Information and Accommodation around Argyll, Scotland

Dalmally


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.

Glenorchy Church, 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. 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.

Dalmally Kirk

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.