Written by Leonard Gow, Lochgoilhead Holidays
Updated: 3 August 2025
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Finding out about attractions to a new area can be an exciting part of your holiday planning – or you can take the easy option and let someone knowledgable save you all that work. Based on 30+ years of welcoming visitors to the area and listening to their feedback, this is their Top 10.
Note: Some attractions are seasonal so please check before you get too excited about them.
1. The Goil Inn
The Goil Inn in the heart of the village and easy to find. Bar & Restaurant. Parking. Patio with loch views.
Check out their website for menu and entertainment info.
Book a table: 07301 299609
2. The View Bar & Restaurant, Drimsynie Estate
The Drimsynie Estate sits in an elevated position at the head of Loch Goil. They made the most of this beautiful location when they opened The View Bar & Restaurant. I recommend you book a table in advance as they can be busy. Easy to view the menus and book online. DC’s Takeaway is also at Drimsynie.
Note: All dining options are seasonal. Some have a closed off season period. Check with the venue for operating dates.
3. Drimsynie Leisure & Go Cove
Something for all the family is the Drimsynie Leisure Centre located on the holiday park at the head of Loch Goil. Open to the public on a pay-as-you-go basis. Best to head up to the leisure reception and check what is on offer or call 01301 703344 and ask to be put through to the leisure reception. You will find a 25m Indoor Pool, Gym, Sequoia Spa, Play Hall with a range of indoor all weather activities, and a scenic 9 hole Golf Course. Check out their Go Cove programme featuring: Paddle Boarding, Canoeing, Climbing/Abseiling and Gorge Walking. Book adventure and park activities Go Cove Activities Note: Activities are seasonal. There is a closed winter period. Check with Drimsynie for operating dates.
4. Hire a boat on Loch Goil
Loch Goil Cruisers offer easy to handle motor boats available for a range of hire times. Visitors love the views from the loch, spotting seals, looking for porpoises, watching the gannets diving – and maybe a bit of fishing. The boats sell out. Advisable to plan ahead and book so you are not left standing on the jetty as everyone else heads off.
5. Follow a trail
Take a hike. Without doubt probably the most feedback I get is from visitors who followed one of the 21 suggestions in my Loch Goil Trails Guide. This was a labour of love. Years spent exploring the hills around this area I wanted to make it easy for visitors to find just the right walk. Be it a meander on the River Walk, a trek around Cormonachan Woodlands, or hauling yourself up Steeple Hill for the view over the loch – there really is a walk here for everyone. If you are in one of my Lochgoilhead and area holiday homes there is a complimentary guide waiting for you on arrival. If you are not, then order a copy and choose your walks in advance.
6. The Boat Shed Café overlooking Loch Goil
113k+ people follow the Boat Shed on Instagram. What is all the fuss about? The Boat Shed Cafe is in a superb loch side setting on the road from Lochgoilhead to Carrick Castle. Serving coffee, cake, panini’s and soup. It’s a cafe – no bookings. At busy times parking is limited. Many visitors enjoy the walk to the cafe – and if you have the time, that is the best way. Phone: 01301 707348.
7. Inveraray
Established in 1756 by the 3rd Duke of Argyll, Inveraray is a fine example of Scottish Georgian Architecture on the shores of Loch Fyne. Not only pretty to look at, there is much more to make it worth a visit.
Inveraray Jail and Courthouse is a fun way to learn the history of crime and punishment in times gone bye. Buy your ticket online and save money. Inveraray Castle is not only worth a photograph, you can visit the castle, still the home of the Duke of Argyll, and explore on a number of marked trails. 800 feet above the grounds is Dun Na Cuaiche Watchtower, built as a folly in 1748, where your efforts are rewarded with a spectacular view over the castle, town and loch. It is a good path to the top so with a bit of stamina, you’ll make it.
Back in Inveraray there are galleries, shops, places for a coffee and restaurants.
8. The Cobbler
The Cobbler, also known as Ben Arthur, is one of the biggies around here. At 884m (2,900ft) this is a challenge that delivers wonderful views of the Arrochar Alps as well as unlimited photo opportunities. Start at the large car park at Succoth (charges applies) by Loch Long and follow the good path. Allow 4-5 hours in summer. 10km. Do I really need to say it: check the weather and make sure you have suitable footwear.
9. Cruise Loch Lomond
Just 12 miles from Lochgoilhead is the jumping off point for Cruise Loch Lomond. They make it easy to explore this most famous of Scotland’s lochs. Choice of routes and times leaving throughout the day. Visit their website and find the right trip. Explore further on their waterbus and ferries to get to the less visited parts of the loch.
10. Scenic Drives
Oban, Glencoe, The Cowal Peninsula. Half and full day scenic drives starting in Lochgoilhead. Can it get any easier? There is much to see when you get out the glen. If you want tourist poster Scotland then Glencoe has to top the list. It is an easy and enjoyable day trip. Oban, as the Gateway to the Isles, is always popular. A must stop on the way is the view across Loch Awe to Kilchurn Castle. Iconic Scotland. The Kyles of Bute, The Cowal Peninsula or even a day trip to Edinburgh – they are all covered in the scenic drive suggestions.