Colintraive

It’s easy to miss the little gems that are right under our noses.  This is so true when talking about Colintraive only 3 miles from Loch Riddon Bothy and an interesting destination on foot or by bike or car.   This coastal village is in an area of Outstanding Scenic Beauty.  It is often paired with Glendaruel, a second, neighbouring area of little population. Together the total is about 250 permanent residents.  This number swells in the summer as quite a few houses are second homes and of course there are a number of holiday homes for rent too.

Colintraive Hotel

Despite its small size the village is home to several attractions.  First as you come into the village, you pass the ferry terminal and then the wonderful Colintraive hotel which I have written about in a previous blog.  Continue on the narrow single track road up over a hump back bridge and the first thing you see is the Village Hall. There is a full programme of social events at the Hall as well as weekly classes. 

The Community Garden in May

Just behind the Hall is the Community Garden.  It’s a glorious space with plenty of meandering paths and bridges as well as carefully positioned benches.

Colintraive Heritage Centre

Opposite the Village Hall with its own car park is the Heritage Centre housing a fascinating record of the area through the years.  As well as information boards there are artifacts and several reels of film to watch. 

One of the Information Boards out side the Heritage Centre

Not far from the Heritage Centre is the Community Polytunnel with raised beds which can be rented by the year.

Visitors are warmly welcomed into all these areas.

I will talk about each of these spots in more detail in future blogs.

Leaving the car at the Heritage Centre (where EV charging points have recently been installed) its lovely to continue along the road on foot.  In places the road is very close to the sea.  This is the East Kyle of Bute and is a popular waterway especially in the summer months.  Mainly the water traffic consists of yachts, motor boats, small fishing boats and small passenger cruise boats. Other craft can be seen for example, in the early part of the year VIC 32 – one of the original puffers with its crew of 4 or 5 and around 10 passengers.

So if you find yourself with a couple of hours to spare you know what to do. Why not top it off with a meal, inside or out in the garden, at the Colintraive Hotel?