Leisure Activities

The Crinan Garden | Golf & Crinan | Boat Trips on the Truant

Everyone needs a little rest and relaxation. At Crinan that's not difficult to achieve. The Crinan Canal walk begins right outside the hotel door, and there are several short walks on which visitors can find out more about this magical destination. Right behind the hotel is our own 'secret garden' - tended by Frances Macdonald, this is open to hotel guests who seek a little santuary in which to stroll and contemplate the seasons.

For the more energetic guests we have several golf courses nearby. We have a splendid classic wooden sailing boat which can be chartered on a daily basis complete with skipper.

Local leisure and sporting activities include:

• Championship Golf Course at Machrihanish and others nearby courses
  
• Sea-fari Adventures in speedboats
  
• Motor Yacht trips round the Isles
  
• Sailing Charters
  
• Horse riding & Trail riding
  
• Clay Pigeon Shooting
  
• Mountain Biking
  
• Historic and Nature Walks

If you would like to discuss your requirements for corporate days, meetings or events please contact Jamie on tel: 01546 830261 or email to: nryan@crinanhotel.com

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CRINAN HOTEL'S SECRET GARDEN

At Crinan Hotel there is a delightful garden secreted away on the hill just behind the hotel. For use by the guests of Crinan Hotel, this 'secret garden' is open to the public during Scotland's Garden Scheme Open Days.

Open the gate just outside the Hotel Bar and climb the stone staircase that leads to the top of the ridge just outside the upper garden entrance. A small bench at the top is a welcome site for the less energetic amongst us! Then, entering the garden through the small top gate, enjoy a leisurely walk down through the plants and trees carefully tended by the owner, Frances MacDonald.

Like many other things at Crinan - the garden is a secret you stumble upon while exploring this enchanted place. Featured in Suki Urkuhart's wonderful book 'The Scottish Gardener' (on sale at the hotel) the Crinan Garden may be small but it offers a refreshing moment of contemplation amongst some beautiful cottage garden planting.

For the more energetic visitors we would recommend a short walk up to the top of the hill that overlooks Crinan Hotel and the Crinan Canal from the east. There you will see the full extent of the garden and the inspiring panorama which streches out over the loch and the distant mountains.

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Golf at Crinan

Golfers visit the Crinan Hotel for some of the most spectacular and authentic golf courses in the world.

Located on the shores of the Mull of Kintyre and within "driving" distance of the Crinan Hotel you will discover Machrihanish, Dunaverty, Carradale, Tarbert and, after a short ferry trip, Machrie on Islay.

Machrihanish and Dunaverty, at the tip of the Mull of Kintyre, skirt the very beaches made famous by Paul McCartney and the Campbeltown Pipe Band. Less than two hours from Crinan on your dirve to Glasgow is the internationally famous Loch Lomond Golf Club on the "Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond".

Please contact the Crinan Hotel to organise your golf and accommodation.We can source Chauffeurs, seaplanes, packed lunches and golfer's hampers on request.

Machrihanish

The first hole across sand and surf was recently voted the best in the world. - This is a championship natural links course, an inspiring challenge set on the Atlantic shore looking out to Ireland and Islay. "The Almighty had gowff in his e'e when he made this place." The words of four times open championship winner Tom Morrison of St Andrews in 1879. Such a fantastic spot that in those days players would take a steam boat and carriage to play a round.
>> www.machgolf.com

Dunaverty

A stunning 18 holes with a panorama of Ayrshire, Ailsa Craig (Paddy's Mile Stone), and Ireland. Arguably the finest greens in Scotland. The home course of Belle McCorkindale, Scottish and British Champion for many years. She visited the hotel with Frances Ryan's uncle, Peter Macdonald who then hosted Belle and the British Team in Kansas for the Whitman Cup. Frances' family has always been very keen and talented golfers and her father won many tournaments across on the West of Scotland.
>> www.dunavertygolfclub.com/

Tarbert

A very pretty and technical course above the beautiful fishing port of Tarbert. It can get wet in the winter months but the greens are always immaculate. Don't forget the honesty box.
>> More details here

Carradale

One of the most sporting nine holes in Scotland and a local favorite with Crinan Hotel. With perfect greens and sensational views of the Peaks of Arran, the "Sleeping Giant", rising out of the Firth of Clyde. Carradale celebrate it's centenary this year.
>> More details here

Machrie

An early start, a beautiful ferry ride and what must rank as one of the best courses in the world.

'No mere golfer deserves it, this extraordinary combination of beauty, solitude, and freedom' James Finnegan, author: Blasted Heaths and Blessed Greens

At 6250 yards long, the Machrie course is described as a subtle beast with a sense of humour. In the natural sand dunes lurk its wicked teeth, and a capricious temperament sometimes provoked by winds of varied strengths and direction.
>> www.machrie.com.golf

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BOAT TRIPS ON THE TRUANT

IMPORTANT:
The Truant is out of the water (in Crinan dry dock) having maintenance work for 2012 so is currently not available for charter. She will be back in the water in 2013.

Crinan Hotel is situated in some of the finest sailing cruising ground in the world. This boat is very beautiful and one of the only of her type left in the world. Built in 1910 in Scotland by undoubtedly the most famous yacht designer to have lived "William Fife III", TRUANT is an 8 meter gaff race yacht.

For a memorable trip and to experience this excellent sailing location for yourself why not charter our 100 year old crewed classic sailing yacht 'Truant'.

Charters can be tailor made to suit your preferences with personalised itineraries,  lobsters lunches on board or at a deserted beach or a stop at a local pub.  Day trips/ half day trips leave and return from Crinan or we can sail further afield with planned overnighting at other hotels. The boat is limited to a maximum of 4 guests.

Further details on TRUANT web page >>