It is just a short stroll to the pier (or an excellent lunch/dinner) where you can take the ferry across to Lismore (it will also take your bicycles). This is an excellent way to see this remarkable little island, which is traversed by one single-track road from tip to toe.

Both historically and geologically, Lismore is a fascinating place and has been inhabited since neolithic times. An arrowhead of Appin stone dating from 3500BC was found in 1974 and is now in the Heritage Centre. The well preserved Broch at Tirfuir bears witness to Pictish occupation some 2000 years ago and there is also a most interesting walk over to Coeffin Castle, named for the Viking prince who first built a stronghold there.

Back on the mainland, there is also plenty to explore. Just up the road is, in the bay, is the iconic Castle Stalker. The Castle Stalker Visitor Centre makes an excellent place to stop off for a coffee or light lunch and beyond that are the riding stables at Lettershuna and then on to Ballachulish (golf course). On a rainy day the Ice Factor and Kinlochleven (ice and rock walls, children's play areas) is an excellent place for a whole day's fun for all the family.

Beyond Ballachulish, walkers and climbers will find Glencoe, or, at Fort William, Ben Nevis itself. From there you can take a boat trip on the loch to see the basking seals and the town itself also has a leisure centre and golf course. It is also the starting point for the highly scenic Jacobite steam train journey to Mallaig. Aonach Mor, beside Fort William, also offers excellent skiing in winter and mountain bike trails in summer.

To the south, Oban too has all facilities and is in its turn the starting point for ferries to many of the west coast islands. On the way, turn right at Benderloch for the wonderful sandy beach at Ardmucknish Bay.