West coast beach camping

[xtreme]

Last min change of plan, so I am looking for a beach for some camping with the kids/dog for 1/2 nights away

Anyone recommend somewhere not too far from Glasgow as its only for 1/2 nights? Would like to camp on beach / fire etc but not too remote! Tried search but most recommendations well too far north?

Thanks!

Barrie

[dirkpitt]

Last min change of plan, so I am looking for a beach for some camping with the kids/dog for 1/2 nights away

Anyone recommend somewhere not too far from Glasgow as its only for 1/2 nights? Would like to camp on beach / fire etc but not too remote! Tried search but most recommendations well too far north?

Thanks!

Barrie

how about Miarrochy bay camping along the shores of loch lomand???

[xtreme]

Discounted the "Lochs" as the midges will be brutal after the wet weather? Especially for the kids (have the skinsosoft tho!)

[Dominic]

If it's not too far, the place we were at in May (see meets section) on the mainland overlooking Skye was great. IIRC, it was about 2.5 - 3 hours drive from Glasgow.

[Dominic]

In fact, here you go: http://www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk/acc ... .php?id=27

[xtreme]

Dom - that looks good - do they allow fires?

[jen]

Barrie, it's a couple of min walk to the beach, and it has a rope swing on it too but we didn't have time to find it when we were there. Here's Smee's pics of the beach and views-stunning (hopefully he won't mind me copying them from the camping thread in gallery to here )

Arisaig sunset 1 by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

Arisaig steps copy by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

Arisaig steps vert by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

Arisaig pan 2 by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

Arisaig reflection by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

Arisaig small isles by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

IMG_4844 by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

SE Campfire by ah_mr_smee, on Flickr

[renmure]

Blimey.. These pics would make me want to go camping there, and I hate camping!!

[jen]

How can you hate camping?!! You obviously haven't been on an SE camping trip! One of those is sure to convert you! Even ask Dom!

[kenny]

Dom - that looks good - do they allow fires?

Yes.

[Dominic]

Indeed, For years I was dead set against camping, but I'm beginning to get it. There are still some elements that are not so good, but I'm learning that having the right gear makes all the difference.

You should come along to one of the trips, even just for a night, and see what you think. Last year I did one night with a borrowed tent and inflatable mattress - was actually quite good. This year I have invested in my own kit (the inflatable sofa may have been a step too far), and I'm still enjoying it.

[dirkpitt]

was going to suggest this , but thought it was too far .......

can't recommend it highly enough, i had a fab time here, the beaches were quiet and secluded, with some nice walks.

[renmure]

How can you hate camping??

It's mainly the lack of small details that put me off .. Like a bed, a duvet, some heat, no draughts, a shower, toast and coffee in the morning whilst reading the papers, etc. Nothing insurmountable by themselves but they do add up to put me off a bit

[jen]

Well.....we usually go somewhere that have good showering facilities on site, we have toast/bacon/egg rolls in the morning for breakfast, Alan takes coffee beans (pre ground before we've left) for his coffee. If you get a decent sleeping mat/airbed and a decent warm sleeping bag it won't be like sleeping in your own bed but it should be comfortable. If you have a decent tent and it's not too windy there won't be much draughts....... and heat? Well we have a little gas lantern that gives off a great wee heat when you need it! Can't do much about a paper, unless you don't mind getting up and going for a drive to the closest garage/shop for it.

I can totally see you and Wendy camping! You should come for one night, like Dom suggests and if you don't like it, there are B and B's nearby!

[kenny]

How can you hate camping??

It's mainly the lack of small details that put me off .. Like a bed, a duvet, some heat, no draughts, a shower, toast and coffee in the morning whilst reading the papers, etc. Nothing insurmountable by themselves but they do add up to put me off a bit

Just adopt the SE Drinkers approach.
Drink so much booze that you won't give a toss about any draughts, duvets and fluffy pillows when you crash out. If you make it back to your tent you're doing well.
In the morning you'll be too hungover to care.

Rinse, repeat.