Continuing our look at the origins of Ardanaiseig’s intriguing room names, this month we’re looking at our Master Garden View room Orchy. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, Orchy has a rather special addition. At the top of some small steps sits a small conservatory, perfect for sipping your morning cuppa or lounging the afternoon away with a good book. You can find out more about the room here.
Ardanaiseig’s Master Garden View room Orchy including conservatory
The name Orchy is known throughout Argyll for being attached to Glen Orchy, River Orchy, and Bridge of Orchy. Glen Orchy (‘Gleann Urchaidh’ in Gaelic) is about 17km long and runs from Bridge of Orchy, a village located on the West Highland Way long distance path, to Dalmally, a village about a 40 minute drive away from Ardanaiseig.
Glen Orchy. Image author: Jim Bain
Past inhabitants of Glen Orchy include Clan Gregor, until 1603 when they were outlawed by King James VI, and the Scottish Gaelic poet Duncan Ban MacIntyre who lived from 1724 –1812. Read more about MacIntyre and his love for Argyll in our blog post here, which also has details of the Duncan Ban Monument that can be seen from Ardanaiseig.
Running through Glen Orchy is River Orchy (‘Abhainn Urchaidh’ in Gaelic), which flows into Loch Awe near Kilchurn Castle. The river is a tourist destination for exciting watersports such as whitewater rafting and kayaking, as well as the more tranquil pastime of fishing.
River Orchy. Image author: Rebecca Beeston
So whether you’re looking to make the most of the great Highland outdoors or enjoy some relaxing downtime, you may just come across the name ‘Orchy’ during your travels around Argyll.
By Rosalea Collinge
