Camp sites in Scotland and getting there.

johnnyfaro · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 May 2009 Karma :

Hey all.
I have ok'd an escape for a long weekend to Scotland on the bike. Coming up from way down south so need recommendations of campsites in Scotland on way to inverness region then up to the very top.

Also is there a scenic/fun route from Essex (london). I think i should plan the first camp either high up England or just over the border.

Any suggestions very well recieved

Thanks

Johnny

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

In my experience, you're better off just blatting straight up the motorway and saving the 'fun time' for when you get there.

Essex to Inverness in a day would be no problem.

johnnyfaro · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 May 2009 Karma :

Thanks Bendy, any recommendations on campsites up there?

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Sorry, I don't tend to camp.

oriel dave · Nova Slayer Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Karma :

I agree if you're only going for a long weekend then you want to get up to scotland as quick as possible. If you fancy a break from the m'way then the a68 from somewhere on the a1(m) up to edinburgh is quite nice.

Depends what you're looking for in a campsite. When we did it we stayed in a different place each night, just went where we wanted to go and then found a campsite when it was time to find a campsite.

dave
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johnnyfaro · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 May 2009 Karma :

Camp wise I want somewhere to stick a tent thats quiet really. I would wild camp but with bike think its best to have a proper site. Would prefer to book as have found that campsites are pretty well booked atm.

oriel dave · Nova Slayer Joined: 29 Jun 2006 Karma :

Fair enough. We went this time last year for two weeks andwere only turned away once. Generally they'll find a space for a bike an a tent. Are you looking for place to stay as a base for a few days or to stay in a few different places?
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johnnyfaro · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 11 May 2009 Karma :

different places. As on not gonna wanna sit on tod a great deal.

suggs · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 21 Jun 2009 Karma :

theres a group of us going Lands end to John O Groats on the 31st, its for charity. you could join that if you like. theres a few of us going from Essex its open to anyone.

2 nights camping 2 night travel lodges then home with a couple of stops on the way back..

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Remember you're allowed to camp anywhere legally (within reason) in Scotland, so don't have to pay out for camp sites to stay legit.

raak · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Karma :

just browsing and came across this thread.

Suggs, how did the trip go?

Am looking to do A run up from London to stoke, then the west coast of England to John O'Groats
then down the east side Edinburgh/ Newcastle/ Scarborough
then switch across to the west coast again, Gloucester /Bristol for the run to lands end.

reading up on the BCF for particularly scenic/good bike roads.
So have got lots of good ideas already, cheers all

Can any one offer any opinions on what roads they think we should use and maybe some way points and decent campsites.

trying to use some of the better biking roads on the way up and down, so cafes and bike spots should be really thick on the ground.

And any advise from those in the know about the top end of scotland in June.

Already noted that the midges can be a real problem, anything else that would be useful?

Cheers for any help.. Thumbs Up

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kitty kat · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Karma :

if you are doing west coast, the A82 through Glencoe is a great biking road. The Green Welly in Tyndrum is a well known bike stop and for campsites use www.ukcampsites.co.uk.
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Skudd · Super Spammer Joined: 01 Oct 2006 Karma :

Just planning next years trip to Scotland, usually we go from one B&B to another following the route we want to take. This year we are staying at one B&B just outside Glencoe for 3 nights and using it as a base, then for two nights going to another couple of B&Bs. Should be good fun.
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raak · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Karma :

well cheers for the quick replies.

You both picked Glencoe and a scottish friend on the forum has suggested the route from Glasgow to Fort William (Glencoe way)
then on to Inverness
So that gets a big thumbs up all around Very Happy

really looking forward to seeing Loch Lomond... Laughing

If you have been before during summer (June) would you Know if the Bnb's are busy?
Is it possible to just turn up or should we book first.

And does any one know the average prices for Bnb perhaps?

Lots of Q's I know but any help is gratefully received... Cool

Ps, kitty Kat that link won't work on my browser.. Embarassed

any chance you got another one.... Rolling Eyes

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theopj · Scooby Slapper Joined: 23 Sep 2006 Karma :

I stayed in Fort William a few months ago for a few nights - was £40 a night but it was a twin as a single, ensuite. The other places I stayed were £25 and £30 with separate bathrooms and not the best rooms. I had pre booked the Fort William one (its the one off bikestay - it was really nice, think its called Glen Nevis B&B). There are loads in Fort William though - over a hundred. The others I just rocked up to after I'd had enough riding for the day, both of them are were in villages. There are so many B&B's up there though - I bet loads of them don't bother advertising and just get passing trade.

I suppose June might be busier - depends a lot on the weather I think. Only time I had any midge bother was when I stopped for a drink and to take some photo's beside Loch marree about 6pm - I didn't hang around for long as they were really annoying (even after getting the Avon Skin So Soft out).

If you really want to book ahead maybe use Tripadvisor to research the places - think it normally has the prices on their as well. You can use the visit scotland website as well, can book online on some of the places (and check availability and prices).
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kitty kat · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Karma :

porter, this is the link I use, or you can just google campsites, it will come up with the site somewhere on the list.
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raak · Spanner Monkey Joined: 20 Dec 2006 Karma :

oddfella N Kittykat...Thank you

Nice to get some 'On the ground' input'

Hopefully we can just breeze into town and book but nice to have such a good idea before hand.

Again thanks for the posts... Thumbs Up

will try and keep you updated to how we get along but it is in June, so updates mat be few and far between, until nearer the time... Confused

Ride safe &
enjoy the journey
Cool

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Previous bikes: Suzuki GT250A / Yamaha DT125 / NTV Honda 650 // currently Suzuki RF900