Reviews
Date of Visit: July 2014 Unit: Tent Rating:
Reviewer: Minnie21 1 review from this member
We stayed at Red Squirrel Campsite in July 2014 for 5 nights. What can we say, beautifully maintained and a warm welcome from both Gary & Ellen (on site help and lovely people) and Hamish & Margaret (site owners & fantastic hosts). Can't fault the facilities, as mentioned the barn area is fantastic and has Everything you need (table, chairs, sofa, socket to charge phone etc, large chest freezer, fridge, toaster, microwave, 2 ring electric hob, kettle, sink with hot water, washing machine is £2, indoor clothes horse for drying & outside a rotary washing line), immaculate shower (hooks & bench to sit on) & toilet and although there is only one of each this site is small (adult only) and therefore really wasn't an issue.
Lots of lovely walks in the surrounding area (beware of the frisky cows!) and it's about a 20 min drive to Ae Forest if you're the cycling type (Ae café is closed on Mondays btw), my partner also cycled Maibe & Dalbeatie. There is also Drumlanrig Castle which is about 7 miles away which also has mtb routes.
We pitched near the rotary washing line at the front of the site which I think is mainly for campers/motor homes but is an ideal spot to watch the Red squirrels and their antics in the mornings. Note that the ground is quite rocky below and it took a while to get the pegs inserted (apparently it's all about angles), but we got there in the end.
Hamish is a keen Beekeeper of over 30 years and whilst my partner was out on one of his rides I tagged along with him to help with his bees. I spent a brilliant afternoon suited up in all the gear collecting honey and trying to spot the Queen in 'The Naughty Hive', before heading back to site to watch how the honey was removed. The honey is wonderful and we bought a couple of jars to bring home.
Dumfries is a few miles away where there is a large Tesco and other large stores. There is a fish van which calls at the campsite on a Wednesday and he also sells eggs and samphire, he'll toot his horn when he's there. There's also a small shop, cafe and Post Office a couple of miles down the road where you can purchase the usual groceries. I tried to withdraw money from my Post Office account, but apparently the Post Office had none!. Go figure that out!
Anyway, we had a great time at this campsite and at £12 per night for 2 people and our dog in a Voyager 6 tent, shower and use of barn facilities, except washing machine included in the price, we thought it good value and will definitely be returning on our next visit to Scotland.
Andrew & Anita
Hamish Feb 2021