An Introduction by Andrew Cochrane, Noble Caledonia Founder & Director
"Argyll’s central location makes it the ideal base from which to travel out north and south to explore the region which has many treasures including Kilmartin Glen’s standing stones and circles, cairns and a large henge, plus the renowned linear cemetery with several burial cairns dating from between 3500 BC - 1500 BC.
The area is home to some of the best and most significant woodland and wild gardens to be found in Scotland, many with fine collections of trees and shrubs which thrive in the mild climate provided by the Gulf Stream. Within them you will discover an abundance of rare and exotic plants from around the globe but especially the Himalayas and the Southern Hemisphere, New Zealand and South America.
From Loch Melfort we will travel out each day on a programme of short excursions, each designed to help you discover and enjoy the landscapes and gardens of Argyll. The first of these will be to Crarae Garden, the centerpiece of which is a Scottish Glen complete with burn and tumbling waterfalls. Later in the week we will explore the exotic plant collections at Ardmaddy Castle as well as Arduaine Garden and Ardchattan Priory, each filled with colourful rhododendrons, magnolias and a myriad of unusual botanical curiosities. Throughout the tour our aim is to introduce you to the best of the region’s architecture, cuisine, culture, gardens and natural history, all celebrated through a special blend of art, science and nature. We hope your visit to Argyll will leave you with a strong sense of place and wonderment as well as special memories of a unique part of the British Isles.”
Loch Melfort Hotel
For our stay we have chosen the Loch Melfort Hotel, a unique retreat set in 17 acres of gardens and beach on the romantic coast of Argyll in the Scottish Highlands. We have chosen the hotel due to its truly stunning location and idyllic surrounds. As you step into the warmth, comfort and tranquility of this comfortable country family home, you cannot fail to notice the uniquely informal and relaxed atmosphere. The family-owned hotel which is surrounded by the enchanting Arduaine Gardens has beautiful views to the Sound of Jura and the Inner Hebrides and beyond and offers a variety of room options. Choose from 10 rooms in the main house including two luxury suites which are convenient for the restaurant and bar, or perhaps opt for one of the 20 lodge rooms with their uninterrupted sea views.
Dinners will be taken at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, where the greatest care is taken when choosing the produce, ensuring it is as local and fresh as possible, such as West Coast trout, scallops, venison and Game when in season.
Itinerary
Day 1 Glasgow to Loch Melfort, Scotland.
A transfer to Loch Melfort from Glasgow Central Station will be provided to those arriving by train. Those driving may park at the hotel’s car park. Meet in the evening for welcome drinks and dinner in the hotel. (D)
Day 2 Crarae Garden & Kilmartin Glen.
Following breakfast at the hotel, drive through Kilmartin Glen to visit Crarae Garden, famed for its wonderful collection of Himalayan plants and natural woodland setting, complete with a highland burn crisscrossed by numerous bridges. It was initially transformed into a splendid Himalayan garden by Lady Grace Campbell; the aunt of explorer and plant hunter Reginald Farrer. Discover glades of rhododendrons, magnolias, azaleas, camellias and other exotic rare plants as well as eucalyptus forest. Lunch will be provided in the George Hotel in Inveraray after which a tour of Kilmartin Glen will include the Temple Wood Stone Circle, Nether Largie South Chambered Cairn and Standing Stones,Kilmartin Glen Orientation Centre and a visit to the Early Grave Slabs at Kilmartin Church. On return to the hotel we will then enjoy a presentation about the Kilmartin area and its treasures from Director of the Kilmartin Museum, Dr Shona Webb MBE. This will be followed by dinner and a Scottish harp or ‘Clarsach’ recital by local musicians. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Crarae Garden & Kilmartin Glen.
