Scotland Aviemore pictures and writeups (january 2022 )

[Matt]

We like the site that much we rebooked it for next year (2023) details will be posted on a separate thread

 

[Ark79]

So the time had come for me to pack my kit and head up the road to the site . picked gav and bill up on the way to our first stop over point on route to camp
This was on the m6 at a travel lodge (excellent value if you book early ) suitably refreshed and fed and watered after the first 6hr stint behind the wheel we set of on the final 4,5 hr drive to the camp site
Bill was kind enough to have prepared a "pick and mix" of sweets which kept us going on the long drive .
3 hrs into the last leg of the drive and we were getting a strange noise "scrapping and a general that dont sound good noise from the trailer " .
pulled into a service area and diagnosed a wheel bearing had collapsed....
so a mission was on to make the load in the trailer as light as possible so we transferred as much kit as we could to the landrover and on the roof rack of the landrover we stripped out the old broken bearing and decided it was worth a punt to see if it would run on just 1 bearing on the out side of the hub rather than 2 ... so of we set at a much slower speed to try and nurse it to the camp site
As luck would have it paul was following up the rear so i asked him to shadow us and keep an eye on the trailer for the up would bound of the trip .
We managed to limp it to the site with out to much more bother

the site ...... Camping in Aviemore, the heart of the Scottish highlands

in truth i was a little bit worried about the site i had booked as it may have not been "wild enough" i was gladly surprised
we had the camp site to our selves the quarry area was perfect for our needs so we all set about setting up our gear and get the tents and stove's squared away .

we had been on site less than a few minutes and the first of many log/fire wood deliveries arrived curtesy of the maintenance guys for the camp (just a side note ALL fire wood was supplied free of charge ) we were also handed an EHC which ment the guys could charge their power banks/phones and other items ...

It was time to take a wander around the site to see where everything was ... the toilet block was less that 50 yrds from the quarry (which we had sole use off) the shower block was impressive with a laundry and also freezers we could use to keep food fresh ... the main office and little shop was well appointed and all good's sold were at a very reasonable price ,,, ideal for milk eggs, bread, bacon

Back to camp for an evening Infront of the fire

my next worry was what to do about the bearings on the trailer after a quick search of the net there wasnt anyone local to get them from then had a look on Amazon got them delivered to site next day ... after a morning of faffing around with trying to make do with limited tools i managed to get it changed with the help of gavin

i wont go into to much stuff on the trip as i would like the other guys who made the trip to give their versions of events and experiences

i would just like to say a big thank you to the guys and girls at the camp site who were more than help full and welcoming

i would also like to thank my traveling companions @1 shot willie @gavin @G1ZmO for making the trip 1 of the best weve had so far

last but in no meens least was nice to see you @Ark79

Smashing mate was good to see you /yous again

 

[1 shot willie]

Nice write up and pictures @Matt ........thanks for sharing

Will add mine soon

 

[Matt]

 

[G1ZmO]

An easy 2.5 hour drive for me saw me passing Matt's landy on the A9. I dropped back to keep an eye on the trailer after a call from Bill.
The journey went fine and we got all set up in the daylight and the dry.

I too was concerned about the fact that this was a campsite rather than the wilder camps we've done before but it certainly has it benefits.
Free fire wood, a clean (and warm) toilet, a shop, clean showers and very few holiday makers onsite. Only 1 other tent in the camping area nearby but I never saw the occupants. And there is a big communal BBQ area with a wooden shelter, water tap and electrical outlet.

The 'Quarry' area we booked is set down from the level of the trees so was a nice sheltered area away from any wind (other than that which was generated locally by digestive systems) though the one negative for me was the daytime road noise from the B road adjacent to the campsite. This wasn't really noticeable at night though.

Most days were spent sitting around the firepit but we took a drive up to the Cairngorm ski centre to get some snow under our boots and take a few piccies and I went on a walk through the woods to Loch an Eilein which has a castle ruin on an island in the loch.

We had a couple of semi-clear sky evenings so I took some pics of the stars and campfire scene.

A couple of vids to follow soon. One of the trip and another of a walk around the quarry area as a heads-up for those who might decide to come next January.

What I'd do differently next time?

• Extend the pole on the Rock Fortress tent to ensure that rain doesn't pool on the lower sections.
• Have the flue hole towards the back so that I'm not walking past it every time.
• Possibly invest in a stove that I could cook on if the weather is really bad since the rocket stove is good for heating the tent but not for cooking (too slow and too small a hot plate)

That's about it. Thanks for the company guys. It was a good laugh.
Maybe we'll get some snow next time.

 

[Matt]

Excellent write up and pictures mate

 

[gavin]

Quality write up Paul and some top pictures

 

[Madriverrob]

Sounds like a top trip guys , thanks for updating

 

[Ark79]

Spot on Paul

 

[Ystranc]

Wonderful scenery and some great photography, I love the long exposure shot of the sparks against the stars.

