Borlum Farm Caravan & Camping site
Drumnadrochit
Highland
Scotland
IV63 6XN

Tel: 01456 450 220
Fax: 01456 450 358

Email: enquiries@borlum.com

Contact: A McDonald-Haig

First and Last visit August 1998

Location/Directions:
On the A82, Fort William to Inverness road. Half a mile south of Drumnadrochit/Lewiston.

2 acres. 12 touring pitches, 25 tents.

Not sure quite what to make of this place. All the advertising seemed OK so we booked well in advance. When we arrived a sign pointed to the caravan area up the hill but we were put into a field with sheep (and their ‘deposits’). There were only a couple of posts in the middle of the field with the hookups so the cables had to be trailed across to them. The toilets were an old porta-cabin with no hot water and were filthy. We watched other caravans arriving and driving up the hill. When we challenged the owner he said "oh they’ve been booked for ages". When we asked why we weren’t told when we booked that we wouldn’t be on the proper site - he shrugged and said "well we’re busy". It was one of the worst sites I have ever been to and the owner is not interested in anyone who is not ‘horsey’ as we discovered.
A never to be repeated visit to an otherwise really nice area.

Irena Krasinska-Lobban. CLIC. April 2004

Bught Caravan Park
Bught Lane
Inverness
Highland
Scotland
IV3 5SR

Tel: 01463 236 920 (Easter to November)
Tel: 01463 234 093 (November to Easter)

E-mail: via the website
Web site: www.invernesscaravanpark.com/

We stayed here for a long weekend 26/07/07 to 29/07/07 at £15 per night with hook up but no awning.
Large open park with one large separate area for tenters. Pitches are a good size capable of taking TAs + awnings + tugs.

Essentials are :-
----------Flat grassy site
----------60 caravan/tent or vehicle stances
----------80 backpackers tent stances
----------Showers and toilet blocks
----------Disposal Laundry and drying facilities
----------Electric hookups for all stances
----------A small on-site shop
----------Self-catering Internet Cafe

They have three blocks for showers but not all have toilets. These are older but acceptably clean. Do not expect the high standards of the two big Clubs.

The site was bought/leased from the Council two years ago and the owners are the people you meet in the office and shop. Nice friendly couple and a good sense of humour.

As you enter the site the Reception is on your left and the shop/Internet café is on your right. Caravans are sited mainly to the edges of the green areas.
The weekend we were there it was extremely busy and tents were also interspersed to the rear of some of the caravans. This could have been due to a large events happening in the stadium adjacent to the Caravan Park. The separate area for tents was also fairly busy but had plenty of space to cater for arrivals.

I would strongly recommend booking to ensure a pitch.

Next to the Park is a leisure centre and a pub which also attracted its fair share of visitors.

The town centre can be reached by walking along the edge of the river Ness and takes roughly 15/20 minutes. Lots of good places to eat, can recommend Délice de Bretagne and the Waterfront Bar & Restaurant. The Waterfront needs to be booked the closer to the weekend you get - it’s a busy place. I can thoroughly recommend the lamb!

Not a lot for youngsters within, or near the park but the Leisure Centre should keep them occupied for a good while.

The local area is steeped in history, too much to mention here, but the famous ones are Culloden Field and Castle Urquhart - and NOT as people insist on calling it Urquhart Castle! Can cruise down Loch Ness from fairly close also. Didn’t do that but believe it’s very good value for money.

Marks out of ten? Seven

Andy Grant. CLIC. August 2007

[This review is the personal view reached by Andy Grant after staying at the site. The European Court of Human Rights permit me free speech provided it is not slanderous or libellous. None of the aforegoing review are the owner’s of this site in any shape or form.]

Bunree CC Site--- Second report below
Bunree
Onich
Fort William
Highland
Scotland
PH33 6SE

Tel: 01855 821 283 (site phone)
Tel: 01342 327 490 (advance bookings for members)
You tube video: Bunree

Directions:
You turn off the main road (A82. On the left from Onich direction) past a few houses and you then come to traffic lights. Do NOT be tempted to jump these! They are essential for safe passage on to, and from the site!
Take it easy down the hill as walkers can be hidden from view. As you cross the wee speed bump be prepared to move over to the right to stop your unit prior to booking in. There’s plenty of room but it saves you a slight panic!

Excellent site. Can’t praise it highly enough.

If anyone has had problems booking I can now reveal the reason. The pitches nearest the Loch were flooded under three feet of water and can’t be used until the electricity side of things has been sorted. Could be some time. Several pitches were released just prior to our booking which could explain the ease with which we booked.

Don’t be put off if you can’t get a Loch side pitch. Just park near the back of the site and you’ll get an excellent view of the Loch from there.

The toilet blocks are up to the usual CC high standards.

It has to be one of the most scenic sites in the CC. The warden is absolutely delighted to be there!!

Rolls, newspapers and other items can be purchased from the office but only for cash - no cards used. The information room is absolutely packed with tourist information - heaps of it!

One thing! Don’t be like the cretins we saw on site. Heaps of (well behaved) kids and these fools were belting along at up to 30 mph! Ten mph was ample and easy to maintain. Have to say the worst offenders were women! can’t understand that!

If you do get a pitch on the Loch side you will not be allowed to erect and awning of any type! This would spoil the view for everyone else The next, inner, row is where awnings start and go to the rear of the site.

TV reception was good where I was. I also have the benefit of the new directional antenna so can’t comment on the normal’ Status antenna, but most of those I saw seemed to have decent reception.

Things to do/see - Places to eat:

Fort William. Best thing about the place is the Morrison’s to get messages.
Not one of my favourite places in Scotland. To show what people originally thought of the place - there is no direct Gaelic translation for the place! All the way through the Gaeltachd you’ll see Gaelic/English translations of place names. Not of Fort William you don’t!

It is simply called ’the Garrison’ in Gaelic! and has never been anything else since Butcher Cumberland founded the place!:O)

BUT! There are a good few trips down Loch Linnhe from Crannog Pier, up the hills in a cable car at Aonach Mhor. That costs £7.50 but is well worth it.
You get spectacular views down the loch and over the hills, you can go for long walks on the top of Aonach Mhor (health precluded me from doing that!) - but beware the mist. It comes in at a terrifying rate and could be extremely dangerous! Don’t worry about it just be aware.

If you go on up the road you reach Spean Bridge and it’s memorial to the original Command units who trained in and around the countryside. The Clan Cameron Museum is not far away at Achnacarry House and is well worth a visit (spit!) :O)

Another excellent drive, but it’s a long one, is to the Isle of Skye. Takes roughly 2.5 hours to drive from Bunree but it is more than worth the effort. Whichever route you take through Glenmoriston it is a spectacular trip. You end up feeling quite insignificant on the floor of the Glen when you look up at the mountain tops!

