There are many reasons why I love Argyll. One of the things that make me come back again and again, is that you don’t have to choose between mountains and coast – it’s never far to either! My favourite place to stay in the area is Kings Reach Self Catering (formerly also a B&B) near Kilmartin in the Heart of Argyll. Read on and be inspired to plan a Highland getaway to Kilmartin Glen yourself!
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This post is part of the West Coast Waters campaign and focuses on Wild About Argyll. Regions all along the west coast of Scotland have joined forces to promote the country’s beautiful west coast from Argyll to Wester Ross. 2020 is the Year of Coast and Waters – the perfect excuse to plan a trip and immerse yourself in the sounds, views, aromas and textures of Scotland’s west coast!
Scottish food and culture do not necessarily have the kind of reputation that makes a lot of vegans say, “Hey, sounds like the ideal place for a plant-based foodie trip!”
But behold, travelling Scotland as a vegan has never been easier. There are so many mouthwatering eateries preparing creative vegan cuisine. You could spend weeks stuffing your face and filling your belly all over the country. Including some vegan hotels and B&Bs!
In this post, you can read about my personal experience of staying at Kings Reach Self Catering in Kilmartin Glen, a vegan-friendly self catering accommodation (formerly also a vegan B&B) in one of my favourite regions in Scotland. It’s run by vegans who really understand what makes accommodation truly suitable for vegans.
Read on for:
- my review of the self catering accommodation at Kings Reach,
- where to eat in the wider area – especially if you’re vegan,
- and what to do nearby to fill your itinerary!
Kings Reach Self Catering in Kilmartin Glen
The Location
Kings Reach Self Catering is located in the hamlet of Bridgend near the bottom of Kilmartin Glen, approximately 5 minutes drive from Kilmartin village on one direction or Lochgilphead, the nearest town, in the other.
From the main house and the self catering units in the back you can overlook the glen and the prominent hill of Dunadd Fort. This Iron Age fortress that used to be the centre of the Gaelic Kingdom of Dalriada in the 6th and 7th century. Today, it makes for a fantastic site and there is nothing quite like seeing the sunset behind it from the comfort of your apartment.
As you will see from the list of things to do in the immediate and wider areas, Kings Reach Self Catering is ideally located to explore a variety of destinations around Argyll and the Isles. You will find tons of options within driving distance.
The Apartments & Facilities
Kings Reach Self Catering has two semi-detached self-catering apartments in a cottage behind the main house. Both apartments have the same layout – one faces Dunadd Fort, the other has views of the meadows behind the house.
Both apartments have two bedrooms (1x double, 1x twin room), making them ideally suitable for up to 4 people sharing (families welcome). There is a living room with comfortable seating and an open plan kitchen with a dining table. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you could ask for, including a washing machine. There is no dishwasher, but the the view from the window at the sink makes up for that.
There is one bathroom per apartments and they have recently been redone to modern standards.
The beds are super comfortable and equipped with down-free bedding. In the bathrooms, you can find plastic-free items for a guilt-free trip – and maybe some inspiration for your own home.
Cyclists can store their bikes overnight in the garage and there is plenty of parking in front of the house and cottages. Unfortunately, dogs cannot be accommodated because Kings Reach is surrounded by fields of sheep.
You might also like: Being Vegan in Scotland – A Complete Practical Guide
Twin Room at Kings Reach 
Double Room at Kings Reach 
Kitchen at Kings Reach 
Living room at Kings Reach
Your hosts at Kings Reach: Sara & Sean
Your hosts Sean and Sara live in the main house and are there for you if you have any questions. They are the loveliest people who have fallen in love with Scotland back in 2014 and have since turned the dream of their own vegan business into reality.
They are keen advocates for the vegan lifestyle. They try to push the movement forward in this rural area of Scotland but never leave the old traditions and heritage of the area out of sight. It is refreshing to have conversations about veganism and change with such down to earth people who understand that changing the mindsets of people is a long-term project. In the meantime, they provide fantastic advice and are fostering great relationships with vegan(-friendly) businesses in the Heart of Argyll and beyond.
Kings Reach Self Catering is one of my accommodation favourites! Check out more Unique Places to Stay in Scotland – from hotels to B&Bs!
Vegan Food near Kings Reach
If you wish, Sara can put together a great vegan breakfast bundle for you including homemade bread, plant-based milk, butter and yogurt, fresh juice and more.
Kings Reach Self Catering is within easy reach of many vegan-friendly eateries in the area. Sara and Sean are happy to make recommendations or you can find their favourites in the guest map in your apartment.
I followed their recommendation and had a lovely dinner at The Horseshoe Inn, which is the local pub in Bridgend, just a 5-minute walk from Kings Reach.
Other vegan-friendly restaurants in the area are Loch Melfort Hotel in Arduaine and Lucy’s in Ardfern.
You might also like: A Vegan Guide for Argyll
Our breakfast basket at Kings Reach 
Vegan scallops at Loch Melfort Hotel
Why book a vegan getaway?
You don’t have to be vegan to stay at Kings Reach Self Catering – everyone is welcome!
If you are vegan yourself, you will know that there is nothing quite like walking into a restaurant or an accommodation that fully understands what you need as a vegan traveller.
If veganism is new to you – be curious and give it a try. Vegan food and culture are on the rise. If you want to do something good for the planet and your body, learning how to cut out animal products from your meals (every now and then) and your bathroom can help immensely to make little changes. I promise you will love the food!
Book your stay at Kings Reach Self Catering here!
Things to do near Kings Reach Self Catering
Since Kings Reach BSelf Catering is located in Kilmartin Glen, make sure you head over to my post about things to do in Kilmartin Glen.
Among my absolute highlights in this region are the historic sites and monuments at your doorstep. The standing stones and stone circles at Temple Wood, the Iron Age fortress on top of Dunadd Hill, the artistically carved Kilmartin Gravestones and the incredibly rich Kilmartin Museum.
The Heart of Argyll and beyond have so much more to offer – from unique nature reserves and panoramic hillside-views to castles, wildlife trails and attractions like Crinan Canal or Arduaine Gardens. There are many companies offering boat trips, endless options for road trips to tour the region and so much more!
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Kings Reach Self Catering. Sean and Sara welcomed me with open arms and proofed to be invaluable sources of local knowledge and interesting stories.
Whether you are vegan or not, I promise you will find a second home at their lovely bed & breakfast in Kilmartin Glen!
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This sounds delightful. I’ll be back in Scotland in either December 2020, or January 2021. I’ve not been to argyle at all, so if they are open in the winter, I might base myself at Kingsreach B&B. Thank you for this review Kathi 😊
Hi Claire! Argyll is an amazing region – my favourite because there is so much coastline, great mountains and lovely villages. Kingsreach is in a great central location! The B&B is closed for the winter, but the self-catering cottages are still open. Next winter might be both running – fingers crossed!!