Camping in the Forest
41 replies
replied on 06/03/2022 12:13
Takethedogalong replied on 06/03/2022 12:19
Posted on 06/03/2022 11:45 byTTDA - we crossed! I hadn't seen your post when I posted.
Posted on 06/03/2022 12:19
😁👍 That makes sense now. We go back to 1983/4 using Beddgelert. I recall the little log cabin shop where you paid, then you simply drove right and picked a flat bit to pitch your tent/ camper. The facilities block was brand spanking new, no hook ups, but it was a proper getting back to nature stay, with a stroll into village along old railway line, lots of wildlife and you could hike off up and out of top of Site into hills. Our last stay still predates C&CC partnership, it was March 2004, and I retired from paid work that week. We pitched up just across from river, with a hook up this time. Facility Block and shop as it had been though. Hence our huge sense of disappointment three years ago, it was all about the cabins by then.
JVB66 replied on 06/03/2022 12:21
Posted on 06/03/2022 12:04 by TakethedogalongWe went for a look at the cabins in Cropton Forest. They are very nice, and a lovely visitor centre and eatery, but they aren’t cheap. You can get more for your money elsewhere. But the locations are nice. Good if you enjoy walking, cycling, not having to venture far from your holiday home. Mind I don’t think they are selling to canny Yorkshire folk like us, more your City types looking to “experience the dream”. Prices have rocketed this last couple of years in certain places. Cornwall in particular, couldn’t believe some of asking prices for cottages down there.
Takethedogalong replied on 06/03/2022 12:31
Posted on 06/03/2022 12:13 byOh dear! Just read TTDA's post. I can assure you that we are far from "City types looking to experience the dream". We though the NT cottage in Cornwall reasonably priced for this time of the year. And I still fancy the Beddgelert lodge - but haven't yet looked at the price!
brue replied on 06/03/2022 12:39
Posted on 06/03/2022 11:29 byCan you remember when the C&CC first began to run CitF sites??? It doesn't seem that long in the grand scheme of things. But then the years rush by..... maybe it's a longer period than I think.
We stayed at the Loch Ness site last September. A good purchase I think. In fact, I was overall impressed with the C&CC sites in Scotland. Apart from many forays to Edinburgh (mainly using trains / hotel; but once a small tent nearby for The Fringe) it was our first tour of Scotland.
The CitF site on which we recently stayed had a rather run down feel. I know they are supposed to be natural: there is natural and then there is downright "mucky". Maybe upkeep had been stalled while negotiations were proceeding?
Posted on 06/03/2022 12:39
I can't remember any dates but we've used the forestry sites and also previously when it was just forestry commission in Scotland we've stayed in a lodge on Loch Awe. Our son and family tried a basic pod at the Loch Ness site last year and really enjoyed it, they've booked a fully equipped version this year so will be returning. The New Forest sites are very nice, some non ehu sites there are relaxed about where people pitch as long as they keep the distance rule etc. I think this is where C&CC will really miss out although they run some good THS in the area.
In some ways it's all a bit confusing, we tend to look for sites in places we want to go not who runs them, will just have to do more searches now!
Anyway thanks for the information in your OP, I hadn't noticed, was just glad they've got their "my bookings" working again!! 
replied on 06/03/2022 13:10
Tinwheeler replied on 06/03/2022 13:41
Posted on 06/03/2022 13:41
…..and the link to CitF is alive and kicking on the C&CC website.
https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk
Gallery
DavidKlyne replied on 06/03/2022 13:42
Posted on 06/03/2022 13:42
Ref DK above: the C&CC franchised sites are quite different in every way from the CAMC affiliated sites. They run as Club sites: same booking procedures; wardens wear the same "uniforms"; same rules and so on. The CAMC affiliated sites just give members a discount don't they? (And some also give the same discount to C&CC members??)
WTG
Thanks for the explanation, I am not as familiar with the C&CC ways of doing things.
David
replied on 06/03/2022 13:55
Posted on 06/03/2022 13:41 by Tinwheeler…..and the link to CitF is alive and kicking on the C&CC website.
https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk
Tinwheeler replied on 06/03/2022 14:01
Posted on 06/03/2022 13:55 byI think there is an implication in the press release that the Club will still be managing the bookings this year in a "transition" stage?
But the C&CC website still has links to the defunct European rally and world wide motorhoming programmes.
DK - sites pay a handsome amount to become a franchised site, and have to commit to a number of years, and then operate as fully fledged C&CC sites. At one time, the franchised sites were marked as such in the handbook, but I think that's been dropped. At least, I can see no indication now as to which are, and which are not.