Balblair Cottages | Self Catering Holiday Cottages in Easter Ross, Scotland
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Upper Brackendale, Taynuilt

Guest Rating
Rating
4.8
out of 5
Guest Rating
Rating
4.8
out of 5
Argyllshire & Islands » Brackendale
Sleeps up to 4
Bedrooms: 2

Upper Brackendale is a first-floor apartment on the edge of Taynuilt village in Argyll and The Isles, Scotland. Sitting above the owner's home and reached via a single-lane track, it has stunning views of Ben Cruachan and is just a short walk from Loch Etive. The interior has been newly refurbished throughout.

Taynuilt is a peaceful lochside village with a well-stocked village shop, post office, butchers, tea room and outdoor shop. Red squirrels visit the garden regularly along with woodpeckers and little grebes on the garden lochan. Walks start from the doorstep including a circular route via Inverawe Smokery and back along the loch.

The apartment sleeps four across two bedrooms a double and a twin.

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About Upper Brackendale

Upper Brackendale is a first-floor apartment on the edge of Taynuilt village in Argyll and The Isles, Scotland. Sitting above the owner's home and reached via a single-lane track, it has stunning views of Ben Cruachan and is just a short walk from Loch Etive. The interior has been newly refurbished throughout.

Taynuilt is a peaceful lochside village with a well-stocked village shop, post office, butchers, tea room and outdoor shop. Red squirrels visit the garden regularly along with woodpeckers and little grebes on the garden lochan. Walks start from the doorstep including a circular route via Inverawe Smokery and back along the loch.

The apartment sleeps four across two bedrooms a double and a twin. There is one shower room with walk-in shower. The open-plan living space includes a kitchen, dining area and lounge. Guests have sole use of a lawned garden with seating for four beside a lily pond and a BBQ area.

Oban is 12.5 miles away (25 minutes) with its harbour and McCaig's Tower. Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace is walkable. Inveraray Castle is within easy reach (40 minutes). Glencoe is roughly 30 minutes by car.

Upper Brackendale suits families and couples wanting a quiet Scottish base with wildlife on the doorstep. Rated 4.8 from 31 reviews guests repeatedly praise the spotless condition and Scottish welcome hamper.

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What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Upper Brackendale

Scottish Welcome Hamper

Guests consistently highlight the Scottish welcome hamper with homemade Scotch pancakes and treats as a brilliant arrival surprise.

Red Squirrels & Wildlife

Red squirrels visit the garden regularly. Woodpeckers, little grebes on the garden lochan and rabbits are all commonly spotted.

Stunning Scenery

Views of Ben Cruachan from the property and Loch Etive just a short walk away make this a spectacular base for outdoor exploration.

Spotlessly Clean

Multiple reviews specifically use the phrase spotlessly clean. The newly refurbished interior is well-maintained and beautifully furnished throughout.

Walks from the Door

A circular walk via Inverawe Smokery and back along Loch Etive starts right from the village. Ben Cruachan Munro is also accessible nearby.

Friendly Hosts

Owners Jan and Neil are welcoming and helpful without being intrusive. Guests praise their flexibility and warm approach to hosting.

Getting To Upper Brackendale

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

Upper Brackendale sits on the edge of Taynuilt village in Argyll, accessed via a single-lane track. The village lies between Connel and Loch Awe on the A85. Off-road parking for two cars is available on arrival.

By Train

Taynuilt railway station is within a short walk of the apartment and provides direct services to Oban. This makes it easy to leave the car behind for day trips along the coast and to the islands.

