Camping: But Not As You Know It

When the subject of camping comes up I normally find that I get a reaction quite as you would if you asked someone if they liked marmite. It's either a love or hate relationship.

I'm one of those weirdos that absolutely loves camping in any sense of the word. I'm not sure if it has stemmed from my absolute passion for music festivals, or the automatic new friends you always seem to make on site, or just the fact that everything seems like an adventure when you're taken away from your creature comforts. Either way, if you chuck me in a tent with a gin and tonic, equip me with a barbecue and a mini speaker, I could absolutely be there forever.

If you are a hater of camping, then you don't need to leave this post just yet, for this one is undoubtably for those who are yet to fall in love with outdoor life - for this has to change your mind; it is camping but not as you know it. 

On the beautiful banks of Loch Tay is an amazing campsite - Loch Tay Highland Lodges. As the name might suggest, it is home to some beautiful holiday lodges and cabins, cottages, a few wigwams (with hot tubs) and even a converted stable block where families and friends come together to spend some quality time together. While all of these are really quite perfect in their own right, it was the glamping domes that my boyfriend Stuart and I had our sights on for the long weekend. 

Sweeping into the carpark, which lays about 5 minutes drive from Killin, we were practically overjoyed that the weather was on our side - it was dry and fairly warm for the time of year, which hardly ever happens in Scotland! We were welcomed by some friendly new faces at reception, handed a couple of bags of logs and taken to our home for the next few days - 'Linnhe'. (Each of the domes are aptly named after Scottish Lochs).

Having unzipped our door (equipped with padlock), it felt a little bit like entering the crystal maze for a split second, only there was no silver and gold tokens to catch. Instead, we found a gorgeous little home with a double bed, two extraordinarily comfy beanbag chairs, a wood burning stove and chimney, a little wooden table, blankets and some night lights. I was absolutely in love with it! It says that they sleep four but I would recommend keeping it to two adults and two children at a push.

We were told to take along a kingsize sheet to cover our mattress, as well as our sleeping bags or a duvet cover and our pillows. Don't feel like you'll get away with a double sheet because you won't! Bed made and bags unpacked, lunch was the first task. 

Beside each dome you will find a picnic bench and barbecue pit, ready and waiting for you to get really stuck in to camping life. Logs on - take fire lighters if you are rubbish at getting a fire going - burgers on the grill, we sat down for a feast. I recommend taking a cool box with you with all sorts of goodies in it. There's no fridge, so a cool box will keep things much fresher for longer and also means you don't have to go to a shop more than once.

Fire out and bellies full, we took a walk down to the boathouse at the edge of the loch. This has a lovely restaurant and bar, where we naturally had to sit and have a few beers. The views up the loch here are amazing.

The loch is fully equipped for those who would like to give outdoor activities a go - with everything from rib boat trips, fishing, archery, Canadian canoe hire, kayaking and sailing, there's something for every pace of life. There's even a putting green on site if you'd rather keep your feet on dry land. 

Back up the hill, we located the toilet block, which I recommend doing before it gets dark. This is fully equipped with showers and hairdryers too ladies. I say find it in the light as it's quite tricky in the dark when you've had about five gins. Take extra torches with you - they will come in handy!

As the sun went down, we decided to get our wood burning stove going in our new home. The trick was to keep the door open a crack while the logs took hold then shut it once they were well alight. Make sure the flu is open otherwise you'll end up with a very smoky dome. 

Overnight it can get a little chilly, so it's best try and keep the fire burning. Either that or take some extra blankets. I would also recommend taking some type of insect repellant when sitting outside, especially in late summer - the midges can be unwelcome visitors but not enough for it to be a problem.

While we were there we enjoyed a lovely dinner in the nearby Kenmore Hotel. The food was lovely and the views are spectacular. I definitely recommend it.

Are you convinced yet? When I tell you that two nights was only £150, you have to be sold. What an amazing experience. This is camping for those who don't even like camping - I promise you, you'll have a fabulous time. 

View availability and book here. I can't wait to visit again!