If the weather is good, ask the hotel to pack a picnic lunch for you then retrace your steps down the single track road to the to the A85 and turn right toward Dalmally and Crianlarich. As you drive along the shores of Loch Awe, a massive fortress will come into view sitting on an island in the Loch, two miles before Dalmally. This is Kilchurn Castle, ancient stronghold of the Campbell's, built in 1440. As you pull in to park your car you will see that you are at a tiny railroad station and that the boat waiting there to take you to the island is an antique wooden steamer, one that has plied the lochs for generations. Climb aboard and take a 15 minute (approx) journey to the island. Don't be surprised if you are greeted by the local horses who will come right up to you and, very politely, ask for food! The steamer makes regular crossings during the tourist season, for current fares and schedule call (0)1838 20040.

Climb to the top of the castle and enjoy the views over Loch Awe and the brooding Grampian Mountains with Ben Cruachan, at 3,689 feet, dominating the skyline at the northern end of the loch. Have lunch on the grass before catching the boat back to your car.

Very near to Kilchurn Castle is the Isle of Inishail which has an ancient chapel and small but impressive burial ground with Celtic crosses. Many of the Dukes of Argyll have been laid to rest here. It is only accessible by boat and requires a good guide around the rocky shallows. Taychreggan Hotel can provide you with both boat and ghillie (guide).

Heading back towards Taychreggan on the A85, there are a selection of stopping off places, depending on your interests.

l. Two miles down the road in Awe Village is St. Conan's Kirk, a l9th century church with a surreal mix of architectural styles--including gothic gargoyles--and worth a look at.

2. Three miles further down the A85 road is the Cruachan Power Station, one of the largest hydro-electric stations in the world. The station is hidden within a vast cavern one kilometer inside Ben Cruachan mountain and has won "green" awards for its sensitivity to the environment as well as tourist awards for its interesting subject matter. A guided tour takes you inside the mountain, home to exotic plants and uncovers for you an engineering wonder right out of James Bond. Open daily, Easter to November. Tel: (0)1-866-822509.

3. In addition, you are very near the magnificent Falls of Cruachan and the lonely, wild Pass of Brander where, 700 years ago, Robert the Bruce defeated the McDougall clan. If you take an afternoon hike, imagine the bloody scene that must have ensued here so many centuries ago. Remember too that, 700 years ago, Scotland was much more heavily wooded than it is today. The Falls of Cruachan are also the jumping off point if you wish to "munro bash" Ben Cruachan-see Day 4's itinerary for more information on munro bashing.

4. Several miles before Taynuilt on the A85, you can turn right onto a side road at the Bridge of Awe, heading towards the Inverawe Fisheries and Smokehouse, one mile down. Here you can visit a traditional smokehouse and have a chance to purchase its wares from the gourmet shop. There are also picturesque river walks to be enjoyed.

5. In Taynuilt, a mile past the Taychreggan turn-off, you can turn right on a side road heading towards the Bonawe Iron Furnace, one mile down. Founded in 1753 and worked until l876, it is the oldest, remaining charcoal fueled ironworks in Britain. There is a center with displays on how iron was made here. Maintained by Historic Scotland, it is open April through September. Tel: (0)1-866-822432.

Directions from A85 back to Taychreggan Hotel: From the A85 at Taynuilt, turn onto the B845 signposted Kilchrenan and follow this road 7 miles until it dead-ends at the hotel.