Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Minard Castle from
Glasgow, 80 miles (128km), 2 hours
Glasgow Airport, 70 miles (112km), 1 3/4 hours
Prestwick Airport, 100 miles (160km), 2 1/4 hours
Edinburgh, 125 miles (200km), 2 3/4 hours
Edinburgh Airport, 115 miles (185km), 2 1/4 hours
Fort William, 87 miles (140km), 2 hours
Islay (Port Askaig - includes ferry crossing), 60 miles (96km), 2 1/2 hours
Inverness, 150 miles (240km), 4 hours
Loch Ness (Fort Augustus), 120 miles (192km), 3 hours
Oban, 52 miles (85km), 1 1/2 hours
Skye (Skye Bridge), 160 miles (260km), 4 hours
Timbuktu (Tombouctou, Mali) 2750 miles (4400km)
Distances are approximate and times are rough estimates of driving times by car.
For other distances we suggest you consult Bing Maps, <www.bing.com/maps>. Click on Route Planner near the top of the page, then enter the name of the place and also "Minard Castle" to get detailed directions, distances and driving times. Please note that in some cases the name, or the usual name, may not be recognised but the postcode is. For example, instead of "Glasgow Airport" enter "PA3 2PF" (or "Glasgow Airport, United Kingdom"). In other cases, try the name of the nearest town.
Where is Minard Castle?
To see where Minard Castle is, click on the Map link. You can change the scale to see the location of Minard Castle in relation to the rest of Scotland. To return from the Map to the Minard Castle website, click the Back button of your browser.
How do we find our way to Minard Castle?
Please see the Map, Transport and Directions page on our website for full details.
NOTE: If you are using GPS to guide you to Minard Castle, please be aware that the postcode will put you in the middle of Minard village, not at the castle! The same difficulty applies to online map services. Some sysems may, however, correctly recognise the destination "Minard Castle".
Where is the nearest railway station?
Glasgow, for all practical purposes. There are some slightly nearer, with few trains and no car rental facilities.
How can we get to Minard Castle by public transport?
The only public transport from Glasgow (or anywhere else!) is by bus, and there are three busses per day in each direction. We are on the A83 road to Campbeltown and you would get off at our road end which is just past Minard village. You would probably like us to meet you from the bus as our drive is about three quarters of a mile long, so please let us know. You can see the bus timetable on the Scottish Citylink website at <http://www.citylink.co.uk/timetables/Summer10/Glas2Camp.pdf>. This is the Summer 2010 timetable but the Winter 2010 to Spring 2011 timetable is very similar.
If we travel by bus, how can we get to a restaurant for dinner?
There is a taxi firm in the area but booking in advance is advisable and taxis are expensive because of the distances involved. We strongly recommend that you rent a car so that it is easy for you to get about.
How can we get to any of the islands?
There are regular ferry services, some from quite nearby and others from Oban. You will find details on the Caledonian MacBrayne Ferries website <http://www.calmac.co.uk>.
Is there a bar at Minard Castle?
No. Minard Castle is a private house, not a hotel.
Where is the nearest bar?
Furnace Inn in the village of Furnace (five miles north east), or Lochgair Hotel in the village of Lochgair (five miles south west).
Are evening meals available at Minard Castle?
No. Minard Castle is a private house, not a hotel.
Where is the nearest restaurant?
Furnace Inn in the village of Furnace (five miles north east), or Lochgair Hotel in the village of Lochgair (five miles south west).
When are evening meals served?
Evening meals are served in most local restaurants from about 5.30pm until about 8pm or 8.30pm. If you are going to be late arriving you should eat on your way here.
Do we need to book a restaurant table?
This is advisable at busy times.
Do you have king size beds?
No. The double bed is around 74 or 75 inches by 54 inches (1.88m or 1.91m by 1.37m). The single beds are 75 inches by 36 inches (1.91m by .91m). These sizes are approximate but are close enough to give a good indication of what to expect.
How early can we check in?
You can check in at any reasonable time from 4pm onwards.
How late can we check in?
We like our guests to check in early enough for them to enjoy their surroundings for as long as possible. In any case, please try to check in before about 8pm. If guests arrive very late we lose sleep! If you are going to be late, please phone us to say when you expect to arrive.