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We've just booked a weekend in Arran staying at the Lochranza Caravan & Camping Site.  Has anyone else been to this site?  I have been to Arran before but never camping. We hardly got any camping in last year in fact it was only a few days in Orkney then we ended up staying in a cottage because it got so windy.  So fingers crossed the wind will stay away this time. 

Cath

Hi Cath; Too far north for us soft southerners but there are some good reviews from 2006 on the Campsite Search for Lochranza. Sounds great.

Couple of reviews here http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/reviews.asp?revid=3204 If anyone else can add one would be much appreciated

Cheers

Ian

We stayed at lochranza for a night a few years back, before getting the ferry. Lovely site, surrounded by mountains, unfortunatly we didn't see it at its best as it rained solidly the day we were there, but we did enjoy a visit to the distillery. Had a great week on Arran though especially a visit to Holy Island, very peaceful.

We are going to Orkney at the end of May this year, having previously done the Outer hebrides in our campervan.

Jules

Jules

If you are considering staying at the Pickaquoy Campsite in Kirkwall, it is a nice little site and very handy for the town but there is a problem with the hot water, ie if you leave it too late in the morning to go for a shower there won't be any hot water.

Cath

Thanks for the tip Cath, we will probably use Pickaquoy for a few nights, but may also look for wild camping spots. When we stayed at Laxdale campsite before leaving from Stornoway we showered before breakfast to beat the rush! We had to endure cool showers at Beddgelert forestry site a few weekends ago, to get them hot there was only a dribble which you hardly get under, not the best, but didn't spoil the weekend.

jules

If you're looking for wild camping on Orkney the best places  we found were by the Churchill Barriers although they get rather busy and on the cliff at Yesnaby on he west of the mainland (exposed but great views).

Book a trip to Hoy and stay at Rackwick beach (proper unofficial campsite with water toilets etc) and Hoy is well worth a visit but you have to book the inter land ferries a couple of days in advance.

We didn't like Pickaquoy and be aware that people arrive from the ferry at Hatston at 11,30 at night and you can get destubed but folks erecting tents & awnings at nearly midnight.

Hi, we went to Arran for the day last August.  Though i did stay there for 7 weeks in the 80's when a child.  The lochranza site looked very nice.  It was just on the outskirts of Lochranza a big field with a gate to a gravelled area where the shop and the toilets are.  The view at the back is hills and to the front hills and from the side might be able to see the sea, sorry didnt look.  Nice walk into Lochranza where there is a takeaway and a few hotel bars.  There is a lovely walk around the sea where you will see the 12 apostles (houses) and you should see seals on the rocks.

There is a nice walk around to Fairy Dell.

Its a nice quiet pleasant place to be.  There is a new doctors surgery in Lochranza.

Out of the whole island Lochranza has always been my fav place and the sunsets are glorious.

Oh the site is C&CC certified.

There is a nice little pub just past sliddery its on the left just around a corner and there are seats outside next to the river.

Oh and when you are over go to Arran Aromatics just outside Brodick, i didn't go but i wish i did as i now love 'after the rain' fragrance, and now have to buy online.

Have a lovely holiday

Sahara

Thanks for all that great info very useful indeed.

Cath

Pleased i could help Cath, but now i'm just so jealous  wish i was going too

Forgot to mention there is a co-op in Broderick and Lamlash.  And look out for the palm trees.  Couple of shops in Whiting Bay and one sells a few second hand books.  

Have a brilliant holiday