Then you turn the corner and see Eilan Donan Castle! of Highlander fame. Some sight - some Castle! on up the road to the Kyles of Lochalsh. Another one to miss! Then either to Skye or to Plockton of Hamish renown.

Skye has it all. Romance, Clans, crap whatever you look for it has it. Braes is the site of the rebellion of crofters against Lairds and Government corruption. Portrigh is the main town but Broadford has more.
Uig at the top of the island is one of the mot scenic parts of Scotland.
Dunvegan has the Chiefs of Clan MacLeod and MIDGES!!!!!!!! It also has a cracking wee trip to see seals and you get quite close if you’re very quiet.
Talisker is the name of the Distillery. Trips and tasting! Nice of you like heavy whisky.

Plenty of shops for woollen originals, jewellery and other good stuff. point the car and see what you can find.
Lovely place.

A further run from Bunree is across on the Corran Ferry just up the road and cross into Ardnamurchan. Turn left at the ferry and be prepared for a different view round almost every corner!...and head for the most westerly point in the UK. (Mainland!)
A word of caution though! This road is almost all single track. Take it slowly and be prepared to stop and let people past, it’s a damned site easier than holding them up! One of THE biggest frustrations is to be stuck behind someone who doesn’t know the etiquette of these roads. It only takes a minute and you almost always get a friendly wave of thanks for being considerate.

Roughly halfway round the first part you come across a wee place that sells coffee etc! Stop! It’s one of the best value for money stops you’ll make! You won’t miss it!

Follow the road to the lighthouse, walk up to it and take in the sight (and probably the wind too! Breathtaking!
Then head for either Mallaig or Glenfinnan.

Mallaig is where you can catch a ferry to the Outer Hebrides and is quite a nice wee Port.
Glenfinnan is where Charles Edward Stuart landed and started off the Scots Grand Day Out! You can walk up to the monument but you have to pay to get into the enclosure (rip off!). You can also walk right down to the loch side but you’ll need to ask exactly where He came ashore!:O)

...From there follow the (good) road all the way back to Fort William and Bunree.

Oban. An easy drive of about 45 minutes gets you there. A very nice wee Port which gets you onto Mull if you so wish. Plenty of shops and most are good value places. Try the sweet shop that sells the old style sweets! I did and was not going to test my blood sugars after!

And last but not least Glencoe! I still await a MacDonald to appear to give Cathy a bruising for what her lot did there! I wait in hope! :O)
Has to be one of the most evocative of places in Scotland. There’s an excellent Visitor’s Centre now. It’s hidden up a wee hill and out of sight. The last one was inappropriately set extremely close to one of the murder sites! Much better now. Worth visiting the exhibition and the coffee shop and souvenir shop too!

Another side trip would be to follow the Kinlochleven road. Nice scenery there too.

Restaurants:
There are extremely good numbers of good places to eat in and around Bunree.
The Four Seasons is one but our firm favourite is the Nether Lochaber Hotel just by the Corran Ferry.
Three courses, (one a T-bone), four drinks = £49! Living in Aberdeen that is superb value!........and the meals were excellent.
There is also the Onich Hotel but we find the food to be bland.

There you go! Try it and I defy you not to enjoy you’re stay at Bunree CC site!:O)

Andy Grant. CLIC. April 2005
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A couple of comments from CLIC members:

I have fond memories of this site. Cloud, mist and more cloud. it used to roll down the mountainside at the other side of the loch. In fact weather-wise it was an atrocious week.. But still enjoyed it. The low cloud made for a very eerie feeling in Glencoe.....expected to see the MacDonalds to appear out of the mist.....
Excellent day out the only day the sun shone. We stopped at the cafe Andy mentioned. On the left-hand side of the road. Had a bowl of Cullen Skink (spelling). All i can say about that is, well I’ll try anything once :-) Then onto Ardnamurchan. Left there and found a beautiful remote beach with pure white sand. Cant remember the name. Would love to go back but alas the weather.....
harry Burrows
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There is also good cycling from Bunree. (bonus. no hills)
Cross the loch using the Corran ferry, free for cycles, and turn right you can then cycle on a virtually traffic free road up the side of Loch Linnhe, you can catch a passenger ferry across to Fort William from Camusnagaul (or just enjoy a cup of tea in the tearoom)... before returning to Bunree.
Another ride is alongside the Caledonian canal.
Chris Carr

Bunree C C Site--- Third report below
Onich
Fort William
Highland
Scotland
PH33 6SE

Tel: 01855 821 283
You tube video: Bunree

Slightly sloping site on the shores of Loch Linnhe, which is a sea loch. Lochside pitches are not allowed to use awnings, sun canopies, windbreaks etc., pitches from the 2nd row back are allowed them. If you use an awning here, make sure you tie it down well - the wind can blow pretty well here!
All pitches are hardstanding. --- ..another site view --- ..and one more
The approach road is single track with passing places and traffic lights on the last stretch.
Usual high standard CC facilities.

Inchree village is apparently within walking distance and has eating places. The hotel at Corran Ferry also does food. We unfortunately were not able to try any of them, so can’t give any recommendations. The ferry is free for foot passengers and cyclists - the roads the other side of the loch are quieter for cycling.
The bus to Fort William stops at Corran Ferry but will apparently stop at the end of the site road as well, if hailed.

There is a forest walk to a waterfall - details of this and other walks are available in the information room.

People were fishing from the loch shore just along from the site and also launching canoes and inflatables from the site.

Onich village shop has a very limited supply of basic food stuff, but closest food shopping seems to be the co-op in Ballachulish.

£45 for 3 nights with motorhome and 2 adults. Visited September 2007

It’s a nice site but sadly we did NOT see it at its best due to the awful weather. It looks beautiful when the sun comes out, which it did just as we left the site :-(((

Would we go back? Yes, but please can we book some half way reasonable weather?

Myra Sears. CLIC. October 2007

Bunree C C Site
Onich
Fort William
Highland
PH33 6SE

Tel: 01855 821 283

To find site:
South from Fort William on the A82. After about six miles pass Corran Ferry on right. Ignore turning to Bunree and continue across bridge and entrance to site is clearly signed immediately on right. The approach from the main road is single track with passing places and the final section is controlled by traffic lights.

