Can anyone recommend good campsites and places to visit in south to mid scotland.Me and the girl are going end of august for ten days,splitting the journey with a stop off at the lake district.
many thanks
gus
ps were going by car,so good riding roads not needed.
OT camping in scotland
Moderators: slparry, Gromit, Paul
When its not raining, the west coast is stunning - have stayed in Lochgoilhead, somewhere on Bute, various campsites on Loch Long, in Arrisaig, Ullapool, somewhere on Loch Ness and driven round the lot to John O Groats and back round the east coast... Its well worth working your way up to Fort William if you can as the drive is fantastic.
The further north you go up the west coast, the wilder it gets (or did 10 years ago). The fantastic late sunsets over water are truly memorable.
Make sure you pack mosquito repellent, jock midges are fiendish.
South of Glasgow is not much cop - once spent a week in Ayr which was truly grim, and I think Elvis once touched down somewhere around there.
Spent 2 years in Glasgow, cracking city and worth a brief stop.
No doubt some of our north of the border brethren will enlighten you further.
Hoping to head up there myself before the summer dies.
Ade
The further north you go up the west coast, the wilder it gets (or did 10 years ago). The fantastic late sunsets over water are truly memorable.
Make sure you pack mosquito repellent, jock midges are fiendish.
South of Glasgow is not much cop - once spent a week in Ayr which was truly grim, and I think Elvis once touched down somewhere around there.
Spent 2 years in Glasgow, cracking city and worth a brief stop.
No doubt some of our north of the border brethren will enlighten you further.
Hoping to head up there myself before the summer dies.
Ade
2000 R1100S Sport
1980 Vespa P125X
1980 Vespa P125X
Red Squirrel campsite in Glencoe (staggering distance to The Clachaig Inn - best climbers pub in Scotland). Road from Clencoe, across Rannoch Moor to tyndrum has got to be one of the best roads anywhere.
Otherwise, anywhere on the West Coast is fantastic for roads, mountains, views, beaches, etc.
Just make sure you pick the right week for weather
Otherwise, anywhere on the West Coast is fantastic for roads, mountains, views, beaches, etc.
Just make sure you pick the right week for weather
Ride like your life depended on it.
2002 BCR
2002 BCR
Gus
I might be able to help a bit here although I'm not too familiar with the Southern / Lowlands of Scotland.
Generally speaking I would miss completely the eastern part of the country from Dundee / Aberdeen as being pretty boring with the exception of the east neuk of Fife area ie St Andrews and surrounding towns suth as Crail and Anstruther etc which are superb. The West coast of Scotland is extemely scenic and especially the area north of Glasgow. You are going to have less than 10 day's if you stop off at the Lake District so I would concentrate your time around the Perthshire region and some West Coast area's. I can vouch for Aberfeldy having a good camping site with hot showers etc and this would be a good place to spend some time as the surrounding area's of Glen Lyon and Rannoch are superb. Aberfeldy is a small Highland town and full of character. The camp site is also only a short walk from the town centre so you can walk in for provisions and entertainment/meals. Pitlochry also has a campsite and is in the Perthshire area. The good thing about either Pitlochry or Aberfeldy is that you can base yourself there for a few day's without having to continually pitch the tent in a new place. The surrounding areas are tremendously scenic so day runs to varous places would not involve massive amounts of driving.
I would also try and get some time over on the west coast of scotland and I think Oban should have a campsite. The great thing about Oban is that the Caledonian MacBryne ferries leave and return from here. Try and get over to some of the islands which are unique places. You can take the car to Mull etc but you can also go on one of their special day trips (without car) at a very reasonable rate. There is one trip that I have been meaning to go on for ages which is a day excursion to Mull/Iona and Staffa (Fingals Cave) for about £25 per person. The other place you can get day trips to the islands is from Mallaig which is way north of Oban but this may be too far for the amount of time you have. If you do however get that far north there are day trips to the inner hebridies ie Rhum, Eigg, Muck and Canna.
If you could let me know what general direction you intend to take I can possibly be a bit more specific about the places worth visiting. It does'nt look it on a map but Scotland is quite a big country and for a lot of the time you will be travelling generally on smaller roads so you should build that into your itinery.
Regards
Scott
I might be able to help a bit here although I'm not too familiar with the Southern / Lowlands of Scotland.
