camping fife near edinburgh

Adverts for camping in Fife

2012-01-18T14:09:00.000-08:00

Camping directory http://www.camping-directory.info/index.php?site=15

ukcampsite http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/details.asp?revid=6898

Campsite pitches:-
http://www.campsitepitches.co.uk/dunfermline/fife/scotland-south-east-borders/dales-farm-cottage-and-campsite-dunfermline-f6ife-dp2?utm_campaign=UK+Campsites&utm_content=UK+Campsites&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

Search Scotland http://www.searchscotland.org/details/dales-farm-campsite.html

Edinburgh. Zoo Pandas

2012-01-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/visiting/panda.html

10 miles to Edinburgh from this campsite.

Edinburgh historic buidings.

Edinburgh Botanic gardens.
Edinburgh famous shops Valvona & Crolla, Elm Row. Jenners Princes Street.

Drainage 2011

2011-12-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

December 2011improvements

200 metres of Field Drains at the lower camp, included :-

60 tons of 40 ml graded aggregate, 200 metres of trenches,

a 2 cubic metre soakaway

3 men and a few cups of tea.

Plus machines:-A Dumper truck

Large and small digger

With assorted buckets and fork attatchments

for trenching and removing old scrap metal from near the badger hide.

New pitch after removal of rubbish

New path on top of drainage channels

We look forward to the spring when the ground will start to recover

and the grass and wild plants will grow.

Meanwhile the top pitches are ready to camp on now

if you're hardy enough in December,

along with the classic caravan and the bottom pitch "Mule"

Winter Day Camp and campfires

2011-10-15T13:31:00.000-07:00

Campers - You may have stored your tent away

for the time being but not your spirit of adventure.

Treat yourself and children to an exciting day out.

Book in for a Day Camp

and have yourself a campfire and a camp cooked meal.

£3 per person and £3 per car.

Maintenance 2011

2011-09-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

Tons of road scalpings for your footpathsPaths from pitches converging at the central service point.

Road scalpings blend into tracks after a while but form a firmer footing.

Reviews - Campers emails 2011

2011-07-18T14:17:00.000-07:00

Many of you email us after your camping trip to say how much you enjoyed it.
We can add your comments to this Review "Post"

We enjoyed the stay in your "Sweet meadow Wing" very much,
it was purely wild experience which infact we both were looking for before planning.

Thank you once again & would probably look forward to see you some time later.
Kind Regards,Rohan.& Jane

"Catkin" pitch 12.8.2011
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 2:01 PM

Subject: Thanks!
Hi Chris/Yvonne

I just wanted to say thank you to you both for our enjoyable stay last week.

I did ring the bell when we were leaving on Friday morning but you must have

popped out.

Whilst the weather was awful Wednesday/Thursday, we still had a great time

and enjoyed the site very much.

It was the second time we had visited and we will certainly be back again.

Planning a tent upgrade for next year!!

See you next tim Douglas & Emma

................

"Nest" and "Tilt" pitches 1.8.2011

Dear Chris and Yvonne

On behalf of our youth group, i would like to take this opportunity to
thank you for having us on your site,
to experience our first adventure
of wild camping.
Enjoying the relaxation and the oudoors and the scenic wonders of
nature.
Yours thankfully
Marie Burns.
............

"Hoot" pitch Sunday 7.8.2011:-

sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 1:46 PM
Hi Yvonne and Chris

We would just like to say thanks for the lovely pitch, Hoot, we had on saturday night.
Even though the rain poured down

we had a great time enjoying the nature and wildlife.
just the tonic for a busy life. Hope to be back soon with the kids.
Thanks again Kirsty and Cris

"M.Yellow" pitch Sunday 7.8.2011:-
sorry we didn't get a chance to see you this morning before we left. Just wanted to say thanks and to let you know we all loved Gimme Shelter. It made our first time camping very special and we survived that awful rain. Looking forward to coming back!

Many thanks.

Stevie, Tracy, Eve and Carla

We really enjoyed our stay at Gimme Shelter - thanks from all of our group. The site is a very clever set up and we loved the pitches up top with so much space to the next pitch.
Alistair

"Nest" 13.7.2011

We returned to Newcastle last night after our great two day stay
at Gimme Shelter, pitch 'The Nest'!
Your site is beautiful; quiet and peaceful, with gorgeous scenery and a fantastic host!
We all loved the organic atmosphere with the chickens,
handmade furniture etc
and the sawdusts toilets were much more luxurious than we had imagined.
The perfect location for trips up to Elie and Anstruther!

When we left, we talked about making our trip to Duloch an annual event!

I've attached a few of our photos which we would be more than happy for you to use on your website.

Regards and best wishes for a successful summer,

Rachel Scott

......................

24.6.2011

Pitch "Sett"

Hi Chris

Just thought I'd say we stayed last night - great place -

the boys loved it and we will certainly be back !

Many thanks Ian

Pitch "Bobtail"

From lane going to "Hoot".

Hi Yvonne,

Just wanted to say despite the wet weather this weekend we had a great time camping. What a fantastic site you have! We'll definitely be back soon.

Many thanks,

Vanessa
Pitch "Sweet Meadow"

Sent: Monday, June 13, 2011 10:48 PM

Subject: Wonderful Campsite

Hello,
We just wanted to say thank you for a wonderful weekend. It was just what we hoped for: peaceful, spacious and apart from a bit of rain, generally very lovely. We are planning on coming back in Aug/Sept so we'll be in touch!

Regards,

Heather, Stuart, Ross, Niall & Nicola

Pitch "Rising Sun"

Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2011 9:37 PM

Subject: Thank you

Chris,

Just wanted to let you know we had a fantastic time over the weekend and loved your site. Graeme

(Returning next month)

................

Pitch "Sweet Meadow" & "Gurgle"

Hi Chris & Yvonne

Just a wee note to say we had such a lovely time camping with our friends on your beautiful land.

Thank you for making it such a special place - I hope we will be back sometime soon.

Kids said it was the best place they have ever stayed (and it's only half an hour from home!!)

Love & best wishes from

The Robb family

...................

Pitch "Coppice"

17.5.2011

Hi Chris,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to say how much we enjoyed our camping with you

on the weekend.

The facilities were perfect and the shop was beautiful (the Rhubarb jam was especially nice!),

it's so refreshing to see some homemade produce and honesty box.

Anyway, I'm sure you'll see us again soon over the summer,

probably in a larger group now that we've seen how nice the place is.

Regards, Rob.

Pitch "Coppice" & "Rising Sun":-

5.5.2011 Hi Chris and Yvonne,
Just wanted to drop u guys a wee email to say thanx for a lovely weekend. I have taken xxxxx to many sites around scotland in the last couple of years and yours is now the firm favourite. I hope we will be back soon if i can swing a few days off from work. kids had a wonderful time as did i very relaxing just what i needed before a heavy season ahead in my job.lol. i envy your life style, maybe someday lol.

many thanx and warm wishes to you both x

Lyndsey

..................
(J Way & Hoot)
30.4.2011
Hi,

Just wanted to say many thanks from all of us, yet again we had a great
time. The kids absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back. Thanks
again :)

Amanda Easton

..................

Date: 21 April 2011 "Nest"

(photo supplied by camper)

just wanted to say a huge thank you for making us feel so welcome during
our stay with you. the girls and i loved exploring your site and really
enjoyed the peace and quiet. definitely hope to come back very soon.(the girls
said they might even let daddy come!!). thanks again, alyson, heather and
amber. x

...................

(http://www.camping-fife-near-edinburgh.blogspot.com/) (http://www.woodlandcampinggimmeshelter.com/) Phone 01383 417681 or 07957 264 805

Toilet - sawdust. Water. Recycling

2011-07-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

http://www.aselfsufficientlife.com/compost-toilet-the-sawdust-toilet.html

Toilet and washing up area at lower pitches.