Bunree must have one of the most stunning locations in the Caravan Club network. It is situated right on the shore of Loch Linnhe. The site is slightly terraced with a gentle slope from the rear of the site down to the Loch edge. There are 99 pitches all of which are on hardstandings. The pitches around the perimeter of the site facing the Loch are slightly smaller than those further into the site and awnings are not allowed on these pitches, however they are much sought after. Non-members are accepted but there is no provision for tent campers. There is one single toilet block to a very good standard and it even has a drying room which members can use at their own risk. For children there is an adventure style playground and a games room which has a Pool table. Site wide WiFi is available at normal CC charges. Mobile phone connections seem fine. Reception sells a few essentials. Satellite TV reception can be difficult on most of the campsite because of the mountain immediately behind the site, however digital TV reception was fine using the caravan aerial. Date of visit mid September 2011.

The opportunity for excursions from the site are endless with many of the famous Highland sites being within reasonable travelling distance. Even nearer to home there are lots of places to visit locally including the Glencoe Visitor Centre a few miles away. For shopping Fort Williams is the best bet being about 10 miles from the campsite. There is a Morrison’s supermarket which also sells fuel at a lower price than elsewhere locally. For eating out there are two restaurants within walking distance of the site and a third if you don’t mind using the Corran Ferry, although don’t leave the return journey too late as the ferries stop just after 9.00pm.

David Klyne. CLIC. September 2011
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Cambusdarach Campsite
Arisaig,
Inverness
Highland
PH39 4NT

Tel: 01687 450 221

E-mail: CamDarach@aol.com A. Simpson
Website: www.road-to-the-isles.org.uk/camusdarach-campsite.htm

Visited: August 2004

Location:
Just north of Arisaig on the old (coast) road.

Pitches:
There are 16 or 17 pitches with hookups plus perhaps 20-30 for tents. The serviced pitches are mostly pretty level and there are a couple on a very rough hardstanding.

Facilities:
One toilet block with 2 male and 2 female showers. These are very good but there is not enough of them to go round so expect to have to do some waiting. There is only one fresh water standpipe plus another in the dishwashing area.

Childrens facilities:
None, except the beaches.

Attractions:
The main reason for being here is to spend time on the superb white sand Morar beaches, and in particular the one which was used in the film Local Hero. These are a short walk through the dunes from the campsite and the views to the islands are spectacular. Arisaig is about 4 miles away but there isn’t much there. Mallaig is a few miles to the north and has ferries, boat trips, swimming pool & shops.

Steve Graham. CLIC. August 2004

Culloden Moor CC Site--- Second report below
Newlands
Culloden Moor
Inverness
Highland
Scotland
IV2 5EF

Telephone: 01463 790 625

Open (2005) 18 March to 4 Jan 06

Described in CC site details as "slightly sloping" - now that is depending on how you define "slightly sloping", in relation to Cairngorm it is "slightly"!!!! Make sure you have blocks with you. Good views though.

Friendly wardens - he is a keen gardener so very impressive flower and shrub beds all round the site.
Usual CC toilets and showers, heated too. No baby/toddler facilities though. (aside - Try bathing a wriggling toddler in the caravan shower - only once!)

Good laundry facilities, just make sure that clothes washed in themachine are put through the spin dryer before being tumble dried - washing machine spin not very strong. (took me £1.60 of 20p coins to find that tip out for you).

All hard standing, large pitches with room for van, awning and car.
Good childrens play area - climbing frames, etc, although on stony base bit hard to say least if children fall of the frame.

Good site for Inverness, Nairn, Culloden Moor vistor centre, day trips to Loch Ness. Try drive up south side of Loch along General Wades’ road, very different journey from the normal, tourist ridden northern road. Circular trip down one side to Fort Augustus and back along other side good day out.

Jan Bain. CLIC. May 2005

Culloden Moor C C Site
Newlands
Culloden Moor
Inverness
Highland
IV2 5EF

Tel: 01463 790 625

To Find Site:
Exit A9 onto the B9177 and follow signs for Culloden Moor and Croy. Once past the Culloden Moor visitors centre the site is on the left about a mile further on.

This campsite, which has nice views of the surrounding hills, is about a mile from the site of the famous battle of Culloden. Non-members are welcome and there is an area set aside for tent campers. The site slopes down towards the road meaning that levelling blocks for corner steadies are usually needed. The site has 97 pitches most of which are on hardstandings. There is one central toilet block which whilst kept perfectly clean and serviceable is of the older variety. There are a couple of service points around the site but there are some pitches which are a long way from water/waste/toilet disposal. For children there is a nice play area in one corner of the site. Electric bollards have a TV hook-up and Reception sell co-ax cables as well as a few other essentials. Mobile phone signals on this site are poor to non-existent, certainly no signal for Virgin Mobile although I did see some people wandering around with a phone to their ear. I did manage to get a weak GPRS signal on my Vodafone dongle. There is a pay phone at Reception but this is expensive to use. Date of visit early September 2011.

There are many opportunities for excursions from this site. The nearest from the site is the Culloden Moor Battlefield which is about a 35 minute walk from the site with a footpath all the way. The National Trust for Scotland have a large visitor centre with lots of information. The Black Isle and Loch Ness are not too far. For shopping there are a couple of supermarkets in Inverness, about 5 miles from the campsite, the nearest being Tesco which also sells fuel.

David Klyne. CLIC. September 2011
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Dalchalm C C Site
Brora
Highland
KW9 6LP

Tel: 01408 621 479

To Find Site:
Just north of Brora on A9 turn right at Caravan Club sign on main road. The approach is narrow and involves negotiating a blind narrow bridge. Once past small commercial campsite turn left at T-junction and Club site is a little further on the right. Campers are requested not to arrive before midday to allow leavers to exit the site without meeting incoming units on the narrow approach.

This small campsite is situated just north of Brora in the Highlands and is close to the sea which can be accessed from the site, although this does involve crossing a golf course so care is required. Non-members and tent campers are also accepted. There are 52 pitches of which 33 are on hardstandings. There is one toilet block situated not far from reception and whilst of a good standard it is of the older type. It is some distance from the furthest pitches as are the service points. There are no play facilities for children. Mobile phone signal seems OK and I could get Vodafone mobile broadband but the signal is a hit and miss. If you have a WiFi signal enhancer you should be able to get BTOpenzone.

Dalchalm could be a good option for exploring this remote part of the Highlands and Dornoch is worth a visit. Brora Golf Course is adjacent to the campsite. The small town of Brora has a small supermarket and a couple of restaurants. There are two fuel stations on the A9 on the approach to the town.

David Klyne. CLIC. September 2011
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Dingwall C & CC Site
Jubilee Park Road
Dingwall
Highlands
Scotland
IV15 9QZ

Tel: 01349 862 236

Web: www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

Visited May 2005

View of site. Shower block. The canal.

