Discover the best coastal campsites in Taynish National Nature Reserve

United Kingdom
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Scotland
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Taynish National Nature Reserve

98% (13 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Taynish National Nature Reserve

5 top coastal campsites in Taynish National Nature Reserve

Dog-friendly getaways

100%

(7)

Runach Arainn Glamping

3 units · Glamping1 acre · Kilmory, Scotland

A three-yurt luxury glamping site on the Isle of Arran, steps away from the beach

The Charcoal Huts - Isle of Bute

2 units · Glamping8 acres · Scotland

Our Huts are located within the Moss Wood area of Bute Forest - a mixed birch and alder wood that extends up the hillside to the west of the A886 that connects the Rhubodach Ferry to Port Bannatyne and Rothesay. Moss Wood has a range of facilities. Park on the shore-side where the coast can be enjoyed or at the main entrance, and take a walk up through Moss Wood along the Poetry Trail. A steep walk in places, the Poetry Trail is a loop punctuated with places to stop and read, to stop and think. Read nature poetry from throughout the ages, stop at the Blether Stane, or taking the spur to the Viewing Point back south across the Kyles. Moss Wood connects to the West Island Way – take the Poetry Trail and the spur to the Viewing Point – and then take the Stag’s Trod further up (steeply) till you reach the West Island Way. From there, head south towards Port Bannatyne or north along the boundary of the Community Forest. From the viewing point, you can also explore interesting heritage features such as the old WW2 bunker, kayak shelter, Balnakailly settlement, and the SSSI oak woodland.

Sanday Cabin

1 unit · Glamping1 acre · Sandy, Scotland

The Sanday Cabin is an open plan space with a lovely French style double bed (separate toilet / shower room) that sits at the top of a croft on the Isle of Sanday, right next door to Canna. The cabin has views out over the bay of Canna harbour to the Cuillins of Skye and across to the Isle of Rum. You can even see the famous Sanday Puffin Stacks from the cabin and take a stroll along the Puffin Trail. The cabin has its own decking area and a wooden fenced garden area - so you can enjoy looking at cows without them getting too close! Fully equipped kitchen, all linen towels provided and luggage transport provided.

Port nan Gael Campsite

43 units · Motorhomes, Tents2 acres · Pennyghael, Scotland

A lochside campsite on the Isle of Mull

Coastal campsites in Taynish National Nature Reserve guide

Overview

On the west coast of Scotland, the beautiful Taynish National Nature Reserve is an often-overlooked gem. The reserve covers almost the entirety of Argyll and Bute’s Taynish peninsula and is one of the largest original oakwoods remaining in Britain. Between the oak woods are scattered pockets of grassland glades, heath, saltmarsh and shoreline. Visitors can spend their time strolling along woodland paths and spotting wildlife, including roe deer, red squirrels and otters. While there are none within the reserve, private campsites within an hour’s drive include Tarbert Holiday Park, which has spacious touring pitches and heated glamping pods, and the small Ardfern Motorhome Park, which is exclusively for motorhomes and campervans.

When to go

Taynish National Nature Reserve is open to visitors all year round. May and June are the best months for seeing wildlife. In spring the landscape is carpeted with purple bluebells and yellow primroses and abundant birdlife includes migratory birds from Africa. In summer visitors can discover why Taynish is one of the best places in Scotland to see butterflies: more than 20 species have been seen there, including the rare, and threatened, marsh fritillary.

Know before you go

The closest public transit access is the bus stop in Tayvallich (30-minute walk), served by buses from Lochgilphead.
The nearest public restrooms are in Tayvallich.
Even in summer, the weather can quickly change. Warm, waterproof clothing and sturdy walking boots are essential.
If wild camping in the surrounding area, be sure to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.