boating
Sunnybrae Caravan Park is perfectly situated for exploring the many local islands, inlets and skerries, both above and below the water. Heading west from Luing are the islands of Belnahua, Lunga, Scarba and Fladda to explore. The lighthouse and walled garden on Fladda offer stunning views across to the deserted quarrying island of Belnahua. There the gable ends of quarriers cottages remain, and the now flooded quarries are all that is left to show the scale of the workings. Looming over all of them is Scarba, home to red deer and golden eagles. The Corrywreckan Whirlpool separates Scarba from Jura, one of the wildest places in Europe, with many more wild inhabitants than human ones!
Beyond Scarba and Lunga is the small chain of islands known as the Garvellachs - once a retreat for Saint Columba, they are now idyllic in their beauty and peacefulness. A sheltered anchorage at the southern end offers a chance to go ashore and visit the ruined chapel and beehive cells that were established by Columba. From the ridge here the views take in Mull, Colonsay, Islay, Jura, Scarba, Lunga, Rubh Fiola and many more smaller islands. Definately a view not to be missed!
Heading inland from Sunnybrae towards the mainland are the more sheltered waters of Loch Melfort, Seil Sound and Shuna Sound. There are a wide range of pubs and restaurants that can be visited by boat, including the Tigh an Truish on Seil, the Puffer Bar on Easdale Island, the Mermaid Inn on Loch Melfort or the Loch Melfort Hotel next door to Arduaine Gardens.
The Firth of Lorn is a Marine Specal Area of Conservation, and we are lucky enough to have regular sightings of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises in local waters. Other sightings include minke whales, basking sharks and even the occassional sunfish. Above the water the wildlife includes many sea birds including gannets, guillemots, razorbills and the occassional puffin! (if you don't own a boat yourself, there is no need to miss out as there are many excellent wildlife boat trips on offer in the area!)
Our first concern is your safety, and we ask that you inform us before bringing a boat, so that we can be certain of its suitability. The area is reknowned for its tidal flows and natural spectacles, such as the Corrywreckan Whirlpool. Obviously, the conditions that make it such a unique area are also those that make it essential that all craft are sea-worthy, sufficiently powerful and that the users are fully aware of tides and weather conditions.
Our mooring is quite substantial as it consists of a 1 tonne concrete block on the end of 10 metres of 20mm galvanised chain with a running line to shore.
kayaking
Sunnybrae is ideally placed on the Cuan Sound, offering easy access to the more sheltered waters to the east of Luing and Seil, including Clachan Sound, Ardmaddy Bay and the island of Torsa. To the west of Cuan Sound are the more challenging waters of the Firth of Lorn. There are also a number of points on the island accessible by car from which you can launch canoes to explore sheltered bays and skerries. The trip round the Isle of Seil was recently listed as one of the top ten kayaking trips in Scotland, in The Herald newspaper. The area is becoming more popular, but thanks to the many islands and sounds it is never too busy!
Unfortunately, the area is not suitable for jet ski's or similar vessels, water skiing or inflatables.
