I'm going island hopping in August, taking in Arran, Islay and Jura. Any suggestions for sites? We will probably do one or two days wild camping, so any great spots would also be welcomed.
James
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
For Jura the only site was next to the hotel. When we stayed it was actually a tent site only, but they kindly allowed us to park up on the pier. We are a 5.99 metre van and only just made it on the ferry, its not the length of the van as such, more that the ramps mean anything longer would probably bottom out - the crew warned us and said they would try and get us on but our risk (we made it just).
The other thing is be wary of weather, if it gets rough the ferry doesn't run so you are in effect struck on Jura and there is only one small shop - but a very wonderful distillery which eases the wait
On Islay both sites (listed on this website) were great. The facilities at Port Mor are very modern and there is a cafe on the site, Kintra Farm is a old site, facilities were dated but clean but the beach setting makes up for that.
Wild Camping is permitted on both islands, not on the roadsides and they ask that campers don't congregate in groups so you are best to find some of the stunning little used places by travelling around. Have a great trip, these islands are some of our favourite places we have visited so far.
Thank you DotP. We are aiming to camp next to the Jura Inn with a night over on the west coast - hoping to get as far away from it all as possible! Port Mor is our preferred site on Islay, but still struggling a bit for Arran.
We stayed on at Ardlui CL, amazing views, very quiet but the facilities were hit and miss. Would try it again as the location possibly makes up for any negative.
The site at Lochranza is popular, right on the edge of the village so easy to walk into. There are wild deer roaming around and it has some lovely views, we found it very busy but probably depends on when you are there.
Seal Shore Camping would have been our first choice, but again it was chock full - so much they couldn't get us on. Its location on the beach makes it worth a try.
Sure many on here will be along to give ideas, its nearly 5 years since we did the hopscotch you are planning so we arent the best to tell you updated information.
For us, Jura was the top of the three to visit, its stunning, its quiet, it has a lack of people but those it does have were amazingly friendly.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
There have been posts about Arran sites before. It's the island I see from my house. All the sites are very different - you don't say what your outfit is, Glen Rosa only takes tents but is surrounded by serrated peaks; Middleton's at Lamlash is ok for a night or two with access to the fleshpots of a pretty south-facing village; there's a CS over by Blackwaterfoot that gets well reviewed though I've not stayed there. Lochranza is indeed famous for its deer - and its midges - but it's in sight of your ferry over to Claonaig. Folk do wild camp but I can't recommend it - party party all weekend with folk needing a break from the mainland.
As for Islay, as far as I know there's only the one official site near the splendid golf course and the little airport. Windy place, Islay. And most roads are single track - you can't camp in the passing places. You might be able to wild camp in the car park up on the north coast near all the fabulous Choughs. Or along the dead end road on the south coast near the peaty distilleries at Laphroaig & Ardbeg. Or on the sward by a beach, as long as you're not impeding traffic. (The traffic won't keep you awake.) The geese have gone, so you won't get woken at dawn by their thousands heading off to feed.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Arran suggestions.
