The village of Lochawe is on the north west coast of the massive fresh water body of the same name. Loch Awe is a huge and beautiful loch which runs North East to South West for nearly 24 miles. You can see from the map that there are no main roads beside the majority of the loch side. However there are B roads which although long and tedious to those trying to get somewhere, they offer a quiet route to tourists. Please note however that the B roads are not suitable for caravans and you should always let traffic overtake by pulling into the nearest lay-by immediately another vehicle comes up behind you.
Above the village there is the wonderful mountain range of Ben Cruachan and its companions. Nestling in its south facing ramparts is a coll with a dam which is part of the Cruachan Hydro power scheme. This was one of the last large hydro schemes to be undertaken in Scotland and at its foot on the shores of loch awe is a very interesting visitors centre known as the hollow mountain centre.
Whether or
you are interested in engineering, the story of the "hollow
mountain" is very interesting. There is also a cafe at the
centre.
The village of
Lochawe has a very peculiar church called St Conan's church
designed and built by Walter Campbell for his family. Instead of
being built to a particular style. It has been built taking many
different styles and concocting a design which is very beautiful
but perhaps just a little bizarre. Visitors are welcome to visit
and there is parking beside the church grounds overlooking Loch
Awe.
There is a
pier in the village with a vintage railway carriage nearby
serving as a tearoom with panoramic views across loch awe. A
particularly peaceful setting for a short break and a cup of
tea.
Loch Awe
itself provides excellent walking and cycling particularly on
the west shores near Dalavich which is better accessible from
Taynuilt.
The east of Loch awe has a
road which runs all the way to Ford and then Kilmartin. Please
see our lochs and fishing pages for details of fishing on Loch
Awe and the surrounding areas.
Loch Awe, from the village of Lochawe,
Port Sonnachan to Ford and also Dalavich
