Find out why it is easy to fall in love with Carry Farm

Ask anyone that knows Carry Farm what makes it so special and they will all say something different.  But there is a common thread tying everyone together, and that is it has a special place in their hearts. Less than 2 hours driving from the central belt, through spectacular scenery, Carry Farm is a million miles away from the pressures and stresses of the daily grind.  Argyll's Secret Coast is uniquely accessible with the 'wow' factor.  Here are 6 ways to ensure you fall head over heels for Carry Farm.

1. Our lodges sit a stones throw from the shore.  You do not need to go far to enjoy your stay.  Contrary to common opinion, our water is not as cold as you think and averages 15 - 20 degrees during the summer months.  The bay at Carry Farm is ideally placed for a swim.  The shallow, sandy bottom, protected by the natural curvature of the shoreline, provides the perfect pool.  And if you time it really well on a sunny day, with the tide slowly creeping in over the warm sands, it is idyllic........the ultimate infinity pool without the crowds!

2. If swimming is not for you, you can still take to the water with Tighnabruaich Sailing School.  During the summer months, they provide tuition for youths on a wide selection of dinghies in the bay in front of the lodges.  Private tuition is available at weekend if you fancy taking the helm, no previous experience is required.   If you have never taken to the sea before, Argyll's Secret Coast is the ideal place to start with wildlife and scenery that will take your breath away.

3. Perhaps you are more of a land based person, in which case, do not fear, there is plenty to do!  Walking in the ancient oak woods at Glenan Bay , one of the few remaining native oak woodlands in the area, is a real treat. Glenan Wood has a rare population of night jars. See if you can hear their distinctive call in the twilight. Listen out for woodwarblers and cuckoos too.  In May, enjoy the carpet of bluebells coating the forest floor.

4. Ostel Bay is a stunning, sandy beach which can only be reached by a 15 minute walk with spectacular views across to Arran and unique west coast machair.  The bay is very shallow and when the tide is out there is plenty of space for dog walking, sand castle building or exploring.  Hidden from the main road, only those that know about it can get there, and as a result, it is the jewel in the crown on Argyll's Secret Coast.

5. Our single track roads with spectacular views are ideal for the keen cyclist.  Whether you are looking for a 3 mile, flat cycle to the local shop or a challenging cycle over the Bealach - we have it all.  Carry Farm is perfect for younger children to play on their bikes.  The path down to the shore and track around the farm is perfectly safe and enclosed from the road.

6. Carry Farm is home to the Hayshed Gallery which sells textiles made by Fiona from the Hebridean sheep on the farm, stunning ceramics by Drey Workshop and Eve campbell textiles.  Take away a reminder of your stay with an organically tanned sheepskin reared at Carry Farm and tanned by Fiona here at Carry Farm using an ancient technique, or  perhaps a cushion or some yarn for your own project.  In fact, if you are a maker, you will be inspired by your stay to take up your pencils or needles and get working!

And if all of the above has not made you fall in love with the area, perhaps when you meet Barney the donkey down by the shore, he will tug at your heart strings and ensure Carry Farm has a special place in your heart forever.  After all, a donkey is for life and not just for Christmas!

BlogFiona McPhail