In Gaelic, Ceann an-t Sailean, head of the small inlet. And it’s a perfect small inlet, perhaps a tad shady, but a welcome return to the coast after the A828 Oban to Fort William road turns inland at Duror.  Once a stop along  the Oban to Ballachulish railway the old Kentallen station buildings now form part of the delightful Holly Tree Hotel. It’s a very welcoming place, friendly and most importantly,  dog friendly*. Highly recommended.  We stayed there at the end of my birthday weekend, a touch of luxury after a couple of days afloat.

It’s a beautiful spot too with views across Loch Linnhe to Ardgour;  the old railway line is now part of the Oban to Fort William cycle path, perhaps one of the prettiest sections, and just as well suited to pedestrians.

Along the way you can stop off at the site of the Appin Murder ,

and then past the old station buildings at Ballachulish,

the monument commemorating the execution of James of the Glen.

If you’d travelled on the old railway you could have made a round trip by via bus and steamer by way of Glen Coe, Glen Etive (of “Skyfall”fame),  Loch Etive and Taynuilt, returning back to Oban. These days you’re probably best retracing your steps (or pedals?) back to Kentallen and then enjoying a coffee or something stronger at the Holly Tree, enjoying the view as the sun goes down.

Happy travels.

Marina x

*links to my idea of dog friendly

#Blogtober11