In a luxury log cabin in a wood, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and provided with all mod cons, Terry MacCallum and family enjoy a weekend break in Argyll
Think of a log cabin and it’s perhaps unlikely that underfloor heating, a hot tub and ensuite facilities would be the first things to come to mind. However, that’s exactly what we found – and more – when we checked in to our cabin at forest holidays at Ardgartan in Argyll.
The cabins, 40 in all, are situated not far from Arrochar at the head of Loch Long – a beautiful setting in any weather. They are arranged in such a way that every cabin has a degree of privacy. No one is sitting in their place looking into your cabin as you have breakfast!
We were staying in a Golden Oak cabin, but all of those on the site, managed by the Forestry Commission, are beautifully presented, comfortable and well-equipped. One wall is almost completely glassed giving an unbroken view out over the loch. Each cabin also has a terrace where you’ll find your hot tub and seating for enjoying outdoor dining.
Our weekend weather was mixed, but the welcome at the Forest Retreat – the reception area/store and café – was always warm. Everyone seemed particularly friendly and always had time for a chat. If you are coming here for a complete break and not planning on doing any cooking, then you can order food at the Retreat which is then delivered to your cabin at a time to suit.
We didn’t do that, but we did take advantage of the freshly baked pains au chocolate and croissants for breakfast. You order in advance and collect them when you’re ready in the morning.
The wet suits hung outside and the rows of varying sizes of bikes lined up outside many of the cabins suggest that many families take advantage of the sports on offer and the safe environment in which to introduce young ones to outdoor pastimes.
Instead of getting on our bikes, we took the car and headed for Inverarary, only half an hour’s drive away. The picturesque town has plenty to do – you can choose Inveraray Prison or, by contrast, visit the castle. If whisky is your thing, then there are specialist shops and we enjoyed a look round one of the art galleries set back off the main street.
Again, we found that there is always time to chat in this area. We weren’t made to feel rushed anywhere, perfect for a weekend away. There are plenty of good eating places too and we enjoyed a delicious lunch at The George Hotel.
Disappointment from our youngest that mussels weren’t on the menu that day meant that we called in at the Loch Fyne Oyster Bar on the way back to Ardgartan. The busy car park shows how popular this stop is and many folk were enjoying a meal here.
Next door is a garden centre and gift shop which has a café attached to it and we enjoyed an afternoon coffee before loading up with fishy treats from the Oyster Bar – mussels and smoked salmon along with a crusty seeded loaf. Evening meal sorted!
We did try out the hot tub, complete with lights, and there is something quite luxurious about sitting in a cosy tub, bubbling with hot water, while the sun dips and the darkness gathers all around you. Robes and slippers are provided in the Golden Oak cabin and that just adds to the decadence!
If you are travelling with children and the weather is not fair, then there is a full entertainment package available which includes online movies, Sky Sports, internet access and the Forest Retreat order facility. Instead, we opted for reading our books and newspapers as well as teaching James the delights of the game of Scrabble on the board provided in the cabin.
The next day dawned fair and as it got increasingly warm we decided to follow one of the walks along the banks of the River Croe. It was an enjoyable amble through the woods, but if you like to feel a bit more challenged, there is the Cats Craig Loop through the forest and also the Coilessan Glen Loop, an eight-mile walk with stunning views as the reward.
Ranger activities are also available at the Forest Retreat with family orientated events such as nature-themed arts and crafts and Young Explorer sessions. There was also archery, bike hire and canoeing available at the site, some of which require booking, so it is worth checking with the Ranger.
While there is plenty to keep you occupied, it was also rather nice to sit outside on the decked terrace in the sun with a cup of coffee and just take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery round about.
On the Sunday, we made the short drive to Arrochar and enjoyed lunch at the Village Inn where a 70th birthday party was in full swing and folk sat out in the garden enjoying a drink.
Surrounded by nature, yet spoiled with mod cons – our forest holiday at Ardgartan was the perfect way to recharge the batteries.
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The MacCallums stayed at Ardgartan, Argyll and there is a site at Strathyre, Highland Perthshire. Futher afield there are sites at Cropton, Keldy, Sherwood Forest, Thorpe Forest, Forest of Dean, Blackwood Forest and Deer Park. Prices vary but start at around £495 for a three-night pet-friendly break in a two-bedroom cabin with hot tub. www.forestholidays.co.uk