Our first impression was that the site would be noisy, with the road, and football ground at the front, car park to one side, and the canal and footpath on the other, and the railway at the back. This was the wrong idea, at least whilst we were there, as the road stops at the site entrance, the car park is for football fans, the canal hasn’t been used for (probably) 100 years, and the railway doesn’t run at night.

The site was originally owned by the council, but the club has a very long lease. There are no (official) hard standings, but, as the grass gets rather ‘soggy’ when the rain is heavy, some of the roadways become hard standings. We saw the HSM checking the state of the ground each day, as we had heavy rain while we were there. A large puddle appeared opposite the toilet block, by the back-packers area.

The toilet block is old, and only has 2 showers in each side, but is kept immaculate. I understand that refurbishment is in the schedule. The site has no children’s play area

The town is a short walk from the site, along the path by the canal. There are two supermarkets (Somerfield & Tesco), plus good local shops including 2 butchers, a fishmonger and 3 bakers. At the end of the main road are a fish & chip shop (tested & recommended), a pizza shop, and a Chinese takeaway.

Mobile reception (Orange) - good
TV - poor
Birds (feathered type) - noisy

John & Jean Haseltine. CLIC. September 2005

Dunnett Bay CC Site--- Second report below
Dunnet
Thurso
Highland
KW14 8XD

Te;: 01847 821 319

Advanced booking advised....more so for electric hook up

Well what can one say, nice site, a pity that it is owned by the MEAN Local Council who do not want to spend any money on it, as well as the beach which is adjacent to the site, they do not clean it either and rely on volunteers to do the job.
The staff are very friendly and helpfull.

The CC only lease the property on a yearly basis, the toilet facillities are very BASIC.
The staff keep the toilets as clean as possible, the only downside is that inside the toilet block it is like walking into an old toilet, the place is a bit shabby but it is ok.
In the gents toilet block there are 5 open plan sinks, 2 shower compartments, a bit neat for room, and one cubicle.
So do not look for it to be as good as CC owned sites.

Anyone taking an Awning or a tent be sure to take plenty of pegs as this can be a very windy site.

There are only 4 pitches that are slabbed (hard standing) the rest are all grass.

The sites location is very good for touring the North. John o’ Groats is only a short distance away, Wick is about 17 miles away.
To go to Orkney there are 3 Ferries, the one from John o’Groats is a passenger only and starts its season at the beginning of May.
Pentland Ferries leave from Gills Bay which is only about 15 mins away from the site, but you must phone and book, it costs £10 per person single and £25 for the car and £25 for the caravan, we went over with the car for the day total cost £90, travelling time was about 1 hour and 15 mins, and was worth every penny.

Northlink Ferries operate out of Scrabster which is about 20 mins away from the site, they have a brand new Ferrie, cost £140 for the same as the Pentland Ferry.

Jim Tierney. CLIC. April 2004

September 2006:
Chris Carr has sent in an up date on Dunnet Bay. Chris writes:

The loos have had a makeover and within the limitations of the building VERY much up to CC specification I think it may even have under floor heating, as this was the only site that my tootsies were nice and warm before and après showering!!!

Also the Castle of Mey (5 miles from site) the Queen Mum’s old home is open to visitors - we very much enjoyed the visit as all the guides were worked for and knew the old dear and were full of anecdotes - visit ASAP as they are getting on a bit themselves.

Dunnet Bay C C Site
Dunnet
Thurso
Highland
KW14 8XD

Tel: 01847 821 319

To Find Site:
From Thurso take A836 signed for John O’Groats. About 2 miles past Castletown towards Dunnet the site is on the left and can be seen from the road.

This site has a lovely location on the low cliffs overlooking Dunnet Bay on the north coast of Scotland. Non-members and tent campers are accepted. It’s not a particularly large site with only 57 pitches all of which are on grass. The ground is quite up and down so some form of levelling will be required on most pitches. There is a strict pitching regime with front and rear pitch markers! The site has a very nice quality toilet block and there are a couple of service points in easy reach of most pitches. There is also a motorhome service point near the site entrance. The A836 runs along one site of the site but we did not find traffic noise intrusive. Reception sells a variety of essentials. There are no play facilities on site for children but with a lovely sandy beach a stone’s throw from the site I doubt they will be bothered! Obviously, given its location, the site is quite exposed should the wind come up so this should be taken into account when erecting awnings and canopies. There is no campsite WiFi but I was able to get a GPRS signal on my Vodafone dongle albeit quite slow. Date of visit early September 2011.

For excursions Thurso is about 8 miles from the site where there are shopping opportunities as well as several fuel stations. Scrabster on the edge of Thurso is a ferry departure point for the Orkneys. Dunnet Head and Lighthouse is a short drive from the site, make sure you climb up to the higher view point as you have a lovely 360 degrees view from there. John O’Groats is about 15 miles from the site and it is from here that you can take the passenger ferry over to the Orkneys. There are good car parks near the harbour. The car ferry leaves from Gills Bay which is nearby. Also on the same road is the Castle of Mey which used to be the Queen Mother’s home until she died. It is now run by a Trust and is open to visitors. Wick, about 28 miles along the coast road has a large Tesco and cheaper fuel.

David Klyne. CLIC. September 2011
For images of this site, and other reports, go to Caravantravels

Glenmore Caravan and Camping Site--- Second report below--- Fishing site
Aviemore
Inverness
Highland
Scotland
PH22 1QU

Tel: 01479 861 271
Tel: 01479 861 220 Recreation Ranger

E-mail: invernessfd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Web site: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/...

O.S. Grid reference: NH 976 097

First let me say this site is closed March 2004 to end June 2004 for modernisation. The area itself is of course well known for its skiing, water sports and walking etc etc.

The site is quite large and in the main area exposed to the winds. There is an area in the trees which is sheltered, the pitches along the side of the trees are prone to flooding due to poor drainage. The site boasts two toilet blocks and a shower block which is currently the other side of the road through a pedestrian tunnel! I did not use this choosing instead the comfort of the caravan shower. Even though it did get to -15 deg centigrade!, the toilet blocks were kept warm and clean during the fortnight I stayed over Christmas and New Year.

There are over 220 pitches most of them with hook ups and many of them hard standing.
This is my second trip to the site and I would use it again, mainly because it is one of the few open up here in winter, However the attraction is not the site but the area.
The site itself is basic and to my mind over priced. But then you are paying for the locale when using the site!
Wardens were friendly enough and helpful even to the point of clearing the snow from the site roads.

Fishing is possible from the site with Trout and Pike fishing in Loch Morlich right next door. Pike costs were £2.50 per day or £15 per week for a permit and you do not require a rod license.
...Of course Aviemore, Rothiemurchus and Cairngorm are close by.

Make sure you are well stocked with gas as the local supply is limited.

