The 82-metre-long stone pier northwest of the Old Ferry Inn was built between 1812 and 1820 to a design by Thomas Telford. Together with the chapel and the former ferry crossing over Loch Fyne, it provides a tangible connection to the village’s history.

Chapel, inn and historic connections

The original building of the Old Ferry Inn is said to have existed since the mid-15th century. The ruined chapel is also associated with this period: it was founded in the mid-15th century by Duncan Campbell of Lochawe. Fragmentary remains of a ruined chapel lie southeast of the Old Ferry Inn. Beside it was a holy well visited by pilgrims.

Another connection to the history of construction leads to Inveraray: from 1751, stone quarried at St Catherines was the main source of dressed stone for Inveraray Castle. The historic ferry crossing over Loch Fyne connected Inveraray and St Catherines. For the Earls of Argyll, it was the most direct route to and from the Scottish Lowlands.

Views of Loch Fyne and the coastal landscape

On the A815 at St Catherines, unobstructed views of Loch Fyne and Inveraray open up again when the road runs parallel to the shore. The surrounding area of St Catherines forms part of the North Argyll & East Loch Fyne Coast Areas of Panoramic Quality. When planning your stay, you can combine two different focuses: the historic buildings in the village and the landscape by the loch.

Shore access and activities on the water

A narrow, tree-lined track provides vehicle access to the shore opposite the caravan site. Conditions may change; check access before making a specific trip. Opposite the disused St Catherines Hotel is a concrete pier with a slipway. It is privately owned and administered by Argyll and Bute Council. If you plan to use the pier, check the applicable conditions beforehand.

The shingle beaches between Strachur and St Catherines are mentioned as an area for sea fishing. Shore access and conditions may change, so it is worth checking locally.

The St Catherines dive site lies on the eastern shore of Loch Fyne, directly opposite Inveraray. At a depth of about 10 to 35 metres, there is a rubble reef that provides shelter for numerous species of small marine life. An underwater telecommunications cable runs at a depth of about 20 metres, bisecting the reef and attracting sponges, sea squirts and peacock worms.

A 2017 report describes St Catherines as a starting point for a canoe trip on Upper Loch Fyne. The pier was also used as an entry and exit point for an open-water swimming experience. Water conditions, currents and access may change and should be checked locally before making such plans.

Discover more destinations: Garelochhead, Dalavich, Isle of Jura, Kingarth, Kilmun, Craignure, Lochgilphead, Port Charlotte.

Back to the main travel overview: Argyll And Bute.