Generally speaking I would miss completely the eastern part of the country from Dundee / Aberdeen as being pretty boring with the exception of the east neuk of Fife area ie St Andrews and surrounding towns suth as Crail and Anstruther etc which are superb. The West coast of Scotland is extemely scenic and especially the area north of Glasgow. You are going to have less than 10 day's if you stop off at the Lake District so I would concentrate your time around the Perthshire region and some West Coast area's. I can vouch for Aberfeldy having a good camping site with hot showers etc and this would be a good place to spend some time as the surrounding area's of Glen Lyon and Rannoch are superb. Aberfeldy is a small Highland town and full of character. The camp site is also only a short walk from the town centre so you can walk in for provisions and entertainment/meals. Pitlochry also has a campsite and is in the Perthshire area. The good thing about either Pitlochry or Aberfeldy is that you can base yourself there for a few day's without having to continually pitch the tent in a new place. The surrounding areas are tremendously scenic so day runs to varous places would not involve massive amounts of driving.
I would also try and get some time over on the west coast of scotland and I think Oban should have a campsite. The great thing about Oban is that the Caledonian MacBryne ferries leave and return from here. Try and get over to some of the islands which are unique places. You can take the car to Mull etc but you can also go on one of their special day trips (without car) at a very reasonable rate. There is one trip that I have been meaning to go on for ages which is a day excursion to Mull/Iona and Staffa (Fingals Cave) for about £25 per person. The other place you can get day trips to the islands is from Mallaig which is way north of Oban but this may be too far for the amount of time you have. If you do however get that far north there are day trips to the inner hebridies ie Rhum, Eigg, Muck and Canna.
If you could let me know what general direction you intend to take I can possibly be a bit more specific about the places worth visiting. It does'nt look it on a map but Scotland is quite a big country and for a lot of the time you will be travelling generally on smaller roads so you should build that into your itinery.
Regards
Scott
BMW R1100S
Triumph Sprint ST 955
Triumph Sprint ST 955
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BockingBandit
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Gus,... for 'Riding',.. 'Boot' in Eskdale in the lakes,.. great campsite with amazing pub and stands at the end of Hardknot and Wrynose Passes.
If your looking at West Scotland,.. then not much until you get towards Oban, .. then its totally wow.
From lakes,.. head north to Carlisle,.. A76/77 going north. Head for A737 from Ivrvine through Ardrossan, Largs and Inverkip then onto A770 to McInroys Point and Ferry to Hunters Quay. (£4).
Then your now on the worlds finest biking road,.. bar none. A851 via Holy Loch and Creggans to A83. A83 (NW) via Inverary to Lochilphead then A816 (NW) via Kilmartin, Kilmelford, Kilmore to Oban. Then grab a beer and watch the worlds most amazing sunset.
If you want to head further north,. from Oban take A85 (N) to Connel, Left onto A828 (N) via Portnacroish to A82(N). Through fort Willaim to Invergary, left (W) onto A87 to Auchertyre. Right (N) onto A890 via Stormferry, Strathcarron to A896 turning Left to Sanachan. Turn Left via Pass of cattle to Applecross. (Look up Pass of cattle on google pictures, . that roadis the most fun you can possibly have in a pair of frank Thomas Aquas)Ace campsite just above Applecross where you can camp or rent a wooden wigwam (dont ask lol). The campsite has a cafe that serves latte and organic carrot cake for heavens sake and a great pub on the waterfront 10 minutes stagger away, .. always loads of bikers at the site/pub. Comming out of Applecross,.. take the circle road North and around the top,.. single track with passing places.. but awsome.
Sorry about all the 'gumph',.. but just come back from my second tour (race lol) up there.. and it impressed me even more this time. The road into Oban from Hunters Quay is worth the trip all on it's own. But Gus.. wherever you go,.. take your insect repelent and you'll have an absolute ball mate.
Geoff
If your looking at West Scotland,.. then not much until you get towards Oban, .. then its totally wow.
From lakes,.. head north to Carlisle,.. A76/77 going north. Head for A737 from Ivrvine through Ardrossan, Largs and Inverkip then onto A770 to McInroys Point and Ferry to Hunters Quay. (£4).
Then your now on the worlds finest biking road,.. bar none. A851 via Holy Loch and Creggans to A83. A83 (NW) via Inverary to Lochilphead then A816 (NW) via Kilmartin, Kilmelford, Kilmore to Oban. Then grab a beer and watch the worlds most amazing sunset.
