Eco-camping at Carry Farm - take lots of pictures and leave only footprints.
Given the huge increase in awareness of well-being and the benefits of the great outdoors we offer our visitors the opportunity to experience Carry Farm in a way that has minimal impact on our stunning environment. We live in one of the most beautiful countries on Earth - so ditch the car, pitch a tent, and soak up all the sublime surroundings our backyard has to offer.
So what is the reality of getting to Carry Farm using human power or public transport, can it really be done? Of course it can! Here are just some of the options to help you start planning your next big adventure in the great outdoors.
Get on your bike!
The past ten years has seen a huge increase in the number of cyclists on our roads which has helped enormously in raising awareness of the possibilities around this flexible mode of transport. Whether you are looking to combine train trips from Glasgow with ferries from Gourock to Dunoon followed by a 40 mile cycle across single track roads and some awesome scenery, or ride the whole way to us on tracks, winding out of Glasgow on numerous paths and joining up with the Loch Lomond and Cowal Way there is a route to suit you.
Alternatively, you could be on the Wild About Argyll Trail which passes our door and be looking to rest your head before the next day’s challenge, or taking your time completing the 5 Ferry Challenge with an over night stop.
Or perhaps you explored the Island Of Bute before heading across to us on the Rhubodach/Colitraive ferry, followed by a cycle either using the roads or parts of the Cowal Way.
Whichever option you choose you will be pitched by the shore with waves lapping at your tent and perhaps a small fire for brewing your Argyll Coffee Roasters coffee before dark.
The power of paddles!
We are so fortunate to have one of the best sea kayaking destinations in the UK on our doorstep. Our sheltered waters combined with stunning scenery and idyllic bays makes for a unique experience for those even with limited experience. For the intrepid kayaker there are endless choices of where to start your voyage. Perhaps you are nearing the end of the Argyll Sea Kayak Trail that meanders past the Carry buoy, or have paddled into the Kyles of Bute for a little shelter. The less experienced do not have to have paddled far. Cars can be left a couple of miles away, and under the watchful eye of a more experienced kayaker, you could be paddling towards Carry Farm in less than an hour. Imagine landing your kayak on our beach and setting up camp for the night, sitting round a driftwood fire as night draws in listening to the call of distant seals and the excited chatter of oystercatchers.
And while we are on paddles, why not arrive to the village in style on the Waverley Paddle Steamer who visits us twice a week during the summer months. Carry Farm is then 4 mile walk along the shore through the villages of Tighnabruaich and Kames.
The wind in your sails.
The Kyles of Bute is synonymous with sailing and if you are keen on adventures on the water, then look no further! There are weeks of fun to be had in the area pottering about on your boat and setting up camp at night before your next adventure. Leave life in the fast lane behind and start your slow adventure on Argyll’s Secret Coast. Whether you start at Portavadie Marina - a stunning afternoon sail from us, or just a couple of miles away in the village of Tighnabruaich, there are plenty of slipways in the area to launch your boat and start your journey. And at the end of a salty day on the water you will find comfort in a hot shower and facilities to take the edge of the wildness!
These boots are made for walking…….
If water or pedal power is not your thing, and you would rather keep your feet firmly on the ground, Argyll’s Secret Coast has a plethora of beautiful walks and long distance routes. The loch Lomond and Cowal Way starts at Portavadie, 7 miles from us, and heads into the hills and glens after meandering along our shores. Walking to Carry Farm takes you a little off the beaten track, but you are rewarded with camping by the shore, with views up towards the hills behind Tighnabruaich. Perhaps all you would like to do is the 10 mile loop around the Ardlamont peninsula, stopping at Carry Farm with your tent and coffee, or simply stop overnight whilst you explore the lovely beaches in the area and walk part of the Cowal Way. Balliemeanoch Baggage can help with luggage transfer between your overnight stops.
Back to buses
Despite our rural location we are served very well by West Coast Motor, Western Ferries and Caledonian MacBrayne. It is possible to get within 2 miles of us by bus, and if you don’t fancy the walk to us along the shore on a lovely single track road, then Tam’s Taxis will happily deliver you to our door.
So go on………….start your journey through breath-taking landscapes at a slower, immersive pace and get to know the secret coast just that little bit better.