Close by the hotel is the Isle of Seil which is accessed by the ‘Bridge Over the Atlantic’. Here we find An Cala, which dates from the 1930s and is a very gentle and delicate garden cradled by the surrounding cliffs. Wander at leisure and discover its streams, waterfalls and many exotic and native spring flowers, as well as taking in the fine views towards the Island of Easdale, famed for slate quarries and stunning coastal views. Return to Loch Melfort Hotel for lunch before going on to spend the afternoon at Ardmaddy Castle to walk through this charming walled garden with its rare and unusual shrubs, a clock cutting garden, a crevice garden and well cultivated fruit and vegetables. The adjacent rhododendron woodland, which is adorned with Himalayan primulas and other perennials and bulbs ensures that Ardmaddy has something for the plantsman in all seasons of the year. David will complete the day with a presentation entitled ‘A Majestic Land - The Gardens, Natural History, Art & Artists of Argyll’. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Ardchattan Priory & Oban.
Travel north from the hotel this morning and cross the impressive Connel Bridge, originally built for the railway to Ballachulish and opened in 1903. Arrive at Ardchattan Priory, a monastic site dating back to 1230 AD where a garden with views to Loch Etive has existed on site for almost 700 years. Today the ancient walls shelter a variety of ornamental shrubs, bulbs and other unusual plants. After lunch at the Falls of Lora Hotel in Connel we make a short stop at the nearby Dunstaffnage Castle before arriving in Oban. Enjoy a tour of Oban Distillery with some free time for you to explore the town with its blend of seafront, galleries, craft and gift shops. Return to the hotel via the hilltop McCaig’s Tower overlooking the harbour. After dinner we will enjoy a relaxing Scottish traditional music night. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Inverary Castle & Arduaine Garden.
After breakfast at the hotel drive along the banks of Loch Fyne to Inverary Castle, the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs of the Clan Campbell. Explore the famous Armoury Hall and the State Dining Room before a walk through the estate’s beautifully maintained garden. Enjoy some free time to explore the town before meeting for lunch at a local restaurant. Return by coach in time for an afternoon walk around the highlights of Arduaine Garden with David. Our day ends with a farewell dinner at Loch Melfort with hopefully a magical sunset. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Loch Melfort to Glasgow.
After a hearty Scottish breakfast transfers will be provided to Glasgow Central Station. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy| 22 to 27 June 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Price | |
| Garden View Room Twin | £2895 | |
| The Garden Room Twin | £3095 | |
| Seaview Room Twin | £3095 | |
| Seaview Lodge Room Twin | £3195 | |
| The Junior Suite Twin | £3795 | |
| The Master Suite Twin | £3995 | |
| Garden View Room Sole Occupancy | £3195 | |
| Seaview Lodge Room Sole Occupancy | £3695 | |
Tour Reference Code: LAARGYLL25
PRICE INCLUDES: Five nights accommodation at Loch Melfort Hotel on a half board basis • Meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner) • Tour Leader • Guest Speaker • Excursions as described with entrance fees • Transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Loch Melfort Hotel
For our stay we have chosen the Loch Melfort Hotel, a unique retreat set in 17 acres of gardens and beach on the romantic coast of Argyll in the Scottish Highlands. We have chosen the hotel due to its truly stunning location and idyllic surrounds. As you step into the warmth, comfort and tranquility of this comfortable country family home, you cannot fail to notice the uniquely informal and relaxed atmosphere. The family-owned hotel which is surrounded by the enchanting Arduaine Gardens has beautiful views to the Sound of Jura and the Inner Hebrides and beyond and offers a variety of room options. Choose from 10 rooms in the main house including two luxury suites which are convenient for the restaurant and bar, or perhaps opt for one of the 20 lodge rooms with their uninterrupted sea views.
Dinners will be taken at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, where the greatest care is taken when choosing the produce, ensuring it is as local and fresh as possible, such as West Coast trout, scallops, venison and Game when in season.
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Hotel Directory
Hotel Directory
Please find below further details pertaining to the hotel or click on the adjacent Directory to download.
