
Jedburgh, Scottish Borders, Scotland
Primitive grass tent campsite (solo)
Liked I would like to start by mentioning that I only booked this one night stay (a Thursday night) around 5.30pm and found it very good value and upon arrival and seeing all on offer, I was even more impressed
This site has static caravans (Holiday Homes), but also seems to cater for Motorhomes, touring caravans and tents alike.
This is a Huge site with a Golf Course as well. There is a Campsite layout available on paper to aid navigation until used to the layout, so don't panic.
The camping area in which to pitch tents was huge, the shower block was very good and although there didn't seem to be an option for adjusting either the power or heat of the water, it was nevertheless perfectly good as it was and they are FREE.
Very clean and spacious too.
The toilet block was similarly clean and functioned well...
There seemed plenty of various facilities for the entire family including an adventure park, snack bar, takeaway and a bar/restaurant.
The Bar seemed to have entertainment on site in the evenings, pub quiz was on the night I was there...
There seemed to be several people making use of all the facilities when I was there and the park was being well enjoyed by everyone, adults and children alike.
I did notice there were laundry facilities on site in the middle of the park as well...
Unfortunately as I arrived in the evening, I was unable to avail of the food options by the time I set my tent up but I did have a few alcoholic beverages in the bar and they were good quality and reasonably priced.
I loved the fact that there were Rabbits running around wild and anyone with a dog seemed to be keeping their dog on a leash and respecting not just the wildlife but the property and personal space of other site users.
I found the site very good value and it was suitably quiet when it came to bedtime.
The grass was well maintained and the following morning the site was being inspected by staff in a grounds vehicle for any rubbish that may have been inadvertently discarded or blown about.
I overheard them chatting to other park users and saying that they work long hours in the summer to maintain high standards and it showed... Might I also add that the staff didn't seem to mind the extra hours either...
...
Overall a very pleasant stay and I would definitely stay again if I was in the vicinity.
You would be hard pressed to be disappointed with this Site, so visit if You can.
WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED IN MAKING MY OVERNIGHT STAY SO COMFORTABLE AND ENJOYABLE
Disliked PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE ARE VERY MINOR GRUMBLES AND SHOULD BE CONSIDERED AS EXACTLY JUST THAT BECAUSE THEY CERTAINLY DIDN'T RUIN MY STAY...😀
As a motorcyclist, I would have liked a tarmac surface rather than a loose stone one for getting around to the camping area.
The shower requires the basin tap to be pressed first and at the same time as the shower button in order to start the shower.
It worked but the one I used needed one hand on the shower button consistently otherwise the water stopped.
(I'm not sure if this was isolated to the shower I was in but if this was the case for all the showers, then it is more than a mild inconvenience to be fair.)
The entrance door to the toilet block was on a strong spring to ensure it closed after each use, but the noise when the door shut was quite loud, especially during the night.
I think this could be easily remedied with a sponge type surround and a slightly weaker spring.
BUT TO REITERATE THESE ARE MINOR GRUMBLES FOR WHAT IS OTHERWISE A NEAR PERFECT SITE
Recommend to friends Visit again
Selby, North Yorkshire, England
Motorcycle and tent only primitive grass tent campsite (no cars)
Liked The Squire's Cafe Bar Campsite was large yet You never felt distant from any of the facilities on offer...
The showers and toilets were always in good order...
The check in was simple...
Staff were all friendly and helpful....
Plus other site users at the campsite and tourer caravans and camper vans were also friendly yet respectful of Your privacy and space...
This place is the North Yorkshire Mecca for Bikers, often hosting Shows and sometimes there is Music/entertainment to accompany such events...
The Squire's Cafe Bar provides refreshments and good food for anyone seeking a pause in their journey whether on foot or whether travelling by 2, 3 or 4 wheels...
Plenty of motorcycling history and memorabilia within the Squire's Cafe Bar to occupy any mind for a while...
There is always a small group of fellow motorcycle enthusiasts to be found sitting inside or outside having a yarn and recounting experiences riding motorcycles...
As I mentioned the staff were excellent and the service and quality of food very good indeed...
There is ample parking for all vehicles and there is even an onsite Motorcycle Clothing Shop (independently run), so if You require bike gear, this onsite facility could well have what you need and at very reasonable prices too...
Another point to note may be of interest to bird watchers as there are Red Kites which circle the fields and are very impressive whether You have seen one before or not...
The close proximity to the M1 makes arrival and departure smooth, yet the site remains rural in essence but it allows for easy commuting to places of interest both near and far when wishing to do a spot of sightseeing or touring...
I ate on each of the 4 evenings while I was camping and even had breakfast one morning... The meals were of good quality and very reasonably priced too.
I didn't get great weather while I stayed but it didn't dampen the enjoyment throughout my stay.
I certainly hope to return and who knows, I may even bring the sun thie next time...😎
Already sitting thinking about when I can next travel over, as I live in Northern Ireland but it's only 4 hours or so once I get off the Ferry at Cairnryan in Scotland...
Stay here, You shouldn't be disappointed and You will receive a pleasant welcome...
Thanks to all the staff,
Gordy Burns 👍🏍️
Disliked Not so much a criticism as a point of note to anyone thinking if going here, the Bar closed at 10pm modweek, but that is probably a good thing as it didn't encourage people who were staying overnight to partake of too much alcohol, in case they were wanting to ride their motorcycle the following day
Recommend to friends Visit again
Evanton, Highlands and Islands, Scotland
Camping pod
Liked The atmosphere was a relaxed and pleasantly friendly one from the moment I arrived at BlackRock.
Initiated by the staff upon arrival, this vibe continued when chatting happily with others staying at this beautiful spot...
