Stay the night in Scottish Forests in your Campervan or Motorhome

[@OurDaysOut]

Great Vlog Guys. Thanks for sharing.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Cheers, I think they will be doing it again this year.

[@michaelpilling9659]

Greetings from Poland. One of your very best videos - ever! This is video 31 on my journey through your catalogue. What a ,fantastic trip. 3 beautiful forestry car parks, only spoilt by the weather. So much to see and explore. Monuments, gorgeous scenery, bacon for breakfast, abbey ruins, suspension bridge, River Tees - WOW! Thanks so much for taking me along. Today is 08/01/22 and it's 2pm. Enjoying a lovely wee dram whilst watching your vlog. See you again very soon

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Michael and hope you are enjoying your wee dram while watching us. It was a really good initiative opening up the forest carparks during the pandemic, maybe they will do it again in 2022, fingers crossed.

[@russfinn4602]

just watched this video fantastic places to visit a very informative video I've never been to Scotland I do believe I'm missing out on such a beautiful country looks amazing

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Well worth a visit Russ.

[@CaravanningwithourWesties]

Great little park ups in a lovely setting. Glad you gave life’s too short a shout out as they put us on to you. We are loving your travels.👍 TYFS👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Yep, great channel, and we were not the only ones getting wet!

[@garynoble4320]

Cruising the cut mentioned you..... I confess I am now an addict..... I can't get enough

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Gary, great to have you with us 👍

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Absolutely fantastic video, we really enjoyed watching that. They keep getting better and better. Thanks very much for the plug that was kind of you 👍. The forestry commission have got their head screwed on running that trial. I imagine it will be a roaring success so I hope they keep it going. We would certainly partake of some of that when we next venture across the border. Well done you two, keep them coming please and Kiera of course 👍

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Ken & Carol, we have certainly had rain in common. It was great exploring the woods and some terrific trails, and we only did three so lots more to explore.

[@1Polglen]

Great video. Enjoying them from afar New Zealand. My son and I travelled by bike to the loch and were going to do the walk to Bruce's Rock. (Agree had a nice lunch at the cafe) But I got stung by a wasp and it curtailed the walk. It wasn't a good day for us as several hours later my son hit gravel on the road, lost control, ended up in a Water filled ditch with a smashed arm. Just say the Scottish Police were fantastic finding us and getting the ambulance to us. Helping get our bikes down from the hills. Thanks I've now seen part of the walk and the rock. I had hoped another trip to England would happen but we'll it's not looking good. So I've brought a Toyota van and in the next month hope to start building it out. A high top as getting a pop top fitted here is very difficult and there's very little difference in price for a high top and low. Disadvantage is the wind but being short means I can stand which I decided was worth the wind problem. Thanks

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thats a good choice getting the high top, there are pros and cons with the pop top I suppose. Sounds like you had an eventful time when you visited the Loch with your son, most of the Scottish police are very good, sounds like they saved the day for you.

[@NinjaAndRib]

Wonderful video! Your country is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to watch more videos. Take care!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thank you so much, keep watching 👍💕

[@ethanesmith]

What a great program and what beautiful countryside Scotland has! I'm so glad you, Carol, and Ken have a mutual admiration for each other. I'm looking forward to a crossover, UK, KZbin wee countryside camping van event someday! Ha! Thank you for taking us along and showing us your lovely van, pooch, and home!

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Ethan, we certainly are lucky to have the countryside we do in Scotland. I am sure that Wee Red Camper will happen at some point.

[@martynlejeune5191]

Another fabulous video guys. I always love to see all the stunning scenery in your part of the world 👍

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Martyn, we are a bit spoilled for scenery here.

[@theflippintoothfairyjackie5702]

WOW! Such an amazing journey and filmmaking Mike, Tricia & Kiera. Love your video style, so many awesome shots and your narration is so relaxed and informative. Thanks for taking us along 👍

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Jackie, thank you so much, we loved making that and so glad you liked it👍💕

[@BobEarnshawMoHo]

A great idea, the forest car parks, thanks for sharing. You're not having much luck with the weather.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

No, not much luck with the weather but Mr & Mrs Waterproof were fine. Hopefully they will make Stay The Night a permanent thing.

