Things to do
On Ballimore Estate:
Walks:
There are several beautiful walking routes around the estate, taking in Ballimore House and gardens, spotting red squirrels, springtime bluebells and lambs, and of course along the famous ‘otir’ that Otter Ferry is named after.
If you fancy a reward half way round your walk then we recommend the circular route - up past Ballimore House, along the estate top track, down by the pub for a drink/lunch (check opening times), and back to the lodges along the lochside.
Click the picture above or here for a map of estate walks.
Wildlife:
Otter Ferry and the Ballimore Estate are havens for birdwatching, and you’ll likely see: herons, curlews, oystercatchers, shelducks, eider ducks, mergansers, goosanders by the shoreline, gannets and guillemots further out on the loch, and various garden birds who flock to the terrace if you put out seeds.
You’ll also likely spot a red squirrel at some point around the estate, the odd friendly seal in the loch, and if you’re lucky (and quiet!) a family of otters at the shoreline.
Wild swimming & Paddleboarding:
The loch in front of the lodges is usually beautifully calm and clear, so perfect for a dip (year round if you’re brave enough!) and great for paddleboarding (please bring your own paddleboards). Loch Fyne is tidal so be sure to make a note of the tide times.
There’s nothing better than a refreshing dip followed by a cosy seat by the log stove in your lodge.
Tennis:
We have one tennis court on the estate that lodge residents are welcome to use for a small hourly fee - book in advance by contacting us here. Please bring your own racquets and balls.
Oysters:
*UNFORTUNATELY UNAVAILABLE AT THIS MOMENT BUT COMING SOON*
Ballimore Estate farms their own oysters on Loch Fyne - in fact you’ll spot them checking them on the loch right out in front of the lodges. If you’d like to order some for your stay contact us here.
Sailing:
There are 10 moorings with a pontoon available in front of the Oystercatcher Pub. The pontoon can dry out at extremely low tides, 3 or 4 metres at high tide for drop off. Ideal for Ribs and small boats. There is a £10 fee per night for the moorings.
BACS: Name: Otter Ferry Pier & Moorings
Sort code: 839135 Acc no: 09574507
Nearby:
Yoga:
Located on a family hillside farm just 5 minutes north of Otter Ferry, West Coast Wellness offers yoga classes in their beautiful, peaceful geodesic dome. All levels of experience welcome - you can join a group class, or book a private class for a more personalised experience.
Lochside Sauna:
Experience a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience at the Westcoast Wellness lochside sauna. With beautiful loch views, their hand-built sauna is the perfect spot to unwind. The sauna can accommodate up to 16 people, and you can choose to either join one of their weekly drop-in sessions or hire it privately. Enjoy some hot/cold therapy with dips in the loch or the river-fed freshwater plunge pool.
Inver:
Inver is a small, characterful and extremely popular restaurant on the shores of Loch Fyne, about 20 mins drive north of Otter Ferry. Their a la carte lunch menus feature simply prepared fresh seafood and native meat and game in season. They have a cosy bar serving pre-dinner craft ale, natural wine and fancy drinks. In the evening they serve a six course tasting menu, using current cooking techniques and the very best local wild and farmed ingredients. Booking essential.
Portavadie Spa & Marina:
12 miles south of Otter Ferry (25 min drive) is the Portavadie Spa & Marina, with a restaurant, cafe and stunning outdoor infinity pool overlooking Loch Fyne. You can book a 2hr spa experience to use all the facilities, or book for treatments such as massages and facials.
Ostel Bay/Kilbride Bay:
Beautiful beach (with two names!) a 25 minute drive south of Otter Ferry. Park at Kilbride Farm (where there’s a wee bothy cafe) and walk from there. Be prepared for stunning views of the north of Arran.
Hayshed Gallery at Carry Farm:
The Hayshed Gallery is a new space for exhibiting textiles and ceramics all made at Carry Farm, by award winning and contemporary makers.
Botanica at the Barn:
Locally sourced seasonal ingredients from nature’s larder served at Botanica, 20 mins south of Otter Ferry in Millhouse. Menu changes daily. Opening hours vary so call in advance - 01700 811464
Nearest Grocery Stores:
Kames Village Store
Premier Tighnabruich
Strachur Filling Station
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar Deli/Shop
Largiemore Hut (eggs, jam, chutney)
Day trips:
Tarbert:
Great wee harbour town with exceptional restaurant The Starfish. Get the ferry from Portavadie as a brilliant wee day trip.
Fyne Sea Tours:
Offering daily tours from Strachur and Inveraray to explore the waters of Loch Fyne. They will share with you the wildlife, castles and history of the local area.
Fyne Ales:
Scottish-owned family-run brewery founded in 2001. They welcome visitors every day 10am-6pm for drinks in the Brewery Tap, sunny afternoons in the Brewery Courtyard beer garden and takeaway beer from the Brewery Shop.
Loch Fyne Oyster Bar, Restaurant & Deli:
Famous restaurant and deli serving local fresh seafood. Always busy - booking recommended. Takeaway menu also available.
Ardkinglas Gardens:
Gorgeous Woodland Garden, open all the year round, with renowned collection of Rhododendrons and Azaleas and an outstanding collection of trees, including the "Mightiest Conifer in Europe", which was once Britain’s tallest tree! Dogs on leads are welcome. Open dawn to dusk.
Inveraray:
Inveraray is a traditional county town of Argyll. Established in 1745 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, head of the powerful Clan Campbell, the town is an absolute set piece of Scottish Georgian architecture. Key buildings that are worth visiting include the famous Inveraray Castle (one of the earliest examples of Gothic Revival architecture) the neoclassical church, and Inveraray Jail and courthouse, now an award-winning museum that graphically recounts prison conditions from medieval times up until the 19th century.
Benmore Botanic Garden:
A magnificent 120-acre mountainside Garden surrounded by the dramatic scenery of Argyllshire. Steeped in history, Benmore is home to a world-famous collection of plants from regions ranging from the Himalaya, China and Japan to North and South America.
Puck’s Glen:
Just round the corner from Benmore Botanic Garden is the atmospheric woodland walk up Puck’s Glen, featuring mossy rocks, ferns, burns and trickling waterfalls.