If you want to head further north,. from Oban take A85 (N) to Connel, Left onto A828 (N) via Portnacroish to A82(N). Through fort Willaim to Invergary, left (W) onto A87 to Auchertyre. Right (N) onto A890 via Stormferry, Strathcarron to A896 turning Left to Sanachan. Turn Left via Pass of cattle to Applecross. (Look up Pass of cattle on google pictures, . that roadis the most fun you can possibly have in a pair of frank Thomas Aquas)Ace campsite just above Applecross where you can camp or rent a wooden wigwam (dont ask lol). The campsite has a cafe that serves latte and organic carrot cake for heavens sake and a great pub on the waterfront 10 minutes stagger away, .. always loads of bikers at the site/pub. Comming out of Applecross,.. take the circle road North and around the top,.. single track with passing places.. but awsome.
Sorry about all the 'gumph',.. but just come back from my second tour (race lol) up there.. and it impressed me even more this time. The road into Oban from Hunters Quay is worth the trip all on it's own. But Gus.. wherever you go,.. take your insect repelent and you'll have an absolute ball mate.
Geoff
Avoiding Reality ....... http://poorcirculation.blogspot.com/
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Boxertools
- Posts: 180
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- Location: Norfolk
Gus, I would echo the others above, take insect repelant.
We had 2 weeks in Scotland in June and the midges were barstuards south of Oban. We holiday up there every year and plan to move there regardless of the bugs. This year, we spent a week 20 miles south of Oban at Croabh Haven, where you can take a boat trip out to the Coryavecan (spelling?), which is a natural phenominum where there is dead calm, swirling whirl pools and breakers miles from the coast.
We went to Mull & Iona and wished we had gone to Staffa (must go next time). If you do this, allow plenty of time, the run from the ferry terminal to the Iona ferry is surprisingly long if you get stuck behind 6 coaches.
Our second week was spent in Perhshire, which is where we normally go.
We are going back in October to experience the Perthshire Amber.
As Scotty said< Aberfeldy is a nice town. We normally stay in Fortingall which is a lovely thatched village. Glen lyon is a must. You can enter Glen lyon from Fortingall (which is said to be the birth place of Pontius Pilot) (and has the Oldest tree in Europe, next to the hotel) you can take a drive along the glen and stop at the Bridge of Balgie Tea Room (not Wed or Thurs, go another day and have the home made soup and scones) you can then turn left over Ben Lawers and past the dam (worth it) or you can continue to the end of the glen to another dam (which you can walk up to and look over) and over a tiny road (which is not on the maps, but is fine in a car) to Killin.
Another place which we think is a must is The Taybank hotel in Dunkeld. There is food (try a stovie) and live music in the evenings, which we find more and more apealing.
From the above, you can gather that we are lovers of Perthshire,I can go on, but you would get even more bored.
Mike
We had 2 weeks in Scotland in June and the midges were barstuards south of Oban. We holiday up there every year and plan to move there regardless of the bugs. This year, we spent a week 20 miles south of Oban at Croabh Haven, where you can take a boat trip out to the Coryavecan (spelling?), which is a natural phenominum where there is dead calm, swirling whirl pools and breakers miles from the coast.
We went to Mull & Iona and wished we had gone to Staffa (must go next time). If you do this, allow plenty of time, the run from the ferry terminal to the Iona ferry is surprisingly long if you get stuck behind 6 coaches.
Our second week was spent in Perhshire, which is where we normally go.
We are going back in October to experience the Perthshire Amber.
As Scotty said< Aberfeldy is a nice town. We normally stay in Fortingall which is a lovely thatched village. Glen lyon is a must. You can enter Glen lyon from Fortingall (which is said to be the birth place of Pontius Pilot) (and has the Oldest tree in Europe, next to the hotel) you can take a drive along the glen and stop at the Bridge of Balgie Tea Room (not Wed or Thurs, go another day and have the home made soup and scones) you can then turn left over Ben Lawers and past the dam (worth it) or you can continue to the end of the glen to another dam (which you can walk up to and look over) and over a tiny road (which is not on the maps, but is fine in a car) to Killin.
Another place which we think is a must is The Taybank hotel in Dunkeld. There is food (try a stovie) and live music in the evenings, which we find more and more apealing.
From the above, you can gather that we are lovers of Perthshire,I can go on, but you would get even more bored.
Mike
I endorse all of the above
For the mighty Midge..............
