News

Under the King’s Protection – the wild goats of Loch Lomond

/ Bayleaf

Wild Loch Lomond Goat

One of the things I love about Scotland is the surprising opportunities you have to see unusual animals and birds. I was really pleased, when on a tour of Loch Lomond with Cruise Loch Lomond, we were lucky enough to have a herd of wild Loch Lomond goats pointed out to us.

When we arrived home I looked them up on the internet and found an interesting story that links these feral goats to the famous medieval King of Scotland, Robert the Bruce.

Legend states that before being crowned King, Robert was being hunted by soldiers and he hid in a cave by Loch Lomond. A group of goats arrived and started browsing around the entrance to the cave. When the soldiers arrived the fugitive King-to-be heard them discussing whether they should search the cave, but they decided that if anyone was in there the goats would not be browsing and lying down around it, so they left. The relieved and appreciative Bruce, upon gaining power, forbade anyone from harming the goats.

Maybe this was the very first legal Act passed to protect wildlife in Scotland?

The cave is still there on the side of the loch and you can visit it by taking a Cruise Loch Lomond trip across the loch from Tarbet to Inversnaid.  If you are lucky you may spot some of the King’s wild goats too!

 

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Beautiful Beaches of Argyll!

/ Bayleaf

The west coast of Scotland is famed for its beautiful beaches, although Argyll is not usually the first destination on a Scottish beach hunter’s itinerary.  What many people do not realise is that Argyll has a beautiful coastline with a huge variety of beaches to suit all tastes.

On the shores of the famous Loch Lomond you will find gentle sloping beaches leading down to the fresh waters of the loch, hugely popular in summer months.  On our own loch, Loch Goil, you will find shingle beaches with the Castle and village green as a back drop.

Walk from Carrick Castle or drive around to the small village of Ardentinny on Loch Long.  Here you will find a fabulous sandy beach backed with woodland, perfect for BBQ’s and just lazing around.

Of course there is also “Argyll’s Secret Coast.”  Just over an hour from Rhumhor this is an area bordered by Loch Fyne and the Kyles of Bute and it boasts some amazing white sandy beaches, clear waters and incredible views.  It is only two hours from the capital city and many living there are not even aware it exists!

So if you are looking for a destination in Scotland that suits adventurers and beach lovers come and stay at Rhumhor in Argyll.  You’ll see a beach holiday does not have to mean boring!

 

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Missing the Olympic Games? Then Scotland is the place to be…

/ Bayleaf

HighlandGames2

After the Olympic Games excitement of last year, this summer may feel a little flat for sporting fans. However here in Scotland we have over 60 sporting events to enjoy annually as Highland game are run from May to mid September every year. In 2014 we will also be welcoming many Olympic stars to this area for a very special event, more on that later!

Highland games traditionally saw Scottish clans competing against each other and many of the games have been held for well over one hundred years.

Events range from tossing the caber and hammer throwing to cycling and running. Some games are small community events while others attract a large international crowd with thousands of spectators. The games are also celebrations of Scottish culture with plenty of opportunity to enjoy the emblematic bagpipes and highland dancing.

This Saturday the Luss Highland Games will commence on the shores of Loch Lomond while the world’s biggest Highland Games, the Cowal Highland Gathering, will take place on the last weekend in August. Both of these are within easy reach of Loch Goil and there are many others you could visit throughout the season.

Of course, next year we can also add the excitement of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow to our calendars. The Opening Ceremony on the 23rd July 2014 heralds the start of eleven days of sporting competition with seventeen different sports.

We currently have a week’s availability at Rhumhor Holiday Lodge covering the first few days of the Commonwealth Games competition, so if you’d like to add some Commonwealth action to your self catering stay in Scotland contact us now to secure this opportunity.

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Ryder Cup 2014

/ Bayleaf

Ryder Cup 2014 ScotlandIn 2014 the Ryder Cup is coming to Scotland. It is one of the most anticipated events in the golfing calendar and after 40 years it is finally returning to the home of golf.

Visitors from around the world will be heading to Scotland to take in the tournament and enjoy this beautiful country, its renowned hospitality and of course its wonderful golf courses.

The 2014 Ryder Cup will be held on 23-28th September. The Practice Days are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday with the tournament being played over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Those looking for quality accommodation for up to 11 people, which enables them to enjoy the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles or on TV at the house, and the stunning Scotland scenery should contact us for our Ryder Cup Accommodation Availability.

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Lochside on Loch Goil

/ Bayleaf

We are often asked by potential guests how close Rhumhor is to the loch. Rhumhor sits next to the shore line of Loch Goil. It has extensive lawns at the front of the house that lead to a single track road and on the other side of the road is the shore side.

Loch Goil is a sea loch, so you will find the views of the loch change all the time as the tide rises and falls, revealing the large pointed sand bank which gave the house its name.

Of course being so close to the coast means you are able to observe all kinds of coastal wildlife, from seals and porpoises to sea birds such as gannets and eider ducks.

This video was taken sitting on the shingle beach outside the house on a sunny day in June, and the photograph at the end is taken from out on the loch itself a few days earlier. 

If you crave beautiful views and true peace and tranquillity then you will love the location of Rhumhor.

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Rhumhor Awarded Four Stars by Visit Scotland

/ Bayleaf

Rhumhor Holiday Lodge Four StarWe are delighted to announce that during our regular quality assessment by Scotland’s tourist board, Visit Scotland, Rhumhor was awarded four stars.

Now you have the opportunity to stay in a 4 star property in a wonderful loch side location.

We have upgraded the interior of Rhumhor to ensure that it is very comfortable for guests and retains the unique mixture of Victorian and 1920’s character that makes Rhumhor so special.

Outside we have ensured that views from the house can be enjoyed fully and with the large decking area overlooking Loch Goil it is easy to sit and enjoy tranquillity and amazing vistas. Rhumhor has uninterrupted views across Loch Goil to the stunning Argyll Forest park and mountains.

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