Visitor Guide for Loch Goil
Visit Loch Goil
Loch Goil Is a popular location for people who love the outdoors and are looking for a place where they can get easy access to see wildlife, nature and outstanding scenery. Loch Goil Cruisers allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of this dramatic sea loch from the water. On this page we have listed some of the highlights of Loch Goil, together with some visitor information and links to help you plan a trip.
Carrick Castle
Lochgoilhead
Wildlife on Loch Goil
When you’re out on the water pause to look at the seal colony (only don’t get too close) and look out for the elusive otters scrambling across the rocks and red deer grazing in the hills. Spot oystercatchers, gannets, merganser ducks, eider ducks, herons, cormorants and buzzards. If you venture as far as the lighthouse at the junction with Loch Long, you may even be lucky enough to spot porpoises!
Carrick Castle
In the late 1800’s steamers brought visitors by water to see Carrick Castle, which is on the west shore of Loch Goil. Sadly the steamers are from a previous era, but you can still see the imposing castle by boat, with a self drive motor boat tour from Loch Goil Cruisers. Many of our customers enjoy photographing the 14th century tower house. Although in private ownership the caste is protected by a category A listing from Historic Scotland.
The Boat Shed Café
Adventures start and end at our café – The Boat Shed Café, where you can enjoy tasty food and treats, along with a coffee roasted in the Highlands. Keep an eye through the window, or from your table on the deck for a visit from a red squirrel. To see more of these beautiful animals, visit Cormonachan Woodlands nearby. They’ve got some excellent trails, with good views over Loch Goil and some hides where you can view the red squirrels.
Seal on Loch Goil
Red Deer by Loch Goil
More Loch Goil Attractions
If you want more fun on the water, consider exploring by kayak or canoe, hire is available from Loch Goil Kayak Hire. Nearby Quadmania has quad biking, clay shooting and archery. Also check out the Goil Inn for traditional pub fayre and the Drimsynie Estate for a restaurant, takeaway, spa, kids activities, etc.
Loch Goil Gifts
There is an excellent gift shop in Lochgoilhead called Pinetrees. We also sell selected gifts from them at our Boat Shed Café. You’ll find a large range of gifts, created by local artists and there are also souvenirs and local books.
Pinetrees is CURRENTLY CLOSED
Cormonachan Woodlands, Loch Goil
Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
Loch Lomond & Cowal Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails, running the length of the Cowal Peninsula. The 57-mile trail starts at Portavadie Marina, in the south and ends on the banks of Loch Lomond at Inveruglas. The route passes through Lochgoilhead.
Loch Lomond & Cowal Way
Drimsynie Holiday Village, Lochgoilhead
Stay in Loch Goil
There are lots of amazing places to stay in Loch Goil. Argyll Holidays - Drimsynie Estate, with a newly refurbished hotel and holiday village, is at Lochgoilhead. Below we have provided links to selected holiday accommodation options, plus some other useful local and visitor information websites.
Loch Goil Accommodation
Local Websites
Visitor Guides
Visit Scotland - Lochgoilhead Page
See Loch Lomond - Guide to Loch Lomond & Trossachs
Loch Lomond & Trossachs - National Park Authority
Loch Lomond & Cowal Way - Long Distance Trail
Wild About Argyll - Dunoon & Cowal Pages
Friends of Loch Lomond & Trossachs - Conservation Charity
Midges
We’re sure you’ll have a great day out on the boats, come rain or shine and we also sell ‘Smidge’ midge repellent to keep the wee beasties at bay – don’t be put off by the midges though – they may be around the loch edge in certain weather conditions but once you’re out on open water, they disappear.
★★★★★
“What a cracking afternoon. Dive bombing Gannets, chilling seals, and some pretty cool porpoises. Caught 3 fish that we just had for supper. And on top of all that, breath-taking scenery.”
— Fergus Adam (Google Review)