David Benison. CLIC. January 2004

Glenmore Caravan & Camping Site--- Fishing site
Aviemore
Inverness
Highland
Scotland
PH22 1QU

Tel: 01479 861 271
Tel: 01479 861 220 Recreation Ranger

E-mail: invernessfd@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Web site: http://www.forestry.gov.uk/...

O.S. Grid reference: NH 976 097

We have Just returned from 4 nights at Glenmore Forestry Commission site on the shore of Loch Morlich at the foot of Cairngorm, 7 miles from Aviemore. Directions - From A9 turn onto B9152 south of Aviemore.
At Aviemore, turn right on to B970, keeping right at Coylumbridge. The site is 5 miles further on.
O.S. Grid reference: NH 976 097

This is a Large site with over 200 pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes.
for 2006 - open till 30 October then reopening 15 December.

The site has 2 newly built toilet blocks with plenty of showers, toilets and handbasins AND heated (in fact if you are used to the old shower block through the tunnel they are heaven).Dishwashing sinks and launderette at each block too.
How-ever although there is a baby changing room there is no facility for baby or toddler bathing - not many little ones like showers. There is also still nowhere for clothes drying or shelters for campers to cook under when raining (as it was for a good part of this week). Maybe the FC will change this.

Electrics have been upgraded to 16 amp, that will certainly make a difference in the winter.

The one thing that hit us was how close most of the pitches are - you had space in front or behind your unit but a good percentage of the pitches have very little space between the units.

Cost us (2 adults and mains electric, under 5’s free) £11.60 per night mid week rate.
Added February 2008: There is now a charge for dogs. £3.00 per stay, regardless if it’s one night or 10

This was our first visit to this site for 3 years and apart from the superb shower blocks little has changed. The shop still closes at 5.30 and the cafe a little earlier than that.
The site is always busy with both campers and motorhomes and caravans. Great site if you like hill walking (almost any direction from the site takes you up into the hills) or just sitting watching the birds and squirrels and fanastic scenery. Penty of woods for children to explore, a small sandy (sort of) beach and a very good water sports centre where you can get lessons or hire canadian canoes, windsurfers, kayaks or mountain bikes. Or just bring your own.

Not a site for you if you need TV (or radio for that matter) - even satellite is a problem, especially if the weather is poor. We managed one night out of 4 of reasonable reception with a sat dish!
Mind you, at this time of year when it is still light at 10.30pm who needs TV.. thank goodness we had some good books with us!!

Jan Bain. CLIC. May 2006

Glen Brittle Camping Site
Macleod Estates
Via Sligachan
Isle of Skye
IV47 8TA

Tel: 01478 640 404

This site is situated on 5 acres of grassy dunes at the foot of Glen Brittle which is encircled by forest, river sea loch and Chuillin Range, all within a short walk from the site.

Although not for those who like well appointed facilities, and the single track approach makes it inaccessible for caravans, this site is very popular with outdoor types, walkers, climbers, birders, fishing types, and those who just like to sit drinking and staring at the fabulous landscape........and the view from the tent.

The 200 pitches are cut into the rough grassy knolls, with wide verges along the tracks for camper vans and trailer tents. The whole site is sheltered in its natural amphitheatre and every part affords a splendid outlook. Just over the fence is a beach at the end of which is the burn.

This is a friendly and cosmopolitan site, and we found it a perfect spot from which to explore Skye, but we also spent whole days on site quite happily.

Midgies are only occasionally a bother, and the site shop has plenty of lotions and devices to cope.

There is one big toilet block with showers, perfectly clean and pleasant, and a shop which sells usual provisions and maps etc, plus local delicacies made by the lady in the cottage up the glen.

There is a good if rather exposed site for caravans at Sligachan.

Open April - October.....No booking, just turn up.

Jean Spouse. CLIC. January 2003

Glen Nevis Holidays Ltd - - - - - Second report below
Fort William
Highland
Scotland
PH33 6SX

Tel: 01397 702 191
Fax: 01397 703 904

E-mail: holidays@glen-nevis.co.uk
Web site: www.glen-nevis.co.uk/

View of the site

Site is about 19 acres and operates between mid March and October, total of 380 pitches available for caravans, motor homes and tents.

The site is a 5 tick graded park and is one of the only sites I know that has refunded money to campers leaving because of bad weather, not me other softies!.

Ray Moran. CLIC. July 1999
See report below for more detail.

Added March 2001.
Open: Mid March to end of October.
Facilities: 380 touring; 200 hardstanding; 190 electric hook-ups 10/16a (80 all service); 32 hot showers.

Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park
Glen Nevis
Fort William
Highland
Scotland
PH33 6SX

Tel: 01397 702 191
Fax: 01397 703 904

E-mail: holidays@glen-nevis.co.uk
Web site: www.glen-nevis.co.uk/

Same view as previous report

Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park is situated about two miles off the A82 in Fort William (follow camping/caravans signs).The road also continues past the camp for several more miles to its end to reach Glen Nevis. The path to the top of Ben Nevis starts from the footbridge at the Youth Hostel only a few hundred yards from the park.

The site is split into 4 areas for caravans and 4 areas for tents. The area for caravans are mostly divided into individual stances and you are free to choose any stance with minor limitations.

The park apparently contains a children area with swings etc, which I was unable to find from a cursory inspection

The park has a well stocked shop which should tied you over before a visit to the supermarket.

There are 4 well equipped toilet and shower buildings on the site and were more than adequate for my early June visit. Showers are on a 20p coin meter and last long enough to have a shower and wash your hair. The toilets are cleaned possible to Caravan Club standards with piped music to each toilet/shower building. TV reception is good on the 4 channels BBC1, BBC2, STV and Channel 4.

The Glen Nevis Restaurant and Lounge Bar (same company that owns the camp site) is only 500 metres from the camp site and they serve excellent meals.

The cost for a caravan pitch in early June was about £12 per night for two people and electric hook-up. During our visit we were given a £5 voucher (per caravan) to use in the Restaurant against the cost of a meal.

Allan Raymond. CLIC. June 2000

Added March 2001.
Open: Mid March to end of October.
Facilities: 380 touring; 200 hardstanding; 190 electric hook-ups 10/16a (80 all service); 32 hot showers.

Grantown-on-Spey Caravan Club Site --- Second report below--- Fishing site
Seafield Avenue
Grantown-on-Spey
Highland
Scotland
PH26 3JQ

Tel: 01479 872 474

Date of visit 17^th June to 1^st July 2000

This site is one of the CC’s "Managed under Contract" sites, i.e. a privately owned site which pays the Caravan Club to be listed and gets a large number of bookings as a result. It does mean that the facilities are every bit as good as you would expect of a club site, and then some.

