Colintraive Hotel

Colintraive is 3 miles from Loch Riddon Bothy on the main road.  For an amazing loch side walk however you can take the longer single track coast road.  If you keep your eyes peeled you can see and hear sandpipers, oystercatchers, curlew and heron.  If you are very lucky you might spot otters fishing or at low tide, an osprey hovering above the loch before it dives down after a fish.  It takes maybe 75 minutes to reach the village from the Bothy on foot.

Loch Riddon from the Coast Road with the Isle of Bute in the distance

Colintraive is tiny.  Its main claim to fame is that it is where the car ferry crosses over to Bute, the shortest ferry route that Calmac operate.  The other main feature of Colintraive is the hotel.

We are so lucky to have such a wonderfully welcoming local.  Perfect for a drink in the garden on a warm summer’s day or for supper.  The bar is well stocked with whiskies and gins as well as the local Fyne Ales beers, some of which are on tap.  There is a cosy wood burner too.  If you are in for a coffee you will be served the award winning locally roasted Argyll Coffee Roasters coffee.  My favourite is the Secret Roast.

Joe, the owner / chef produces beautiful dishes - a visual feast as well as absolutely delicious.  He sources the best ingredients in the area and you will often be offered local game, beef from Bute and a huge selection of seafood.  Locally grown vegetables and salad as well as foraged fruits are also used when available.

I was lucky enough to have lunch there last weekend and had an outstanding dish of octopus cooked over charcoal, ratte potatoes, sobrasada, saffron mayo and broad beans. As well as these more ‘chefy’ options some of our party ordered the popular Colintraive burger and fish and chips.

The octopus dish

You will probably also meet Clare, the other owner, and their young daughter, Winnie. The whole family, together with their staff are so friendly and welcoming that its always a pleasure to visit.