Built to trees. Could grow into a treehouse toilet!

"The system is extremely simple.

One bucket inside a wooden frame covered with a toilet seat.

Each time a person ‘visits’ the compost loo they just cover it with a sprinkling of sawdust,

then close the lid "

"If you’re a bloke and its sunny outside,

don’t bother visiting the sawdust toilet though,

cut out the middle man and head straight for the compost heap.

That way the toilet bucket is a little less heavy when it comes to emptying time."

Recycling

A dustbin for your used disposable BBQ trays.

Different bins for general waste, food waste, plastic bottles, beer cans, glass bottles.

Activities. Books. Inverkeithing shop. Outdoor Clothing

2011-06-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

http://www.scotoutdoors.com/

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Camping-History-Practice-Sleeping/dp/0241145139/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1309205913&sr=1-1

The book suggests" I just want space and unallocated time. I want disorganised activity for my children.

I want the time table to be torn up." The reveiwer Tom Fort says..."I like the no telly and reading in the early morning with hot tea... I like the easy sociability so rare in this country, and the opportunuity camping gives to observe the lives of others. I like the adventure of it. I like the way the children make friends after 10 minutes and you hardly see them again except for meals... This book is essential reading for thoughtful campers."

http://www.akelasden.co.uk/

Outdoor "essentials" shop in Inverkeithing.

We are on their "Links" page and also "Books" link (Cool Camping Scotland).

So pleased to have a local shop to direct our campers to.

http://www.campmor.com/

http://insanescouter.org/blog/191/Teaching_About_The_Outdoors.html

Books to excite the camping kids
Amazon.co.uk: Customer Reviews: Make it Wild!: 101 Things to Make and Do Outdoors

http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/2010/11/5-fab-outdoor-blogs/
Parents blogs to keep children happy outdoors.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Natures-Playground-Activities-Encourage-Children/dp/0711224919/ref=pd_zg_rss_ts_b_10193961_3?ie=UTF8&tag=tourdunkeld-21&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Equipment Links

2011-06-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

Living the simple green life

http://www.lovecamping.co.uk/blog/flexibath-goes-camping

Flexibath for kids

http://www.akelasden.co.uk/

Visited their lovely little camping shop in Inverkeithing today 18.3.2011.

It is only a mile from our campsite, so you can either walk or drive.

They gave us some shop business cards to put in our camp shop for your convenience.

Please feel free to take one for reference.

We also look forward to them camping with us soon.

http://campinglinks.tumblr.com/

I could spend all day scrolling through the above link.

http://www.campmor.com/gear/kitchen.shtml

http://paper.li/Campmor

http://www.gizmag.com/top-ten-camping-gadgets/15339/

You can pre book or check the rustic gallery for items to hire or buy like, gazebo, chairs, travel cot, campfire wood kits, food.

http://www.backpacking-tips.com/the-10-essentials.html

Food Kits

2011-06-17T08:25:00.001-07:00

Campfire Food Kit

Pre order:-

Campfire kits (baked potato/marshmallow, etc.)

Breakfast packs (bacon, sausage, egg, etc.)

Packed lunch.

etc.

Caravan classic. Hire

2011-05-22T11:41:00.000-07:00

Caravan, extension and outside canopy
"The Sprawling caravan" until one of you comes up with a better name

(You've already called it "the Magic house". "Mother"...)

Log burning stove in extension

Previous Upgrade canopy June 2011.

Note oak posts and door See below for some of the behind the scenes construction:-
going up after the winter

If the weather turns wet for you campers, you could always upgrade to our classic caravan.

Inside the awning: -
It is no smoking and no pets.
Solid fuel stove "Wildo". Not the finished photo.

Indian style day bed (see http://www.garden-furniture-fife.blogspot.com/ for construction photos.

2 wicker chairs.
Small electric fridge and also use of campera' fridge freezer in gallery.

Inside the caravan:-

Seats can be left for 2 single beds or board clipped in for a double bed, once the table has been removed.

Lovely oak veneered cupboards, plenty of storage.
View from seat / bed.

Environmentally friendly sawdust toilet.

Limited edition, serial number 1339.
Classic 2 berth Castleton caravan
plus 2 children in extension on their own camp mattresses.

This 14 foot caravan has:-

Electric lights
Gas heater, oven, grill and 2 gas rings.
Water:- cold mains water.

It's own sawdust toilet in a seperate compartment.

It is in the woodland near the camp pitches, all set in their own woodland clearings.
A few metres away is the straw bale badger hide.
Lots of walks and wild plants, birds, deer, etc.

It is £40 for two people a night using your own quilt, pillows, linen, etc

Plus £10 each for additional child or two in awning with their own beds and bedding.
Day visitors pay a supplement.

We can supply bedding etc. for extra cost.
Please ask for more detail and I'll send a standard file of information.

Showers 2 miles north at Fife Leisure centre Duloch :-
http://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/activities/swimming.html

Local fish and chips 3 miles:-
http://www.bigreddirectory.com/dalgety-fish-bar-dalgety-bay-dunfermline

Wild flowers near Pitch "Hoot"

2011-05-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

Mowing part of the meadow today

Clumps of Alchemilla Mollis around the meadow to the left of "Hoot"

The pyramid orchids are starting to show through,
we try & mow the meadow around them.

During the next few weeks, hundreds of them will flower.

Loads of self set Ash trees growing now on this "Orchid" meadow,

it was just a farmers' dump for rotting potatoes before we owned it.

Also in flower just now in this area are the yellow and the purple comfrey.

The walk around the edge has a few large boulders,
these are the original Hillend Aerodrome,
put here before we owned the land.
They now form attractive punctuation points around the meadow walk.

Anstruther

2011-05-14T13:26:00.001-07:00

For your life jackets or mending your torn tent.

(Pleasant owners)

Maybe you're going to Anstruther with your canoe or for a spot of kayaking

There are few days on which it would be calm enough to paddle a canoe on the sea at Anstruther.

If you are a sea-kayaker there is no charge for launching from Anstruther Harbour but there is a car-parking charge.

I advise you to check the weather carefully before you come - it tends to be quite choppy here when the wind picks up.

Eastneukoutdoors@aol.com

Or a trip to see the puffins on the Isle of May.

Or a look round the Fisheries museum.

or the famous fish and chips.

as much as we like the treat, it has been noted that service is lacklustre.

10 miles south of Anstruther is

http://www.standrewscheese.co.uk/

You could call at this lovely owner led cafe,

cheese farm, etc.

Watch the cheese being made Mon to Wed.

They make a delicious cheddar, turned into mild, strong or smoked.

Service vehicles

2011-04-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Various trailers, motors used for servicing the camp Including logging

grass cutting, water carrying, rubbish recycling.

The above useful but slow.

Below useful and a bit faster!

Guess what's in the box?

A pit bike for my 40th anniversary

No hands for braking! The germ of an idea for haulage Seems to be turning into a boat

I name this trailer...

You'll see us working round and about.

Plants. Tree Peony

2011-03-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Tree peony at entrance to camp

Attractive architectural leaves & single petal yellow flowers.

After a few years the thin woody stem stays & only the top foliage dies back.

Photo above - you can see the thin woody stalks behind the dead tree trunk.

Plant Tree Peony

Grown here from seed.
The 3 year old plants are on offer to campers as a memento for £5.

Some 1st year available for £2.

Shop/rustic gallery Free items

2011-02-13T12:56:00.002-08:00

Free/borrow items for campers in this basket.:-
Tent pegs.
Use of cutlery.
Other items change daily.

