Museums & Galleries · Argyll and Bute
Bonawe Iron Furnace
📍 PA35 1JQ
Photo: M J Richardson (CC BY-SA 2.0), via Wikimedia Commons
- Learn how pig iron was made at the furnace
- See where cannonballs were made for the Napoleonic Wars
- Most complete charcoal-fuelled ironworks in Britain
- Stunning setting at the head of Loch Etive
- Near Glen Nant National Nature Reserve
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace sits at the head of Loch Etive near Taynuilt in Argyll, close to Glen Nant National Nature Reserve. Founded in 1753 by a Cumbrian ironmaster drawn by the area's abundant woodland and water power, it became the longest-lived charcoal-fired blast furnace in Scotland, running for over 120 years. Today you can explore the site and discover how pig iron was made, including cannonballs used in the Napoleonic Wars, making it a good pick for anyone curious about Scotland's industrial heritage set within a striking natural landscape. It's reachable from Taynuilt station just 0.6 miles away, and if you fancy staying over, there are 19 bookable places within 5 miles on BritStays.
Practical details
- Booking
- Standard entry can be booked online for a specific date and time
From the attraction's own website on 5 Oct 2026 — check before you travel.
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Create a free account to claimPlaces to stay near Bonawe Iron Furnace
Make a proper break of it — these stays are all within 25 miles.
0.2 mi
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Bonawe House - Clematis Cottage
Taynuilt, Central Scotland
Sleeps 2
£737 per break
Check availability🗓️ Make a break of it
Turn a visit to Bonawe Iron Furnace into a proper getaway — ready-made plans, and the drive worked out with fuel, EV charging and the best stops.
🚆 Or come by train
- Taynuilt 0.6 miles
- Falls of Cruachan 5.3 miles
- Connel Ferry 6 miles
Straight-line distances · live departures on each station page