Index => Main Discussion Area => Topic started by: Mike Barrio on 27/02/2017 at 10:31
Title: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/02/2017 at 10:31
Has camping gone out of fashion?
I've got three tents and am trying to resist the buy it now button for a fourth one that has taken my fancy! :z4
I've also been eyeing up the wee Eriba caravans, I've never had a caravan and must confess that I do fancy one ..... I guess it is all about the outdoors :cool:
Any keen campers in the forum? What have you got?
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 27/02/2017 at 11:27
I am a "rough camper" most of the time, so its a sleeping bag, bivvy bag and if its poor weather, a waterproof sheet to make a "basha".
However, if we are being "posh", we have a Vaude 2 man tent which super simple to put up, very light and even has a wee area for storing wet kit or to cook in.
Seriously considering a Snugpak Scorpion 3 as its one of the few tents that gives you enough room to sit up and cook in the porch area whilst still having the aerodynamics required for a typical Scottish windy day.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/02/2017 at 11:43
Great stuff Rob :z16
I guess my Force 10 is the closest to your kind of camping, but I wouldn't like to carry it too far :z4
I spent many a night in the bush with just a sleeping bag and tarp in New Zealand as a youngster, but I'm probably getting a bit old for that now :z3
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 27/02/2017 at 12:49
I guess my Force 10 is the closest to your kind of camping, but I wouldn't like to carry it too far :z4
I spent many a night in the bush with just a sleeping bag and tarp in New Zealand as a youngster, but I'm probably getting a bit old for that now :z3
Cheers Mike
Never too old to be cold and uncomfortable Mike. :)
I used to have a force 10 many years ago...great when you could just role it out the back of a Landy unto your pitch :)
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Duncan McRae on 27/02/2017 at 14:06
Hi Mike
My wife and I used to do a fair bit of camping but age has caught up with us.Too much aches and pains in the morning.
Seriously looking at Freedom lightweight caravans which can be towed by practically any motor. Would be great to finish work on a Friday and just head off without any plans for the weekend.
Duncan
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/02/2017 at 14:40
Hi Duncan,
Yes, the Freedom and Eriba lightweight vans are very similar, I reckon they'd be fun for weekends ..... near some fishing of course :cool:
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Liam Smith on 27/02/2017 at 15:16
Hi Mike,
My partner and I have a tent that we use for the odd weekend trip, when we get one of those 'rare' sunny weekends in the summer. I often make a point of booking a pitch near a fishery...
A campsite near Blair Drummond and Lake of Menteith springs to mind. Camping can be over-looked - but weather permitting it can make for a great weekend!
Does anyone have any similar combinations that make for a good location and fishery for a short weekend break?
Liam.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/02/2017 at 15:31
Hoddom Castle Liam ...... great fishing on the Annan within walking distance of the camping grounds :z16 http://www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/index.html (http://www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/index.html)
Alford and Huntly locally and I'm sure that Hamish could come up with a few suggestions for up North too.
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 27/02/2017 at 18:11
Maybe we could think about a forum camping trip at some stage this year :cool:
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/02/2017 at 08:20
Maybe we could think about a forum camping trip at some stage this year :cool:
In the grounds of a hotel so that the softer ones can have a bed for the night!!
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/02/2017 at 09:38
I've thought about a wee caravan quite a bit, but the conclusion that I keep coming to is that I don't fancy towing one about or having one sitting in the drive.
Sleeping under canvas is more fun and with a self inflating Vango mat under your sleeping bag .... can be very comfortable :cool:
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Duncan McRae on 28/02/2017 at 10:24
Storage is the only concern I have with getting a wee caravan. My driveway is too small but there is a storage facility at Pitmedden which isn't that far away for me.
Duncan
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/02/2017 at 11:21
I've thought about a wee caravan quite a bit, but the conclusion that I keep coming to is that I don't fancy towing one about or having one sitting in the drive.
Sleeping under canvas is more fun and with a self inflating Vango mat under your sleeping bag .... can be very comfortable :cool:
Cheers Mike
Howling Moon roof tent. Size of a small caravan but without the towing :)
Although I saw these on TV the other night...look like an awesome solution! http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/articles/view.asp?id=638
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/02/2017 at 11:47
Personally ..... I think an Oztent is far more practical than a roof tent Rob :z3
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Kev Danby on 28/02/2017 at 13:26
We still camp but usually involves a site on the coast and sea fishing. Sand End is a great site and intend to target flatties on the fly this year.
We have a Quecha 4 man pop up tent which great for the weekend otherwise its a Millenium dome Vango tent with loads of space.
