Out & About
Brae House is located on a slight rise giving a good view of many of the Slate Islands (Easdale, Luing and Belnahua). During the 18th and 19th centuries Easdale became the unlikely centre for a very prosperous industry - slate mining. The area also gave its name to a band of geological strata that reached across the Highlands from north east to south west, the Easdale Slate Belt.
The area around Easdale is quiet and perfect for walking and cycling, a very enjoyable cycle can be had by taking the B844 road from Ellenabeich out to the 'Bridge over the Atlantic' at Clachan Sound. While at the bridge a visit to the 18th century Tigh an Truish Inn is recommended for a good bar lunch. Tigh an Truish is Gaelic for 'house of the trousers' and dates to the time after the Jacobite rebellion when kilts were outlawed. Another cycle / walk will take you to the Cuan Ferry where you can take the ferry over to the quiet island of Luing. The island has one shop, at Cullipool, and the island was also famous for slate production but now relies on tourism, beef farming and lobster fishing.
Also to be found on the B844 road is the Seil Island golf course located at Balvicar. This is a coastal 9 hole course and it has fabulous views as well as offering a good game. The condition of the course is very good and the greens can be fast and testing.
Many of the slate beaches in the area are quiet all year round and they are perfect for a picnic while looking out at the stunning views of nearby islands and maybe the chance to spot seal, porpoise, whale, dolphin or possibly even an otter in one of the flooded slate pits. There are wonderful walks inland from Brae House and the views from the hills directly behind are simply breathtaking. Also in the village, on the same site as the former Easdale distillery, are the lovely An Cala gardens, these were designed by Thomas Mawson in the 1930s.
Eating out in Easdale is easy with the Oyster Brewery & Restaurant serving good food and drink. The restaurant is located down by the quay side near the local museum (also well worth a visit). On Easdale Island is the Puffer Bar & Tea Room where you will find a range of homemade food in an atmosphere 'of the seashore and New England'. Easdale Island although small is well worth the 200 metre ferry ride as there are some lovely walks around the island and many traces remain of the island's slate mining past.
The nearest town to Easdale is Oban (16 miles) and in addition to the usual supermarkets (Cooperative, Tesco) there are many good local shops and restaurants that make the trip worthwhile. The town boasts a harbour with a good ferry service to the likes of Mull, Coll, Tiree and Lismore. In the opposite direction from Easdale is the amazing Kilmartin glen (28 miles), this small glen contains over 800 ancient monuments within 6 miles of the village of Kilmartin and so it is best to plan for at least one whole day spent here! Before starting out exploring a visit to Kilmartin House is essential for a good lunch as well as information.