Nearby Loch Awe Boats (5.5 miles) hires out row boats, motor boats, canoes and kayaks so you can explore the loch for yourself. They also offer fishing permits so trips out to catch wild brown and rainbow trout, salmon and pike are easily possible.

Dalmally (7 miles) has a grocery shop and a bar/restaurant and there is also a 9 hole golf course to try out. The Ben Cruachan Inn just outside Dalmally is a great place to stop for a meal or a dram of one of their many fine whiskies and it is even dog friendly.

At Ben Cruachan (12 miles) you can walk right over the impressive dam that controls the waters of the reservoir and uses them to generate electricity through its huge underground turbines. Guided tours go deep into the mountain and the visitor centre explains all about how the power station works. Munro baggers can tackle the great Ben Cruachan itself or nearby Stob Daimh, Beinn Eunaich or Beinn a’Chocuill.

Inveraray (8.5 miles) has lots of little shops that are interesting to wander around and a choice of well stocked whisky specialists. At the heart of the town is Inveraray Jail that was once the courtroom and county prison where prisoners endured terrible conditions (they even had wooden pillows!) and were subjected to awful punishments including being branded with hot irons. The jail is now a visitor attraction with fascinating exhibitions illustrating the lives of the poor former prisoners.

Over on the other side of Loch Awe Argyll Adventure (11.5 miles) offers exhilarating activities such as paintballing, laser storm and crossbow shooting as well as riding lessons and pony rides.