Appin

Appin is a picturesque district in the south of Lochaber through which runs the main A828 road between Oban and Ballachulish.

Best known as the setting for Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novel, 'Kidnapped', the southern-most part of the district is a peaceful and secluded peninsula, the main settlement on which is the pretty little fishing village of Port Appin. Overlooking a host of tiny little islands dotted around Loch Linnhe, with Lismore, Morvern and Mull in the background, this is, without doubt, one of Argyll's most picturesque spots. One of Scotland's most romantic ruined castles, the much-photographed Castle Stalker, occupies a tiny rock island to the north of the village.

Cycling is a great way to explore the area and bikes can be hired in Port Appin. If you want to venture further afield, a small passenger ferry runs from there to the neighbouring island of Lismore and bikes travel for free.

Other outdoor pursuits on offer in Appin include boat hire, sailing and windsurfing waterskiing, clay-pigeon shooting and pony trekking.