Usually we get 8 - 12 trips in a year
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/02/2017 at 13:29
Great stuff Kev, I like Sandend too :z16
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/02/2017 at 14:01
Personally ..... I think an Oztent is far more practical than a roof tent Rob :z3
Cheers Mike
I would never consider an OzTent in Scotland. The roof tent gives you the protection you need form Haggis. Once into the roof tent, you pull up the ladder and the Haggis cannot get you ;)
and then there are the ticks :)
OzTents are popular with the long term carp anglers in France and Germany.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/02/2017 at 14:18
I hadn't thought about Haggis :z4 Don't the ladders hold up the folding out part of a roof top tent Rob? :z3
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Euan Innes on 28/02/2017 at 17:05
I walked past this lot when I was down in Tebay for a PPE course. http://www.adventurelv.com
Some of the little caravans outside looked really cool and I find that hard to admit :z4 The little Airstreams look like little spaceships! The T@B little vans look very interesting.
Euan
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 28/02/2017 at 20:47
I still use the Vango when in Assynt and I will use it in Durness if the cottage is unavailable, and if the weather is really *hit* then there is always the back of the 110 landy to put the sleeping bag in.
If the guys on the forum fancy a camping outing I would definitely be up for it.
Eddie.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/02/2017 at 21:51
Great stuff Eddie :z16 Yep, sleeping bag in the Landy is always a useful back up.
This wee Eriba just got listed on Ebay today Duncan ...... looks nice :cool: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ERIBA-CARAVAN-/172552928598?hash=item282cf4bd56:g:ljoAAOSwOgdYssdV (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ERIBA-CARAVAN-/172552928598?hash=item282cf4bd56:g:ljoAAOSwOgdYssdV)
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Derek Roxborough on 28/02/2017 at 22:00
at my age it would have to be the In tent, :z12 easgach 1
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/02/2017 at 22:31
Anybody got a Mini Van hidden away in their garage?
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Duncan McRae on 28/02/2017 at 22:56
Great stuff Eddie :z16 Yep, sleeping bag in the Landy is always a useful back up.
This wee Eriba just got listed on Ebay today Duncan ...... looks nice :cool: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ERIBA-CARAVAN-/172552928598?hash=item282cf4bd56:g:ljoAAOSwOgdYssdV (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ERIBA-CARAVAN-/172552928598?hash=item282cf4bd56:g:ljoAAOSwOgdYssdV)
Cheers Mike
A wee cracker Mike! Exactly the type of caravan I've been looking at.My wife likes it too. Realistically we will have to wait for a wee while yet till our new house is in order but it will happen!
Duncan
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/03/2017 at 13:56
Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park camping by-laws come into force
My feelings are that it was inevitable once the Right to Roam was introduced. It has been taken by many groups to mean "The right to do what I want bud, so it is". We know that's not the intention, but even locally there have been groups turning up with a cheap £20 tent from ASDA, and £50 worth of booze and camping out in areas that were once protected, and then leaving the whole "campsite" behind them.
These are not campers, anglers or outdoor enthusiasts.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/03/2017 at 14:44
Yes ..... it is an international problem Rob, happens all over the world nowadays - "somebody will clear up after me" :z6
At the top of the lane round the corner from me, dog owners actually go to the bother of 'bagging up' and then toss the bag in the bushes, leaving the bags hanging like Christmas Tree decorations :z8
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/03/2017 at 16:44
Must confess that I've never been much of a fan of wild camping unless absolutely necessary.
I like using campsites, for the loos and hot showers and for the feeling that you've contributed something ( even if only a few pounds ) to the area that you are visiting :)
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 01/03/2017 at 19:42
I'd go back to Hoddom :z16 Plenty room and decent breakfast on site.
Fishing was pretty darn good too :z12
Sandy
Gets my vote too Sandy :z16 Next question ............... When? How's about June?
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 02/03/2017 at 07:02
June sounds good to me :z16
end of the second week -14th-18th or 3rd week - 23rd-26th. A combination of say, 3 nights, in that window?
We fished it in June last time and the yellow may hatches on an evening were great :z18 fishing was best 5pm to dark, although we did find some grayling during the day. if I remember rightly was there not a Pike lake somewhere nearby as well?
Sandy
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 02/03/2017 at 11:09
Sandy, Mike,
June before the 23rd would work for me.
I am overseas for a couple of weeks after that.
Eddie
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 02/03/2017 at 11:28
Great stuff :z12
So Sandy and I are going to drive down to Hoddom Castle ( http://www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/ (http://www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/) ) and set up our tent on Thursday 15th June ready to fish in the evening :cool: We will stay for 3 nights and pack up on the Sunday morning for the drive home.