Avon - skin so soft
As recomended by Me and the SAS
Had a terrific couple of days at the Red Squirrel last week, Live Bands in the Clachaig now Wed, Fri and Sat Nite......
Have to say the Invercoe campsite looked very nice, right on the shore looking out to Ardnamurchan......
Thats when you realise what days off are really for....
Cheers
Ali
Avon - skin so soft
As recomended by Me and the SAS
Had a terrific couple of days at the Red Squirrel last week, Live Bands in the Clachaig now Wed, Fri and Sat Nite......
Have to say the Invercoe campsite looked very nice, right on the shore looking out to Ardnamurchan......
Thats when you realise what days off are really for....
Cheers
Ali
“Wrinkles merely indicate where smiles have been”
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
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bigblackfalco
- Posts: 1922
- Joined: Wed Feb 18, 2004 10:05 am
- Location: Darkest Aberdeenshire
Haven't been for eons....but like everyone else says.....anything north and west is best.
Particularly like Sutherland( Suilven,Stac Polly) and the Applecross Forest,Five Sisters,Eilean Donan, Glen Coe etc etc.
Always wanted to take the ferry across Loch Broom to eat at the Altnahary Inn which is or was supposed to be a gastro dream.
Never been up there on a bike tho......so maybe you can tell me how it is?!
Have a good un.
Bailey.
Particularly like Sutherland( Suilven,Stac Polly) and the Applecross Forest,Five Sisters,Eilean Donan, Glen Coe etc etc.
Always wanted to take the ferry across Loch Broom to eat at the Altnahary Inn which is or was supposed to be a gastro dream.
Never been up there on a bike tho......so maybe you can tell me how it is?!
Have a good un.
Bailey.
Honda VFR750 FV 1997 Red and dirty, 130K miles.
Honda VFR800 Xf Crossrunner 2016 White and dirty, 120K miles.
Honda VFR800 Xf Crossrunner 2016 White and dirty, 120K miles.
my first trip on a bike was to Arrisaig in 02, took the F650CS from the showroom, loaded it up at home with as much as we could bungee on it and basically ran it in up the motorway to Scotland. Most memorable road was the A82 through Glen Coe to Fort William - amazing - even in driving rain... Also remember being amazed by how quick some 2up riders were on what where probably older K12Rs, and having first moments on wet cats eyes two up on the A830 and almost falling off in the gravel drive of the guest house in front of my assembled mates...
longing for a repeat but never seem to get the time/ opportunity.
CS lasted 7 months before trading up for the S...
Funny old game.
Ade
longing for a repeat but never seem to get the time/ opportunity.
CS lasted 7 months before trading up for the S...
Funny old game.
Ade
2000 R1100S Sport
1980 Vespa P125X
1980 Vespa P125X
Gus
Also check out the Cal Mac ferry website on www.Caledonian MacBrayne.co You can buy Rover/Hop Scotch tickets at reasonable rates which would enable you to travel through the West Coast region and visit some of it's islands.
Also check out the Cal Mac ferry website on www.Caledonian MacBrayne.co You can buy Rover/Hop Scotch tickets at reasonable rates which would enable you to travel through the West Coast region and visit some of it's islands.
BMW R1100S
Triumph Sprint ST 955
Triumph Sprint ST 955
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BockingBandit
- Posts: 379
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Ooops.. sorry Gus,.. I forgot to read the part about 'Going in the Car'.
As for Yogi,.. yes.. Avon 'Skin So Soft' is the only stuff that seems to work on the midges, ... and it had me looking years younger, .. so double result.
As for Yogi,.. yes.. Avon 'Skin So Soft' is the only stuff that seems to work on the midges, ... and it had me looking years younger, .. so double result.
Avoiding Reality ....... http://poorcirculation.blogspot.com/
Gus
I stayed up in the Trossachs a couple of years ago. It's very nice up there & Stirling Castle is worth a visit. My family were very impressed with my pike and perch fishing prowess
p.s. don't go near the water at dusk you will be eaten alive by midges - seriously. [/url]
I stayed up in the Trossachs a couple of years ago. It's very nice up there & Stirling Castle is worth a visit. My family were very impressed with my pike and perch fishing prowess
p.s. don't go near the water at dusk you will be eaten alive by midges - seriously. [/url]
BMW R1100S (Black)
Suzuki TL1000S (Red)
Suzuki TL1000S (Red)