Some of the previous years campers' perks:-
Campfire baking potatoes
Courtesy http://www.event-catering-healthy-choices.blogspot.com/

Bottled water from @catererscotland (twitter)

Victoria plums from our garden

Hammocks Classic caravan Pods

2011-02-09T14:44:00.000-08:00

http://www.drewapenaar.nl/
Darling pods.

The nearest we've got is this little classic caravan.

Then it's just your own tents mmm.

Bring your own hammock.

Maintenance 2010

2011-02-03T14:14:00.000-08:00

Much behind the scenes preparations for our 2011 campers.

Annual maintenance of driveway, made especially necessary because

of the 2 month ice and snow.

Another ditch dug for water drainage and 70 more tons of road coverings.

More diggers, road scalpings and rollers to smooth the surface.

Re-doing all the pitch signs.

Processing the dead trees for logs for trugs.

Repairing and improving the bursts on the water supply to the stand pipes.

Regenerating the gallery and entranceway.

Logs Trugs in rustic gallery

2011-02-01T13:13:00.000-08:00

Been logging all January ready to convert this to this

to these trugs for your campfire
As you regulars know, in them you will find:-

seasoned logs, sticks, firelighter, newspaper and

a lump of Island peat when available.

Bushcraft

2010-10-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

http://www.basicbushcraft.org.uk/
Check this link by Anthony Longworth for bushcraft courses.
It's a great site.

http://www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/First-aid/First-aid-tips-and-videos

If you have any first aid experience, let us know if you want to be a kind of "Doctor in the house". You could be helpful to another camper.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00vjvyw
Patrick McGlinchey bushcraft expert - check his great camp, shelter, fire, twines, etc.

http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/bushcraft-friendly-campsites-farmers-landowners-find-your-perfect-camping-location-and-have-per.html

Campfire furniture

2010-10-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

How to get this 10 foot massively heavy table up the hill 350 metres! Have a think.

It's all in the fulcrum.

Onto our working donkey.

Up to Bobtail (large pitch).

"Immense" now installed at big pitch "Bobtail".
For more details of this table and others made by Twitterer "woodbenchesfife"
see http://www.garden-furniture-fife.blogspot.com/

Reviews papers

2010-09-25T14:37:00.000-07:00

http://urbanpirate.net/blog from repeat camper Jacky Coyle March 2011. Campers comments can be left in this Log book in the gallery. http://www.coolcamping.co.uk/campsite/gimme-shelter You can also find campers reviews on the following internet sites:-

http://www.pitchup.com/reviews/summary/campsite/10586/

www.ukcampsites/Dulochcampsite

See blogposts "Reviews":-

Independent magazineSeptember 2007 - Will Self

Telegraph 2010 - Campsites with fires http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/campingholidays/7934358/UK-campsites-with-fires.html

Cool Camping Scotland 2010 guide book

& http://www.coolcamping.com/

Guardian - Dixie Wills http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/jul/10/wild-camping-uk-wales-holiday

Dunfermline Press 2008 Theatre troop & Lynn Paul (New Seekers)

& "The Hour".

Bushcraft sites http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/bushcraft-friendly-campsites-farmers-landowners-find-your-perfect-camping-location-and-have-per.html

Weather Autumn camping

2010-09-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

http://www.naturedetectives.org.uk/download/autumn/
Check this link, it's fantastic for Autumn activities.

26.9.2010 - 3rd day of bright morning sunshine -
peeking through the dense canopy of trees on this particular pitch "Blue Moon".

More reasons to camp in Autumn:- Abundant brambles free to pick.
Camp fires to compensate for the earlier darkness at night.
Wood kits still at this season's silly price.
Concessions for 2 nights or more.
More freebies from http://www.event-catering-healthy-choices.blogspot.com/
(Their bottled water, surplus cabbages, carton drinks,

out of date packets of crunchy hoop things.
Plastic bottles of passion fruit juice.
now finished for the time being.)

Fridge freezer will still be stocked for another few weeks,
as we're still getting bookings into October.
So you'll always be able to cobble a camp fire meal together
if you forget anything or are too pushed for shopping beforehand.

When the fridge freezer is off out of season, there will still be packet/tin food, drink in the cupboard.
You can also ask at the hatch to see if there's other food in our stock
(often got freezer stuff like bread, sausages, etc.)

Ravenscraig castle

2010-06-11T07:08:00.000-07:00

http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/kirkcaldy/ravenscraigcastle/index.html
At Kirkcaldy, 10 miles from woodland campsite.
Good place to park up and have a picnic
or watch the water traffic.

Woodland walks

2010-05-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

This is half way round a circular walk up the grassy path to the pitch "Hoot", into Orchid field and through the narrow wood on to the playing field. Look for the living T bar linking 2 trunks together. This is down into "Hidden valley" where the sandstone quarry is.
Our 2 cottages were built from this in 1890.

There's a lot of history to "Hidden valley" as it's called on the maps.

Many local adults, remember playing here as children 40 years ago.

Now when you camp or hire the cottage, your children can enjoy this land also.

Pitch map

2010-05-18T02:05:00.000-07:00

Scale: 1 cm equals 20 metres. Whole map represents 15 acres.

The top third are mostly higher meadow pitches.

The lower two thirds are mixed woodland pitches.

The brown is valley and tree lined walks.

All pitches have a designated camp fire.

Top and bottom areas:- compost toilet, recycling facilities, a few herbs and compost heap.

Lower pitches:- cold water (run some off first), -Sometimes could be low pressure, badger hide, caravan.

Top pitches:- stored water:- Gallon containers and drum boiler water ( for washing up and washing, etc.)

Drinking water -also from standpipe in lane at lower pitches. Run some off first.

You can of course bring your own to start you off.

Bottom pitches:-

1st set of steps on left

lead to "Mule"and "Burro" to the right + water, toilet & recycling

and to the left "Rosebank", caravan & "Well"

2nd set steps leads to

"Sweet Meadow", Toilet, "Gurgle", "Nest" "Burn", "Tilt."

The 1st turning area leads to

Badger Hide,"Coppice", "Sett" "Rising Sun"

On the right, there is a cyclist type pitch called "Belle".

Top pitches:-

Straight ahead is "Hoot" (park at grassy entrance.)

Turn left at top of hill & on your right is "Tag",

"Jay Way, " & "Catkin",

"Bobtail" & "Aero".

At the end of the road is the water, toilet & recycling,

"Strawberry fields" & it's siblings "Forever" & "Burble",

on the right of the road is "Mellow Yellow"

You can also get to "Aero" this way as well.

Parking is tight into the sides, leaving the turning area clear at "Strawberry Field".

Campfire

2010-05-11T06:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a camp fire.
See other posts on camp fire recipes. Tubs of wood available in camp gallery
(starter kit - matches, newspaper, firelighter, kindling sticks, hard wood logs & a piece of peat when available.)
Blue honesty teapot to put your £5.
Return your trug as soon as convenient.
You are also free to forage for "dead" wood laying on the ground.
Designated place for one campfire on each pitch.

Campfire furniture.Table

2010-05-07T10:04:00.000-07:00

One of many types of rustic table and seating bench

Transport

2010-04-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.scotrail.co.uk/
Rail links and information.

Park and Ride Inverkeithing 1 mile from camp.
Bus and train.

Local taxi 01383 410088 - Say "first holiday cottage at bottom of your road."

Logs

2010-04-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

Bagging up campers' campfire kits.
I can't bring myself to burn this smiley log.
That's the trouble when you love wood,
even the little offcuts from a job, suggest another item.

Pitches

2010-04-21T11:29:00.000-07:00

We leave some odd shaped tree limbs, so that they form natural screening between pitches.This sycamore tree is between "Tilt" and "Rising sun".

Some old limbs form natural bouncy seats, such as on "Tilt".