 

[1 shot willie]

After a long wait full of anticipation...... the departure date arrived.....and the kit was loaded into the car for the short drive to meet Matt and Gavin at the services
Greeted by beaming grins and abuse as soon as they turned up.
We loaded my kit into the trailer.....said goodbye to my Queen (who drove me there).......and we were soon on the road for the forward journey.
Both Matt and Gavin were on top form.
The weather could not have been nicer for the drive......and the roads were not too busy......apart from the odd drive through roadworks we had a clear run at it.
The miles ticked away.......and we were soon pulling into the services where we would be resting up in the travel lodge for the night.
The lodge was clean and comfortable....bonus was we could see the Discovery and trailer from all of our room windows.....bonus!
After a good nights kip we were up the next morning and after a coffee/tea and a bacon and egg sarnie we were on the road again to Scotland/ Aviemore.
Another good stretch with no problems on the roads.

I wont mention the trailer problems......been said.....although I will say we did feel for Matt.......another unwanted problem

On arrival at the site we made our way to reception where we were greeted by the cheerful and helpful staff....booking in complete.....we made our way to the Quarry site.
Driving down the slight slope to the bowels of the Quarry we were all beaming from ear to ear.....WHAT A PITCH......perfect for the stay.
We had a look around and made our choices as to where we would pitch out shelters.......an easy task with plenty of choice.
Ideal location for both tent and hammock campers.....ready made fire pit and some bench tables......perfect.

As Paul said....not entirely Wild......but as close as you could get.......and NO worries that a Ranger may turn up and move us on after 3 days of camping.....worth that on its own

Shelters up and settled in we got the fire lit and had a nice hot brew and got some scran on before it got too dark.
The weather was not too bad for the trip.....a few good showers....chilly.....but alas......NO SNOW ......just lovely Green Slopes"

@G1ZmO kindly volunteered to drive us all up to the "Cairngorm Mountains' passing a spot we had camped in before......memories flooded back
We had a laugh and posed for some photos then had a nice cup of hot chocolate in the cafe.
We were planing on going to the top.....but unfortunately both the Phonetic rail and cable cars are were out of action......gutted.......but it was an enjoyable visit......and fun.

Thanks Paul

We had a presentation while in camp.......both @gavin and @Matt were presented with "Tent Mascots" for dedication to duty (Matt).......and to Gavin for being a complete TOSSER

The company and the banter was off the charts and I think we all enjoyed our nights around the fire......and the trip in general.

ALL of the staff at the site could not have been more welcoming and helpful........looking forward to our return visit already.
Hopefully there maybe a few more members turn up next year and join in......its very worth the trip!!

@Ark popped in for a mountainous Breakfast......it was good to see him again......"thanks for looking in Mark"........hope to see you for longer on the next trip if you can manage to arrange the time......oh.....and please bring a decent knife along next time.......that Chinese copy thing you had was rougher than a Badgers arse


Big thanks to Captain @Matt for getting us there and back.....must have been knackered after all that driving.....appreciate your efforts mucker......thank you

Shared some fun and quality time with some good friends......and Gavin .....it all went far too quickly

What would I change next time?

Nothing really.......both the kit and company was just perfect.........Thanks guys ......roll on next year a?

Pictures to follow.


Bill out!!

 

[Bopdude]

I'll check this thread out later on the PC to get the full benefit of the pictures, one quick question though, to whoever has the hammock tent, can the ridgeline be run internally or not?

 

[1 shot willie]

Pictures.

 

[1 shot willie]

Gavins mascot......." Sergie "

 

[divebuddy]

Excellent pictures all round. Great spot.

 

[1 shot willie]

Excellent pictures all round. Great spot.

Room for you at the next one Dick.....love to see you there.....all facilities and supplies on site.....great spot.
Lots of opportunity to hammock as well
I have said to Matt that I may drive next year to save the pressure of kit in/on his Discovery and leave the trailer at home.....you could jump in with me if you wanted to....offer is there!!

 

[Matt]

I'll check this thread out later on the PC to get the full benefit of the pictures, one quick question though, to whoever has the hammock tent, can the ridgeline be run internally or not?

Would think its doable

 

[Matt]

excellent write up mate @1 shot willie

 

[Matt]

**** Items of kit to change before the next trip ****

better fitting boots as my feet were cold all the time
bigger tent stove as had to keep it full chat all the time to heat the shelter

think thats it

 

[Bopdude]

**** Items of kit to change before the next trip ****

better fitting boots as my feet were cold all the time
bigger tent stove as had to keep it full chat all the time to heat the shelter

think thats it

That's a shame, what stove have you got now and what are you thinking of upgrading to?