For groups of several pilgrims, or visitors who are happy with a simpler set-up, there are various places with more basic accommodation for larger numbers: bunkhouses and village halls for example, where you can unroll a sleeping bag and a foam mat on the floor.
Ardentinny Outdoor Centre (North-East Cowal) provides accommodation for all kinds of group activities – conferences, outdoor pursuits, weddings, orchestral rehearsals and more. Contact Peter Wilson or a colleague at info@actualrealitycentres.com
Ardentinny Village Hall (North-East Cowal) has a good kitchen and washing facilities, but no shower. To book for a group’s overnight accommodation, please phone Ms Eileen Connell, 01369 810385.
Blairmore Hall (East Cowal, near Kilmun and Dunoon) is a village hall on the shore on the Firth of Clyde, facing the pier. It is available for groups to hire overnight, but the hiring is by the day, so for an overnight stay you must hire two consecutive days. But as it is only £40 a day, that is not prohibitive for a small group. It has a small kitchen and a little cooker. One ladies’ and one gents’ toilet with hand basin but no shower. To book, please contact Pam Horton, the booking secretary, on blairmorehall@hotmail.co.uk.
Kilfinan Village Hall (South-West Cowal) is right across from the parish church and lapidarium (a fine collection of medieval carved stones). It is also close to the Kilfinan Hotel, where you can also get food and drink. It can be hired for overnight accommodation, has a fully equipped kitchen and washing facilities (but no showers). The cost for hiring is £100 per night, plus a £50 returnable deposit (if no damage is done to the hall). Contact Sinclair Sutherland to arrange a stay: drmcttg@aol.com
Lochgoilhead Village Hall in North Cowal can sleep thirty or more. In the village of Lochgoilhead, in beautiful countryside and close to the Church of the Three Brethren, it is well-suited for groups with sleeping bags who want to use it as a base. The usual charge for a group is £150 a night for the whole group. The contact person is Iain MacInnes (01301 703250, or 07775 632880).
The Younger Hall is close to the church of Kilmun, St Munn’s. It is a spacious hall with room to unroll your group’s sleeping bags, and has a kitchen and washing facilities, but no showers. It is next door to a pub. For enquiries and bookings call Gill, 01369 840 599. Or email her at gilliandekort@tiscali.co.uk