What is going on?

What do you think the reason is?

We've been to Gareliston a few times down the years (and actually going in a few weeks) it's never been a 'full site' type or even approaching it and always had spaces. 

While it is a fantastic site in a great location next to a beach and lovely village it is a little bit out of the way and somewhat isolated but very peaceful and relaxing of because that.

I am asking what other members opinion is,I have my own suspicions.

I live nearby and at this time of year the view from the road has shown a busy site but today there were lots of plainly visible empty pitches.

Perhaps they were all taken by MHs 

Let’s hear then, Dave. As the man on the ground, so to speak, you may have seen things of which we're not aware.

I think the cost of fuel has a lot to do with it.

We have recently spent three weeks on a favourite CL near the coast in Yorkshire [Monks Farm at Sneaton] and it took us five and a half hours to get there.

Speaking to the constantly changing other caravanners and motorhomers none had come as far as us and a large proportion had only come half an hour to an hour's journey.

Garlieston is a long way off the beaten track and would cost quite a lot in fuel.

We were there last year and it was pretty full for most of our stay so I think the site is popular. But as I say that was last year so who knows why it is not as full this year. It surely can't be price as its only about £35 a night in peak season.

David

It surely can't be price as its only about £35 a night in peak season.

That's a very interesting observation DK.  I must admit that, whilst I realise site fees have gone up, I wouldn't call £35 a night "only".  Obviously it's relative to what one can, and is willing to, pay; but I do wonder whether everyone shares that view. 

We are fortunate enough to be able to afford to pay that, but there is no way that we would.  We have stayed at Garlieston twice a lot of years ago.  A few years ago we were in that area and spent about a week on a community-run site in Port William; a superb site, right by the sea; very clean toiletblock and even a washing machine which, at the time, was free to use.  Overall a site we preferred to Garlieston.

Are fuel costs really having that much of an effect. Cut out on a coffee and piece of cake one morning on a day out and you will cover any fuel increase cost.

Colin