Cowal for a week or two"

The Benmore botanic Gardens and it's Giant Redwoods (within 10 minutes drive)

The Cowal peninsula and Argyll Forest Park, some 54,000 acres, offer you a wide range of sporting activities including golf, fishing, various pleasure cruises, mountain-biking, cycling, organised horse riding and of course sailing and other water-based sports. For the walker choose from Seaside / Lochside trails to Woodland forest trails through what is accepted as the most beautiful scenic area of Scotland, notably Pucks Glen, Glenbranter and the magnificent world renowned "Benmore Botanic Gardens"

Panoramas of Loch Eck

Panoramas of Loch Eck in it's winter and summer moods

Loch Eck and Argyll

Magnificent Loch Eck just over 6 miles long and 67 feet above sea level, scythes through the centre of the Cowal Peninsula, surrounded by high, forested hills. The loch epitomizes Cowal - rugged and spectacular but at the same time peaceful, where you can while away the hours walking, taking in the scenery and fishing in Loch Eck for Salmon trout, the Gwyniad or fresh-water Herring and a remarkably translucent fish 4 or 5 inches long called the Goldie. Captivating Bute, once the island retreat of Scottish kings, lies at the heart of the Firth of Clyde, and is the favourite destination of the famous 'Waverley', the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. The area abounds in wildlife. Seagulls, Cormorants, Gannets, Eider Ducks and Swans and Seals are frequent passers-by.

The Coylet Inn by Loch Eck and Autumn views of Loch Eck

 

 

Activities on your doorstep or less than one hour's travel

There are numerous scenic forest walks and loch side trails with sign posted footpaths, in particular to Carrick Castle on the shores of Loch Goil and through the sprawling Argyll Forest Park area. There are 3 golf courses within easy reach: Blairmore and Innellan (both 9 holes) and the Cowal golf course (18 holes). Fishing and sea angling is available on your doorstep beside Loch Eck and nearby rivers for Trout, Salmon and Sea Salmon. For those wishing to cruise on Loch Eck, motor or rowing boats are available to hire.

At the south end of Cowal Toward Castle offers a residential training centre operated by Actual Reality Scotland and offers fantastic days out for bored restless children, Castle Towards outdoor education activities include catwalks and a high jump, as well as gorge walks and hill walks. The castles long history has led to a number of  ghost stories. As well as outdoor education, the house is used for residential courses for young people in music and art. The Glasgow Schools' Symphony Orchestra and West of Scotland Schools' Symphony Orchestra visit regularly.  The children's BBC TV series Raven also use Castle Toward as a film location. You can contact Actual Reality Scotland Tel: 01369 870249 Fax: 01369 870337

Quadmania, Dunoon

For outdoor adventure for all the family, you must visit Quadmania  just a short drive from whistlefield Lodges you can tear up the turf on quad-bikes, shoot clay pigeons in the morning then kayak secluded lochs, explore ancient gorges, take an exhilarating rib-boat ride or whatever takes your fancy in the afternoon. Quadmania will organise your dream day and all you have to do is get out there and do it. All in the stunning scenery of Argyll in Scotland.

Toward outdoor education centre, the chinese lakes and the local wildlife

In Dunoon there is an excellent new indoor swimming pool. Around the area lie quaint lochside villages. Further north is Inverary, Lochgoilhead and Oban all with extensive facilities. The Arrochar Alps... gloriously rugged peaks for the more serious hill walker, stand high above Loch Long, looking onto the 'Rest and be Thankful', a fine viewpoint where cattle drovers once enjoyed a well deserved break after a tough climb. To the East, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs - Scotland's first National park.

The world famous Benmore Botanic gardens

The Benmore Gardens, a specialist garden of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, is a magnificent woodland garden set amidst the mountains of the Cowal Peninsula. Its 140 acres are renowned for the wide collection of trees and shrubs, which includes over 250 species of rhododendrons. One of the most spectacular views is the avenue of Giant Redwood trees (pictured below) which greets every visitor on entering the garden. Throughout there are way marked walks, which lead to a beautiful pond and formal garden which display a wide variety of Himalayan and Oriental plants. Continue up the richly planted hill slopes, which rise to 450 feet to a dramatic viewpoint overlooking the Eachaig valley and the Holy Loch. Refreshments are available. The Botanics Shop sells a range of books, gifts and plants some of which can be found in the garden. Facilities are also provided for those less able, including wheelchairs.

 

 

The Pucks Glen forest and waterfall walks

Within an easy 10 minute drive from whistlefield Lodges, you can also access Pucks Glen and a choice of 3 mouth watering woodland trails Pet Friendly, sign posted and marked out offering a sometimes tropical rainforest feel with magnificent views from the summits. The waterfalls walk (below) features a meandering tour up the valley involving a series bridges crossing streams, cascading waterfalls and pools, particularly delightful after a strong downpour of rain!