It’s quite a large site, with pitches on terraces and fields, but nearly all pitches are level and most have hook-ups. Many are hard-standing (gravel) but you’ll need the rock pegs and the ’eavy ’ammer, and quite a few have water taps at the pitch, some even having on-pitch drainage (if you’ve got a few metres of waste hose). There’s also a fair-sized rally field with a few hook-ups, and there are twenty or so statics. Tents and non-members are welcomed. There’s a shop on site with some caravan accessories but all the basics are in the town 10 minutes walk away.

The site is about half-a-mile from the town and a good variety of shops, with a fair-sized supermarket (Co-op) and a lot of smaller local shops, which should meet most needs. There are some good pubs and restaurants including one run by a person named Grant who cooks unfortunately well. Unfortunately for the conflict between waist and belt that is! Unfortunately its Chris Grant rather than Andy, but if Andy#146;s cooking is as good as Chris’s I can’t wait to meet him!!

There’s salmon fishing from £35 a day or £85 for 4 days on some beats, with some anglers on the site averaging 2 fish a night. There are also several trout lakes, and plenty of golf courses ranging from 1000-yard 9-hole sprints to full size 18-hole clubs, and prices are a fraction of what you have to pay in the southeast. The RSPB’s Osprey watch at Loch Garten is 10 minutes away, and the village of Tomintoul with one of the best whisky shops in the world is about twice as far. If you happen to like the Scottish variety of falling-down-juice this area is heaven itself, with distilleries around every corner and every one welcoming you with open arms and small glasses (it’s the first time Sue has done this much driving on holiday since we’ve known each other)

The bigger difference between this and any other CC site we’ve visited is the service. The vast majority of CC wardens are good, but those at Grantown just cannot do enough for you (get a gas refill and they deliver it to the van and apologise for not having hooked it up for you!) To be fair, I think it’s because the Club has to limit the activities of its staff to protect the Club’s liabilities, and MUC sites are individually owned, with the wardens being locally employed and in far better contact with the site owners.

I can’t recommend this site too highly, I’m just sorry the journey’s so long.

Nik & Sue Dennis. CLIC. July 2000

Grantown-on-Spey Caravan Club Site--- Third report below--- Fishing site
Seafield Avenue
Grantown-on-Spey
Highland
Scotland
PH26 3JQ

Tel: 01479 872 474

The current report on the website is still accurate. However there is a new winterised toilet block on the site. The toilet block is superb and was fully functional even the Saturday before Christmas when it was -12.5 degrees C.
There are also some new super pitches. Larger, drainage, water and TV points close to it.
During winter only the new winterised block is open, the older ones are closed. Although everyone who booked the site was told this on booking some still had a moan to the wardens about it! Some of these were ex-Glenmore types where you had to cross the road for a shower!

Service is still brilliant for gas delivery etc.

There was one little thing I did not like on a customer service basis though and that was the fact that I had a problem re-booking for next year. I had been on site for three weeks in total and said I would be re-booking for next year and roughly the same dates. When I came to confirm this booking before I left the site the pitch had been let! However they did eventually see sense as I had provisionally booked the pitch first!

So that is what’s new at Grantown-on-Spey. Did not meet up with Jan but had a great Christmas and New Year. Shame about the lack of snow at Hogmany but it was there for Christmas and for the Second. The First was a write off because of the rain mind you it was nearly 5am before bed!

Hogmany in the square was good. Although there was some confusion. The missus is convinced that the leader in the band said "If you do not know how to dance then come and look expectantly at the band" I was sure however he said blond and so got a whack from SWMBO but she was worth a look!

Great night, great party and they reckon to have broken the Strip the Willow record but I think it is unofficial as next year is the official try! I think!

Dave Benison. CLIC. January 2005

Grantown-on-Spey Caravan Club Site--- Fishing site
Seafield Avenue
Grantown-on-Spey
Highland
Scotland
PH26 3JQ

Tel: 01479 872474

Thought I’d update the reports on the Grantown-on-Spey site.

Service is still brilliant.
The wardens this year had extra problems to deal with but managed to keep smiling through it all.

The Gold pitches have been extended around the lower toilet block and onto the grassed area which is now much smaller. They are incomplete at the time of writing but should be ready for the main season.
In my opinion these pitches are overpriced for winter use as even with this winters mild weather the taps were frozen more than they were not.
Electricity is only about 10 Amps as per the rest of the site not the full 16 Amps we enjoyed before the extra pitches were built and voltage is down to 210 Volts which is out of CE spec and meant the fridge would not work on electric. This is a problem with the sub-station which serves the site and not the site itself.
My only real complaint with the site is the fact the fallen leaves are not cleared and so the pitches are becoming covered with mulch at the back.

So that’s the update!

My other complaint this year was to do with other occupants who apparently could not read and caused extra work for the wardens, but that is another story.
For Hogmany we went down the square in fancy dress and stayed until the rain and wind put paid to things. A great time was had by our little group, including a murder mystery night and much fun and games!

Roll on next year :-)

Dave Benison. CLIC. January 2007

Grummore Caravan Club Site--- Fishing site
Altnaharra
Lairg
Highland
Scotland
IV27 4UE

Tel: 01549 411226 (8 - 8)

PARADISE. :o)

I have been going to this site as often as possible since 1989 when I first went there.

Sited on the banks of Loch Naver, 3 miles from the nearest pub and 20 miles from the nearest shops, it has water in front with the slopes of Ben Klibreck on the far side and hills behind the site. With only 24 pitches this year the site is little more than a big CL, 14 of the pitches have electric and there is NO toilet block.

Fishing for brown trout is free from the site and I have taken fish to 2 lbs and the odd sea-trout from there. Most fish are in the 3 or 4 to the pound size or "Breakfast Fish" as we call them.

In July and August the dreaded midge can be a problem but as I live only 2 hours away from this site I can pick and choose my visits to avoid them.

Bird watching, fishing, walking and chilling out are the order of the day on this wonderful site.

The pitches are a mix of natural hard standing and well drained grass, the wardens are very friendly and helpful at all times.

A word of warning though for the squeamish the last 24 miles to the site is along narrow single track roads.

CC members only
David Benison. CLIC. May 2000

UPDATE.

There is now a tap at the ’far end’ of the site making it a bit easier for motor homes but there was no other difference to the site.

The wardens sell a few basics - toilet fluid, matches etc. Food wise they have some tinned goods, eggs, bacon, bread can be ordered. A fish van visits once a week for those unable to catch their own.

It is still paradise and the midges are still there.

