local area

Oban is 17 miles away and has a selection of shops, supermarkets and restaurants, a whisky distillery, and a swimming pool. There are Calmac services to Mull / Iona and other islands of the Inner Hebrides. Scotrail run three trains daily between Oban and Glasgow. Car Hire is also available.

Balvicar Stores is 2 miles away and is the island’s only shop and Post Office. See their website for opening times.

The Easdale Medical Centre is 3 miles distant and has a dispensary service.

There are two pubs on the island both serving food. The Oyster Brewery is within walking distance at the end of the street and the Tigh-an-Truish is at Clachan, 4 miles away.

Numerous hobbies and interests can be pursued…….

Walking and Climbing

There are a number of easy to moderate walks on the island that can be undertaken from the front door of the cottage. More adventurous high level mountain walking and climbing can be done in the mountains to the north and east of Oban. Glencoe and the Nevis Range can be reached in an hour and a half. The Ice-Factor at Kinlochleven has state-of-the-art indooor climbing walls and an ice-climbing wall.

Wildlife

There is an abundance of natural history on Seil and if you’re lucky there is the possibility of spotting golden eagles, sea eagles, otters and dolphins all within the local area. Dedicated wildlife spotting and whale watching boat trips are provided by Sealife-Adventures. The world famous Corryvreckan whirlpool can be reached by the Seafari high speed RIBs which depart from the village pier at the end of the street. Seafari also run trips to Iona and Staffa (Fingal’s Cave) as well as to Colonsay.

Fishing

Freshwater angling permits are available from The Anglers Corner in Oban. Opportunities abound for local Sea Fishing. For more information about sea and freshwater fishing in the area see the Fishing Argyll website.

Golf

Seil Golf Club, a 9 hole course is at Balvicar some 2 miles away. The 18 hole Glencruitten Golf Club in Oban was designed by James Braid in the early 1900s. Clubs can be hired at Balvicar Stores.

Sea Kayaking

Sea Kayak Scotland are based on the island and offer guided trips, paddling courses and kayak hire. Similar services are also available at Sea Kayak Oban.

Scuba Diving

Sealife-Adventures based on Seil offers dive trips to local wrecks and other scenic dive locations.

Cycling

Quiet local roads and numerous off road trails will keep road cyclists and mountain bikers happy. Some of the local Forestry Commision plantations have purpose built mountain bike routes such as the Fire Tower Trail at Lochgilphead.

Horse Riding

There are a number of riding centres in the area including Lunga Riding Stables and Easy Horse.

Gardens

An Cala garden is a short stroll from the cottage. Ardmaddy Castle garden is 6 miles away and the Arduaine National Trust Garden is 20 miles away.

Historic Sites

Argyll’s rich prehistory can be explored at Kilmartin Glen and dotting the landscape are numerous ruined castles at Gylen, Kilchurn, Stalker, Carnassarie…..

Further local information can be gleaned from the Oban Tourist Information website and the Seil Community website.