We were planning on going to Bala Lake in Wales this year for the watersports and gorge walking, but for various reasons we now need an alternative place to head.
So - does anyone know of great places for camper vans and tents, dog friendly, near lakes that are good for paddle boarding, gorge walking, cycling and swimming.
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Not the faintest idea where you are or where you want to be, and don’t know what gorge walking is, but here are two possibilities for your other activities which are 400 miles apart… the western end of Ullswater in Cumbria, or Siblyback lake in Cornwall
Do you have a particular area in mind? I can think of sites up here in Scotland but that might be too far (or conversely, too close to where you usually go).
Not necessarily. We are in the Midlands, so everywhere is accessible. We definitely do want to tour Scotland, I haven't been since I was a kid and it's beautiful.
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Gorge walking is a niche sport. I’ve only come across it as a business at Inchree, in Glen Righ, near Fort William and it doesn’t fit most of your other needs.
Loch Ken near Castle Douglas (but no gorge). Loch Morlich near Aviemore & Rothiemurchas but I’m told by an open water swimmer that it’s really cold: when we hired a kayak there, we were told the water was the same temperature as the seas round Iceland. Good area for cycling & walking too.
Ullapool has events like coastal rowing on Loch Broom (not inland water, but sheltered), and the amazing Corrieshalloch Gorge isn’t far away - but it’s a National Nature Reserve, so some activities like gorge walking may not be permitted.
Loch Lomond is the obvious one; east side is much quieter, Millarochy & Cashel sites on the West Highland Way. But again, no gorges.
I’ll keep thinking of more, but there must be many places in the Lake District that would suit; I’m just not familiar with that area.
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Would echo Fiona's comments for Scotland. Taking gorge walking out of the equation as I'm not familiar with that. Though the hillwalking is stunning.
There are so many options for places with wild swimming, kayaking/sup, cycling which is what I do. Where to go depends on your experience level and if there are children. For experienced and strong level the bigger western sea lochs like Loch Long are an adventure, many to choose from along the west coast. They are often challenging. I'd recommend sticking to smaller Inland lochs for intermediate and fun stuff. Loch Ken in Galloway is nice as is nearby Woodall Loch both in the SW. Both good for swimming//kayak and cycling. The northern Trossachs are nice too, Loch Ard, Loch Lomond (v popular), Loch Lubnaig, Loch Earn (the latter two lochs cam be squally in my experience) are all in the same area and offer a wide range of sports so should suit. Really though this is just a few of very many areas that may suit you. The ones I've mentioned are more southerly (less driving for you, and might be a good taster) but the possibilities are endless. The further north you go generally the colder the water and more challenging the terrain though don't let me put you off.
Again where to camp in these areas depends on your desires as there's everything from fully commercial type setups to off-grid.
Good luck.
Post last edited on 13/07/2022 12:06:00
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A note of caution: Off grid is not always an option for tents or MHs in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park - check the LLTNP website. It’s because of major problems there with “dirty campers” and yes, it’s policed by NP staff. We were politely asked by them to move out of a bus parking area where we had stopped for lunch, because the bus companies were saying they couldn’t get parked up for the boat trips.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Site near lake for swimming / watersports
via mobile 12/7/2022 at 2:36pm