David Benison. CLIC. November 2004

High Range Motel Complex
Grampian Road
Aviemore
Inverness
Highland
Scotland
PH22 1PT

Tel: 01479 810 636

E-mail: info@highrange.co.uk
Web site: www.highrange.co.uk/

We visited this site during the week of 9th June.
The site was easily found, just at the start of Aviemore. Turn left into the site from the south side. [2 deep drainage bumps] Reception is at the top of the hill on the right.
The site is nicely laid out in a circle of 46 bays. Not to wide but long enough for the unhitched unit. Level and with Hard standing and grass for awnings. It’s a quiet site.

The shower/toilet block is spotless and well maintained [closed daily 12.00 - 3pm for cleaning] Entry to this and other facilities is via a swipe card system. CCTV Throughout. High standard of Washing and drying facilities. [Laundry, I think its called :) ]

Cost is £ 12.50 per night including awning. However, electricity is supplied via a Powercard system and they cost £1.50 each for 15kw of electricity. [During our stay we used 2 = £ 3.00] (Ed. note) This sounds like a fairer system than paying a standard charge per night). Water is dispensed via a swipe card system and each card costs .30p, which dispenses 17 lts of water. [We used 3 to fill up the 40 ltr barrell = .90p] Which doesnt seem much but I dont like the principle of paying extra for water. (Ed note. Like Andrew, I would object to this. It does sound like a rip off).)

A nice well run site, but a bit of profitering, considering the site next door to it has water available for free. 5 min. walk into the village.

Andrew (mailman). CLIC. June 2003.

Inverewe Gardens C & CC Site--- Second report below
Poolewe
Achnasheen
Highlands
Scotland
IV22 2LF

Tel: 01445 781 249

Roy & Joan Parker

Facilities: Toilets, washbasins, showers (toilet & shower for disabled), washing up sinks, water points, chemical disposal point, laundry & electric hook-ups.

It is a superb site with excellent facilities, as are 99% of CCC sites.

It is quiet and slightly sloping but with flat pitches, the site has a liberal sprinkling of silver birch and a belt of Scots pines near the road.

It is next to the road but this is fairly quiet. Across the road is the head of Loch Ewe and looking down it due west so superb sunsets.
Behind the site is wild walking land with lots of lochs and lochans. A Salmon river enters Loch Ewe 300 yards from the site and Loch Maree is about a 20 min. drive away. Gairloch is very nice, quiet with a number of eating places.
There is a hotel bar 300 yards from site and a chip shop less than a mile away. Good local shop.

The book advises caravans to approach from the north however it is a lot quicker from the south and there are lots of passing places so no real bother.
There is a boat launching site almost opposite the site.
I’d say it was idyllic if you like a quiet relaxing site

Site is well drained can be a bit stony but OK and there is a (fairly small) cooking shelter.

Quite a few campers & trailer tents use the site. There are also about four concrete bases for RV’s.

Jon Paddler. CLIC. October 2000

Inverewe Gardens C & CC Site--- Third report below
Poolewe
Achnashee
Highlands
Scotland
IV22 2LF

Tel: 01445 781 249

Visited: August 2004

Location:
On the west coast between Poolewe and Inverewe Gardens.

Pitches:
Pretty level with a few hardstandings.

Facilities:
One toilet block, clean and with good showers although there was a bit of queuing for these at peak times.

Childrens facilities:
None

Attractions:
Walking distance to Inverewe Gardens (National Trust for Scotland) and into Poolewe itself, which has a few shops, a pub, play area and small swimming pool. There is good walking in the area behind the site plus a few trails which can be mountain biked. A few miles away is Gairloch which has excellent beaches, a petrol station and a few more shops. Both the approach roads to the site are through some impressive scenery so I’d recommend a circular in/out route if you can manage it.

Steve Graham. CLIC. August 2004.

Inverewe Gardens C & CC Site
Poolewe
Achnasheen
Highlands
IV22 2LF

Tel: 01445 781 249.

Site of a WWII military base - hard standing are the old hut concrete bases.
Site sloping but pitches mainly level. Vans using hardstanding pitches cannot put up awnings because of concrete bases.

Reasonable shower facilities, must be stretched in high season. Usual laundry facilities.
Lovely views from most pitches across Loch Ewe.

Short walk away from village of Poolewe, good general store and cafe.
Outdoor shop in village also worth a visit if you are a hill walker - they make outdoor clothes on the premises, can make to measure. Supply most of the mountain rescue teams and Glenmore Lodge with their waterproof clothing. Very friendly and helpful.

Inverewe Gardens a short walk from the site, beautiful gardens with a wide range of plants and trees, pleasant walks round the gardens.
Large cafe on site too.

Hill walkers are spoilt for choice in the area, pleasant circular walk from site to Loch Kemsary, 7/8 miles through some lovely scenery, brings you back to the village along the back road.

Fishing available from loch side. Bird watching paradise. Beach opposite campsite not very good but long sandy beach just short drive away at Gairloch.

Take a drive to Cove and further on to the memorial for those who died on the Russian Convoys in WWII, plus remains of Army camp which guarded the convoys gathering in Loch Ewe before sailing for Russia.

Beinn Eighe National Park just short drive away with enough hills to keep anyone happy.

Jan Bain. CLIC. May 2005

Invernahavon Holiday Park
Glentruim
Newtonmore
Highland
Scotland
PH20 1BE

Tel: 01540 673 534 (673 219 out of season)
Fax: 01540 673 219

Web site: www.newtonmore.com/..

Book direct with site - note: credit cards not accepted
Caravan Club Site open to non-members
Susan and Kenny Knox

Large, open site approx 1/2 a mile off the A9 - and about 1.1/2 miles south of Newtonmore junction (B9150) and about 9 miles north of Dalwhinnie junction (A899) - follow sign for Glentruim. There is also a large sign for Invernahavon Holiday Park at the junction.

There are chalets on one part of the site, tents on another. Caravan pitches are grass and there are some with water points. Toilets, showers etc spotless.

We were there in July 2004 and the site seemed very under used. It’s a quiet site in an interesting area. Within easy reach are the Waltzing Waters and the Highland Folk Park at Newtonmore, the Strathspey Steam Railway, the Highland Wildlife Park and the Cairngorm Funicular as well as Aviemore with a variety of attractions. Lots of walking and cycling there too.

Ideally placed for a break in the journey further north. Small shop on site with other shops, banks etc in nearby villages.

Irena Krasinska-Lobban. CLIC. July 2004

Morvich Caravan Club Site--- Second report below
Inverinate
Kyle
Highland
Scotland
IV40 8HQ

Tel: 01599 511 354

Page 236 CC handbook

Spent 5 nights at this site last week. For those unlucky enough never to have been - GO.

