Glendaruel

Just back from an absolutely Cracker Jack weekend in Glendaruel. We took one 60, one 30, one 7, one 3 and a 1year old and everyone of us had an amazing time. 

The campsite itself is basic which is great for cool campers, although it does have small perks with a wee shop, launderette, recycling station, dish washing/cooking area, doesn't sound very basic now I mention it.

The kids had an amazing time it was a total adventure the grounds are fantastic and have such natural beauty, loads of space to run about daft (we did have the camping ground to ourselves) 

Please please please take a wee walk up the hill to the waterfall totally enchanting and not too strenuous as it's ten minutes if your lucky from the site.

Great wee walks around the site itself which is surrounded by wildlife, gorgeous bird song to be woken up to for those of you who enjoy that sort of thing.

Have to mention the loveable wee granny who's name I forget (sorry) who runs or owns the place who could not be more accommodating or welcoming. She went out of her way to let us know about various thing to do and see locally which we are eternally grateful.

Please go and see the dunans castle which is about 8 miles north of the campsite, truly a joy. In the grounds stands the tallest tree in Britain a 90m+ Douglas fir unbelievably majestic.  A great vantage point can be gained by walking around the grounds, which in itself is a lovely walk with amazing Alice in wonderland moments, you'll know what I mean when you seethe rhubarb !

Head south for some cracking wee villages with Palm tree beaches or to the west coast for a particularly pleasant otters ferry.

Also would just like to say that we encountered no cold stone floor in the showers, but the showers are a treat and free.

There are only two things that weren't perfect about this site. The first was the toilet block. This was absolutely freezing, damp and a bit miserable. The shower was fantastic, although the floor was stone cold. Nothing that could be done about that I suppose but the whole block could do with a bit of a tidy up to make it more cheerful.

We also found the large number of touring caravans that were taking up pitches on the site, without anybody staying in them, a bit of a let down. The site looked full but was actually very quiet. We were happy with the quiet but it was a little disconcerting to be surrounded by empty caravans.

Other than that Glendaruel was fabulous. The setting is spectacular with lots of scenic walks, the staff were very friendly, the shop was well stocked. We've been a little harsh with the score perhaps but I have to take into account the fact that I was eaten alive by the infamous midge.

We were very surprised to see our tent on the first photo :-) We had a very friendly welcome and could choose between the place on the picture, which is near the facilities and a large tent field (see blue tent on the second photo) a bit further away. We chose the pitch near the facilities, normally this is for tents who need electricity, but it was after high season. After we arrived, the picnic table was delivered by one of the static caravan owners and later on we found out that he and his wife were very friendly and helped on the campsite. When our daughter was ill, they called the doctor for us. Unfortunately one of the fields is occupied with static caravans for rent, but the rest was great. For the kids there was enough to do, exploring in the woods, playing at the playground, playing at the playground a bit further on the main road. The facilities are good for Cool Campers (but maybe not for luxury campers).