ADDRESS
Arduaine, by Oban
Argyll
PA34 4XGCAR PARK
Free parking is available at the front of the hotel and in front of the Sea View Lodge. The hotel cannot accept responsibility for loss from, or damage to, vehicles parked in the grounds. An E-charger car point is available.
CHECK IN/CHECK OUT
Check in time is from 3.00 pm and check out is by 11.00 am.
COMMUNICATIONS
To contact the hotel please call 01852 200 233. There is a phone in your hotel room which has access to an outside line. Outgoing call costs can be found on the information next to your phone. You can obtain an outside line by dialling ‘9’ or contact reception by dialling ‘0’. The hotel can be contacted by email at reception@lochmelfort.co.uk.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
If you have any dietary requirements such as vegetarian and gluten free, please notify the Noble Caledonia Reservations Department. The hotel will endeavour to accommodate your needs but regret that not all dietary requests can be guaranteed. Once checked in, please speak to reception on your first night to reconfirm your needs.
DINING & DRINKING
Breakfast is served in the restaurant from 7.30 am to 9.45 am daily. Lunch is served in the restaurant from 12.00 noon to 2.45 pm daily. Dinner is served in the restaurant from 6.00 pm to 8.45 pm daily. The residents’ bar is open daily.
DOORS
To lock the front doors in the Sea View Lodge and any patio doors, first turn the door handle hard upwards until it goes no further and then lock with the key or the internal lock.
DRESS CODE
You may dress however you feel comfortable during the day. Evening attire is smart casual.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
We request that as soon as you enter your room, you carefully read the safety instructions in the guest directory. In an emergency please contact Reception between 8.00 am and 11.00 pm or dial ‘201’ out of hours. Please be aware of the fire exits and in the event of an emergency close all doors and leave by the nearest fire exit.
END OF STAY QUESTIONNAIRE
We are always looking for ways to improve our holidays and the services provided and in order to do this we welcome feedback from our guests. Your comments are important to us therefore we request that you complete the questionnaire that will be provided to you by your Tour Leader.
LAUNDRY
The hotel operates a laundry service. Pricing is available from Reception.
LIFT
There are no lifts in the hotel.
LOST PROPERTY
Before you check out, please check your hotel room to ensure you do not leave anything behind. If you discover you have left any items behind, please contact Noble Caledonia directly. If we are able to recover your item(s) we will contact you to arrange delivery or collection and to advise of any associated costs.
MAIL
Letters or postcards can be left at Reception and the team will be happy to assist with postage. Postage can be bought and charged to your room account.
MIDGES
Although you are holidaying in one of the most scenic and spectacular parts of Scotland, unfortunately there is a small price to pay during summer months - the dreaded midges!! If you leave your room at night, please ensure that you turn your lights off, especially if you have left a window open. Midge repellent can be purchased in the gift shop.
ROOM ACCOUNT
All guests will have their own “room account”. This allows you to charge any expenses to your room and then settle your bill at the Reception Desk at the end of your stay. Prices are shown and charged in Pounds. Your room account can be paid by credit card (all major cards are accepted) or cash (Pounds).
SAFE
If you have any valuables, please deposit them in the safe at Reception.
SMOKING POLICY
In accordance with the law in Scotland smoking is not permitted in the public rooms, bedrooms, balconies and corridors of the hotel.
TEA OPTIONS
If you require a different selection of teas in your room, please call Reception. The following are available; Earl Grey, Scottish Tea, Peppermint, Red Berry, Lemon & Ginger, Green Tea, Camomile, Darjeeling, De-caffeinated. Fresh milk is also available.
TOILETRIES
All hotel rooms are supplied with soap, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion.
TOWELS
Loch Melfort is aiming to become a greener hotel and protect help the environment. During your stay, housekeeping will be replacing towels on the third day. Please contact Reception if you require an earlier towel change.
