FAQ (and: how to get there)
How to get there:
To get to the conference in time, you need to reach the ferry in Oban (to Craignure on Mull) at 15:50. Then, you will take the Bus leaving from Craignure (next to the ferry port, direction Fionophort @ 16:50 (it will wait for you, no need to rush from the ferry) arriving at “Lee - Ardtun” a station between Pennyghael and Bunessan at about 17:45. Ask the Driver to drop you at "Leob Croft", most drivers know the Croft - if not, ask for the crossing “Lee/Ardtun”, about 3 Miles before Bunessan. In this case you have to go back about 300 Meters. If coming by car, please park it behind the gate and walk down towards the buildings and meet us there.
In order to get to Oban:
Take a bus shuttle from Edinburgh or Glasgow airport to Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station (runs every 20 or 30 minutes, no reservation needed).
From Glasgow to Oban take a coach (from Buchanan Bus Station) or the train (From Glasgow Queenstreet Station). You can get very cheep tickets for the bus or the trains when booked online in advance.
Buses @: http://www.citylink.co.uk
For trains @: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/
Train and Bus terminate in Oban very close to the ferry terminal.
Even if there is just a few minutes between arrival time of bus or train there is time enough to buy your ticket for the ferry.
Oban -> Craignure
Take the ferry. Check times and fares here:
https://www.calmac.co.uk/oban-craignure-mull-ferry-summer-timetable
If you are traveling by car, you need to have a reservation for the ferry. The tickets sell out rapidly, book as soon as possible, at least 4 month prior of journey or you will have no chance to get on the ferry with a car. Also consider your journey back. Foot passengers are no problem. If you don't get a ticket don't give up! You can cue up at the waiting line. If you are early enough you bet on a ferry- maybe no the next one, but the one after...
What do we eat?
We will have a cook with us.
Charlot will prepare wonderful, wholesome meals for lunch (our warm meal) and supper.
Breakfast
Coffee & tea, milk and other diary products freshly provided every day from the local suppliers, bread and cereals from the Camphill shop – their products are bio-dynamic, and good porridge. That’s our breakfast!
The combinations between these ingredients are limited, but delicious, especially when we’re eating together.
However, if you have any other food in mind, that you would like to eat, you’re free to bring it.
Lunch will be our festive meal, all together in the big tent. Prepared by our cook, a wonderful creative bio-dynamic caterer. Last year the food was amazing.
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Supper will be outdoors in the workshop groups or during a day-trip. After lunch we will prepare a supper-box every day. Mainly sandwiches, some fresh fruits and vegetables.
If you have any special request or needs, like gluten free or vegan we are trying to respond to that, but can’t guarantee. So in this case please get in contact with us as early as possible.
All food will be organic (as far as possible), most meals will be vegetarian, but we are planning one barbecue as well (with local organic meat). Vegetarian salads will be provided.
What about age?
The youngest participant so far, was a baby and a 7 years old, the next oldest 16, most of the organization team is around 40, some people that have booked already are 50-60 years old, and the oldest person considering to join us, is 80 years old.
More important than age is your enthusiasm, curiosity and determination. But please consider: we will spent a considerable amount of time outdoors.
How’s the day going to look like?
See program
Is there time to spend at the beach?
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There are at least 3 perfect moments for beach time. Early in the morning, after the lunch break (then we have a lot of free time to explore the island) and in the evening, at sundown. You should know, you are also free to take walks whenever you feel like it, but we’d definitely miss you from our group activities.
Are we going to Iona and Staffa?
The conference is on Mull. There are many beautiful spots waiting to be discovered on Mull. We’re planning at least one full day for going to Iona and Staffa with the whole group.
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What to bring?
Something to protect you from the midges!
Weather proof clothing. Wellies (Gummistifel!) You will need them. Also, if you decide to camp, the tent has to be resistant to humidity from all directions. Please bring very good hiking boots or wellingtons (Gummistiefel)!
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Accommodation:
We made reservations for a number beds in different holiday cottages. Half of them on the Leob Croft and the other half being within 15-30 Minutes walking distance from Leob Croft in beautiful landscape with excellent views. If walking is not good for you – there will be a car-shuttle organized for rainy days or tired feet. Prices range according to the standard of the house and room requirements. A self catered breakfast will be included. The accommodations provide all you need for your overnight stay (bedding, towels and so on, no toilet paper whatsoever). They have small kitchens as well. Most rooms will be shared, only a few single rooms are available. So- be quick to announce your favorite setting.
Camping nevertheless will be the best choice to connect with nature. The camping people have a breakfast place as well. The camping site also has all the comfort you need like warm showers, toilets. Tents need to be brought and should be waterproof (also from underneath). We actually also offer camping in our bell-tents. Please ask about it.
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What if I want to come earlier or stay a few days longer?
Please do so! But only with own tent on our camp site. Or ask us about other possibilities.
Payment procedure
After registration and after you told us where you want to sleep we will send you the billing address. All fees need to be paid in advance.
Your accommodation booking will only be binding after we received your payment. We are sorry to say that we can’t reserve a room for you without having received your payment.
What about financial support?
We are always open for new ideas of financing, if you have any, don’t hesitate to propose them.
Midges?
Midges are related to mosquitoes, but smaller. Similar to their relatives, they come out early in the morning, but also in the late afternoon. During the day they hide in the bushes, where they should not be disturbed (for our own sake). They are attracted to dark clothing, so wearing light colors and covering up will outmaneuver them. Insect repellents applied to the skin and clothing, usually give several hours protection.
Weather?
Here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/climate/uk/regional-climates/ws
you can find a detailed archive of Western Scotland’s climate, so you know what you’re in for.