In October in New Zealand, Labour Weekend marks the unofficial start of camping season in our family. Regardless of the weather, we like to head to Kaitoke and try and nab our favourite spot by the river under the trees for a long weekend. Even though Autumn is well under way here in Scotland, the urge to be outdoors is still strong. As it’s not quite tent weather, we wanted to find somewhere that embraced the outdoors. Happily, we found the perfect accomadation on the Alexandra – Cuan Ferry. Nestled in sheltered spot beside the sea, where we spent a few nights away from Edinburgh; it was ruggedly beautiful and totally unique.
The Alexandra – Cuan Ferry
The Alexandra is an ex-lifeboat converted into accommodation at Argyll Kayaker Coves in Cuan Ferry on the Isle of Seil. To reach the Isle of Seil you drive over the Clachan Bridge (built in 1793). We didn’t realise we’d left the mainland UK until we drove back over it.
The Isle of Seil is a beautiful destination in its own right, but the accomodation has an amazing history too.Starting out as an open rowboat back in 1903 – have a look at this article in the Scotsman to read about the Alexandra’s story.
From the Alexandra the view is stunning. Uninterupted views of the Isle of Luing, the wild seas and the rugged coastline make this a very special place. True to its name, Cuan Ferry has a ferry, the service to Luing runs regularly throughout the day. Luing has a handful of places to eat and you can hire bikes from the local caravan park close to the ferry landing. As Luing is tiny you could include a half day explore by bike of in your short stay. The Atlantic Islands Centre has plenty of info and links on places to eat (including their own cafe and restaurant), things to do and suggestions for accomodation if you decide to stay a little longer in the area.
Inspite of the very Scottish weather, we managed to explore the coastline of Cuan Ferry. Enjoy a wine by the shore, have a mini on BBQ before enjoying a comfortable night’s sleep in the Alexandra’s heated cabin. The well equipped galley meant I could cook a good breakfast before we drove back to Oban, which is only 25 minutes away.
We’ll definitely make time to visit the area again we go back to explore the West coast further.
Update
in November 2017, we moved to Campbeltown, near the Mull of Kintrye spending nines months exploring the West Coast of Scotland (story still to be written). We moved back to New Zealand late 2018, we miss Scotland but due to the pandemic I imagine we will be here for awhile.
