I have been to Tan Aeldroch farm campsite 4 or 5 times before and each time it becomes more and more unappealing, before you even get into the site, the unmanned farmers gate needs to be opened which is fine, but I don't really understand the need for an oversized broken padlock to be put around the gate too, if it was to add belt and braces to stop the wind opening it then surely a better latch would make it alot more user friendly?! The site is somewhat spoiled for me mainly because of the rules are stapled onto everything, which gives the site quite an oppressive feeling, of course essential ones like no flying of kites near power lines is necessary and dogs on leads for livestock but everywhere you look there's more and more laminated and badly cut out rules pinned to walls and the back of doors. As with any trip the weather would have played a factor, this time it was the rain, though. No fault of the campsite I do feel that drainage could have been thought about as the site was definately waterlogged and turned into a swamp, everything is done on a shoestring budget and there is no dedicated pathway to the prehistoric toilet block which no matter how well it is cleaned feels dirty, cold and damp, the toilets in the men's were leaning forward and there were 2 toilets one of which was blocked for the whole campsite, the lights are set to come on and go off before you can sit down on the toilet (someone has set it like that) no hot water to wash your hands (and no showers, which is stated before you book) I did notice that there is a development for extending the toilet block for showers in the future but for me it's so small that the cue for a shower would be back to the broken entrance gate whilst stood in a sinking muddy field. I have to say in general I do like this campsite but feel that there's zero maintenence and the owners must think it runs itself with the honesty box and minimal contact but it needs some investment. Little things like water taps that are high up on a wonky wobbly post and a tap that wobbles too because it's not screwed in properly and for your trouble you end up with mud all over your feet because there is no paving flag around the watering hole makes it difficult to get water which is a simple and most basic feature for any establishment, this is 1 of 2 taps for the whole campsite seems very poor
Nowhere to wash up dishes!
Cleaning the toilets at 8am and semi disabling them when everyone needs them seems ludicrous
I have to say I unfortunately won't be coming back in the future.
I'm not even annoyed with the place, I'm just not putting up with that total lack of consideration for their customers. Camping isn't always a nice experience and when the fundamentals aren't taken seriously then it creates a high chance of it becoming a disaster very quickly, so it's a no from me. Shame, it's got real potential for being amazing place without becoming commercial too.
|
. I really enjoy welcoming our little community of campers so I am sorry Michael that I could not welcome you to our small slice of Eden.
There is always someone on the Farm, but sometimes reception has to be closed. On these occasions most of our campers happily use the honesty box .
We welcome your feedback and will take some of the points you make on board, others reflect the fact that we are a small family run campsite offering back to basics rather than a more commercially run enterprise . I can assure you the campsite and facilities are not neglected. The toilets are cleaned twice a day and toilet rolls replenished. Litter is collected daily.
The lock on the gate is essential to ensure the security and tranquility of the campsites. Our farmer Idwal would also be devastated if he lost one of his sheep
As a small family business we undertake one major infrastructure project every year. Last year it was field drainage, this year we are building showers
From your feedback it sounds like access paths could be this winter's undertaking.
We are unusual in allowing campfires, accepting dogs, and having undefined pitches. We do have a number of notices in the toilets and at receptions, this is just to encourage the peaceful and quiet experience that our campers come to us to enjoy. But perhaps I need to put my laminating machine away.
I am really pleased that you have come to us a number of times and hope that we can welcome you back again soon, in better weather