Lochgilphead

[Lochgilphead]

Capital of Argyll, Lochgilphead's regional importance far outweighs its small size. The town has occupies a pretty (and pretty remote) position overlooking a sheltered inlet of Loch Fyne. Argyll Street is the short but attractive main street stretching back from the main road and esplanade, boasting a decent clutch of independent shops and places to eat. Admittedly there isn't a huge amount to do here, but this has saved the town from becoming a tourist trap, and if exploring southern Argyll by road you're bound to pass through sooner or later. The Crinan Canal also passes close by.

[View from the esplanade]

 Name: Lochgilphead ★★☆☆☆
Location: G.R.: NR 862880 / steadily salad mows

[Argyll Street (July 2016)]

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Loch Lomond Shores

Image
Loch Lomond Shores is probably the busiest part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, barely 10 miles from the outskirts of Glasgow. A row of tourist-orientated shops curve gracefully around the southern tip of Loch Lomond, dominated by Drumkinnon Tower which houses a shiny new aquarium. For obvious reasons this is a good rainy-day option, although in clear weather there are also spectacular views north across the water towards mountainous country, and a recently built bird of prey centre.


Name: Loch Lomond Shores★★☆☆☆
Location: North side of Balloch, G.R.: NS 384822 ///part.surcharge.trading
Open (2017): Daily
Cost: Free

>> see separate post for Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre★★★☆☆

Name: SEA LIFE Loch Lomond★★★★☆
Description: Large, newish aquarium including underwater tunnel, large otter area and 350-seat cinema.
Location: The tower next to the shopping centre, G.R.: NS 385823 ///conquests.scuba.banter
Open (2017): Daily
Cost (2017): £13.95, with discounts both for 2 or more …
Read more

North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre

Image
North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre is located just across the railway from the town centre of Motherwell, the county capital. If the museum's name isn't particularly eye-catching then the building certainly is. A circular tower thrusts into the sky and provides the permanent core of the museum exhibits; "Climb Thru Time" displays on each floor take you slowly through the region's history from 10,000 years ago up to the present day, at which point you arrive at the top of the tower with good views across the county. Neat, huh? Back at ground level, the foyer hosts temporary exhibitions (of wildly varying quality, based on our two visits) while the rest of the building is used for archives, office and conference space.


Name: North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre★★☆☆☆
Location: High Road, Motherwell, G.R.: NS 750571 ///send.scale.newly
Open (2017): Monday to Saturday
Cost: Free






Read more

Motherwell Cathedral

Image
Motherwell isn't the most architecturally handsome place in Scotland, and you mightn't associate the town with beautiful buildings. But there's at least one. Motherwell Cathedral, or Our Lady of Good Aid Cathedral, opened in 1900 as a large parish church but was elevated to cathedral status in 1948, reflecting the town's growing importance as an industrial centre (which has since declined). If you can locate the correct entry door, the interior feels far larger and brighter than you might guess from the red brick outside; look out for the stained-glass windows, large organ and ornate side chapels.


Name: Motherwell Cathedral★★★☆☆
Location: Coursington Road, Motherwell, G.R.: NS 755571 ///seats.hoping.tree
Open (2017): Daily (entrance through north-east side door outside service times)
Cost: Free




Read more