First block of Oban

It's a complete new world for me. A 'long term' pitch living in my caravan. A great deal was offered at the Oban C&CC Site at Barcaldine, about 12 miles north of Oban and I took the plunge. I've stayed here numerous times over the years in both my campervans, and all of my Eriba's.

It's a fine site set in a former walled garden, so very sheltered.

The site is adjacent to a fantastic forest for dog walking, but is also a short 5 min walk from the shore. OK, its a bit industrial with the fabrication of floating fish farms, but it's lovely and quiet in the evening.

The inflatable 'loops' are absolutely enormous.

One thing about this part of Scotland, Argyll, is that is incredibly wet compared to the east coast. When it rains, it rains a lot.

Spectacular water in the gorge in the nearby forest.

Some good walking, a particular favourite is the walk to Clach Thoull from Port Appin. A very nice walk with some fantastic eroded rock features.

The man-cave is coming on just fine!

I decided to erect the Residence Room on the wind out awning. So far, it's performed really well although I had to lower one leg (as recommended by Thule) as it suffered some significant pooling in the continuous rain!

Another seriously cool caravan is pitched here, an Airstream Bambi.

Have got some good walking done including a very memorable one down the shores of Loch Etive.

And a few trips down to the shore.

My first week has been great. It has rained a lot, but when the sun shines it is a lovely place. The village shops in Port Appin, Benderloch, and Dunbeg are really good, and for bigger supplies, Oban is just 20mins south. 

The site itself is fine. The staff just let you get on with it and contrary to the terms and conditions I was given, there really is very little in the way of strict rules. Facilities are good, and everything seems to work.

To sum up my first 'block'? It is wet. Waterproofs are a must and you just have to accept the weather and get on with it. I've realised that at least when it's wet, everywhere I visit is quieter!