The site is on the (very) level valley floor, so well hidden by trees that it can hardly be seen from the road or most points on the surrounding mountains. The Five Sisters of Kintail are your backdrop and birds the only noise that will disturb you.
The road to Skye is minutes from the site - 30 minutes at most takes you to Kyle of Lochalsh for the bridge or go in the other direction to Shiel Bridge and drive across the mountains (stop at the view point on the top and look back - must be one of the best views in Britain) and take the tiny ferry to Kylerhea for the most spectacular entrance to Skye. (see footnote below)

We visited Plockton, what a beautiful setting, twice it was so lovely. Just watch the time if you walk over the causeway to the wee island at low tide, at least the water was warm (in comparison to our North Sea) when we had to paddle back.....Walk from the site to the Falls of Glomach (definately much easier than the 5 sisters) 6 to 8 hours round trip, depending on your level of fitness (and the number of times you stop to admire the view(s)).

Even the midges were kind, we were able to sit out and eat most evenings. Think it would be worse in July/August after rain.

This is definately a site we will be returning to. One thing - you need to book most of the time or at least phone ahead to make sure they have space. The site was full every night we were there. Even the tent field was full on two of the nights.
Good facilities for "smellies" (CLIC talk for campers) in fact, covered place to cook plus drying room for walking gear and a "lounge" with plenty of space for those wet evenings (or maybe when the "flying squad" gets too much).
This site is a very popular site for tenters and well sheltered from winds.

Jan B. CLIC. June 2003

Footnote from Andy Grant
...............but make sure your clutch and gearbox are working properly and don’t think of taking a caravan up that road either!!! Unless it is vastly different now, it is extremely likely you will encounter Skye’s traffic management systems.
Potholes and landslides!!

.........and visit the Otter Haven. Not seen an otter yet, but seals, Golden Eagles, Sea Eagles and hawks various!

Morvich Caravan Club Site--- Third report below
Inverinate
Kyle
Highland
Scotland
IV40 8HQ

Tel: 01599 511 354

106 pitches on 7 acres. Page 236 CC handbook

Situated near village of Morvich, about 12 km from the famous Eillean Donan castle and 1.5 km from Shiel Bridge. An ideal stopover for those not wishing to cross to the Isle of Skye with the van (bridge costs £11.60 each way nowadays).

Excellent site location, very quiet and peaceful, usual immaculate toilets and showers, friendly CC staff. Pitches include hard standing, grass, hook-ups to most pitches. New campers drying area for wet "smellies" (tent campers...to those not on CLIC). Small lounge with games and books available at nominal charge or bring one take one basis.

Some good eateries in the area, recommend the "Clachan Inn" at Loch Duich, next to the castle. Good bar meals, friendly staff. Visits to Plockton (Hamish Macbeth TV series), Skye, Poolewe, Loch Ness all possible on day trips.

Midgies bearable, but are there, repellent should be taken. Public Transport to Kyle of Lochalsh via rail, local buses to Morvich road end, about 1.25 km walk into site.

Visited and stayed in July 2003

Mel & Ella Evans. CLIC. July 2003

Morvich Caravan Club Site
Inverinate
Kyle
Highland
Scotland
IV40 8HQ

Tel: 01599 511 354

106 pitches on 7 acres. Page 236 CC handbook

Revisited time after time.
I can’t praise this site enough and this adds a bit more info on the area.

This is our favourite CC site. One of the best - spotlessly clean loos, laundry etc.
The location is perfect and the peace is wonderful. Whether you want to be energetic - the 5 Sisters and the Falls of Glomach; or tour around - Skye, Ullapool, Torridon - take the road over the Bealach na Bo to Applecross (but DON’T take the caravan). Take a day return to Inverness on the train, it’s worth it for the scenery alone.
Great eateries around - the Dornie Hotel, The Jacobite at the end of the road (a pleasant evening walk away) and for a special treat visit the Plockton Inn, the most wonderful seafood platter imaginable and the prices are good too; the Plockton Hotel is worth a visit too. Avoid the Clachan at Dornie (the food is all out of the freezer only the soup was home-made) for the same price range the Dornie Hotel’s food is all freshly cooked. The Kyle Hotel is also worth a mention.
From Kyle you can take a boat trip to see the seals and if lucky the whales.
A beautiful area and if you’ve never been there - GO - but book the site first.

Irena Krasinska-Lobban. CLIC. April 2004.

Rosemarkie C & CC Site
Ness Road East
Rosemarkie
Fortrose
Highlands
Scotland
IV10 8SE

Tel: 01381 621 117

We stayed for 3 nights in early June 2005

Rosemarkie is a beautiful site, it is long and thin running along the beach. Even in lousy weather it was lovely, it must be spectacular in the sunshine.
There are 2 shower blocks. Both house a ladies and gents, one also houses the parent and child room and dishwashing, the other the laundry and indoor dishwashing. The indoor dishwashing has a low level sink, presumably for disabled access.
There isn’t a shop on site, but Rosemarkie and Fortrose are near by. There are takeaways and a co-op in Fortrose, and the usual big stores in Inverness. We ate at the Plough in Rosemarkie which was excellent, and there is another pub/restaurant (the name escapes me I’m afraid) with a very interesting looking menu.

The amenities are spotless and well maintained, but not the best laid out I have come across. Closest to us was the smaller block, and I don’t know if the other is the same, but that one is quite cramped. Its absolutely fine for an adult, but trying to organise the children was a bit difficult. The showers are electric and a bit fiddly, the water pressure isn’t great, and they can get extremely hot if set wrong. Unfortunately there isn’t really room for an adult and a child in the cubicle, and there is no second curtain within the cubicle, so I found staying dry whilst supervising a child pretty difficult. The shower blocks have coded locks, and you are issued with the code when you book in. If you want to use the parent and child room I suppose you would have to ask for the key; I’m afraid I wasn’t trekking down to reception in the pouring rain to ask about it, so I never found out. Perhaps that would have alleviated the problem, perhaps its simply the baby change. There is a coin operated hair dryer which I didn’t try. Given where it was situated I think that if anyone had been trying to do their hair no one else would have been able to move!

The pitches are all marked and the site assistant was extremely helpful finding us a suitable pitch.
There is a lot of walking in the immediate area, and the site is within easy driving distance of a lot of tourist attractions. The highlight for us was dolphin watching at Chanonry Point, a short walk down the beach, It’s something that simply can’t be missed. They have details of the tides pinned up on the information board at reception, and as a fellow clicer told us, the best time is a couple of hours before high tide. We saw a dolphin at really close quarters, but it is probably worth taking binoculars to get the most out of the experience.

I’m sure we’ll visit here again at some point.

Alison Evans. CLIC. June 2005

Back | Back to Index | Back to County list | Enter site. View index page