Route to Port Appin Argyle.

JCB4X4
JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
100 Comments
edited July 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

I am planning to go to Port Appin, Argyle, soon and I am looking to take the easiest route.  I will be towing an 8mtr twin axle with a Range Rover so the outfit is some 42ft long (old money).  I have no qualms about towing in fact I prefer it to solo driving as it involves engaging a different mind-set but O.H. is not quite so relaxed.  By my calculations if I leave Tyndrum and stay on the A82 to Ballachulish, then take the A828 it’s a few miles longer but quicker than taking the A85 to Connel, then taking the A828.  When I put longer but quicker together, I come up with easier, this is always my aim when towing.

As I have not driven in this area for some years now, I would welcome comment from those of you that have.

Comments

  • birderbilly
    birderbilly Forum Participant Posts: 349
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    edited July 2016 #2

    Either way is fine, not much in it really.  Last bit down to Port Appin might be interesting as its single track with passing places.  Port Appin is a popular spot and can get busy and of course there is the Lismore ferry - is there a site at Port Appin ?

    Which route are you planning to Tyndrum - A85? 

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2016 #3

    It's a case of 6 of one and half a dozen of the other. Spin a coin as there's little to choose. I don't recall a site at Port Appin either - or maybe I do. A few vans in a field out on the main road?

  • brue
    brue Forum Participant Posts: 21,176 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited July 2016 #4

    There is a CL in Port Appin, it overlooks Castle Stalker so it's easy to reach and not too far down in the village itself. We used to have holidays in the village and used the Connel Bridge route from Crianlarich. But if you want to take in Glencoe, which
    is quite spectacular, it's not a bad route either.

  • JCB4X4
    JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
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    edited July 2016 #5

    Firstly, thank you all for your helpful input Happy

    My early assessment was, as you have all confirmed, that there would be little to choose between either route.  As I said in my OP I have not been in this area for some time and wondered if the ‘Boys from the Black Stuff’ had been working any of their magic in the meantime.  

    birdbilly, as brue says, there is a CL here that overlooks Castle Stalker, (Bioran Bubh Croft) it has recently opened but is not yet listed in the CC Directory, it is about 1 mile off the A828 along the Appin to Port Appin road. That road is shown yellow on O/S map and from an aerial view looks ok, is this the road you say is single track with passing places?  We will be traveling north from the Stirling area, so we will be entering/leaving Tyndrum on the A82, why do you ask? Is there something I should know?  Worried

    I will probably use one route in and try the other one out Cool.

     

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2016 #6

    There is a CL in Port Appin, it overlooks Castle Stalker so it's easy to reach and not too far down in the village itself. We used to have holidays in the village and used the Connel Bridge route from Crianlarich. But if you want to take in Glencoe, which
    is quite spectacular, it's not a bad route either.

    I wasn't aware of that CL, Brue, it sounds like one to check out.

  • JCB4X4
    JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
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    edited July 2016 #7

    Tinwheeler, we will let you and other know what we think about this CL on our return.  Don't do any of this Tinternet stuff when on holiday!
    Sealed.

  • JCB4X4
    JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
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    edited July 2016 #8

    We always keep an eye out for new CLs opening up and if they look like they are any good give them a try, as it helps to support their start-up  efforts. 

  • birderbilly
    birderbilly Forum Participant Posts: 349
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    edited July 2016 #9

    yes the Appin to Port Appin road is single track but you will be fine as there are passing places - sounds like a great spot.  I asked about your route to Tyndrum because I wondered if you were planning on going up past Loch Lomond which is not for the feint
    hearted with a big outfit but if you are going up from Sterling you will use the A84 and A85 through Callender which is a much better route - enjoy.

  • birderbilly
    birderbilly Forum Participant Posts: 349
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    edited July 2016 #10

    Just looked up the CL and it looks fantastic - hope the weather is good for you.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,581 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited July 2016 #11

    Have to agree with Birderbilly on the route. With your outfit avoid the route up the side of Loch Lomond. The final stretch is narrow and twisting with an unforgiving stone wall on one side and can be busy with timber lorries whose drivers are not always
    the most considerate. The route throgh Callender is slightly longer but far easier and probably quicker.

  • JCB4X4
    JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
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    edited July 2016 #12

    birdbilly & Wildwood,  thanks for pointer re: Lock Lomond.   I am familiar with that stretch of road and would not recommend that anyone drive it even in desperation, in a tank (armoured type not water carrier), just pure hassle.  

    Thanks again !! Cool.  

     

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,581 ✭✭✭✭
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    edited July 2016 #13

    birdbilly & Wildwood,  thanks for pointer re: Lock Lomond.   I am familiar with that stretch of road and would not recommend that anyone drive it even in desperation, in a tank (armoured type not water carrier), just pure hassle.  

    Thanks again !! Cool.  

     

    Enjoy your holiday.

  • JCB4X4
    JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
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    edited July 2016 #14

    Hello all,  I said I would let you know what we thought of Bioran Dubh Croft CL

    We can only agree with the others that have posted reviews of this site. It is a Gem.  My only criticism would be, I think the owner has been a little too zealous with the use of hard-core and should have left a little more to grass. He does intend to do some planting to soften, the as yet, immature edges.

    As for being able to enjoy my holiday!

    Well I managed to fall headlong into the caravan whilst setting-up injuring my right thumb, which became extremely swollen and very painful. It was 4 days before I was able to attempt to drive to Oban A&E where an X-ray revealed I had broken the bone near the tip and had badly damaged the first joint. However, we are home now but I am still in a fair amount of pain and it will be some time before I regain the use of the offending digit.

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2016 #15

    Glad you enjoyed your stay but feel for you regarding your injury. The site sound just the sort of site we like, so will certainly have a look at visiting it sometime in the future.....that is if we can get a pitch!!Wink

  • JCB4X4
    JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
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    edited July 2016 #16

    The site never had more than 3 occupants during time we were there, Saturday 16th to Monday 25th July 2016 = 9 nights, on 4 days only ourselves and no-one was present when we left.  I do think it will become much more popular as other
    get to know about its existence.

  • JCB4X4
    JCB4X4 Forum Participant Posts: 466
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    edited July 2016 #17

    We took a look and were also impressed by another site a few miles further south also just off the A828 at Dallachulish Farm, Barcaldine, PA37 1SQ.  Very well laid out, well-kept and with good Sea-loch view.  

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,644 ✭✭✭
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    edited July 2016 #18

    We took a look and were also impressed by another site a few miles further south also just off the A828 at Dallachulish Farm, Barcaldine, PA37 1SQ.  Very well laid out, well-kept and with good Sea-loch view.  

    Others on here have recommended this one. It also has a great location.