Ardgour Ales, Ardgour

Originally both from Edinburgh and Lancashire, Fergus and Lizzy Stokes relocated from Lytham to Ardgour in 2012 and started brewing in 2020, having renovated the old Manse, and built the brewery.

Although only brewing on-site for a short time, in October 2021 he won a coveted Gold medal in its category from Society of Independent Brewers for Gobhar Reamhar and Silver for the overall Champion Beer. That win allowed them entry into the BeerX competition in Liverpool in March 2022 where Gobhar Reamhar won Gold in the category.

The names of the beers are all Gaelic after the feral goats of Ardgour, Ard Ghobhar itself meaning "height of the goat", many of which can still be found roaming the peninsula. Beers from the brewery are available in the Fort William area, both as cask and bottles - see website for up-to-date details. There is also a limited selection of ciders, spirits, soft drinks and bar snacks.

Two trestle seating areas outside, one covered but both having braziers cleverly made out of welded horseshoes.

Although not licensed for selling alcohol until noon for consumption outside, off licence sales are from 10am. Hungry visitor can have a bacon roll also from 10am, but burgers, both beef and venison (from the local estate) or plant-based are available from noon. Also available are Lorne sausage, black pudding and eggs from their very own chickens.

Friday night is very popular because it is pizza night - book early to avoid disappointment for both eat in, and take away- nothing better than with a good beer.

Other than being a brewer, Fergus is also a baker! Currently he "bakes to order" on Sunday and delivers locally, or your ordered bread can be collected from the brewery - see website.

You could drive the 33 mile / 1 hour by road, ultimately via the A861 to get to the brewery, or take the shorter 15 minute / 9 mile drive South down the A82 to the Corran ferry, which then crosses Loch Linnhe at the narrows between Corran and Ardgour in about 5 minutes. Ardgour Brewery is then a short half mile / 10 minute walk from the ferry slipway.

The service, currently operated by Highland Council, starts at 6.45am (8.45am Sun) from Corran, with the last return crossing at 9.20pm and runs every 20 minutes, 30 at the beginning and end of the day. Foot passenger and cycles are free, but a car will cost £10 (as of 1/4/22). Search "Corran Ferry" for timetable and fares.

Very limited parking (and toilets) to the LHS of the slipway on the Corran side, or get one of the many buses from Fort William to the Corran Ferry Junction and walk the short distance to the slipway.

Whilst Fergus does his very best to stick to the opening times, as above, there may be the very rare occasion when they may not be open. Accordingly, you are urged to check out social media or phone ahead - just in case.