Up on the top meadows we rely more on "Findlays", these being the strips of grass we leave to sprout seedlings, wild flowers, grasses and saplings.
Inspired by a trip to Little Sparta, Ayrshire to see the work of garden artist ..Findlay Hamilton.
See "Pitch" map post on this blog.

Maintenance 2009

2010-04-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

October 2010 Leaf removal to prevent build up of mud.
September 2009 Annual maintnance of campers' road track.
Drainage and road surface. small digger

Another 40 tons of road surfacing delivered this year, for the 3 turning points.

We spend a few hundred £'s a year on this.

There's about 500 metres of this road to tend to.

So we charge a £6 one off, car entry fee for the whole of the campers' visit or £3 for their day visitors' cars.

Bo'ness steam train

2010-04-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

An extremely agreeable day outing.
Only 12 miles from your campsite.
Run by enthusiasts & volunteers.
Get your ticket punched.
Everyone along the embankments waves to you on the train.
Well worth the £9 or £7 concession.
You can buy a stationmaster's hat in the shop.
http://www.srps.org.uk/

Weather Autumn camping

2010-04-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Wear a Shetland hat. Read Hat-Head's history of Fairse Isle.
http://shetlandmylove.blogspot.com/2010/12/fair-isle-pillbox-hat.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ShetlandMyLove+%28SHETLAND+MY+LOVE%29&utm_content=Twitter

What to do on a cold day when you're camping?
Light a fire, Go for a walk in our woods, identify some flora and fauna. Cook something over an open fire. http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s87/Dunfermline/

Deep sea world.

cyclists from Edinburgh

2010-04-13T07:51:00.000-07:00

An intrepid group of visitors, arrived from Edinburgh, 3 adults, a child, 2 toddlers and a baby.
Using 2 trailers to carry there camping equipment.
3 punctures later.... Where do Edinburgh residents like to visit in Fife?
Answer - Pittencrieff park and Burntisland baths with flumes - only it was closed due to flooding.

Cool camping web launch

2010-04-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

CoolCamping are launching a new website at the end of May.
A bit like the Alistair Sawday special places to stay.

Campfire cooking

2010-04-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

Camp cuisine: fire your imagination Life and style The Guardian

Click on this link, Matt Follas has written an inspiring article.

Living A simple green Life

2010-04-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

Living A simple green Life

Birds. Vane Farm. Loch Leven

2010-03-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/v/vanefarm/seasonal_highlights.aspx
Vane Farm bird watching is 10 miles from the camp site. North on the motorway.

Spring Has Arrived
Follow link for encouraging birds.
Seen at our campsite (resident Peregrine Falcon, Buzzard,)
and nearby areas, such as these greylag geese at Lochore.

Campfire starter kits

2010-03-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Your campfire starter kit can be bought for £5 in the gallery
near the metal farm gate.
There is an honesty pot (pale blue Tea pot.)

These are £5 and include a few logs, kindling sticks, firelighter, paper.

Plus when available, a piece of peat.

See what else is for sale, etc. on the Shop/What's on site blogpost.

Weather March camping

2010-03-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the 8 campers from St. Andrews,who had 2 days here in March 2010
and to Liam who arranged it.
We enjoyed having you around.
Glad you liked the toilets Hannah.

Remarkable Flower Photos and Water Droplets by Steve Wall | Light Stalking

2010-03-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

Remarkable Flower Photos and Water Droplets by Steve Wall Light Stalking

These are the most amazing photos. We can't guarantee you'll see them at the camp but they must be here somewhere.

Fishing Lochs Raith Lake

2010-03-05T13:26:00.000-08:00

Lochore ruins The old coal mine at Loch Ore is now a lake for water activities.

Loch Leven has boat rides to the Island that Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned on.
Good to take a picnic. Boathouse Bistro refurbished March 2011.

Loch Gelly has swans and other wildlife.

Loch Fitty for fishing.

Loch at Townhill for water skiing.

Raith Lake Fly fishing. Viewing bacony. Hot drinks.

Reviews Cool Camping Scotland 2010 edition

2010-03-05T09:00:00.000-08:00

Cool Camping - Home
http://www.coolcamping.co.uk/campsite/gimme-shelter
http://www.punkpublishing.co.uk/

http://www.coolcamping.co.uk/

1.3.2010 edition of the Cool camping Scotland by punk publishing,
can be bought from W.h. Smith, Waterstones, Amazon (top 50 bestsellers), or from our gallery.

It is well written, researched and informed,
with stunning photographs
(some of our camp, page 44 and 47, by Keith Didcote whose photos appear in the Guardian, etc.),
amusing play on song titles on the last paragraph of page 46.
Mentions in 5 categories pages 11-15 and page 5/6.

http://www.woodlandcampingimmeshelter.com/

BBC - Dig In : How to grow your tomatoes

2010-02-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

BBC - Dig In : How to grow your tomatoes
Nigel Slater recipe - good for campfires, -tomatoes cooked in olive oil & butter, seasoning/herbs & cream

Childrens' activities Deep sea world Cinema

2010-01-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

http://www.deepseaworld.com/default.asp?css=1
Just a couple of miles south of the holiday cottage at North Queensferry.

http://www.odeon.co.uk/fanatic/film_times/s87/Dunfermline/
Just 5 miles north of us.
Great wet day activities

Nature spotting like this green shield bug.
See all posts on birds, insects, tree, animals, etc. on this &
http://www.holiday-cottage-edinburgh.blogspot.com/

Camping Kids Activities eHow.com

Reviews and google listings guardian

2010-01-28T08:37:00.000-08:00

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/place?cid=9055290237137983850&q=dales+farm+cottage+fife&gl=uk&view=feature&mcsrc=web_references&num=10&start=0&ved=0CIMBELUF&sa=X&ei=FsQsTeT8L8XPjgf2paEL

Where to go wilder in Britain Travel guardian.co.uk

Ammendment to Dixe's article -
There are no "ready erected" tents, there is a possibility of putting a 3 man tent up for you to hire, with advance notice.

Also the wood kits are currently £5, still a real treat and bargain.

Weather. Winter camping

2009-11-17T08:02:00.000-08:00

http://www.yourwildchild.com/blog1.php/2011/01/10/p0
winter camping tips

http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/ta/ta_forecast_warnings.html?from=rss&sn=2494&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Entrance to the campsite 1.12.2010 Not expecting campers tonight! http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/edinburghandeastscotland/hi/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/travel/
weather/road closures.

http://www.marisys.com/how-to-forecast-weather_2010-05-26/
February 2008

Autumn colours - November 2009

http://camping.about.com/cs/advicetips/a/wintercamping01.htm
Yes, we're open for you intrepid campers, beyond the normal camping months.
We've already got 1 pitch booked over the last week in December,
ideal for popping into Edinburgh to feel the city buzz
then back to the badgers for some sleeping in the woodland.

2009 2 young women camped in the snow in February.

You'll probably dine out on that type of unusual exploration for years!

steam trains in fife

2009-08-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

Oliver Cromwell steam train, (gleaming black engine) just visible today from our cottage window.
2 trips, last train return 8.30p.m.
Historic Forth Rail bridge.

http://www.srps.org.uk/railtours/rt-090823.htm

Forthcoming events

http://www.railwayherald.co.uk/railtours/

Boness railway.

Family fun. Lochore

2009-08-12T07:54:00.001-07:00

http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=facility.display&facid=0B6823E1-ACDA-943D-A0D046DA0CD23C31
Lochore meadows, approx 12 miles north - boating, golf, fishing... Triathalon Sunday 19th July 2011

This enterprising lad, commisioned a spoon as a memento of his Scottish holiday.
He then went on to make a gift of this little spoon, he made with his Swiss army knife.
Thank you, it's a treasure & we enjoyed having you & your family to camp.

