Creating a new Campsite

[PaulC70]

Im in Bedford and have no problem with an Orkneys trip, in fact the wife's always wanted to go. Simple enough to do Bedford - The Kelpies-Thurso so 2 nights and then the orkneys.
Looking at Rousay on search for sites I see theres nothing there so that's good for you as you'd be the only one. For us I'd be happy with hardstanding, drinking water and black waste. I don't see you needing shower blocks etc, as others have said keep it simple. I'd happily come to the orkneys for a week in December if we had the time off, long nights? who cares? TV, board games, skywatching stars or hopefully aurora. I could easily imagine one if not two nights on rousay.

 

[Pausim]

hopefully aurora.

On the radio this morning they said there was a good aurora in the North of Scotland last night.

 

[PaulC70]

On the radio this morning they said there was a good aurora in the North of Scotland last night.

Yep, I'd like to see or even photograph one but the wife really really REALLY wants to see one lol.

 

[VandM]

So when can I come?

As soon as the facilities are set up.
Finalising the planning exemption (our council Roads Services have stated we need to redesign the access from the trunk road).
Sorting the drainage out in the field as the grass gets quite waterlogged between October and March).

 

[VandM]

On the radio this morning they said there was a good aurora in the North of Scotland last night.

We're getting lots of Aurora displays at the moment.
Our island of Rousay is an ideal Aurora watching spot as very little incidental light pollution.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Marmanlady]

Hi VandM, one of the many things we wish to see, the aurora.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Naïve question - do you get the wee pesky midgies?

 

[VandM]

I’d certainly be up for a visit because I love isolated places. I was on Orkney 2 years ago and want to get back up there asap.

Firstly I’d need a nice level hard standing that can take a 9m tag axle van. Not all sites can take bigger units.
Second I’d want fresh water.
Third is a toilet waste disposal point.
Forth is an electric hook up. ( I do have a generator but don’t really like to use it in peaceful places ) I also like to stay places for 4/5 days.
Fifth is grey water disposal. Not essential for a drive over one though.
And final thing is a rubbish disposal point.
Then I’m a happy bunny!

That is quite a rig - 9M tag axle. Do you have a side on photo of your vehicle (or could you send me one via PM)?
I'm sure we can make at least one of the four "slots" suitable.
Our inter island ferry (Eynhallow) can take longer vehicles but getting the timing right for a higher tide would be essential as the ramp off the ferry then up the slipway can be quite abrupt.

 

[VandM]

Hi VandM, one of the many things we wish to see, the aurora.

Some great displays easily visible from the north side of the island (we're on the south but one of the best locations is only a 7 minute drive from our position.

 

[VandM]

Naïve question - do you get the wee pesky midgies?

We do, but only for a few weeks at the end of the summer and even then they're usually dealt with by the wind, so rarely any issue.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[A S R]

A steep ferry ramp may be more of an issue than a short pitch!

Saying that, I’ve not actually grounded it on anything yet. Surprisingly!

You may recognise the first location! It’s on the mega busy ferry to Orkney 2 years ago! Its 9.1m long but does have a fairly big overhang so could go over grass at the back. I do that quite often on CAMC sites as long as the grass is level.

 

[A S R]

Some great displays easily visible from the north side of the island (we're on the south but one of the best locations is only a 7 minute drive from our position.

Can you do a Google map pin thingy so we can see your actual location please.

 

[VandM]

Can you do a Google map pin thingy so we can see your actual location please.

We have signed up for the Members Map but not in it yet, but will post a screenshot and aerial view.

 

[A S R]

That’ll do nicely.

 

[VandM]

Can you do a Google map pin thingy so we can see your actual location please.

Here you go.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[A S R]

Ta. Not far to go once you’re off the ferry then!

 

[VandM]

A steep ferry ramp may be more of an issue than a short pitch!

Saying that, I’ve not actually grounded it on anything yet. Surprisingly!
View attachment 553362View attachment 553363
You may recognise the first location! It’s on the mega busy ferry to Orkney 2 years ago! Its 9.1m long but does have a fairly big overhang so could go over grass at the back. I do that quite often on CAMC sites as long as the grass is level.

The ferry looks like the Pentalina (now replaced by the larger Alfred).
I'd say you would have an issue coming on or off the small ferry (Eynhallow) that serves our island at crossing times outwith high tide. The booking office are very helpful with this.
The longer lorries that supply the island with building materials, livestock etc have a higher rear end clearance and some have a retractable under-rider/light bar at the rear for this reason.
Very impressive Burstner.
Having the hab' door and awning on the european side may mean having to reverse into the pitch if you want to use adjacent grass area though.

 

[MisterB]

can anyone advise on costs of getting from mainland to the island please, 7.5m motorhome,

the northern lights are on my bucket list (which isnt that long a list) and this seems an ideal opportunity, possibly around this time next year...

a lot of planning though, to get the timing right (and yes i am aware there are no guarantees for anything other than death and taxes)

 

[VandM]

Here's all the information you need for visiting our island group (Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre).
Orkney Ferries website gives all three additional information you may be interested in and Tingwall is our local office (and the landing point on Mainland Orkney.
I've thing to note.....you need to reverse onto the ferry for boarding at our three islands. The crew are excellent in guiding you through the process.

 

[MisterB]

is a motorhome classed as a 'mobile home'?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[VandM]

is a motorhome classed as a 'mobile home'?

For the purposes of this fare structure, yes. You can see that private vehicles up to 5.5m and mobile homes up to 5.5m are charged at the same rate. Booking for vehicles is essential as deck space fills up quickly with the range of vehicles that come over each day with the earlier and later sailings the busiest.

 

[A S R]

£64.44 for a return trip. Not too bad.

 

[VandM]

£64.44 for a return trip. Not too bad.

When you've got a 9m behemoth I guess you'll be used to the premium prices

 

[A S R]

I don’t mind paying more to get to beautiful places. It’s not as if it’s an every day expense.
I knew it would cost more on ferries etc before I bought it but it’s a price worth paying.

 

[busby]

Hello Funsters.
We're creating a small, simple (and affordable) MoHo site on our island of Rousay, Orkney.
The plan is it's to have level hardstanding with grass awning/sitting area adjacent and the very simplest of facilities to keep the whole project as environmentally low impact as possible.
Did this type of "Aire" what do people consider to be absolutely essential?
So many coach-built and converted MoHo's now have full onboard facilities, solar etc we're looking at offering the best value pitches whilst still allowing the visitors to the island to have a comfortable (level) stay.

Sounds good,,Watched Julia Bradbury in the Orkneys last night.It looked beautiful,,BUSBY.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[busby]

Nice idea for us no facilities are fine but most will want water & black disposal.

And an excellent restaurant with many choices.BUSBY

 

[Pausim]

High level of geo magnetic activity right now, someone should be getting a fine aurora.

Just heard it has been seen in Shetland.

 

[VandM]

High level of geo magnetic activity right now, someone should be getting a fine aurora.

Just heard it has been seen in Shetland.

We'll try and live stream a video to the MHF FB group the next time we see the Aurora.

 

[Pausim]

We'll try and live stream a video to the MHF FB group the next time we see the Aurora.

That would be great. Thanks.

 

[Davb]

You don't have to go as far as Orkney for the Aurora, but I am sure it would still be worth it if you wanted to.

Aurora Borealis put on display across Scotland

The spectacular northern lights were visible in cloud-free areas overnight.

www.bbc.co.uk

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}