Mountains, glens, lochs and the west coast are all within easy reach of Craig Lora.
Walking
The cottage is within striking distance of some fantastic mountain walking. The imposing Ben Cruachan and neighbouring mountains overlook the cottage. Just to the east is one of the Highland’s finest peaks, Ben Lui. To the north is Glencoe, offering some of the finest mountaineering expeditions in the UK, especially in winter conditions. The Mamores, Glen Etive, Bridge of Orchy Munros, Glen Lochay and Ben Lawers, Ben More and Stob Binnein are all within striking distance.
The are many lower hills in the area and low level walks in glens, forests, by lochs or the coast. Set off on foot from the cottage for a short walk or a full day epic.
Fishing
The River Orchy is one of the most picturesque salmon and trout rivers in the country. The salmon season runs from February 11 to 
October 31 and fly, spin and worm are permitted. A permit can be purchased locally
Loch Awe has always been famous for its wild brown trout, having broken the British rod-caught record four times over the last decade. It is, however, its reputation for good mixed bags of 8oz – 3lb trout that still attracts the majority of anglers. Whether novice or purist, young or old,
Loch Awe has a great deal to offer both game and coarse fishermen. Permits for trout, coarse and pike fishing on Loch Awe can be purchased online or locally. Boat hire is available at nearby Ardbrecknish.
The mainland coastline of Argyll is almost 350 miles long. It offers numerous 
opportunities for fishing and plenty
of variety. Boat charters are available from Dunstaffnage Marina and from Oban.
Biking
The local area offers plenty of ch
oice for both on and off-road cycling. There are single track roads that offer miles of gentle peddling or some serious cycling. There are many miles of natural and man-made trails in the area, some on way marked routes on Forestry Commission tracks. There are good opportunities for mountain biking, with hill tracks leading off into the glens and mountain passes. Or purpose-built cross-country and downhill facilities at Glencoe Mountain or Aonach Mòr.
Bike hire is available in Taynuilt from the Rusty Cycle Shed and in Glencoe from CrankItUpGear. Glencoe Mountain resort also offer a variety of downhill, XC and kids bikes for hire to try out on their trails.
Boating / Watersports
The Orchy is known as one of the UKs best, and most challenging, whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers. The season runs from October to March and a number of companies, such as Nae Limits offer rafting expeditions.
Loch Awe is beautiful, far away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and undeveloped with no noisy watersports to shatter the peace. There are many islands worth visiting, including Innis Chonnel Castle, the first stronghold of the Campbells. The remains of Crannogs; pre historic island hut settlements, can still be seen when the loch is low. Explore the loch by kayak or canoe, or hire a boat from Ardbrecknish Boats,
The co
ast line of Argyll and Lochaber is spectacular and much of it is best appreciated from the sea. Boat hire and tours are available, including whale/wildlife spotting trips or exhilarating high speed blasts through the Corryvreckan whirlpool. Please have a look at Seafari; Sealife Adventures and Etive Boat Trips.
Skiing / Snowboarding
Winter sports are available at Glencoe Mountain, a scenic 40 minute drive away. Nevis Range is slightly further afield, being 90 minutes by car, but the scenery when driving through Glencoe and beyond is spectacular.
Places to visit
There is no shortage of things to do and places to see. Below is a very short selection.
Kilchurn Castle is less than 2 miles from the cottage. Built in the 15th century by Sir Colin Campbell, it is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. The castle is open from April through to September each year and is well worth a visit. Access is via a short boat trip from the pier in Loch Awe village or by foot from the side of the A85 near the railway viaduct.
Also nearby is the fascinating Cruachan “Hollow Mountain” visitor centre. Take a tour deep inside Ben Cruachan to discover this amazing engineering achievement. The visitor centre also has a good cafe.
Inveraray is well worth a visit. Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell. Inveraray Jail is a popular attraction. The town has a selection of shops and eateries.
Head for Oban to catch a ferry to Mull or another of the Inner Hebrides. A day trip is possible and highly recommended in the long days of summer. Oban has plenty to offer, including a distillery.
If the sun is out, why not take a trip to the seaside? Tralee Beach by Benderloch is a beautiful sandy beach, which is often deserted.