When you're tired of cooking beans and bangers on your camp fire,visit Arbroath http://www.oldboatyard.co.uk/ or Marco's famous fish & chip shop (Daily Record).

Some people cook their potatoes on a campfire instead of using them as ears!

This little lass came in to camp carrying a teddy bear and left with a boat.

events and festivals in Scotland

2009-08-12T04:48:00.001-07:00

http://www.visitdunfermline.com/whatson.php
Free events in January

See also http://www.holiday-cottage-edinburgh.blogspot.com/ for other events and Edinburgh festivals, etc.

Scotfest at Alva Glen by the Ochils.
http://www.alvaglen.org.uk/

Linlithgow is a good little town with various specialist shops.
Also a lovely lake & palace with various events
http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyoverview?PropID=PL_199&PropName=Linlithgow%20Palace

http://www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk/
Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, etc.

http://www.peebles-highland-games.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=115&Itemid=141
for information on "Tossing the Caber" & history of the Highland Games

wild fruit, vegetables and herbs in Fife

2009-07-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

When you book our camping or cottage, these are among the wild fruits you can pick f.o.c.:- raspberries, gooseberries white currants and strawberries, all ripe in July or earlier.
Brambles, elderberries, etc. follow in August, September, October.
Herb gardens includes mint, apple mint, lovage, rosemary, tarragon, sage.

Sometimes we have plenty of fruit or vegetables, some of which we can offer free:-

Free -
August 2009 we had big redskin campfire baking potatoes.
September 2009 we have the 2nd batch - big white ones this time "Marfot" variety.
Courtesy http://www.event-catering-healthy-choices.blogspot.com/

August we had Victoria plums.
September we have Late Victoria plum variety.

Animals Edinburgh zoo Pandas. Hens Deer

2009-07-08T03:39:00.000-07:00

http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/visiting/panda.html
Edinburgh zoo Pandas, just 10 miles into Edinburgh from this holiday cottage

http://www.wild-scotland.co.uk/roedeer.aspx..

Brown leghorn, brown highline, black rock cross, chequered leghorn

Light sussex cross

Cuckoo orpington

Buff Orpington
The hens can usually be seen in the lane by the gallery from 2p.m. to dusk

Please feel free to feed them, they love grapes (watch one of them run off with a cluster and being chased by the others) and spagetti, all fruit, pasta

Rice and grains are another of their favourites.

http://www.hedgehogs.org/hedgehog-videos

Booking and confirmation. Reception

2009-07-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Reception hatch on right, 10 metres from entrance gate.
(opposite orange tractor in this photo but it won't always be parked here)

Reception Open
Monday to Friday 9.30a.m. to 6.30p.m.
Saturday Midday to 6.30p.m.
Sunday 3.30 to 6.30p.m.

After initial check-in, there are no time restrictions.

Reception hatch blackboard:-

Charges:-

First night
£6 per person all ages.
£6 per car
£2 per motorbike.
£3 per day visitor.
£3 per day visitor car
Tents free.
Bicycles free.
Pitch free.
Sorry we can't allow pets.
Second night onwards:-
Cars free.
Under two's free.
Motorbikes free.
Kids 1/2 price 2nd night onwards.
If not already signed in or paid or shown to pitch,
please pay here on entry at reception hatch before pitching.
Please fill in registration form & leave with payment in check in hatch, if we are not around.
Including day visitors, with all car party names, thanks.
Butterchurns at entrance .
The chickens will eventually move out of the way when you drive in slowly.

Booking procedure:-

Phone or e mail.

Unless you get a reply almost immediately, certainly within the working day or 24 hours, please try again through chris.barley@virgin.net or phone.

Then you receive a personal reply and a standard reply with various links for more information.

When you confirm your group details, number of people and cars - colour helpful, time of arrival, etc., I send a confirmation quote/directions.

Please bring that with you, to help recognise you & your booking,

as it is particularly helpful if more than 1 camper arrives at the same time.

Arrival:-

Usually, if pre-arranged,

1. we are there to welcome you,

show you the gate combination &

lead you to a turning area,

then back down to the parking area tucked in at the side,

show you your pitch - now is the time to say if it doesn't suit you for tent size, etc.

Pay & pitch your tent.

shop/gallery (rustic) on site

2009-07-07T01:55:00.000-07:00

Camp shop and rustic gallery

at left of entrance farmgate.

Refurbished for 2011.

Note "Farmer's repair" on floorboards.

Parents should accompany children.

Cooking:- gas cannisters, etc.

Free

WiFi . Use of fridge and freezer f.o.c. to store milk, etc. (bottom drawer)

For your convenience, we stock some basic items.

It is a fraction dearer than the supermarkets, by way of a handling charge, etc.

I can stock something in particular if it saves you carrying.

Honesty pot (blue tea pot.)

Jam, pasta, rice, oil, cereal, tins soup, tomatoes, beans, uht milk.

fridge/freezer:- sometimes bacon, butter, milk etc. or pre-order for a small handling charge.

Ice cubes, ice sticks, ice lollies, milk shake ice sticks, home made ice cream,

campfire toastables - teacakes, bread, etc.

Popular pickled eggs (now in cider vinegar.)

Best in a bun case, sprinkled with sea salt.
Attended by crisps and a beer

Home made ice cream when available.

Past flavours (rhubarb and custard)
These tubs were 3 0z. 50p, 6 0z £1.00

7 shades of free range eggs @ 25p each.

As a memento of your woodland visit:-

Wooden stools, bowls, boats and gifts,
yew canoe, punt, container ship, ebony barge & a whole raft of others for sale.

Sticks and staffs.
Made by Chris

Campfire tub trugs :- 2011 Still £5.
sticks, hardwood logs, newspaper, piece of peat if available and a firelighter.

Charcoal, disposable BBQ, firelighter, matches, some camping gaz cylinders.
Kitchen roll, toilet roll, foil, food bags.

Wind up torch, bottle opener, can opener.

Some of the reference books and tourist leaflets to sit and read in the gallery.

Hire items - Some camping chairs, bed rolls,etc.

Free food items Sometimes from surplus, out of date or

http://www.event-catering-healthy-choices.blogspot.com/

Also from the above link you can pre order venison jerky.

Some of the past items free:-

Plums, bottled water, muffins, cartons bubblegum drinks, bottles passionfruit drink,

packets of crispy hoops, coleslaw cabbage, baking potatoes for your campfire, etc.

keep watching for new items.

Pitches and Parking

2009-06-27T08:09:00.000-07:00

This group have parked well.
Tucked neatly into the side so other cars can pass and use the turning area.
Note - new extra turning area near Strawberry Fields.
Please leave clear for other people to turn
(I know, it looks tempting to park in )
but just turn and park neat into the side of the road.

If you see a photo of your tent that you don't want published here, please let me know and I will delete it.

Different size pitches for different requirements:-
Small pitches for a one man tent to feel cosy.
Tree canopy pitches if you want shade.
Large or interconnecting pitches for family and friends.

Some of the Lower pitches:-

"Sweet Meadow" 2 families/ 3 tents

"Burro" Named because it's entrance is off the old donkey track (before cars) that led up to Rosebank cottage (Now only ruins and forms the base of the sink area).

"Coppice" nearby my favourite coppiced beech tree.

Rising sun popular with this years return campers.

Burn -Gurgling pitch where you can listen to the stream.

"Tilt" Spacious 4 man with large sitting area; 2 canopies.

Sett:- Animal lovers pitches near the badger walkways and deer paths.

Some of the Top pitches:-

"J Way" This Tipi is on the top meadow, on a pitch called which has the occasional magpie visiting and is also an ideal for a few families as it interlinks with "Mellow".

Bobtail.Can easily take 2 x 4 man dome tents or bigger.