Within 5 miles of Whistlefield the un-surpassed Pucks Glen a series of streams and waterfalls

cascading down a fantastic woodland valley trail

 

 

The Glen Massan trail  

 

In the same area as Pucks Glen and the Benmore gardens, you will also find at the end of a delightful single track trail that Glen Massan a great place to visit, particularly for fishing, leisure walkers, pet owners and those just seeking the peace and quiet. Here you can walk for miles along the easy the going river trail, there are also more challenging forest trails for the serious walkers and plenty of good places for a picnics.

 

The lovely Glen Massan where you can walk, picnic and fish

 

 

The Spectacular Kyles of Bute

The spectacular Kyles of Bute as seen on television, can be easily reached in less than 1 hour from whistlefield Lodges and well worth the journey as you pass through some delightful little villages, Lochs, forest and Glens on the way there.

The spectacular Kyles of Bute (looking south towards Bute and the Firth of Clyde)

The magical Isle of Bute

Combine these most spectacular views...with a trip to the captivating 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!!

For detailed information on the Red Squirrel please visit Wikipedia!

 

 

 

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. 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)

 

 

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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

 

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Guest book	Local Mountain Biking

 

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 renowned 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)

 

 

Local  area Information

 

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

 

Your Accommodation	Local area information
Booking & Hire Charges	Activities & information
Travel directions	Updated events guide
Guest book	Local Mountain Biking

 

 

	"Heather Lodge"	"Smith Lodge"
	"The Loch Eck"	"The Benmore"

 

 

Loch Eck Lodge and Benmore Lodge Are extended refurbished deluxe Log Cabins. Both these Cabins are fully double glazed with electric heating throughout, fully fitted kitchens, 1 x master double bedroom, 1 x twin bedroom, 1 x bathroom featuring Jacuzzi bath with overhead shower, Wash Basin and WC. The enlarged living areas have sofa bed settees if required for 5th person. Also patio doors with fully enclosed enlarged patio decking area. Both Lodges have fantastic panoramic views of Loch Eck & the surrounding forest & mountains.

 

 

Heather Lodge and Smith Lodge Are extended refurbished deluxe Cabins. Both Lodges are fully double glazed, with electric heating throughout with fully fitted kitchens (Heather Lodge with additional breakfast bar) 1 x master double bedroom, 1 x twin bedroom, 1 x bathroom with shower cubicle, Wash Basin and WC. The enlarged living area have additional patio doors with enlarged decking. Both these lodges have fantastic mountain and forest views.

 

 

The Lodge Is a newly extended refurbished Deluxe Cabin. Double glazed with electric heating throughout, New fitted kitchen, 1 x master double bedroom, 1 x twin bedroom, Shower room, Wash Basin and WC. The enlarged living area has additional patio doors with enlarged decking and fantastic mountain and forest views.

 

 

 Standard sized 2 Bedroom Log Cabins

	"Primrose Lodge"	"The Argyll Hideaway"

 

Primrose Lodge has fully fitted kitchen, 1 double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom, 1 x Bathroom with Wash Basin, WC and Shower cubicle. This lodge has electric heating throughout, covered verandah area to the front and a small Patio decked area with mountain and forest views.

The Argyll Hideaway with fully fitted kitchen, 1 double bedroom and 1 twin bedroom, 1 x Bathroom with Wash Basin, WC and Shower cubicle. This lodge has electric heating throughout, a covered verandah area to the front with wooden decking with mountain and forest views.

 

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.

 

(Please see inventory lists above for your exact requirements)

 

Regret for safety reasons and Scottish law no smoking inside the lodges please.

 

Location of the Log Cabins

 

"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 banks of Loch Eck and numerous lochside, seaside, hillside and country walks... on your door step or just round the corner....

 

"The Benmore" Lodge looking North in the Winter	Panorama of "Whistlefield Lodges" in the Summer	From "Benmore" Lodge looking North in the Summer

 

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?

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Travel

 

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The Red Squirrel (left) and Sea Eagle (right) are local inhabitants

 

 

 

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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.

 

 

Click here to read some more customer stories

 

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).

 

Your Accommodation	Local area information
Booking & Hire Charges	Activities & information
Travel directions	Updated events guide
Guest book	Local Mountain Biking

 

 

"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 to £320	High Season £395	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 £225	Mid Season £325 to £350	High Season £450	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.  

 

 

Availability & Further Information Advice / Help Lines open 09:00 to 22:30 GMT 7 days a week PLEASE CALL US 01729 851181  Mobile Owner Direct 07885 211787 cottageinfo@self-catering-scotland.com (Ref List 10 Whistlefield) Due to ever increasing Spam levels we cannot guarantee to respond to emails. Please call us on either phone number above to be certain. If you do wish to email us please state in your email exactly which cottage and dates your require further information.

 

 

For more information please complete this short questionnaire

 

For your security and peace of mind we do not take bookings online. For further information. Or to reserve directly with the owners please complete the short form and press the submit button below.

 

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It is recommended that you take out travel insurance which includes cancellation cover

 

 

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