Off-road parking for two cars
Taynuilt station (short walk)
Accessible via the A85 between Connel and Loch Awe

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace
Distance: 0.8 miles
PA35 1JQ
McCaig's Tower, Oban
Distance: 12.5 miles
PA34 5AB
Inveraray Castle
Distance: approx 35 miles
PA32 8XE
Loch Etive Shoreline Walk
Distance: 0.3 miles
PA35 1JQ
Inverawe Smokery Circular Walk
Distance: 1 mile
PA35 1HU
Ben Cruachan Munro
Distance: 5 miles
PA33 1AN
Graham's Village Shop & Post Office
Distance: 0.7 miles
PA35 1JQ
Taynuilt Butchers
Distance: 0.7 miles
PA35 1JQ
Oban Town Centre Supermarkets
Distance: 12.5 miles
PA34 4BX
Taynuilt Railway Station
Distance: 0.4 miles
PA35 1JQ
Connel Village
Distance: 5 miles
PA37 1PH
Oban Ferry Terminal
Distance: 12.5 miles
PA34 4DB
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace
Distance: 0.8 miles
PA35 1JQ
McCaig's Tower, Oban
Distance: 12.5 miles
PA34 5AB
Inveraray Castle
Distance: approx 35 miles
PA32 8XE
Loch Etive Shoreline Walk
Distance: 0.3 miles
PA35 1JQ
Inverawe Smokery Circular Walk
Distance: 1 mile
PA35 1HU
Ben Cruachan Munro
Distance: 5 miles
PA33 1AN
Graham's Village Shop & Post Office
Distance: 0.7 miles
PA35 1JQ
Taynuilt Butchers
Distance: 0.7 miles
PA35 1JQ
Oban Town Centre Supermarkets
Distance: 12.5 miles
PA34 4BX
Taynuilt Railway Station
Distance: 0.4 miles
PA35 1JQ
Connel Village
Distance: 5 miles
PA37 1PH
Oban Ferry Terminal
Distance: 12.5 miles
PA34 4DB

Is Upper Brackendale Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
The twin bedroom is noted as ideal for children. The private garden has a lawned area and BBQ seating. Red squirrels, woodpeckers and rabbits visit regularly. Taynuilt has a village shop and tea room within walking distance. Oban is 12.5 miles away with ferry trips to the islands. Note: the deep lily pond requires constant adult supervision.
For Couples
Upper Brackendale is a quiet, newly refurbished apartment with views of Ben Cruachan and Loch Etive a short walk away. Evening strolls along the loch, a private garden beside a lily pond and a Scottish welcome hamper on arrival all set the scene well. Oban, Inveraray and Glencoe are all within easy reach for day trips together.
Pet Friendly
Upper Brackendale does not accept pets. This is a firm policy at the property. Guests travelling with animals will need to look for alternative accommodation in the Taynuilt and Argyll area.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Upper Brackendale

Inverawe Smokery & Café

Located 1 mile from your accommodation.

Postcode: PA35 1HU

Fishers Hotel, Connel

Located 5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: PA37 1PH

Kilchrenan Inn

Located 6 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: PA35 1HE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Upper Brackendale

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
Upper Brackendale does not have a hot tub. The property does however have a private lawned garden with seating for four beside a lily pond and a BBQ area for outdoor enjoyment.
Is it pet friendly?
No, Upper Brackendale does not accept pets. This is a strict policy at the property so guests travelling with animals will need to find alternative accommodation.
How many people does Upper Brackendale sleep?
The apartment sleeps four guests across two bedrooms one double and one twin room. The twin room is noted as being well-suited to children.
Is there parking at the property?
Yes, there is off-road parking for two cars at the property. Access is via a single-lane track so guests should be prepared for that on arrival.
What is the nearest town for shopping and eating out?
Oban is 12.5 miles away and has a wide range of supermarkets, restaurants and attractions including its famous harbour. The village of Taynuilt itself has a well-stocked shop, post office, butchers and tea room within 0.7 miles.
Can I get to Oban without a car?
Yes. Taynuilt has its own train station within a short walk of the apartment, making it straightforward to travel to Oban without driving. This is a popular choice for guests wanting a day out.
Is the garden safe for children?
There is a deep lily pond at the bottom of the garden and children must be supervised at all times when outside. The garden is otherwise a lovely space with lawned areas and a seating area beside the pond.
What is the nearest train station?
Taynuilt railway station is within a short walk of the apartment. It provides direct rail access to Oban and is a convenient way to explore the area without using the car every day.

