Airds Bay

Settlement in Argyllshire

Scotland

Airds Bay

Boat Moored on the River Nant at Taynuilt, Scottish Highlands Credit: Andrew Tryon

Airds Bay is a picturesque coastal village located in Argyllshire, Scotland. Situated on the western shores of Loch Etive, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. The village itself is small and tranquil, providing a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The main attraction of Airds Bay is its stunning beach, which stretches for miles along the coastline. The golden sand and crystal-clear waters make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists, especially during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach, sunbathe, or even try their hand at various water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

In addition to the beach, Airds Bay is also known for its hiking trails and nature reserves. The nearby hills and mountains provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the area's diverse flora and fauna. It is not uncommon to spot deer, birds, and other wildlife during a hike in this scenic region.

The village itself is home to a few quaint cottages and a small local pub, where visitors can enjoy a traditional Scottish meal and sample some local whisky. Although Airds Bay is a quiet and remote village, it is within driving distance of larger towns and cities, making it the perfect base for those who wish to explore the wider Argyllshire area.

Overall, Airds Bay is a hidden gem in Argyllshire, offering a peaceful and idyllic setting for those seeking a break from the hustle of everyday life. Its stunning beach, scenic hikes, and charming village make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those looking to experience the true beauty of Scotland's west coast.

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Airds Bay Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.440965/-5.2523056 or Grid Reference NM9932. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Boat Moored on the River Nant at Taynuilt, Scottish Highlands

Andrew Tryon

Iron Gate at Bonawe House, Taynuilt, Scottish Highlands

Andrew Tryon

View north-east from the A85

Eirian Evans

The Taynuilt Inn after the fire of 21st September 2021

A devastating fire occurred in the early morning of 21st September 2021, causing extensive damage to the structure of the historic Taynuilt Inn. Fortunately, everyone on the premises was able to escape unharmed. This photograph was taken a few days later.

Patrick Mackie

Furnace at Bonawe Ironworks

This beautifully managed site explains the history and working of the most complete charcoal-fired furnace in the British Isles. It was founded by the Newland Company in Cumbria who, because of a shortage of charcoal there, found a good source of wood for making charcoal in Argyll and chose to establish a furnace at Bonawe, rather than transport it the 300 miles to Cumbria. The Bonawe Furnace was established in 1753 and continued working until 1876, when it succumbed to more efficient competition. There was no forge, so most of its output went to the company's base in Furness, with surplus going elsewhere. The only finished product to go from Bonawe was cannonballs.

Sandy Gerrard

Bonawe Furnace â 1998

Looking down the site from between the charcoal stores. The complete site is a designated Scheduled Monument rather than the buildings being Listed. It is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.

Alan Murray-Rust

Bonawe Furnace â 1998

The blast furnace. The complete site is a designated Scheduled Monument rather than the buildings being Listed. It is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.

Alan Murray-Rust