The location was perfect feeling in the middle of nature surrounded by trees, hills in the near background and a river running alongside the campsite, it's aesthetically pleasing... And yet in reality, the site was just off a street in the village which has a Co-op, a Takeaway and a Hotel/Bar located within a 2 minute walk from the entrance to BlackRock Campsite...
Cathy and Gary (who manage the site) take particular care of visitors and ensure that they are happy with everything ... Nothing seems too much trouble and the cleanliness and superb facilities makes for an excellent stay.
I was impressed with the shower and toilet block and it had been so well maintained that You would be forgiven for believing they had only recently been installed as they were spotless. They were spacious as well which helps as there is nothing worse than feeling cramped after getting out of a shower and struggling to get dried whilst avoiding bumping elbows off the walls...lol
Note. An added bonus was that they were Free...
There is something nice about getting what You signed up for and at BlackRock You get that AND MORE...
There are good laundry facilities and even a well set out washroom for doing Your dishes, with another added bonus of having a Campers Freezer...
There is a great playpark relatively central in the park and that was used a lot by the kids and they on iously had plenty of fun....
There are ample picnic benches and seating areas, (even sheltered ones) and it was nice to sit outside and enjoy alfresco dining in the mornings and evenings.
I was very impressed with the Pod I stayed in and would definitely not hesitate in booking again...
There are many local places of interest and walks to enjoy if You so desire and information is available in the handbooks and at the reception to help make the most of them.
Handy items such as Bus Timetables and Bus numbers are also included and the welcome pack even gives phone numbers for not just emergencies but also eating houses and local takeaways (some of which deliver to the site)
At this point I must add that the staff use these food establishments themselves and so that speaks volumes for the quality and service too...
The Hotel Bar just up the road is very welcoming and a good night can be had around the pool table or just enjoying the banter with the locals who are very used to STRAYS (we visitors...lol) and are very easy to get along with...
All in all an excellent place with everything You could desire and located in such close proximity to the A9 for exploring the NC500 or other nearby places of interest...
But don't take my word for it, visit and be as impressed Yourselves as I was...
There is no WiFi on this site but that actually makes it extra special when it comes to getting away from it all really...(who genuinely wants to go away and end up doing the usual surfing the internet in the same way You would at home?)
Thanks Cathy and Gary, nice couple and great folks to have running Your business as they clearly love their vocation as opposed to treating it as a job....😉👏👍
Recommend to friends Visit again
From the manager: Good afternoon Gordon, Firstly may I thank you for taking the time to write a farewell note, that was a nice surprise to find it in the Pod and definately made Gary and I smile. Your detailed review is fantastic and very informative, which helps others when considering staying with us. You have added so much into your review and we are so pleased that you noticed as much as you did! Thank you for choosing to stay with us and thank you for spreading the word about Black Rock, it really is much appreciated. Cathy & Gary
Oban, Argyll, Scotland
Camping pod (four person)
Liked At Loch Awe Camping Pods, the proximity of Dalawich adjacent to Loch Awe rewards the visitors with panoramic views.
Sumptuous scenery in every direction reminds You to be thankful for being alive and to be able to appreciate Nature on it's own terms...
The hospitality of the locals and the owners also adds to the beginning of a relaxing time...
Children are welcome and enjoy the pleasures of the setting, blissfully unaware that we see them play in a world while where technology isn't all that...
Freedom and happiness on Your doorstep without the hustle and bustle of our 'normal' everyday life...
A Bar serves the community and visitors and all are made welcome.
There is a small village shop and cafe which sells most of what You will need.
Meals available at the Café have been highly enjoyed by my friends who have called in to fight off a hunger attack.
The Pods are surprisingly spacious and have the necessary facilities to make for a comfortable stay.
Heated for those cooler days/evenings and airy for the warm days/evenings (a 'midge blocking' window blind is a nice touch).
A balcony at the front allows for sitting and taking in the surrounding beauty in peace ... A luxurious moment affordable within most budgets... Exceptional value...
You can even go fishing if that interests You as rods and tackle can be hired if You didn't pack Your own. There are boats available to hire for exploring the Loch (or for fishing if You don't want to fish from the shore)...
If You love Bird Watching, then You will be in the right environment... Ducks, Geese, Swans, etc. All can be seen and heard throughout the daylight hours, along with our British Garden Birds too...
Night settles and a stillness descends over Loch Awe... And as most of the day's wild fowl settle down for the night, the echoes of Owls 'hooting' from several vantage points up and down the Lochside creates a tranquility hard to appreciate until physically experienced...
There are nice walks through woods and along the shore and step by step You leave Your troubles exactly where they belong --- behind You and out of sight!
This picturesque region is transformed further in the evenings... Make sure to take a moment and step outside, lie back and allow Yourself to look above You and be astounded by the vastness of stars hanging from the dark blanket overhead.
You will never feel smaller and more isolated whilst simultaneously feeling part of something really Big, a canvas that would be incomplete without Your inclusion...
Roads from the North, the West and the South leading to the Village can require extra attention and diligence formed by many twists and turns but they are all part of an adventure waiting to be continued once You reach Dalawich...
There is a bus service if You do wish to stray but don't want to drive...
Oban, Lochgilphead, Inverary and Kintyre, etc, all within a manageable car journey as well.
Seriously, if You haven't been to this beautiful part of the World... Try it and it will not disappoint...
I've been to Dalawich a few times and I will continue to return and be humbled by our Wildlife and Countryside...
Looking forward to my next visit already and I am only back a few days...
Gordy....
Disliked Knowing the stay was finite and not of long enough duration...
Recommend to friends Visit again