I joined the forum earlier in the year as we had purchased our first tent and we were stepping into the unknown and some of the advice I received was great.
We managed 3 camping trips this year sticking to Dumfries & Galloway area. We are now considering what to do for our summer break next year and we would like to make the most of camping instead of ploughing a fortune into going abroad.
We are based in Ayrshire so have considered going up North and possibly seeing more of our own beautiful country. Can anyone recommend some sites in the Highlands and Islands that would be suitable for families.
Also while I am on, when we do go camping we struggle with the space in the car trying to get everything in? We need to think about getting a trailer of some sort, could anyone point me in the right direction please of something that wont break the bank.
Thanks in advance
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Can't recommend any camping sites but am sure you will have some replies. Many years ago when we used to have tent holidays we had a small Erde trailer - not sure what your budget is. You could also have a look on the auction sites. I built "cheating"sides on to my trailer to make it as tall as I needed. As well as budgeting for your trailer you will of course need to add to the costs by having a towbar and electrics. If you buy a pre used trailer check the electrics, tyres and chassis condition before you buy. Have you thought of buying a topbox or hiring one?
Thanks for replying, we already have a roofbox but my husband bought a Canadian Canoe earlier in the year so that's normally on the roof. I will keep an eye on Gumtree etc to see if I can see anything second hand.
Ive had a look at some itineraries today and at present I have the following:
I would welcome any thoughts on our itinerary, we will have 2 weeks to take it at our leisure and I have tried to stick to as short journeys as possible with the longest being 4.5 hours.
Its been a while since I visited Scotland, used to really enjoy Speyside for the scenery and other attractions, also used to enjoy seeing the Dolphins at Chanonry Point, Cromarty.
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
Pitlochry to Aviemore is a short hop, Aviemore to Sango is a hike, far more than 4.5 hours as the roads get slower the farther north / west you go. I'd suggest Aviemore rather than Pitlochry, and then get to Dingwall at least, or maybe Dornoch, to break the journey. We can get to Inverness from Ayrshire in 5 hours or less.
I assume you've read site reviews, Faskally certainly wasn't a favourite site of ours, Glenmore is preferable of the two.
A thought on the trailer. Check your Council's limit on trailer length at the coup - a friend can't use his trailer in N Ayrshire as it's too long. It can be handy for getting rid of garden waste or an old wardrobe.
I agree with both Geoff and Fiona. Aviemore is basically a holiday village with a number of campsites in the area.
Plenty of good walking & cycling. Also restored steam railway.
As well as Speyside, Deeside is an area worth visiting.
The site at Ballater has been totally re-vamped after the floods and although a tad expensive, is in a great setting. Braemar doesn't accept large tents, but does have new 4 berth log cabins to hire.
Dornoch and the Black isle are worth considering.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
My husband and I had a good chat last night and sat with a map and we have completely overhauled our plans...
My boys are both Harry Potter mad so we are now considering going straight to Fort William so the boys can see the Glenfinnan Viaduct - we had considered the Glen Nevis Site.
We have friends who were at Silver Sands at Arasaig Last week and their Facebook photos looked stunning, so considered this then a ferry from Mallaig over to Skye?
Please let me know thoughts on Skye, best sites and things to do that the kids would enjoy?
Thanks
Don't forget to leave a review of the campsites you have visited this year or last!
My only experience of Skye was wet and expensive! The popularity of the Western Isles and the NC500 has put me off any thoughts of visiting any time other than the low season. However, with young children, I expect you're restricted to school holidays.
Plenty of time to think and plan. I won't start till Easter, but that's one benefit of being retired.
------------- Two drifters off to see the world.
I'm tired of reality, so I'm off to look for a good fantasy.
If you are planning on doing the train journey over the glenfinnan viaduct up to Mallaig make sure you book in advance. We went well out of main season and had to book 2 days before and the train was packed.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Tips and Advice please....