See forest furniture post on http://www.gardenfurniturefife.blogspot.com/

Strawberry fields

Entymologist pitches full of grasses and wild flowers to watch the insects.
Childrens interest pitches near basketball hoop.
Hello Caroline, Jennifer and Helena, who helped put a tent up on J Way.
Hoot -Bird pitches where you get regular owls, magpie, buzzard and so on.
Catkin -Open meadow pitches for your Teepee or Tipi, to allow the smoke out of your stove chimney. Or on "Forever" behind "Strawberry Fields".
Botanist pitches surrounded by orchids, orange knapweed, vetches and more.

http://www.naturalbushcraft.co.uk/component/content/article/3-bushcraft-friendly-campsites

Local Camping suppliers:-
Outriggers - Wellwood Dunfermline 01383 737799 http://camping.uk-directory.com/Outriggers_Camping_amp_Leisure_1856.php map
http://www.sands-ironmongers.co.uk/calor_gas.html

See link to Topogear.

Halfords Carnegie Drive Dunfermline.

Asda Dalgety Bay, 2 miles east also sells a limited range including camping gaz bottles, picnic ware, basic tent and BBQ's.

Activities at the camp. Star gazing

2009-06-07T09:26:00.000-07:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00wnvpf
Stargazing.

http://www.appbrain.com/app/google-sky-map/com.google.android.stardroid
Free google app star map

http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/skills/seton/rubbing_fire.htm
Try making these fire starters.

Spot wild flowers

" Guess why the signs/pitches are so called

Visit the rustic gallery (Honesty pot).

Browse the freezer - home made meals, ice lollies or ask at reception hatch for other options.

Collect a tub trug (fire pit kit)

Sit and read the nature reference books or tourist information in the gallery
(children should be accompanied.)
Campers Log - Add your comments to the guestbook.

Use your laptop. (Free WiFi access to all campers ).

Treat yourself to a memento of your camping trip,
this little boat is called Old Jim (Huck Fin).They also built a small den called Old Wood.

Others built dens they called Atlantis and Norwegian wood.
We usually leave them until they fall apart naturally.

Sling your hammock
http://www.hennessyhammock.com/

http://www.ddhammocks.com/

Hire our honey stove
with instructions
Hire Gazebo, chairs, cot, BBQ bucket, single gas burners.

Check out the pitches for future visits, this one is rising sun (for obvious reasons- or ask).

Recycle.

Feed the chickens

woodland walks Steps from stream bridge, circular walk.

Meet the parents

Combined age of 167 heading up to explore the camps.

They've been holidaying on this land for 37 years.

Went to mow a meadow

Birds Butterflies Moths Insects

2009-05-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

http://www.boostinspiration.com/photography/20-examples-of-perfectly-timed-animal-photography/

http://www.nigelspencer.co.uk/wildlife-web-pages/a-z-butterfly-moth.htm
Many of these seen in our woodlands and gardens.
Yesterday, whilst cutting meadow walkways, I saw a comma, busy in the hedgerow.
The peacock butterfly is very common here in the last few years.
Also regular is large and small cabbage white, common blue, orange tip, small tortoiseshell, red admiral, etc.

http://www.britishbugs.org.uk/heteroptera/Pentatomidae/palomena_prasina.html

Spotted here in January 2010

Food welcometoscotland

2009-05-05T03:38:00.000-07:00

Dalgety bay fish bar 3 miles east at Dalgety Bay:-
http://www.bigreddirectory.com/dalgety-fish-bar-dalgety-bay-dunfermline
St. David's Bay - 2 miles east of this holiday cottage.

http://www.welcometoscotland.com/

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Fife Leisure park 2 miles:- ,

Bella Italia, http://www.bellaitalia.co.uk/menu/main-menu/7Chinese buffet, Pizza hut,

Nando's chickenMcDonalds, pub, Dobbies cafe.

Animals Insects

2009-05-04T13:09:00.000-07:00

Straw bale badger hide in area called "Brockfield"

Surrounded by white poplar trees.

The badgers are most active at dawn and dusk, although we have seen a female & 2 cubs sauntering up the grass path by "Coppice" at 3p.m.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badger

http://www.badgers.org.uk/brocks-world/08watch01.html

They like peanuts.

They have been seen dragging straw from a neighbouring field over the lane in front of the 2 rustic benches and back to their Setts in the paper pulp hillocks.

There are several Setts on the lower and upper pitches (Forever behind Strawberry Fields)

mind you don't trip into the holes.

Plants in woodland. Ancient woodland

2009-05-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

http://www.naturescalendar.org.uk/wildlife/factfiles/flowers/bluebell.htm
Calendar of what's happening in nature.

Some of the woodland plants that are now flowering (13.5.2010)
Leopardsbane

Bluebells

Forget me not (mysotis)
Lesser celandines
Fernscomfrey

Apparently there are a few ways to tell if woodland is ancient,:-

1. If it is shown on early maps,

2.If it is irregular shape & not a rectangle as with modern tree planting because it is easier to fence.

3.Woodland on slopes was not easy to clear or farm, so it got left where it was.

4.Native primroses are paler yellow & native bluebells hang to one side.

5. Existence of ancient hollow way (an old track pasing through the middle of the wood.

All of the above are evident in the valley of what is called "Hidden valley" on old local maps.

yellow archangel

scarlet pimpernel

Orange hawkweed near "Aero"

3 kinds of orchid:-
Early spotted, common spotted pyramid?

Food for free

2009-05-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.countrylovers.co.uk/wfs/wfsurban.htm Sorrel
http://www.badgerland.co.uk/shops/books/countryside/food_for_free.html
There is a copy of Richars Mabey's "Food for free" in the gallery and a table, chair and notebook for you to peruse the book in comfort.

Some of the plants you'll find in our woodland that are edible.

Garlic mustard, young lime green beech leaves in May, dandelion leaves.

Fruit - wild rasperries, strawberries,blackberries, gooseberries,
Herbs - lovage, mint, sage, rosemary.
Funghi - giant puffball, shaggy inkcap.

Reviews The Saturday Independent magazine and the Guardian

2009-05-04T11:44:00.000-07:00

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/campingholidays/7934358/UK-campsites-with-fires.html
Camping Fife 9.8.2010.

