Argyll's Bowling Green facts for kids
Argyll's Bowling Green is a special place in Scotland. It's located in Argyll and Bute, on the Ardgoil estate. This area is also called the Ardgoil peninsula. It sits between two beautiful lochs: Loch Goil and Loch Long. It's the most southern part of the Arrochar Alps mountains. This land is also part of the Argyll Forest Park. Plus, it's inside the amazing Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
What's in a Name?
The name Argyll's Bowling Green might sound a bit funny. It comes from the Gaelic language, where it's called Scottish Gaelic: Baile na Grèine. This means "sunny hamlet" or "sunny cattle fold." It's a bit of a joke because the area isn't flat like a bowling green at all! It's mostly hills and mountains.
The name Argyll's Bowling Green first appeared on a map in 1750. This was James Dorret's General Map of Scotland and Islands thereto belonging. Later, in the 1830s and 1840s, a local minister named Rev John McDougal wrote about it. He said that people traveling south had to climb what they called the "Duke of Argyle’s bowling green."
This was part of a path known as the "Duke's Path." It started by Loch Goil and finished at a spot called Mark, by Loch Long. From there, people would cross the loch by boat. The name originally referred to a small grazing area. This spot was on the south-east side of the peninsula, above Mark. But now, the name is often used for the whole peninsula.
Mountains of the Peninsula
Even though it's called a "bowling green," this area is home to several impressive mountains. These peaks offer great views and challenges for hikers. Here are some of the main mountains in the Argyll's Bowling Green area:
- Ben Donich (847 meters tall)
- The Brack (787 meters tall)
- Cnoc Coinnich (761 meters tall)
- Beinn Reithe (653 meters tall)
- The Saddle (521 meters tall)
- Clach Bheinn (437 meters tall)
- Tom Molach (370 meters tall)
- Càrn Glas (502 meters tall)
- Tom nan Gamhna (389 meters tall)
- The Steeple (390 meters tall)
