Byre Cottage, Seafield Farm, Achnamara, Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute, PA31 8PS

We've just returned from 4 nights at Byre Cottage. At a time when there was frost on the ground every morning it was a snug, comfortable and spacious cottage, very quiet and rural. We would certainly return when visiting the area again. The owners live on site and were very effecient, friendly and helpful without being obtrusive.

Having visited Byre Cottage - and neighbouring Stable Cottage at New Year over the past two years and enjoyed our stay, the area and the excellent scenery and food available, we decided to visit when the weather was slightly warmer. In January 2009 the sea loch at Tayvallich had a layer of ice across it - that IS cold! However, the excellent wood fuelled central heating system easily coped with sub-zero temperatures and gave us all the hot water we needed! In June by contrast we arrived in bright sunshine with friends who had never been to Knapdale before and enjoyed the trip along the Crinan Canal and the final run down to the Byre. The cottage in warm weather was just as delightful, and seeing everything green, including the large garden and the willows Jane grows for her basket making made a change from the browns of the winter. The welcome - and a home-made banana loaf - was just as warm, the latter being not long out the oven! Walks around the cottage are delightful, and we could have spent hours watching the boats going through the canal locks, especially at Crinan where it can be viewed from an outside table at the Coffee Shop in warm, dry weather. (Or at Cairnban Hotel where something stronger can be drunk while enjoying their amazing menu of local foods.) A trip down the A83 enabled us to cross on the ferry to Gigha where bikes can be hired to explore the island. The Boathouse and/or the local hotel are both worth visiting! The trip from Crinan to the Corryvracken is a must. To sail through the large whirlpools, eddies and currents formed by threee tidal flows is awe-inspiring, as was watching dolphins swimming through the currents which sometimes reach almost10 knots! And it wasn't the local angling club's fault we caught only one small trout in one of their lochs. Nor was it the fault of the beavers which have been introduced to the water! Unfortunately we didn't see them either! And returning home each evening to the well-equipped cottage was a pleasure, as were the fresh farm eggs Jane (or rather her hens) provided for breakfast. The flock has recovered from the winter drama when a pine marten broke into the hen-hut and had chicken (several) for dinner! After only four days it was a wrench to return home.... but we will return!!! The only slight flaw - common to all over the west coast is the ****** Scottish midge - but Skin So Soft DOES work!

(Note: reviewer supplied incorrect email address - added at editor's discretion because it appeared to be a helpful review)

We stayed in the Byre over Christmas 2008 and had a wonderful week. Very comfortable, with good quality furniture and furnishings, and they had thought of everything - we even found birthday cake candles! Very friendly and helpful owners, who are around if you need them, but not if you don't.

Pretty views out over the garden, and walks in all directions from the cottage, into forest, woodland, hills and along the loch. Stunning scenery, and wildlife all around. A very special place to stay.