Golf, church architecture and local history give Innellan several distinct points of interest. Above the village is a traditional nine-hole golf course; Innellan Parish Church has a building history dating back to 1852, and Knockamillie Castle is a castle ruin on higher ground above the pier. Sandy Beach lies outside Innellan, along the road towards Toward. Geology and wildlife are also among the village’s attractions.

Golf course and coastline

Innellan Golf Club is a traditional nine-hole course, founded in 1891. It is situated above Innellan and offers views over the Firth of Clyde. Those wishing to include golf in their stay will find a clear focus here; the views across the Firth add a landscape dimension to the sporting appeal.

Sandy Beach is in a different location: the beach lies outside Innellan along the road towards Toward, before you reach the next village. There is free parking and public toilets. The toilets are open for most of the year. Check local information before travelling if these facilities are important to your plans. The two locations therefore differ in how they are situated: the golf course is above Innellan, while the beach is outside the village.

Church architecture and local history

Innellan Parish Church was built in 1852, with a nave, aisles and a tower made of local whin stone. Extensions followed in 1867 and 1887. Its building history therefore cannot be reduced to a single date: two phases of extension followed its construction. At the centre of the church is a stained-glass window that is a version of Holman Hunt’s “The Light of the World”.

George Matheson is also part of the history of Innellan Parish Church. From 1869, he served there as minister for 18 years. Together with the dated building phases and the central window, this offers a picture combining architecture, art and a specific historical connection to the village.

Castle ruin and traces of the former hotel

Knockamillie Castle is a castle ruin on higher ground above Innellan Pier. The remains include part of the south wall and an open staircase measuring 6.0 m long and 1.0 m thick. These described remains give the castle site a different character from the church: here, the focus is on parts of a ruin and their specific dimensions.

Another local trace can be found on the site of the former Royal Hotel. There is a walled garden built from stones from the hotel. The former hotel site is thus connected with a garden that is described today, without implying that the hotel still exists.

Geology, wildlife and further discoveries

The Highland Boundary fault line runs through the centre of Innellan. Otters, seals, dolphins and porpoises are found in the area. The geographical references differ: the geological line runs through the village centre, while the animals are associated with the Innellan area.

There are also information boards at various locations in Innellan. The Velvet Path Riding & Trekking Centre in Innellan is recognised by the Trekking and Riding Society for Scotland. Together with the golf course, church, castle remains and beach, Innellan offers a range of cultural, scenic and sporting interests. You can choose what to focus on during your stay based on these local points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Arrochar, Lerags, Taynuilt, Isle of Gigha, Dalmally, Lochgilphead, Kirn, Minard

For the main travel overview: Argyll And Bute.