Portavadie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Portavadie
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 Portavadie |
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 Portavadie
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| OS grid reference | NR930694 |
| • Edinburgh | 82 mi (132 km) |
| • London | 368 mi (592 km) |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | TIGHNABRUAICH |
| Postcode district | PA21 |
| Dialling code | 01700 |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Portavadie (Scottish Gaelic: Port a' Mhadaidh) is a small village in the west of Scotland. It sits on the beautiful shores of Loch Fyne, which is a sea loch. You can find it on the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute. It's a peaceful place known for its stunning views and outdoor activities.
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Portavadie's History
Portavadie has an interesting past. In 1975, a large complex was built here. The idea was to create huge concrete platforms for getting oil from the North Sea.
However, things changed quickly. Steel platforms became the preferred way to build for the oil industry. This meant the Portavadie complex was no longer needed for its original purpose.
For a while, the site was empty. Then, in the mid-1980s, a local company started using the enclosed port. They used it for a fish farm.
Later, in 2013, there were plans to change the old "village" area, known as Polphail. A forestry company bought it and wanted to build new houses. By 2016, the old buildings were taken down. The plans changed again, and now there are ideas to build a whisky distillery on the site. Construction for this is expected to start in 2023.
Fun Activities in Portavadie
Portavadie is a great place for sports and recreation. There are many things to do, especially if you love being outdoors or on the water.
Portavadie Marina Complex
The Portavadie Marina is a modern complex that opened in 2010. A marina is like a special parking lot for boats and yachts. In late 2009, the marina was first used for a big sailing event called the Scottish series.
The first part of the complex included fancy apartments with private saunas. There were also cozy cottages, a restaurant, and places for meetings.
Soon after, "The Lodge" opened. This part offered hotel-style rooms and special apartments for people with disabilities. It also had another restaurant that was great for families.
In 2016, a luxury spa and leisure center was added. This means visitors can now enjoy relaxing treatments and fun activities like swimming.
Loch Lomond and Cowal Way
If you enjoy walking, the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way is perfect. This long-distance walking path starts and finishes right here in Portavadie.
The path is about 57 miles (92 km) long. It takes you all the way to Inveruglas. Inveruglas is on the shore of Loch Lomond, which is part of the beautiful Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.
National Cycle Route 75
Portavadie is also part of the National Cycle Route 75 (NCR75). This is a cycling path that goes from Edinburgh to Tarbert. Tarbert is on the Kintyre peninsula.
The National Cycle Network is looked after by an organization called sustrans. If you cross Loch Fyne by ferry, you can continue on the NCR75. From Tarbert, you can even join another route, the National Cycle Route 78, also known as The Caledonia Way.
Getting Around Portavadie
There are a few ways to travel to and from Portavadie.
Portavadie Ferry Terminal
There is a ferry service that crosses Loch Fyne. It's run by Caledonian MacBrayne. The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes.
It goes from Portavadie to Tarbert on the Kintyre Peninsula. The ferry runs many times a day, usually between 8:30 am and 6:30 pm. On weekdays, it runs eleven times, and on Sundays, it runs ten times. There is no 8:30 am ferry on Sundays.
| Preceding station | Ferry | Following station | ||
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| Terminus | Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry |
Tarbert |
Bus Services
Portavadie is the final stop for the 478 bus route. This bus travels from Dunoon, which is about 28 miles (45 km) away. The bus runs six days a week.
