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Inveraray
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Inveraray Rainbow
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Inveraray Waterfront
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The George Hotel Inveraray
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Inveraray is situated on the banks of Loch Fyne in Argyll & Bute and is one of the earliest and best preserved planned towns in Scotland. Almost all of the buildings are whitewashed and of a similar architectural period. Inveraray’s current layout dates back to 1650 but the town itself has it's origins around 1453 when the 1st Earl of Argyll built a fortified keep very near the site of the present Inveraray Castle  Today the town boasts a reasonable range of tourist shops selling the usual highland fayre of shortbread, woolen clothing and tartan rugs. More importantly for the traveler there is a Tourist Information Centre, a bank, pharmacist, butchers, newsagents, ironmongers, cafes and chip shop.
Inveraray is also the birthplace (1863) of Neil Munro the author of Para Handy.
Inveraray is a favourite stopping off point on the way to the Mull of Kintyre the islands and north to Dalmally and Oban.
In summer tourists can be seen jostling for parking spaces, feasting on fish and chips and staring out to the loch and surrounding hills whilst eating ice cream. Despite the tourists Inveraray is well worth a visit. (You can also escape the tourists in Argyll at any time by just pulling off the two or three main roads!) There are some good hotels in Inveraray including The Argyll Hotel, The Loch Fyne Hotel and The George Hotel on the main street which serves good pub food and which will sometimes have live entertainment.
Places to visit in Inveraray include:
Inveraray Castle
 Inveraray Castle is the home of the Duke of Argyll. The castle is located a few minutes walk from the town centre and there is ample parking if arriving by car. Inveraray Castle is a very popular tourist attraction with a steady stream of coach parties arriving in the summer. So in addition to visiting the castle escape the crowds and enjoy some of lovely walks in the surroundings grounds of the castle. A detailed guide to the walks around the extensive grounds can be obtained from the reception desk within the castle.
For the reasonably energetic there is a very steady walk up the hill opposite to an old folly where you then get wonderful views of the town of Inveraray and Loch Fyne. This a great walk for people who don’t feel they are that fit as the incline is so steady as the path zig zags gradually up the slope. The gentle gradient is due to the path being originally built for horse drawn vehicles. Perhaps the Duke couldn’t face the walk? Take a picnic as there are grassy areas at the top and the rewarding views will make you linger.
The Bell Tower Inveraray
 
The Bell Tower dominates the town and it’s simple shape is very attractive. It contains Scotland's finest set of bells which are the second heaviest ring of ten in the world. The bells can often be heard ringing and for a small admission fee you can climb to the top of the tower for lovely views of the town. It’s a fair climb and not for the frail or very young.
If you do climb to the top you will get the best view of the town layout and you will be surprised at how quiet it is above the hustle and bustle of the town below. Sites to look out for in no particular order include the Arrochar Hills, Inveraray Castle, Inveraray Jail and Inveraray Golf Club.
Inveraray Jail
 Inveraray Jail enjoys a fine reputation as one of Scotland’s best tourist attractions. It’s a 19th century prison and court house.
If it’s not raining chances are it’s just about to rain so call in. It’s especially enjoyable for children as there are many parts of the exhibition which are interactive.
Well worth a visit. Click here to visit the Inveraray Jail web site
Inveraray Maritime Museum
Visit the pier where the occasional boat will be moored and where anglers are regularly fishing for mackerel. Go on board The Arctic Penguin and see what life at sea was like in 1911. The museum has a small cinema which screens archive films.
Inveraray is a good base for a holiday in Argyll & Bute. Whether sailing, riding, walking, fishing, cycling or just sight seing, Inveraray has a lot to offer the holiday maker. In winter Inveraray has a different character. Quiet and cosy the local pubs and hotels provide a real welcome.
Inveraray or Inverary? It’s quite surprising how often Inveraray is misspelt? There is an Inverary in Nova Scotia which might have added to the confusion? Either way the fact you found this page is all that matters.
Click Here for more photographs of Inveraray.
Thanks for visiting.
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