I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a lamb to 
the slaughter.

We plan a short hol each June and, bouyed by the success of one to Mull last 
year, we got adventurous and decided on the Hebrides.

We were puzzled at the lack of camp sites. That is until we got there. The 
first night the wind honked in from the Atlantic and our cheap Makro £100 
tent held down, but rose 9" in the air. I lay there praticing my heels 
together and my toes out, waiting for that Mary Poppins moment. We survived 
and the next day we had to seriously consider B&B or sleepless nights with a 
flapping tent - assuming it survived another night. The Road to Damascus 
instant occurred mid morning when complaining to a local who explained "Och 
aye - we get sheep blown off the cliffs here on a daily basis!"

B&B is very good and quite cheap In Harris and Lewis.

Lesson learnt though. Pay the money for a decent tent. It's no good wishing 
you had whilst at 45 degs leaning into and Atlantic gale.

There must be good stuff - after all they camp on Everest.

Has anybody the time to give this novice a suggestion or two please - other 
than to consider another type of holiday!?

Thank you.

Richard

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Richard Corbett wrote:
> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
> lamb to the slaughter.
>
>
Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by Cabannon 
or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was very strong. 
If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to put extra guy 
ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee shaped tent pegs 
for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I still do use those 
type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on the guy ropes.

-- 
Malc

If you're swimming in a creek
And an eel bites your cheek
That's a moray

"Malc"  wrote in message 
news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
> Richard Corbett wrote:
>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>
>>
> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the foot 
> of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low islands. I 
> now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.

> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango Force 
> 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
> the guy ropes.
>
> -- 
> Malc
>
> If you're swimming in a creek
> And an eel bites your cheek
> That's a moray


Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. They 
rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, it 
being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are not 
compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the more 
you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.

Thanks for the input

Richard

I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including once 
behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly spot). 
One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist by a 
causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels) and 
camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from anywhere.
Have fun!
Graham




"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:XF2ii.11837$KE1.983@newsfe1-win.ntli.net...
>
> "Malc"  wrote in message 
> news:DlUhi.15488$p8.3064@text.news.blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Richard Corbett wrote:
>>> I thought you all might like some light relief - like the story of a
>>> lamb to the slaughter.
>>>
>>>
>> Snip tale of woe. We had a similar experience on our honeymoon at the 
>> foot of Glencoe. Nothing between us and America except for a few low 
>> islands. I now realise Scottish rain travels horizontally.
>
>> If you want to camp in such places then you need a tent like a Vango 
>> Force 10 if they still make them. We did have a canvas ridge tent made by 
>> Cabannon or something similar (a French manufacturer anyway) which was 
>> very strong. If I was at all concerned about wind speeds then I used to 
>> put extra guy ropes on the uprights and invested in heavy duty steel Vee 
>> shaped tent pegs for all the guys and the rubbers round the fly sheet.. I 
>> still do use those type of pegs even with our family sized dome tent on 
>> the guy ropes.
>>
>> -- 
>> Malc
>>
>> If you're swimming in a creek
>> And an eel bites your cheek
>> That's a moray
>
>
> Thanks for the advice Malc. I had some 18" pegs I'd got from somewhere. 
> They rooted the thing down but I was worried whether the seams would hold, 
> it being just a cheap dome tent. I suppose heavy duty and dome tent are 
> not compatible, but some must be stronger than others I guess. Usually the 
> more you pay the more you get, so that is probably the case here.
>
> Thanks for the input
>
> Richard
>

Graham G wrote:
> You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy levels)

I'm surprised it's allowed - machair's a unique and very fragile 
environment.

Jim Ford

"Graham G"  wrote in message 
news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>anywhere.
> Have fun!
> Graham
>
I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
The
family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
view
and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides at 
least.

 Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
 place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us with
 the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
 crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a tractor
 tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 5
 years ago!

