Here are some FAQs about Balmichael Glamping - if you have any other questions please drop us a line and we will happily help!
The Isle of Arran can be accessed from two ferry routes, both operated by Caledonian MacBrayne.
Ardrossan to Brodick is the main route with multiple sailings a day, especially during summer timetable but continues to operate all winter. This ferry takes 50 minutes.
Claonaig to Lochranza also runs during the summer months (end of March till end of October). Balmichael is 8 miles from Brodick and 17 miles from Lochranza.
From Brodick and Lochranza, there are buses which run past Balmichael Glamping on the String Road, connecting the east and west of the island. Tell the driver where you want off (Balmichael Glamping) and they will drop you at the end of our drive.
Taxis are also available for booking. We recommend you organise this in advance.
When you arrive at Balmichael Glamping, park at the car park which is sign posted from our drive. If you arrive in the evening it can be very dark so a torch is advised, though we do have some solar lighting. Follow the signs down the path to The Courtyard of farm buildings. We ask upon booking that you provide a rough arrival time so we can be around to show you to your accommodation. Our owner’s accommodation, ‘Old Byre Cottage’ is accessed from far left corner of The Courtyard. Knock the door on arrival and if we aren’t in the house, we will be on site if we are expecting your arrival.
For safety of our guests, own children and animals, we do not permit cars in the courtyard or accommodation area. Once we have shown you to your accommodation, we will explain how you can bring your car on site to unload before returning it to the car park.
Check in is from 3pm on the day of your arrival. Please let us know the time you will be arriving or the ferry you are on if coming directly here.
Check out is by 10am on the day of departure to ensure turnaround time for the next guests.
Bedding is provided in all accommodations. We kindly ask for all beds to be stripped on departure.
Bath towels are not provided so please make sure you remember these. Hand towels are provided in wash areas.
Barrel Pods are set up with a microwave, kettle, toaster, air-fryer and 40 litre cool box. We supply reusable cool packs which keep your fridge cold. You can collect/swap/return these at The Nook. Each barrel pod has a small outdoor kitchen for washing up. Eco-friendly washing up liquid, cloths and tea towels are provided. Plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, crockery and other basic equipment is available too.
Safari Lodges have a small but functional indoor kitchen area with 2 pan induction hob, air-fryer, kettle, toaster and 70 litre cool box. Reusable cool packs can be collected/swapped/returned to The Nook. Eco-friendly washing up liquid, cloths and tea towels are provided along with plates, bowls, glasses, mugs, crockery and other basic equipment.
BBQ fire pits are also provided for cooking on. We kindly ask that BBQ grills are washed after use.
Barrel Pods - For your own convenience and to add to your outdoor getaway, each barrel pod is provided with a wash hut complete with compost toilet, sink and shower. These are located right next to each accommodation for the sole use of your group. Arran Aromatics hand-wash, hand towel and biodegradable loo roll is provided.
Safari Lodges - Each has internal bathrooms equipped with compost toilet, hot water shower and sink. Arran Aromatics hand-wash, hand towels and biodegradable loo roll is provided.
All accommodations have electricity and electrical sockets, including USB points. Costs are included in your stay.
Free Wi-Fi is provided during your stay. A password will be available upon arrival.
Barrel Pods are equipped with electric fan heaters with thermostat which are quick to heat up the well-insulated pods.
Safari Lodges have infra-red heating which is controlled by a thermostat. Both tents have wood-burning stoves, complete with full wood store to get you started. Beds have electric blankets.
Barrel Pods - Just along the field, beyond The Bodega Pod is one wood-fired outdoor tub. This is available as an additional extra for your stay, and is hired for the duration of your stay at a cost of £120. We supply a large load of firewood which is enough to run the tub for a couple of evenings. If you require any more this can be purchased during your stay.
Safari Lodges - Wood-fired hot tubs are available at each safari lodge and is included in your cost. A wood store will be stocked at your lodge for your arrival. If you need this re-filled we can do this for an additional charge.
The wood-fired tubs operate as big outdoor baths - there are no jets. Between guests, hot tubs are cleaned and refilled with fresh water. It is up to guests to heat tubs and rinse/refill between uses. Please note it can take between 2-3 hours to heat up depending on the time of year and starting temperature of the hot tub. If already warm from the previous day, an hour usually suffices. We will run through this with you at check in and there will be a safety disclosure form to sign.
We have a few items in stock in The Nook (toothbrushes, shower gel, milk etc). The Co-ops in Brodick are the closest shop between us and the ferry. The local convenience store in Blackwaterfoot – 3 miles west from Balmichael - stocks a vast array of products and local supplies.
We have a small honesty shop on site (think cheese, treats & ice cream) so we recommend you bring supplies with you. Blackwaterfoot has an excellent convenience store, bakery and snack shop a mere 3 miles away.
Barrel Pods are designed with little seats beside the door and are slightly sheltered, perfect to sit with a morning cuppa and enjoy the spectacular view. Each barrel pod also has a picnic table just outside to enjoy an alfresco dining experience.
Safari Lodges have a canopy area and furniture can be moved in and out as required. Each has a picnic table and a flexible seating. Opening the front of the lodge really does make for a lovely indoor/outdoor experience.
Each accommodation is provided with a small BBQ fire pit. Please do not bring disposable BBQs with you but make use of the facilities provided. You are welcome to bring your own camping stoves as long as they are used outside and a safe distance from our pods and lodges.
There is a large fire communal pit next to the barrel pods - a lovely social spot to end the day! Alternatively, make use of the BBQ fire pit you are provided with on chipped areas.
We are happy to welcome well-behaved dogs for a small additional charge. All dogs must be kept on a lead within the site in consideration of other guests and animals that share the area, as well as surrounding livestock. Please bear this in mind when walking near the site and follow rules of the countryside. We have ground stakes in dog-friendly accommodation which you can use if your dog is outside with you.
You will need to provide bedding for your dog - we do not permit dogs on beds or sofas for hygienic purposes.
Barrel Pods - One pod (The Bodega) is dog-friendly.
Safari Lodges - Both lodges welcome dogs.
There is an additional charge of £5 per dog per night and we would allow a maximum of two dogs within The Bodega, but with all beds in use, the space inside the barrel pod is limited. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your dogs prior to booking.
We do not provide travel cots but you are welcome to bring these along for the safari lodges. Travel cots will not fit into a barrel pod. We have found that by moving the double mattress to the side of the cabin, a single mattress can be set up beside it.
Please note, on a safety aspect for younger children, our site has fire pits, a pond and animals. We want everyone to have a fabulous time at Balmichael Glamping and request children are supervised at all times for safety and enjoyment of all guests.
We do not allow hen, stag or same sex parties unless the party is taking out the full accommodation during their stay. All guests must abide by the rules of Balmichael, including keeping the noise levels respectful for our residents and neighbours.
Much of our site is on solid ground however all accommodation is accessed via a stony and grassy path in a field. All accommodations have stairs for access.
Please see our Cancellation Policy within our Terms & Conditions, agreed when bookings are made.