Upper Brackendale Reviews

Oct 2025
Enjoyed a comfortable stay at Upper Brackendale. Area very quiet. Selection of goodies left for us, which was much appreciated.
Sep 2025
Directions to the property were wrong but I think the owner has already put it right. Please check that you now have the right directions to the property.
Philippa
Jul 2025
Really enjoyed our stay, particularly access to nearby swimming, scenery, cycling and wildlife.
Jun 2025
Excellent. We will highly comend it.
May 2025
Lovely quite well equipped flat in a stunning location. Short walk to station to get the train to Oban so you can leave the car behind for the whisky tour. The little shop in the village ran by Graham stocks everything you need. We will definitely be back.
Alexandra
Apr 2025
We had an amazing stay at Upper Brackendale and would love to revisit in the future. It was a cosy retreat at the end of a busy day, ideally placed for all of our adventures. The red squirrels were elusive but we spotted one early in the morning in the trees opposite. We will have to come again to see the otters in the nearby loch. The hosts were friendly but not intrusive. We couldn't have asked for mor!.
Louise M
Aug 2024
Excellent venue. Brilliant facilities. Great hosts.
Jun 2024
Nice property comfortable great location.
Phillip
May 2024
An absolutely delightful and wonderful place to stay
Caroline
Apr 2024
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Upper Brackendale. It was very well equipped and had everything you would want on holiday. We especially enjoyed the bird feeders, seeing a woodpecker, two red squirrels and a variety of small birds most days. Sadly the weather wasnt good enough to enjoy the lovely back garden, but we had a good time anyway!
Apr 2024
We could smell their log burner when it was lit, even though the windows were closed. Kitchen roll & tin foil would have been useful. The oven needed to be cleaned. Mostly it was fine but we have had better accommodation.
Malcolm
Sep 2023
This is a very nice property got everything you need and a welcome basket with things you need ,it is nice and quiet and nice walk to Grahams shop there is post officebutcherstea roomoutdoor shopTrain station if you dont want to drive to Oban or any other place . At Connell there is Fishers Hotel where you get food and not expensive and food is really nice,
Matthew
Sep 2023
Thankyou for the stay at Brackendale. Really lovely apartment in a very quiet location. Everything was spotlessly clean with a nice welcome pack of goodies on arrival. Bedrooms are cosy but the loungedining roomkitchen is very spacious area to relax in. Would certainly recommend. The pub mentioned in the description has been shut for the last 2 years following a fire and should be removed from the description.
Apr 2023
A very special place to stay. Red squirrels and birds on the garden feeders, peaceful Lochan in back garden with Little Grebes and other birds, Loch Etive a short walk away great for evening strolls. Other walks from the door.
Oct 2022
Lovely clean comfortable apartment in ideal spot. The welcome basket was much appreciated. Owners friendly and helpful.
Patricia
Sep 2022
We were made very welcome, a lovely quiet setting with pleasant walks on the doorstep and more ambitious a short drive away. There was a welcome pack waiting when we arrived with essentials and Scottish treats. The apartment was very roomy and comfortable
Sep 2022
A beautiful property very well equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay. A real home from home.
Aug 2022
We had an absolutely fantastic stay at Upper Brackendale. We booked our stay very, very last minute and the owners were so accommodating even though we called and booked at 7pm on a Saturday ! The place has a stunning view and is spotlessly clean. It comes with all the amenities you could want for a stay away. The gift basket is a lovely treat and the pancakes were amazing! Thank you for a great stay.
Jul 2022
The property was great. Everything we needed to make the holiday a success was provided. It was clean and comfortable. The property is situated in a lovely spot.
William
Jun 2022