[@sandihandi7831]

Die Hard campers told us years ago when we first started camping in a camper that it was called "glamping". Call it whatever, but I was safe and comfortable with doors/lock/ heat/air. lol No tent for me. You folks look so comfortable in your campervan. Travel safe out there. Oh look, I'm clear back to Sept. 2020. Still watching.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Well done for staying with us Sandy. Before we got the van, we camped all the time in tents, and it was a lot of fun, and yes it was glamping 👍

[@janwaller3585]

You really had wet weather , but great attitudes about continuing your adventures.❤️1/20/22

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, if we wait for good weather in Scotland we would hardly ever go outdoors 🤣

[@ilikejelly7890]

Hi I have just found your channel, I live in SW Scotland and Clatteringshaws just 40 mins from me . I am going to binge watch your videos later . Just a few miles down the road (12?) you arrive at small town Newton Stewart and 2 miles along the road Kirroughtree also has car park , part of the 7Stanes mountain biking and Dark Skies. You can buy a yearly ticket that allows you into every forest drive/car park in Scotland . Sorry if you have already mentioned all this. I have one of your videos on in background at moment and I don't have time to watch till later but I see you are in my home village Port William . Can't wait to binge. Michelle x

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Michelle, glad you found us, I don't think the annual ticket will entitle us to stay overnight, but still good value for people wanting to visit lots of forests for the day. Thanks for watching 👍

[@ilikejelly7890]

​@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Hi , yeah i just looked it up and found the year pass doesn't apply , I used to have one when mountain biking in Dumfries & Galloway. The Black Loch just down from Clatteringshaws so I might head there this weekend then Kirroughtree, they all on my doorstep. Thank you

[@wobbleboxadventures]

Fab idea that of the forestry, more places should do this. Great vlog stay safe 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Yes, its a great idea and definitely more places should 👍

[@jwilson2042]

It’s strange you should mention Carol and Ken Duerdon as it was watching their videos that got me hooked on a camper car, suffice to say I now have one in production with Sussex Campervans. I have watched many videos on KZbin for camping but you two are the ones who I’ve warmed to too. Keep up the great work and maybe one day we’ll meet at one of the campsites. Janice and Lucy the dachshund. 🥰

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks so much for watching, you will love your camper I'm sure. We met Ken & Carol last year and have become friends. Maybe we will meet you at a site, who knows, Keira would live to meet Lucy.....so would we actually, we love dachshunds 💕🐾

[@000caro555]

Great video guys. Love Keira. X ☺️

[@kazasinclair2383]

Dalbeattie and Kirroughtree is also really good , Kirroughtree has 24hr toilet , cafe and showers ,huge car park , 🤞🏼 they do this this year too, we loved doing them all in Dumfries and Galloway last year , great video 👍

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Casual 👧 we were also hoping they would do again this year, Kirroughtree sounds really good, must keep an eye on the website.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Looks promising... forestryandland.gov.scot/news-releases

[@whiskeycook3323]

Okay, I’ve watched all your videos to date and I really enjoyed watching them. Please keep them coming

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks again Marie, will do

[@OurWedding2012]

Thanks for your video, forest car parks are a great addition to the stop over portfolio, I just hope all visitors are respectful. The last one at Clatteringshaws looks just great, even a chemical disposal. I think more resources like that need to be provided as the number of new vans and staycationers last and next year is going to put pressure on the campsites, environment and the local patience.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Absolutely right, they are doing it again this year and some local authorities starting to take notice and action about having aires in Scotland, as you say, people need to respect these sites.

[@jeanettesmart9990]

Great info and views thanks so much, I love the wee broom van 👍

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks so much Jeanette, glad you like it👍

[@rogermowat401]

Great video guys. Just back from that area ourselves and visited neat St Boswell and Dryburgh Abbey. Wish it had been in a camper van though. Keep up the interesting intinerary and great walks.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Roger, it sure is a beautiful place, we love the Scottish Borders 👍

[@traceyneedham3718]

Happy New Year and all the best for 2021🍾🥂🍾🥂

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Happy new year! and all the best to you too!

