Walking

Go for a wander, the quiet West Road is ideal to amble along taking in the wildflowers and bountiful greenery while listening to the birds singing. Please keep dogs on a lead at all times though as the majority of the Glen is working farmland with cattle and sheep in the fields.
For more energetic walks why not try doing some of the Cowal Way, there are shorter sections of this 47 mile long walk which include Glendaruel and some loop walks along the way. The guide to the Cowal Way by John Fisher can be bought at the shop at the Caravan Park.

Cycling

The West Road once again is ideal for a not so strenuous bike ride, or the fitter among you can do the loop from the Clachan along the West Road and then rejoin the main road just below Dunans Castle to return towards the Clachan, roughly a 10 mile cycle.

Stretch’n’Tone

If you’re feeling the need for more of a workout then this class which takes place every Wednesday at 8pm in the Village Hall year round is just the job. Sadie will guide you through a mixture of Pilates, Yoga and Qi Gong exercises to a new more flexible you! It’s also a lot of fun and all ages and fitness levels are welcome so don’t be shy.

Shinty

Our local team ColGlen (juniors and seniors) train every Sunday afternoon at the pitch behind the primary school in the clachan. If you are feeling brave you can feel free to come and join in or if you just want to see what this traditional Scottish game involves, stand well back and enjoy – it’s fast and furious! Throughout the spring/summer months ColGlen are involved in a league. If you’re lucky there may be a match on, usually on a Saturday starting at 2.30pm. For more info on local games checkout the ColGlen Community Site or for more about the game itself click here.

Shooting

The Glendaruel Gun Club holds clay pigeon shoots throughout the spring/summer months, please see the noticeboard in the Hotel for dates.

Fishing

Permits for fly fishing (May to October) on the Ruel can be purchased from the Caravan Park and the Hotel.

Wildlife

Glendaruel is a real haven for birds and wildlife. You’ll be sure to spot the red squirrels and rabbits which abound in the glen. Foxes, roe and red deer can be seen from time to time and if you’re really lucky there are also hedgehogs, badgers and mink residing in the area. Peacock, red admiral and cabbage white butterflies are commonly to be found in gardens and along the hedgerows here and various types of birds of prey, owls and woodpeckers are evident. Smaller varieties of birds fill the trees and roadsides which makes for very tuneful walks.

Historical Sites

A visit to Kilmodan Church is a must as it contains a Lapidarium in which there are preserved carved gravestones from the 15th and 16th Centuries. These stones once covered graves in the Kirkyard, and demonstrate the carver’s skill with Celtic design.

Dunans Castle, a B listed building, now undergoing renovations and the A-listed Telford designed bridge over the Ruel leading to Dunans are of significant historical interest. Dunans was the home of the Clan Fletcher up until 1997. Pathways around the grounds will be open to the public from late May 2006.

Ceilidhs

Keep a close watch on all local noticeboards for upcoming ceilidhs in the Village Hall. The locals here all work hard, but also like to play hard and you’ll need a good pair of dancing shoes if you’re going to keep up! Traditional Scottish dances such as Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and Gay Gordons will keep you on your toes and are great fun to join in with whether you know them or not. Great tunes and a great atmosphere.

Village Fete

This is a great day for the whole family and takes place at the end of the Summer every year. Check the Community Website and local noticeboards for a date. Books, bric-a-brac, fabulous homebaking, plants, bottle stalls and games for all ages. All to raise funds for the local Church.

Indoor Bowls – a well attended ladies club every Tuesday night in the Winter months with a running league and a few tournaments open to all to join in.

Badminton Club – Tuesday mornings year-round, reach for your racket and head to the hall for a hit about.

Whist Drives – Fun for the whole family. There’s a dedicated circle of whist fans who get together on a Monday night fortnightly to play a few hands. Every now and again there’s a fund raising Whist Drive, usually on a Friday night. Watch local noticeboards for these.

Shinty training – in the Winter, the hall is used for training on Thursdays from 6pm onwards .