Will Self

Will Self: PsychoGeography
Saturday, 22 September 2007
My friend Marc believes that all that happens when you buy carbon credits is that a man rushes into a remote African village shouting: "Turn off de generator! Big man taking a flight!" But then he's a hopeless cynic – or is he? Marc's view encapsulates the reality of a lot of environmentalists' practice, which is that wealthy Western consciences can be salved by token gestures. Carbon trading schemes are absolute bunk in my opinion, a get-out-of-this frying pan card for arch-capitalists that will dunk us straight back in the fire.
"So, what's your solution then, smarty-pants?" I hear you growl from deep in your Saturday muesli; and the answer is: "I don't have one." I think the real objection to plane travel is more aesthetic than ethical: there's something increasingly vulgar about contrails, the vaporous bling looped across the wrinkled bosom of our ageing sky. It could be my own ageing – it could be the practice of too much psychogeography, but I also find the very experience of international – and especially intercontinental – jetting, far more disorientating.
Like some bolshie alien, resisting Scottie's ministrations, as he tries to beam me up to the USS Enterprise, it takes me days after the arrival to feel as if all my molecules have joined me, and I'm not simply a fizzing column of a man. Consequently, when I return home I don't even feel as if I've been anywhere. All of which is by way of a mea culpa, because the fact is that if plane travel is bling, I'm a top gangsta in the ghetto. This last year has been the worst carbon-emitting period of my life. I've been to South America – twice! The USA – same again! And been shuttled back and forth to the continent so many times I feel like a baby in a shopping trolley that's been stolen by a speed freak.
I'm not going to try to claim any of these trips were essential – they truly weren't. Things just ... sort of ... turned out that way. And nor can I promise to be a better stay-at-home next year – plans are already afoot. But what makes it seem all the more senseless, galling and shaming, is that the place I've most enjoyed visiting this year, is the woodland camping site of Chris and Yvonne Barley, at Inverkeithing, just north of Edinburgh.
"We're old hippies, you see," Chris explained when the boys and I pitched up to pitch – and I instantly felt right at home. "We moved up here 30-odd years ago from the Leeds area. We bought the cottage and woodland about 10 years ago, and began working on it."
The work they've done is to turn this little spinney – perhaps 15 acres in all – into a kind of sylvan boutique hotel for weary urbanites. Looked at one way, the woodland isn't anything special: a tangle of brambles, a stand of birch, some alders, sessile oaks and ashes. And in among them, grassy glades half-contrived, half-natural. A deeply rutted old Holloway, its banks twisting with tree roots, led up the slight gradient past an ancient mound. On the far side of our camping glade, Sweet Meadow, the land dipped down a steep muddy incline to a stream.
But there is artifice here – the woodland is subtly managed: the camping glades are connected by mown pathways; the underwood is half-cleared, leaving plenty of dead boughs ready to be gathered for camp fires, while the campfire circles themselves are artfully sited by rough-hewn cooking tables. There's a composting toilet-cum-washing up station built out of logs, and a tumbledown hovel full of straw bales for badger-watching. All in all, the Barley's 15 acres give you the easiest, calmest way of sliding gently into nature that I've ever encountered.
At night, you can hear the traffic swishing past on the M9, heading for the cultural asperity of Edinburgh, but far from violating the spinney's peace, for me, it only enhanced it. Once the boys had glutted themselves on toasted marshmallows and cocoa, and tumbled, smoke-blackened into their sleeping bags, I strolled the margins of the wood, looking across the wheat stubble fields to where halogen lights marched beneath the moon.
I love an interzone, a place that defies the easy certainties of place to present you with a realer confusion of rus and urb – the Barleys' campsite was a perfect example of this. And so what if the burning logs on the fire looked at me with sorrowful, blame-filled eyes, admonishing me for my long year of shameless jet travel? Like the Barleys, I too am an old hippie. And though I may have sworn off major hallucinogens for many a year now, it's at times like these, alone in a Scots wood, in the middle of the night, that I begin to believe in the existence of flashbacks.
To find out more about Chris and Yvonne Barley's campsite, visit www.ukcampsite.co.uk or http://www.woodlandcottages.co.uk/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2009/aug/10/wet-weather-camping

Monday 24.8.09, the "Cool Camping" guide photographer & editor of Punk publishing, Keith Didcock, took photos to include in the spring edition of their book.

His photographs have also appeared recently in the Observer travel pages.

Places to visit. Edinburgh zoo Pandas.Earthship Fife Falkirk wheel

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http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/visiting/panda.html
Edinburgh zoo pandas, 10 miles from this holiday property.

http://antiques-perth-scotland.blogspot.com/ Antiques and cafe http://tour-scotland-photographs.blogspot.com/2010/12/tour-scotland-winter-photograph_08.html Huntingtower Perth by Sandy Stevenson. Townhill loch http://www.snapscotland.com/photo/albums/scottish-photos?id=6270794%3AAlbum%3A10&xg_pw=&commentPage=&page=2 Stunning photo album of Scotland http://www.ukseries.com/blog/2010/07/the-unique-falkirk-wheel/ 10 miles north. Open Fridays.They can arrange guided tours but you can wander around yourself by the Kinghorn Loch. There is a shelter made from plastic bottles & the tyre building. etc. http://www.sci-scotland.org.uk/earthship_centre.shtml Deep sea world http://www.deepseaworld.com/planning_your_visit/how_to_find_us.asp?css=1
South Queensferry pier gallery paintings & woodcraft (similar to chris's).

07761 577 366

Limekilns - Bill's antiques & driftwood items (next to Elgin Hotel & estate office).

Inverkeithing Pubs, take-aways, shops and camping shop

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Campers can walk up to this pub from the campsite, it's about a mile.

There is a good cycle/walking path just a few yards from the campsite.

Real ale sold here at Burgh Arms

http://www.akelasden.co.uk/ Camping equipment shop

A butcher, a baker, a fishmonger, chinese take away, mini supermarket, Post office, bank, library (fax & computer), phone box, 2 hairdressers, 2 chemists, bicycle shop, hardware shop, 2 newsagents, 2 charity shops, 4 pubs, etc.

Inverkeithing Friary gardens
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Inverkeithing

Pinkerton burn runs through our land. It was said to run red for 3 days after this battle!

Lots of local historical interest as well as on our land - old smithy waterwheel used to be here as well as small gauge railway, gravel pit & sandstone quarry where our cottages were built from.

the "Burro" tent pitch is off the original donkey & cart track that ran up to "Rosebank" - the ruins of which can be seen.

Cycling Fife Coastal Path Sustrans CTC

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Cycle path starts yards from our holiday cottage & woodland camp.
Go on up to the pretty harbour down from Inverkeithing High street opposite Sandy Wallace cycles. Walk or cycle along the estuary to Dalgety Bay & Aberdour. Then as far as you like.
Look for the Chain walk.

http//walking.visitscotland.com/walks/perthangusfife/213671

Many who are cycling or walking for charity or fundraising or Lands end to John O'Groats, use our camp as an overnight stop. We are on the old north road (B981).
For example in July this year it is the intention of Richard Toole, who is disabled, to walk from the Tay bridge to the Forth road bridge. - http://stores.lulu.com/RICHARDTOOLE
and http://www.justgiving.com/richards40dayshike09

and Richard Barr at http://www.cancerwalker.com/

http://www.ctc.org.uk/

http://www.sustrans.org/

http://www.sustrans.org/default.asp?sID=1090515197515 Scottish routes

Mike Carter 6000 mile cycle around Britain get.carter@observer.co.uk

See Google cycle link http://current.newsweek.com/budgettravel/2010/03/biking_directions_added_to_goo.html

Dunfermline Duloch Fife Leisure park

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http://www.visitdunfermline.com/udayb.php
http://www.visitdunfermline.com/whatson.php
http://www.visitdunfermline.com/goingout.php
http://www.visitdunfermline.com/attractions.php
http://www.visitdunfermline.com/shopping.php

24 hour Tesco, 1 mile away.

Breakfasts from around 8.a.m.

Pizza delivery Duloch Park Dunfermline 01383 726999 also at Whimbrel Place, Duloch, Dunfermline:-

Lidl supermarket, fish & chips, Subway, etc.

Fife Leisure Park:-

Bella Italia, http://www.bellaitalia.co.uk/menu/main-menu/7

Nandos chicken, Chinese buffet, Dobbies cafe, etc.

Craigies Organic farm http://www.craigies.co.uk/jamkitchen.htm

Burgh Arms Inverkeithing

Activities and Sports. Knockhill racing. Cycling. Fishing. Swimming. Showers. Skateboarding

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http://www.maidoftheforth.co.uk/index.shtml.
Boat ride nearby from South Queensferry
Also "Forth Tours cruises".
http://www.forthtours.com/

Did you know you can camp at this rustic campsite and a mile or two up the road you can get showers at the Duloch leisure centre - http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/atoz/index.cfm?fuseaction=facility.display&facid=E0FD2C7C-A6CA-CABA-F43039EB5039506B

showers from £1.25 Jnr low season - £1.85 - £2.60 Adult high season.
Duloch leisure centre, just behind Duloch Tesco.
Also at Dalgety Bay Leisure centre.