 Richard

"Richard Corbett"  wrote in message 
news:ZIqji.6091$oa7.3297@newsfe1-gui.ntli.net...
>
> "Graham G"  wrote in message 
> news:d7ednbrVu5oVuhDbRVnyjQA@bt.com...
>>I have camped in the Hebrides every summer for 20 years and have had some 
>>great experiences.  The tent I use up there is only a Khyam quick erect 
>>tent.  I have usually tried to find a sheltered spot to camp, including 
>>once behind the lighthouse wall at the Butt of Lewis (the most northerly 
>>spot). One of my favourites is Berneray, which is now joined to North Uist 
>>by a causeway.  You can drive right across the machair (sandy/grassy 
>>levels) and camp in the shelter of the west coast sand dunes, miles from 
>>anywhere.
>> Have fun!
>> Graham
>>
> I guess that my choice of tent was much to blame. It's always the old
> compromise however, between personal choice and what is really necessary. 
> The
> family (and me) love the size of the dome tent but as yet we've not
> established a hot line to God for when we want the wind not to blow! In
> this case we made the mistake of wanting to be able to sit outside with a 
> view
> and when we arrived the wind - for the only time - was very light.
> Compromise is as you say, to make shelter the prime mover in the Hebrides 
> at least.
>
> Thanks for the recommendations, we shall be back again. What an idyllic
> place! So peaceful and relaxed. One B&B in South Harris was amusing us 
> with
> the story of how the local police were boasting that there was never any
> crime, so some of the mischievious locals got together and nicked a 
> tractor
> tyre - with the owner's collusion. That made front page news and that was 
> 5
> years ago!

We stayed for a few days on Westray in Orkney last year and the lady who 
looked after the hostel really wasn't sure whether she could find her house 
keys if ever it would be needed.

We didn't camp on Westray, but we spent 2 nights camping at Rackwick on Hoy. 
It would take a poet to do it justice.

I'm not a poet, so you'll have to make do with this.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwynnefamily/742775952

One of the old crofts (far left in the photo) by the beach has been restored 
by the Hoy Society and offers a free camping barn with loo and cold water 
sink. The walled off area surrounding it is a free camp ground and the 
parking area 1/4 mile away (where the photo was taken) allows up to 7 nights 
free camping for vans.

I know of nowhere better.

Felly sgrifennodd  Richard Corbett :
>We were puzzled at the lack of camp sites. That is until we got there.

The reason that there are no (or maybe 1?) campsites on Harris is
because the best place to camp is free. It's on the west coast, a lovely
beach, and has toilets and running water. We camped there in April a few
years ago. I can't remember the name of the place, but if you're going
that way, you can hardly miss it.

Lewis has a few camp sites; the one just north of Stornoway - just off
the main road I think - was reall quite well equipped and laid out.

Adrian
-- 
Adrian Shaw                                         ais@
Adran Cyfrifiadureg, Prifysgol Cymru,                   aber.
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru                               ac.
http://users.aber.ac.uk/ais/weather/                            uk

Felly sgrifennodd  Richard Corbett :
>We were puzzled at the lack of camp sites. That is until we got there.

The reason that there are no (or maybe 1?) campsites on Harris is
because the best place to camp is free. It's on the west coast, a lovely
beach, and has toilets and running water. We camped there in April a few
years ago. I can't remember the name of the place, but if you're going
that way, you can hardly miss it.

Lewis has a few camp sites; the one just north of Stornoway - just off
the main road I think - was reall quite well equipped and laid out.

Adrian
-- 
Adrian Shaw                                         ais@
Adran Cyfrifiadureg, Prifysgol Cymru,                   aber.
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru                               ac.
http://users.aber.ac.uk/ais/weather/                            uk

Felly sgrifennodd  Richard Corbett :
>We were puzzled at the lack of camp sites. That is until we got there.

The reason that there are no (or maybe 1?) campsites on Harris is
because the best place to camp is free. It's on the west coast, a lovely
beach, and has toilets and running water. We camped there in April a few
years ago. I can't remember the name of the place, but if you're going
that way, you can hardly miss it.

Lewis has a few camp sites; the one just north of Stornoway - just off
the main road I think - was reall quite well equipped and laid out.

Adrian
-- 
Adrian Shaw                                         ais@
Adran Cyfrifiadureg, Prifysgol Cymru,                   aber.
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru                               ac.
http://users.aber.ac.uk/ais/weather/                            uk

Felly sgrifennodd  Richard Corbett :
>We were puzzled at the lack of camp sites. That is until we got there.

