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The
village of Dalmally is one of only a few villages that
does not sit on the coast of Argyll nor on the shores of one of
the many Lochs. However, Loch Awe head is only a couple of miles
away. Dalmally grew when the railway came through from Callander
to here and then eventually to Oban.
The Glasgow to Oban line is all
that remains and it does stop at Dalmally. The main
village is no longer on the main road as there is a bypass and
so the village is very quiet up near the railway station.
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Dalmally
Kirk, see photo, sits beside the main road in the other part
of the village and has interesting "MacGregor Stones" dating
back hundreds of years. This Kirk is the resting place for
many MacGregor Clan Chiefs.
The
bridge beside the Kirk is also of great historical
importance. It was commissioned by Lord Breadalbane in the
early seventeen eighties to facilitate the movement of
cattle and troops. The bridge is a very pleasant place to
stand and watch the river Orchy below in hope of spotting
trout or salmon. |
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courtesy of
Richard Walker |
Further
along the main road towards the new post office and the
police station, you will find St Conan's Well. This is right at
the roadside opposite the police station and is lucky to have
survived the building of the new bypass at the later part of the
last century. St Conan, a missionary of the faith from the time
of St. Columba, blessed this Well. It is said to have excellent
"light" water quality.
Barr
a' Chasteilean is a deserted village near Dalmally and on a nice
day it is a very pleasant walk to explore this historical site.
To get there you need to cross the railway bridge at Dalmally
and then follow the way marks and signs, some of which have
helpful notes. The old village sits beside the remains of a
fortified Dunn hence the name which means Hill of the Castle. It
is a shame that the village is not restored to have the thatched
roofs again as it would certainly be a major focus for tourists
and a source of economy for the new village at the railway
station.
Dalmally Golf
Club is an interesting wee golf course a couple of miles out of
the village at the head of Loch Awe. It is a 9 hole course and
its longest hole is 402 yards. Visitors are most welcome. |
