Local Area

The Isle of Luing is ideally placed for exploring Lorn, Oban and Mid Argyll. With only a three minute ferry ride to the mainland, there are many attractions, sites of historic interest and breathtaking scenery within easy reach. With so many attractions in the area, a visit to the Tourist Information Centre in Oban is a must at the beginning of your stay. All our caravans contain a tourist information folder to start you off, and further information can be found in the Bothy.

The Slate Islands

The islands of Luing, Seil and Easdale, collectively known as "the Slate Islands", lie nestled in close to the West Coast of Scotland, south of Oban. Access from the mainland is by Thomas Telford's "Bridge Over the Atlantic".

The islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times and the centuries of inhabitants have left their mark on Luing with prehistoric earthworks, iron age fortresses, the church of St Cathan at Kilchatten, and the ruined slate village of Port Mary. There are now around 200 inhabitants on Luing, mostly living in the picturesque villages of Cullipool and Toberonochy. Many residents now are engaged in fishing and farming - the Luing breed of cattle originates here, and can be seen around the island.

The neighbouring island of Easdale was once world famous for its slate quarries, turning out up to 9 million slates annually at the height of its productivity in the 19th century. Now it has almost a model quality about its neat rows of whitewashed quarrierrs cottages, and the still waters of the flooded quarries. The World Skimming Championships are held here annually each September. It is reached by passenger ferry, and boasts a fantastic museum and also the Puffer Bar and Tearoom, both of which are well worth a visit.

The larger island of Seil, which provides the link to the mainland for Luing, is slightly more developed, with the Tigh an Truish Pub, Oyster Bar and Seafood Restaurant, a shop and golf course, while still retaining its natural beauty. There is also a doctor's surgery and Wildlife watching boat trips are available from Seil to view the Garvellachs and the Corryvreckan whirlpool as well as local marine wildlife.

Oban

Oban, known as "The Gateway to the Isles" is a busy holiday resort based around the bustling harbour. The town has managed to retain its small town feel with a range of small independent shops as well as some better known high street stores. There is also a wide range of places to eat out, with our favourites being Piazza for pizza and Italian food, Ee-usk for fantastic sea food, Julies and Bossards for lunches and morning coffee, plus many more to try out. Attractions within the town include the distillery, museum and McCaig's Tower - a coliseum-like structure from which fabulous views of the bay may be enjoyed. There are also a wide variety of boat trips available from the harbour in Oban to view the local wildlife and visit islands such as Mull, Iona, Staffa, Ulva, and the Treshnish Isles.

Isle of Mull

One of the most popular day trips is over to Mull, by ferry from Oban. There is so much to see there that it is well worth making a few decisions before you go. There are a selection of coach trips from the ferry terminal at Craignuire heading either towards Iona, or up to Tobermory. You can also make use of the regular bus service. If you take your own car it gives you more freedom to explore the wilder parts of the island, but don't try to pack too much into one day! You can also arrange wildlife cruises to Staffa (Fingal's Cave) and the Treshnish Isles to see nesting puffins, plus eagle watching trips with local wildlife experts.

Gardens

The west coast of Scotland is reknowned for its beautiful gardens, and we are lucky to be within easy reach of many of these. The closest is the walled garden at An Cala on Seil, a fantastic example of how a garden can flourish when sheltered from the strongest of the winds. Also nearby are Ardmaddy Castle Gardens and Arduaine Gardens, run by the National Trust for Scotland with its wonderful woodlands, ponds and tender plants. Slightly further away are Angus's Garden near Taynuilt and Ardchatton Priory near Connel. Also well worth a visit is the NTS Crarae Garden. There is more information about these and other gardens in Argyll online.

Other attractions in the area include: 

• Cruachan Hydro-Electric Power Station - travel into the Hollow Mountain
• Iona Abbey, the birthplace of Christianity in Scotland
• Golf courses at Balvicar (Seil), Taynuilt, Glencruitten (Oban)
• Outdoors - quad bike trekking, swimming pool, pony trekking, Segway trailing
• Watersports - scuba diving, sailing, fishing and motor cruises