Difference between revisions of "Luing"

Latest revision as of 11:48, 7 December 2012

Luing (Scottish Gaelic: Luinn) [1] is a small island in Argyll and Bute, 16 miles south of Oban.

[edit] Understand

Once an important site of the British slate industry, Luing is one of the major 'Slate Islands'. Situated in the Firth of Lorn, it covers an area of 1,430 hectares and has a permanent population of about 210.

There are a number of small settlements on Luing, including Cullipool, Toberonochy and Blackmill Bay. The village of Cuan is split between the islands of Seil and Luing. To avoid confusion, the part of Cuan on Seil is often known as North Cuan, whilst the part of Cuan on Luing is often known as South Cuan.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By ferry

Unless you have your own boat, the only way to get to Luing is from North Cuan on the car ferry MV Belnahua, which is operated by the Argyll and Bute Council. This runs every half hour on a daily basis. Timetables and fares can be found on the CalMac website.

Be aware that some crossings outside of the summer season only carry foot passengers.

[edit] By road

Cuan is connected to the rest of Seil by the B8003 road, linking with the B844 in Balvicar. This in turn links with the A816 near the hamlet of Kilninver. Parking is available in Cuan.

[edit] By bus

West Coast Motors [2] operate the 418 bus service from Oban railway station to Cuan up to five times per day, with no service on Sundays. Be aware that buses often read 'Easdale' on the front of them. Bicycles can also be taken on board for free.

Various bus, train and ferry connections are available in Oban.

[edit] Get around

[edit] By road

Navigation is easy on Luing - there is one road that runs down the length of the island, with branches off to the individual settlements. Be aware that all roads are single-track.

[edit] By bus

Luing has an infrequent PostBus service [3], which links all settlements.

[edit][add listing] See

• The surrounding islands - including Seil, Mull and Easdale among others.

• The local flora and fauna [4]

[edit][add listing] Do

• Go on a boat trip with Sea.Fari Adventures [5]

[edit][add listing] Buy

There is a shop and post office in Cullipool.

[edit][add listing] Eat

[edit][add listing] Drink

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Options for sleeping on Luing and in the surrounding area can be limited at times. In addition to Luing and the surrounding area, a variety of accommodation can be found in Oban.

[edit] Self-catering

No. 8, Cullipool, ☎ +44 1517 273238, [6]. Offers 1 bedroom with a double and single bed. Heated by a wood-burning stove and has a seperate garden. =.  edit

Torsa House, Isle of Torsa, ☎ +44 1852 314274, [7]. Located on the nearby island of Torsa - usage of motor boat and electric buggy included in price. Sleeps up to 6 people. =.  edit

Sunnybrae Caravan Park, South Cuan, ☎ +44 1852 314274, [8]. Choice of 7 static caravans. Bike hire and boat mooring available. =.  edit

[edit] Bed and Breakfast

Garragh Mhor, Ellenabeich, Seil, ☎ +44 1852 300513, [9]. Offers 3 double rooms and 1 twin room. =.  edit

[edit] Camping

Wild camping on Luing is legal, however take care to avoid abandoned slate quarries.

Highland Arts, Ellenabeich, Seil, ☎ +44 1852 300273. Limited pitches are available for tents and campervans. =.  edit

[edit] Get out

The same way as you got in - over the water. From North Cuan, various destinations in Argyll and Bute can be reached, including Easdale, Oban and Lochgilphead.