WATER
The hotel’s water is a private supply and comes from a stream on the upper slopes of Beinn Chaorach to the west of the hotel. All of the water passes through a filtration and ultraviolet system and is perfectly safe to drink - even if it looks a little whisky coloured after heavy rain. There is ample hot water, but early risers may find the hot water in the bathroom takes a little longer to come through than expected, so please run your taps for as long as it takes to come through.
WI-FI
Wi-Fi is available free of charge in all guest bedrooms and public areas such as lounges and bar.
Room Room Type Main House or Lodge Bed size/Type Bath Shower View Floor Level Additional comments 4 Cosy Main House Double Main House Double N Y Garden 1 6 Cosy Main House Double Main House Double Y N Seaview 1 2 Main House Garden View Main House Double N Y Garden 1 3 Main House Garden View Main House King Double /
TwinY Y Garden 1 11 Main House Garden View Main House Double N Y Garden 1 1 The Garden Room Main House King Double N Y Garden G 10 Sea View Main House Main House King double
or TwinHalf bath with
overhead showerN Seaview 1 9 Sea View Main House Balcony Main House King Double N Y Seaview 1 Patio door to balcony 20 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview 1 Private Deck 21 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 22 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 23 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinN Large walk in
shower with fold down seatSeaview G Private Deck 24 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 25 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 26 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 27 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 28 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 29 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 30 Sea View Deck Double
or TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath with
overhead showerN Seaview G Private Deck 31 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N Seaview 1 Private balcony 32 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N 1 Private balcony 33 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N 1 Private balcony 34 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N 1 Private balcony 35 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N Seaview 1 Private balcony 36 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N Seaview 1 Private balcony 37 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N Seaview 1 Private balcony 38 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N Seaview 1 Private balcony 39 Sea View Balcony
Double/TwinLodge King double
or TwinBath over shower N Seaview 1 Private balcony 5 Junior Suite Main House King double
or TwinBath over shower N Seaview 1 Bay window 7 Master Suite Main House Double Bath and walk in shower Y Seaview 1 Balcony
Travelling with You
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Chantal Cookson
Chantal was born in Suffolk very near the sea and now lives in Northumberland where her husband farms and when possible, they go to their cottage in Suffolk. Chantal has been associated with Noble Caledonia since the company was founded in 1991 and was part of the Expedition Team for many years on the MS Caledonian Star and has led tours, be it cruising or land, all over the world, including the Antarctic in 1999, aboard the Caledonian Star on her first voyage there and in 2017 was aboard the MS Island Sky on her first voyage to the Antarctic. Chantal’s initial experience of cruising was in British waters in 1991 when Noble Caledonia did the first cruise around the British Isles, which was a ground breaking voyage and led to a very successful and popular concept. Though her main job for over 25 years was working for Sotheby’s, she is now a Travel and Fine Art Consultant intertwining in her busy life still working periodically as part of the Noble Caledonia Expedition Team and also as a Tour Leader on Land Tours. From the Arctic to the Antarctica, South America to Australia, Africa, India, The Seychelles, Indonesian Islands and many other destinations including many times the West Coast of Scotland, she has been able to pursue her love of the oceans, zodiacing and photography. Chantal is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society.
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David Mitchell
David Mitchell was previously a Curator at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh; he is currently Deputy Chair of the National Trust for Scotland, and Director - Curator at Muddy Feet Consultancy. His own environmental education company specialising in landscape assessment, project development, horticulture, and interpretation.His knowledge as curator is augmented with over thirty years’ experience working as a consultant in the private and public sector, supporting organisations that include The National Archives of Scotland, The National Galleries of Scotland, The National Trust for Scotland and the Royal Zoological Society for Scotland. He has extensive broadcasting experience in television and radio with the BBC, STV and Channel Four; augmented by global involvement as an Expedition Lecturer for Noble Caledonia, the National Trust for Scotland and the American Ivy League Universities of Harvard, Dartmouth and Brown. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and the Royal Geographical Society he has a passion for nature and the land.
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000