alternative to camping

[seamusagleann]

i was wondering does any one go to a bothy instead of camping . these are unlocked shelters ,maintained by the owners permission in wild places. it's the same as camping but no tent needed . all of them has some sort of fire ,either open or as a stove and sleeping platforms . only problem is they sometimes require a longish walk in to them .

[islayhawk]

I go to a bothy on the Isle of Jura. Located below the Paps of Jura beside Loch Tarbert. Spectacular area, hundreds of red Deer. Like you say they are always placed miles from civilisation - thats probably what makes them so appealing and you dont have the bother packing away a wet tent should the weather turn. Saying that, I go camping also.

[Kayleigh]

What happens if you have walked for miles and when you reach the bothy it's already occupied or is there more than one in an area.

[seamusagleann]

you'll still be welcome ,they are open to all ,not just members .generally folk will "budge up" to accommodate people .great way to meet like minded people.

[nightshade]

Sounds wonderful not many down my way though

[Paul mabbott]

Hasn't that answered your own question? If it's a longish remote walk you might not want to be carrying full camping gear?

Originally Posted by seamusagleann

............as a stove and sleeping platforms . only problem is they sometimes require a longish walk in to them .

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by seamusagleann

i was wondering does any one go to a bothy instead of camping . these are unlocked shelters ,maintained by the owners permission in wild places. it's the same as camping but no tent needed . all of them has some sort of fire ,either open or as a stove and sleeping platforms . only problem is they sometimes require a longish walk in to them .

i know that theres a nice one on skye along the coast path from eigol going towards the cuillin - the only problem being that to reach the cuilin from there you have to negotiate the bad step which i dont fancy trying while wearing a rucksack

[John]

My alternative to camping is sleeping in my car.

I have an Astra Estate. The rear seats are split and I lower the double rear seat and place a thick sponge then a 4" thick mattress on the rear area of the car. I also take my quilt and a pillow and if it is cold I also take my sleeping bag. It is long enough for me to stretch out (I am 5' 9") and is very snug.

You stop where you want and you get up where you want to start the next day.

It is warm, dry and comfortable. What more can you ask for?

John

[seamusagleann]

Originally Posted by eeyore

i know that theres a nice one on skye along the coast path from eigol going towards the cuillin - the only problem being that to reach the cuilin from there you have to negotiate the bad step which i dont fancy trying while wearing a rucksack

it's called Camussunarry been there a couple of years ago but went in from the cemetry three or four miles north of eigol over the shoulder of Blaven . nice place great for whale spotting

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by seamusagleann

it's called Camussunarry been there a couple of years ago but went in from the cemetry three or four miles north of eigol over the shoulder of Blaven . nice place great for whale spotting

yeah i took a boat trip out of eigol to loch cuilrish ( an i know i havent spelt that right ), and the mentioned that they can drop/collect people at the bothy if it is so desired.