Loch Fyne is the second longest sea loch in Scotland (41 miles) and though it provides excellent diving on the Scottish west coast, it is often overlooked as people head for Oban and the delights of the Western Isles. The lack of facilities in the area compounds the problem, but it does mean the intrepid few enjoy some first class diving without any crowds. The majority of the diving takes place on the western shores, south of Inveraray. Just to the north is Inveraray Castle, ancestral home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll. Travelling south, the next township of any size is Furnace, which was at one time an iron smeltery. Beyond lies Minard, Lochgair, Lochgilphead, Ardishaig near the mouth of the Crinan Canal, and Tarbert, which lies at the mouth to Loch Fyne, with a number of smaller villages in between. On the eastern shore, the main settlement in the north is Cairndow. The shores of the loch on the east are in the most part steep sloping, with a fine mud and sandy substrate; the western shores are more steeply sloping and in many cases there is a vertical cliff at the shore line which drops dramatically to more than 20m. One of the best dives is Kenmore Point, just south of Inveraray. Access to this shore dive is along a private road and forestry track for more than three miles and the privacy signs should be obeyed. You may also be required to ask for permission. Entry is from either side of the small village.