The reason that there are no (or maybe 1?) campsites on Harris is
because the best place to camp is free. It's on the west coast, a lovely
beach, and has toilets and running water. We camped there in April a few
years ago. I can't remember the name of the place, but if you're going
that way, you can hardly miss it.

Lewis has a few camp sites; the one just north of Stornoway - just off
the main road I think - was reall quite well equipped and laid out.

Adrian
-- 
Adrian Shaw                                         ais@
Adran Cyfrifiadureg, Prifysgol Cymru,                   aber.
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru                               ac.
http://users.aber.ac.uk/ais/weather/                            uk

"Adrian D. Shaw"  wrote in message 
news:1184689564.818251@leri.aber.ac.uk...
> Felly sgrifennodd  Richard Corbett :
>>We were puzzled at the lack of camp sites. That is until we got there.
>
> The reason that there are no (or maybe 1?) campsites on Harris is
> because the best place to camp is free. It's on the west coast, a lovely
> beach, and has toilets and running water. We camped there in April a few
> years ago. I can't remember the name of the place, but if you're going
> that way, you can hardly miss it.
>
> Lewis has a few camp sites; the one just north of Stornoway - just off
> the main road I think - was reall quite well equipped and laid out.
>
> Adrian
> -- 
> Adrian Shaw                                         ais@
> Adran Cyfrifiadureg, Prifysgol Cymru,                   aber.
> Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru                               ac.
> http://users.aber.ac.uk/ais/weather/                            uk

Is that the one with a few static vans on it Adrian? They were staked done 
on all 4 corners, which should have warned us! An old farmer came once a day 
and only wanted £4 which, given there was showers and toilets, was quite 
good I thought. This was at Uig on Harris.

There Was another beach just beyond this according to the map, which we 
didn't visit.  But what/whichever beach, it weren't 'arf windy!

Saw the one at Stornoway I think. A mile or so off the main road with a 
small grassed area. Looked nice - but the wind was still 
blowing.....................

Richard


Richard

Felly sgrifennodd  Richard Corbett :
>We were puzzled at the lack of camp sites. That is until we got there.

The reason that there are no (or maybe 1?) campsites on Harris is
because the best place to camp is free. It's on the west coast, a lovely
beach, and has toilets and running water. We camped there in April a few
years ago. I can't remember the name of the place, but if you're going
that way, you can hardly miss it.

Lewis has a few camp sites; the one just north of Stornoway - just off
the main road I think - was reall quite well equipped and laid out.

Adrian
-- 
Adrian Shaw                                         ais@
Adran Cyfrifiadureg, Prifysgol Cymru,                   aber.
Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru                               ac.
http://users.aber.ac.uk/ais/weather/                            uk

"Adrian D. Shaw"  wrote in message 
news:1184689564.818251@leri.aber.ac.uk...
> Felly sgrifennodd  Richard Corbett :
>>We were puzzled at the lack of camp sites. That is until we got there.
>
> The reason that there are no (or maybe 1?) campsites on Harris is
> because the best place to camp is free. It's on the west coast, a lovely
> beach, and has toilets and running water. We camped there in April a few
> years ago. I can't remember the name of the place, but if you're going
> that way, you can hardly miss it.
>
> Lewis has a few camp sites; the one just north of Stornoway - just off
> the main road I think - was reall quite well equipped and laid out.
>
> Adrian
> -- 
> Adrian Shaw                                         ais@
> Adran Cyfrifiadureg, Prifysgol Cymru,                   aber.
> Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Cymru                               ac.
> http://users.aber.ac.uk/ais/weather/                            uk

Is that the one with a few static vans on it Adrian? They were staked done 
on all 4 corners, which should have warned us! An old farmer came once a day 
and only wanted £4 which, given there was showers and toilets, was quite 
good I thought. This was at Uig on Harris.

There Was another beach just beyond this according to the map, which we 
didn't visit.  But what/whichever beach, it weren't 'arf windy!

Saw the one at Stornoway I think. A mile or so off the main road with a 
small grassed area. Looked nice - but the wind was still 
blowing.....................

Richard


Richard