[Rob Brownfield]

Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park camping by-laws come into force

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-39117802

Very controversial.

Several legal challenges ongoing.

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.

[Mike Barrio]

Yes ..... it is an international problem Rob, happens all over the world nowadays - "somebody will clear up after me"

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

Cheers
Mike

[Mike Barrio]

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

[Mike Barrio]

Maybe we could think about a forum camping trip at some stage this year

Say in June or thereabouts? Where does everybody fancy ...... somewhere local, or further away? Any suggestions?

Cheers
Mike

[Liam Stephen]

Somewhere close to water! Preferably with fish in it 

 

[Sandy Nelson]

I'd go back to Hoddom Plenty room and decent breakfast on site.

Fishing was pretty darn good too

Sandy

[Mike Barrio]

I'd go back to Hoddom Plenty room and decent breakfast on site.

Fishing was pretty darn good too

Sandy

Gets my vote too Sandy
Next question ............... When? How's about June?

Cheers
Mike

[Sandy Nelson]

June sounds good to me 

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 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

[Eddie Sinclair]

Sandy, Mike,

June before the 23rd would work for me.

I am overseas for a couple of weeks after that.

Eddie

[Mike Barrio]

Great stuff

So Sandy and I are going to drive down to Hoddom Castle ( http://www.hoddomcastle.co.uk/ ) and set up our tent on Thursday 15th June ready to fish in the evening 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

Cheers
Mike

[Liam Stephen]

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.

 

[Michael Buchan]

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  .

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

[Mike Barrio]

Great stuff Michael

[Mike Barrio]

So ...... the Hoddom camping trip was good fun last year ... see 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?

[Liam Stephen]

I’d be up for the closer one 

[Peter Davidson]

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?

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.

[Hamish Young]

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  

[Eddie Sinclair]

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

[Sandy Nelson]

I'm up for a trip

Anywhere/anytime (within reason) pretty much suits me

Sandy

[Ashley Thomas]

I'm up for a trip

Anywhere/anytime (within reason) pretty much suits me

Sandy

Me too 

Ash

[Steven Sinclair]

Mike,

Provided I am in country I am most definitely up for this 

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 

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 
 
 

Steven.

[Jim Eddie]

Not to keen on tents  but might be up for it assuming work and or family do not get in the way

 

Jim

[Eddie Sinclair]

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.

[Bob Mitchell]

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.

[Jim Eddie]

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.

Hey less of the auld Eddie 

Aye count me in

 

Jim