Spacious, clean and tidy accommodation which had everything we needed. The welcome hamper was a lovely surprise and we certainly made the most of it. The property was set in a wonderful location, just a short distance from the village and the loch. We would definitely book this property again
Pauline
May 2022
A lovely beautiful cared for apartment. Spotlessly clean. Jan the owner was very welcoming. We very much appreciated the Scottish welcome hamper. A good base to explore the surrounding area. Thank you for a lovely stay.
Patricia
Apr 2022
This is a lovely, comfortable, well equipped apartment. Beautifully furnished with a full kitchen. Has own front entrance. A very quiet setting but close enough to the amenities of Taynuilt. In a great spot for visiting Oban, Inverary, Rannich Moor and Glencoe. Fort William is just over an hour away by car. Fantastic scenery all around and some great walks from the doorstep.
Deborah
Nov 2021
The property owner was welcoming, friendly and helpful.
Sep 2021
The apartment was exactly what we wanted. It was spotlessly clean and had everything we needed. It was in a great location for exploring the area and Jan the owner couldnt have been more helpful. We wouldnt hesitate to return in the future.
Sep 2021
The position of the property was particularly lovely near Loch Etive which was wonderful for evening walks. The village was very friendly and there were plenty of local walks.
Barbara
Aug 2021
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday at Upper Brackendale. The apartment was very clean and comfortable and Jan and Neil made us very welcome. The apartment is in a very peaceful area but with excellent facilities in the village, a butcher, grocer, village inn and tearoom with lots of superb walks and attractions in the locality. We can heartily recommend Upper Brackendale.
Michael
Jul 2021
We had a lovely stay at Brackendale. We were greeted by Jan the owner and had a wonderful gift basket waiting for us at the property which was spotlessly clean and tidy. Whether you are looking to stay relatively local or use the cottage as a base for further travel, it is ideally located. With some great local walks to Loch Etive, the surrounding woods to Inverawe smokehouse for a toastie or into the small village for a drink in the Taynuilt Inn or to visit the local tearoom. Oban is 20 minutes away in the car, with links on the ferries to the Islands. I'd also recommend a visit to Inveraray Castle and the town there. You can be in Fort William in an hour or Glencoe in half that time. All in all, we had a wonderful holiday.
Jul 2021
We had a fantastic week staying at upper Brackendale. Jan and Neil have a beautiful apartment that has everything you need as well as homemade pancakes and a welcome pack on arrival! Quiet settling surrounded by fields, the iron furnace and Loch Etive. A perfect base to explore the isles and beyond. Would recommend to anyone. Some lovely local spots that we enjoyed Inverawe Smokery and country park which is only a short away . Taynuilt Golf Club Taynuilt Inn kilcreachan Inn delicious food and a pretty drive 6 miles away. The Old Inn Appin for incredible Highland steaks and a stunning view of Castle Stalker. Walking the circular walk in Kerrera with a stop at the farm hut for some local highland icecream. Rosebank E bike hire in Appin to cycle around Lismore
Andrew
Jul 2021
This was a very comfortable, well equipped apartment, ideally situated for exploring the West of Scotland. Friendly host, would definitely recommend to others
Jul 2021
Lovely place to stay, cottage had everything you would need self catering and more! Ideal location for exploring the area.
Jun 2021
The apartment was very well appointed and situated on the edge of the village meaning that it was really quiet and had wonderful views and plenty of wildlife loads of birds, red squirrels and rabbits to watch from the windows. A great base for exploring the area and the village has a shop open late, a lovely cafe, post office, shop and pub all very welcoming. You can do a lovely circular walk directly from the house down to the river via the smokery caf and back via the loch and the iron furnace. We had a wonderful week and felt welcomed by the owners who provided us with a fantastic hamper of Scottish specialities and home made Scotch Pancakes delicious. Would not hesitate to recommend and hope to come to stay again sometime.