Northern Chapter Meet 2015 - Fri 19th - Sun 21st June

We understand that a trip to Central Scotland is a long way for folks. Unfortunately we tend to head even further north when we go on holiday so can't suggest any sites that may be closer to the border. Happy for any other sites to be suggested. Answers on a postcard please

We're also very aware of how far you travel to join us down here, ST, so it would be a bit churlish of us to complain about the distance! I just want to make sure there'll be enough of us.

AbsintheKombi wrote:

I'm wondering if we've got enough Scottish members for there to be two events.

Scottish independence you mean? Don't start that off again!

Maybe your friend Mr Brown could organise it for us. Oh, hang on...

We suggested this particular site because of it's location and things to do and see around that area.

We had looked at a site closer to the borders, Balloch O'Dee, but discovered that we spent about 1.5-2 hours travelling on the road from the motorway to the campsite, so our thoughts were 'let's stay on the main road and head to central Scotland'.

Completely understand that it could be a step too far, particularly for a weekend trip.  I know how we feel when we leave for Banbury at 3am on Saturday morning, to arrive just after lunch and pack up less than 24 hours later for the journey home!

We're not offended in anyway at all if folks can't travel this far. Miles and miles of endless motorways (and service station stops for the aircooled) isn't everyone's cup of tea.

The site we suggested isn't the style that we would visit personally, but the location is super. Plus points and minus points!

Honestly, maybe we don't have enough interest for a Northern Northern Meet and need to start looking more North England way.

I'm sure Scotland will still accept southern visitors for longer trips and we'll still journey south for meet ups anyway

Another thought could be trying to get a wee group together (and camp) at the Volksfling weekends. They are in May and August to tie in with the English bank holidays. They are held in Biggar, ML12 6AJ, - http://www.volksfling.co.uk/

Happy for any other suggestions.

I'm still up for something. Hoping to make a visit to Scotland this year anyway, probably late summer but plans are quite open at the mo.

We're definitely up for a trip to Scotland and would be happy with Witches Craig site. We'd probably spend a night or two in Northumberland on the way up/back.

Thanks, Geoff. Let's see who else replies but it's looking like Scotland is a goer.

Hurray - come up to Scotland!!!

If I can drive 7 hours to my parents for Christmas I reckon I can manage the 3.5 hours to witches Craig. It will be more fun than Christmas too.

Count me in.

Probably a bit on the far side for us

The list looks like this (I think) so far:

Scotland

Absinthe (Y)
Skytiger (Y)
Alderley (Y)
gordonmac (Y)
Skooby (Y)
DazDub (Y)
Dalesman (Y)
North Poles (Y)
MarcusH (N)

kiteman wrote:

I'm still up for something. Hoping to make a visit to Scotland this year anyway, probably late summer but plans are quite open at the mo.

Put me down as a maybe, will know more once dates are sorted

Count us in! Whether it is Scotland or Northern England - we haven't seen you for ages so no way I am going to miss the occasion this time! I just put the date in the calendar to block that weekend from rental. We don't know too many campsites in the Central/Southern Scotland other than places around East side of Loch Lomond so happy to go with whatever the majority chooses.

That's brilliant news - wouldn't be the same without you guys.


I've added the list to the first post.

Thanks! I am already looking forward to meeting you, guys!

Just checked the campsite website and it looks quite interesting and easy to get there. Skytiger - do you know if they are OK with bonfires?

The other one we can recommend for absolutely stunning views is: http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/scotland/cashel-campsite

Advantages - there is some grass for Boris to run, the lake, nice walks and great views, the location is quiet and they seem to be OK taking groups, half an hour drive from our place so we can pop in and investigate the exact location for the group

Disadvantages - again, it is not one of our small, family run campsites, it's not as close to the motorway as the other one and there are no town attractions  (although the sister site of Milarochy Bay is a bit closer to civilisation...in a form of lovely village of Balmaha), no open fires allowed.

All other campsites we tried since we moved to Scotland are much further North, therefore not an option for the BraziBays coming from across the border....

NorthPoles wrote:

Skytiger - do you know if they are OK with bonfires?

This is from the Witches Craig website

"BBQ’s are permitted, gazebos and camp fires are not"

Thanks, missed that one. That seems to be the problem with most of the bigger sites. BBQ will do!

I am asking as we are planning to bring supply of excellent smoked sausages - best fried directly on fire but BBQ is just as good an option...

NPs -I'll bring our big charcoal BBQ again - should be fine for your sausages.








Skytiger - do you want to make a provisional booking with the site?

No problem. I'll wait until the end of this week just in case a few more decide to join us, all this decision making has happened quickly over the last day or two and wouldn't want anyone to miss out!

Cheers

[quote="AbsintheKombi"]NPs -I'll bring our big charcoal BBQ again - should be fine for your sausages.

Looks awesome! I have an excellent supplier this year of traditionally produced smoked Polish sausages...made in Glasgow from Scottish pigs!..  

Really looking forward! And we never had a Kombi Kaper so close to where we are - many thanks, Skytiger!

NPs. Have a look at the Eskdale post. Maybe you could follow Skytiger down the motorway.

Looking like we will be unable to attend the northern do this year,

Boo!

What a shame, guys! We were hoping to meet you...