Let's make this a forum trip? Anybody that would like to come along is welcome to join us. There are pods at the campsite for those without tents ( best to book the pods early as they are in high demand ) and you can simply book the days that are suitable for you directly with the campsite :z16
Cheers Mike
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Liam Stephen on 02/03/2017 at 13:47
Me and Sandy spoke about this last time we fished. I'm definitely up for it! Michael (windknot) if you are reading this do you fancy it?
The pods are ace I've stayed in them in Avimore and Inverness as it was the closest to camping I could do with Sophie. :z4
:z18
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Michael Buchan on 03/03/2017 at 10:32
Count me in. Be good to escape from the wife and kids for a weekend and as a bonus I have always wanted to fish the Annan :z16.
Liam I have plenty of camping gear so give me a phone and we can decide on pod, camp, caravan.
Me and wife used to tent a lot but given our girls are just 9mths and 2.5years felt the caravan was the way to go so bought one September last year. Already had some great trips away and the oldest just loves it. Would rather they both grew up playing in burns, fishing, picking up acorns etc than sitting in front of a tv or ipad and the bonus is most campsites are close to some loch, river or sea so I should get some extra fishing done as well.
Michael
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/03/2017 at 10:49
Great stuff Michael :z16
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Mike Barrio on 31/01/2018 at 14:42
So ...... the Hoddom camping trip was good fun last year ... see https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7808.15 (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7808.15)
Who is up for one or two trips this year?
Up to Assynt/Durness maybe? ..... or somewhere closer if you'd prefer?
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Liam Stephen on 31/01/2018 at 18:31
I’d be up for the closer one :z18
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Peter Davidson on 31/01/2018 at 20:10
So ...... the Hoddom camping trip was good fun last year ... see https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7808.15[/url
Up to Assynt/Durness maybe? ..... or somewhere closer if you'd prefer? (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=7808.15)
Assynt would be an obvious choice for those "Easty Beasties" as Durness is a longer run and as an absolute beginner I would argue the choice of fishing is more varied in Assynt. Whichever venue - I'll try to make it this year. June sounds good - post snow and pre midge - west coast prime time.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Hamish Young on 31/01/2018 at 20:18
I have an inkling I'd like to fish Dunalastair Loch and bits of the Tummel or maybe River and Loch Arkaig.... as I've yet to explore those, but what qualifies as a closer one :? :z13
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 01/02/2018 at 00:05
Mike, I would be up for either. I already have two trips to Durness planned for this year but assuming the dates fall in with work commitments then count me in.
Eddie :z18
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 01/02/2018 at 08:26
I'm up for a trip :z16
Anywhere/anytime (within reason) pretty much suits me :z18
Sandy
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Ashley Thomas on 01/02/2018 at 09:44
Anywhere/anytime (within reason) pretty much suits me :z18
Sandy
Me too :z16
Ash
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 01/02/2018 at 11:53
Mike,
Provided I am in country I am most definitely up for this :z16
The Delica camper should be finished next time I am home and this is exactly the sort of trips it was bought for. I'd be more than happy with Durness or Assynt but beings as I have never fished in Assynt that would be my choice of the two. (though Durness is rather special :cool:
Dad,
Perhaps you could share some pictures of previous fish from over the years. (the connection is too slow on the rig for me to do it) That may persuade others to join :wink
:z18
Steven.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Jim Eddie on 01/02/2018 at 18:03
Not to keen on tents :wink but might be up for it assuming work and or family do not get in the way
:z18
Jim
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 02/02/2018 at 02:08
Jim,
for auld mannies like us there is a very comfortable cottage on the Kyle of Durness which sleeps 6 and is £70.00 per night so less than £12.00 per head.
It is rented through the same chap as the fishing.
Obviously it depends on availability but I have used tents and I have used the cottage. Both are acceptable but the cottage is way more comfortable.
Eddie.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Bob Mitchell on 02/02/2018 at 16:07
Turned my works van a Citroen Dispatch in to a fishing hut. Large gas bottle and a good air bed and sleeping bag. Away on the Friday afternoon and not back until the Sunday morning. A good bottle of malt and plenty to eat. Used to park sometimes across from the road at Moulinearn on the Tummel. Listing to the river chattering by with a extra large dram in ones hand, that is a real heaven. Bob.
Title: Re: Carry On Camping ........
Post by: Jim Eddie on 02/02/2018 at 16:19
for auld mannies like us there is a very comfortable cottage on the Kyle of Durness which sleeps 6 and is £70.00 per night so less than £12.00 per head.
It is rented through the same chap as the fishing.
Obviously it depends on availability but I have used tents and I have used the cottage. Both are acceptable but the cottage is way more comfortable.