Highfield Holiday Touring, Motorhomes and Glamping Pod Site is situated approximately one mile off the A828 to Oban. A busy, well set out site where folk do not seem to stop for very long. The strange thing about this site is that it does not have a gents toilet, a ladies toilet but nothing for the men! The facilities consist of ‘mixed’ wet rooms which has a wc, a wash hand basin and a shower, so you can imagine how busy they are.
The village of Benderloch lies on Ardmucknish Bay, 3 miles north of Connel and 9 miles north of Oban. It has a well stocked grocery shop known as the Pink Shop, the reasons for that are made obvious on first sighting. Ben Lora Cafe and the local petrol station/camping spares shop are both on restricted opening time because a shortage of staff.
Its a 10/15 minute walk from the site to the Tralee Beach. This attractive quiet beach has a long stretch of shore line with shingle one end and sand dunes the other. We were lucky enough to spot a seal just off the shore catching fish for its supper.
From opposite Lochnell Primary School in Benderloch Village you can catch a 405 bus directly into the resort town of Oban, the former county town of Argyllshire and the main port for the Hebrides. Oban has always attracted tourists but I’m sure its never been as busy as it is at present. The idea of a staycation seems to have driven people across the English border into Scotland, great for the local businesses but for the locals and regular visitors to Scotland I’m not so sure. Oban has a variety of shops and eating places so worth spending a day there but certainly no longer. We found worth while shopping at both Waterstones and Regatta followed by a fish supper and a walk the along the promenade.
Located at the northern end of the sea front is St Columba’s Cathedral, much nicer internally than externally and a quite rest-bite from the teaming crowds of tourists. (They don't seem to visit churches!)
Situated on a hill overlooking the town is Oban’s most recognisable landmark McCaigs Tower. Built in 1897 by local banker John Stuart McCaig, the aim of the tower was to provide work for local stonemasons and a lasting monument to the McCaig family.
As an antidote to visiting Oban walking up to the summit of Being Lora was just the medicine required.
It’s well worth the climb up the hill from the foot of Bein Lora for the stunning panorama of coast, islands and mountains. Picnic tables are provided at vantage points giving you a chance to catch your breath and take in the scenery and the Eagle's Eyrie viewpoint is an ideal photo opportunity.
The walk actually consists of three walks depending on what your prepared to tackle. First is the Coastal Climb Trail a one mile pull up a steep craggy hillside but on a wide and firm path. The second section, a two mile trek, takes you up to the Eagles Eyrie.
Reaching this point offers some spectacular views but the best views are from the summit of Beinn Lora, as i have previously stated its well worth a total effort of seven plus miles. A grand spot which gives you a stunning 360 degree vista and the ideal place to have our piece.
Deteriorating weather curtailed the use of our bikes but we managed to fit in the Benderloch Loop a five mile circular walk which interestingly take in the Barcaldine Castle known as The Black Castle because of the colour of the castles stone work.
The castle was built by Duncan Campbell of Glenorchy between 1601 and 1609. In 1692, the castle was attacked during the Massacre of Glencoe. In 1691 Maclan of the Glencoe MacDonalds was detained at the castle on his way to accept the oath of allegiance to the Protestant King William of Orange. In 1692 this led to one of the most reviled incidents in Scottish history, known as The Massacre of Glencoe, when government troops, mainly Campbells, were ordered to putt to the sword their hosts.
The Massacre of Glencoe took place in Glen Coe in the Highlands of Scotland on 13 February 1692. An estimated 30 members and associates of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed by Scottish government forces, allegedly for failing to pledge allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary II.
The castle fell into disrepair in the later 19th century, when Barcaldine House became the principal residence of the family. It was restored between 1897 and 1911.It was purchased in November 2009 by David Whitehead,and has been converted into a luxury bedroom bed and breakfast, and you can hire the complete castle for your exclusive wedding or function, but it still of historical interest.
The site was very busy with short stay visitors, mostly hired Motorhomes and did not on the whole transmit a very friendly atmosphere. Promised Wi-Fi was not unto scratch. Although we made the most of our time its probable not a site we would revisit.
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