Carnegie baths/Turkish/aerotone/needlespray, etc. in Dunfermline.
Check opening times as it's currently being refurbished until late 2011.

See alternatives to Carnegie Leisure Centre http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/roundup/articles/2011/01/28/409595-carnegie-leisure-centre-to-be-hit-by-further-delays/

Please visit http://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/ for information on alternative venues within Fife i.e.

Boat launch http://www.fifedirect.org.uk/minisites/index.cfm?fuseaction=page.display&pageid=AB4593CF-65BF-00F7-DCBACEF3BE68E97C
http://www.blogger.com/www.fifee.org.ukisurleKnockhill racing
calendar for 2011 http://www.whatson-scotland.co.uk/venue-listing/1763

Cycling -cycle path approx. 100 metres from here. See fuller info on post "Cycle..."
Fishing here and see suggestions below. You can then search the internet for more detail.

Lochore Meadows, windsurfing, fishing and more. Activities nearby:- http://www.knockhill.com/ racing.

Swimming bath with flumes - Burntisland Beacon leisure centre. http://www.thecourier.co.uk/News/Fife/article/7622/burntisland-s-beacon-centre-to-close-for-repairs.html

http://guide.visitscotland.com/vs/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,SPF58921Svs,curr,GBP,season,at1,selectedEntry,home/home.html 10 miles east. Swimming pool with outside feature - Perth. Swimming baths & gym Cowdenbeath, 5 miles north. Sports centre Dalgety Bay.

Local taxi 01383 410088

http://www.fifefishingguide.co.uk/
http://www.fifefishingguide.co.uk/swsalt.php
Fishing ( a local fisherman recommends
Stenhouse Loch, Loch Leven but not re-stocking.)
Also Kirkcaldy Raith Lake and Lochore.

North Queensferry sea fishing.

Dysart pier fishing.
Coastal fishing- Maggies croft Cumbernauld.
Orchil. Deanswood Livingston.

Horse riding Falconry
Boat trips. Loch Leven. Maid of the Forth.
Fife Leisure park, bowling, crazy golf, cinema, several eating places, Pizza, mexican, etc. lots of walks.

Skateboarding Burntisland, Dalgety Bay
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXHhGQ7vaZ8

Woodland camping Fife near Edinburgh Scotland Love camping

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10 miles north of Edinburgh
No charge for bicycles.

Good touring Historic places, Lochs and Glens.

24 hour Tesco. M and Spencer outlet within 2 miles.
Ask if you want details of local pubs/restaurants, etc.
Local taxi 01383 410088.
Visit our advert also at http://www.lovecamping.co.uk/

15 acres of woodland in Scotland, natural, rustic, in harmony with nature.
Cold water, recycling and sawdust toilet. Designated campfires.
Nearby activities for children and all the family.

http://www.edinburgharchitecture.co.uk/fife_leisure_park.htm

Pitch description and suitability

2008-12-19T07:41:00.000-08:00

Rustic camping - Duloch hamlet ( Gimme Shelter)

Relaxing; natural atmosphere.

This site will appeal to those who love the countryside, nature, wild flowers, animals, listening to the birds. Also appealing to a couple, a single person, a family, a cyclist.

Because it has rustic charm and is a "one off" out of the ordinary, individual place, it also appeals to people with a wide variety of hobbies:-

photographers, vintage car owners, artists, potters, whittlers, seamstress, cyclists http://www.jeniferyoung.co.uk/ , cloth jewellry makers, writers,

actors http://www.dunfermlinepress.com/whatson/alhambra/articles/2009/10/01/392464-west-end-stars-camp-it-up-in-west-fife/

inventors practicing bushcraft or metal craft as below.

People preparing for Duke of Edinburgh award. Mandolin players; other gentle musicians.

The kind of people who like recycled shacks, sheds, dens and unusual things.

It is not suitable for parties or antisocial behaviour.

If anyone slips through the "suitability net" and causes disturbance or danger,

please report it to us. 01383 417681.

2 miles north of Forth bridges

Campfires every pitch.

Pitches:-

Our pitches are set in individual clearings, scattered about on 15 acres of mixed woodland and meadow land with all sorts of wild flowers and fruit, trees, birds and butterflies.

( 12 pitches on lower woodland site ) (9 pitches on top meadow site )

Each pitch or clearing has a name, with a meaning - history/pitch identity/song/book/travel,etc. i.e. Strawberry Field (wild strawberries), J Way, Mellow, Aero, Bobtail, Catkin, Coppice, Burn, Hoot, Rosebank, Burro, Tilt and so on.

"Rising Sun" pitch

Good tip from this regular :- Put a piece of carpet inside your tent flap.

It all keeps the groundsheets cleaner.

"Sweet Meadow" pitch

View from "Hoot" pitch. Just imagine your tent here & a twistie beer. You can actually see the Forth estuary from this pitch.

Although it is a 5 minute walk from your parked car.

We have a few sibling pitches which means that they are attatched to the main pitch with a campfire.
They can be used as an overflow for those in your party if the main pitch isn't big enough.

See gallery Camp shop blog
For items available

Fridge freezer

Wi-Fi in the lane/ at the gallery.

Ask for range details when you book if you want to use this facility.

There is a little table and chairs for adults to sit and e mail or read the guide and reference books or have a coffee or snack.

Tub trugs

Campfire starter kit contains:- logs, kindling, paper, firelighter, piece of peat.

Every one has a campfire.

Please leave any dead wood which is lying on the ground or still attatched to a tree.

( garages also sell logs but they seem to be a lot dearer for much smaller bags but it's your choice).

Reception hours:-

Mon - Friday 9.30a.m. - 6.30p.m.

Saturday - Midday to 6.30p.m
Sunday - 3.30 - 6.30p.m.

or phone 01383 417681

or 07957 264 805

Toasties, fried egg sandwich, that kind of thing, usually available at short notice.

Meals by request ( warm up on your fire pit pan, etc. )

Gallery fridge freezer items, dry packet goods.

If you fancy being out in the woods in a tent then this place might be just the place for you.
Small family run, semi-wild/rural camp site in clearings cut into meadow and woodland.
Log seats and tables. (Please leave them on the pitches they have been placed on. )

Limited facilities of cold water(you can also bring some as the supply can sometimes be slow)

& environmentally friendly composting sawdust toilet.

Rubbish recycling. 2 small herb gardens.

Compost heap for your veg peelings ( you might be able to harvest a root of potatoes from it!

No showers or flushing toilets.

Rainy day games shelf - you can borrow an item.

Woodland sawdust toilet
see blog post "Toilet".
Many become regulars, some won't tell anybody as they want to keep it all to themselves.

Sorry no pets.

Loads of wild animals come and go, badgers, buzzards and roe deer are resident, peregrine falcons nested this year and we saw bullfinch.

It's wildish but we're available if you need help, at least at the end of a phone.

Just e mail chris.barley@virgin.net to enquire/book or register interest.

Pitches are allocated for size of tent/group:

but ask at time of booking
if you have a preference for woodland pitches or meadow,
(sometimes, we can re-arrange the weekly pitch plan,
as we do for regulars who ask for their favourite pitches).

Give us a few details of your dates, expected time of arrival and departure.

Also group number, tents, car registrations and visitors.
We will then email you more information.

Depending on weather and pitch conditions,
we will try to match you up to the best site for your booking.
Please don't move pitch without asking, as it may be booked for a certain time.

Appreciation goes to all those campers who leave the pitch tidy,

free of litter, wood splinters on the grass (grass cutting).

We also value those who leave the rustic tables and chairs

as they found them on the pitches they were intended for.

The legs/stumps of tables and seats, pitch signs might light your fire but not ours!

What we also value are those of you who let us know if you have to cancel your booking.