[@ontheadventuretrails-scotl9389]

It’s nice to see Scotland catching up. Let’s hope this isn’t abused. Take care folks. D&L

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, yes we are getting there👍

[@peterdavies7828]

Another great video 👍 great info thanks again

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Appreciate the feedback Peter 👍

[@makingonesway722]

thanks for the info its a massive help

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

No probs👍

[@melvyncrimlis8997]

We were at the Temple of the Muses and the Wallace Monument just 2 days ago. Not sure when you filmed but Dryburgh Abbey is now open provided you book timed tickets online. Lovely area.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

We were there last Tuesday so must have just reopened the Abbey. It sure is a lovely area.

[@galaxywhispers1787]

Nice video. Two quick questions, How do you know how much fresh water is left in your fresh water tank? And where is said tank located in your van?

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks GW, the tank is inside the van behind a fixed panel, just right to the cupboard under the sink. Think its 30 litres. There is no way to tell how much is in it unfortunately, we just learn from experience how much we go through and fill up when we think we are getting close to empty. Not a problem when on campsites as water is always nearby.

[@dparris61]

Brilliant vlog guys 👍👍😎

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks guys so glad you liked it 👍

[@alanmerchant1815]

thanks for the info looks like a nice trip

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, it was, despite the rain.

[@gailwood2235]

Great vlog as usual. Can I ask where you store your ‘wet’ wet weather gear in the camper? I’m never sure what to do with mine. Thanks. X

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Gail, its a problem for us too, on the backs of front seats but we spray them with waterproofing periodically and give them a good shake first.

[@gillianh]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot If parked up we open the tailgate and use Northcore Hook Up Magnetic Hangers. Brilliant little invention and only £12.95 each. Hang them under the open tailgate to let your wet weather gear dry. Alternatively use a dry bag.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks Gillian will look at that

[@ashlar36]

Hi there, new subscriber here, enjoyed all your videos we've watched so far. I now see as of now (April 2021) I've noticed the camp for the night is longer available. We plan to come up from England when allowed and these looked ideal, are there any plans to re-start this scheme?

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Andrew, glad you found us and are enjoying our vids. Stay The Night will be starting up again this year, Cameron McNeish did a video on it recently, if you search for his channel you should find it.

Love the videos, but could you boost your audio a little in post, as I have it maxed out on my speakers and it is still quite quiet.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks for the feedback, I have previously had comments about it being too loud, I must have went the other way now so will look at this again for our next one.👍

​@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot I hear you. The volume level on the video from the show in February was better, as I've been watching that just now. I look forward to the next one, as I've just discovered that Toyota van and rather like it as I've been looking for a similar conversion of the Citroen/Peugeot variants.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@ OK thanks again for the feedback👍

[@newbeginnings8566]

UK weather is the great problem with camping.. Luckily you have a high quality van to sleep in.. Out of season these sites might be okay but with midges and lack of facilities you have to be keen or want to save money.. Not sure arriving late you would need to pay the parking fee - unless you want to..

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Midges should be OK after Sept, and keen walkers will like these car parks for the forest trails. There was a guy checking tickets early in the morning.

[@whiskeycook3323]

What type of stove are you cooking breakfast on

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Marie, its called a Ridge Monkey, its like a double sided frying pan so cook on low heat and its like a mini oven

[@julierogers1155]

What was the brown furry animal? I am in the United States, so not sure I recognize your animals ....

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

That was a little field mouse. Don't see them often as they are timid and hide away but this one wanted in on the action.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Hello - its May 2021 now and they have stopped doing it, for now.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Yes but I hear its to start up again so keep an eye on the website.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Good news. I am coming up your way in two days' time. NC 500 in reverse, sort of. Possibly the Outer Hebrides too.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

that will be great, hope the weather is good as it makes suck a difference, its pishing it down at the moment.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

Their website today - Motorhomes and campervans that are self-contained and have their own toilet facilities will be able to stay overnight at some of our car parks from 26 April - 31 October 2021 in a continuation of the Stay the Night initiative we ran last year. This does not include overnight tent camping or car parking.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

@@tooyoungtobeold8756 , thanks for that, really good to see it confirmed, we hope to use it again this year.

[@MrDirtyTrucker]

Can I ask why No caravan?

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Good point. The website and signs don't say caravans, I can only assume because some of the car parks have bumpy single track roads and pot holes, but if i had a caravan I wouldn't let it stop me. I would just check out on Google maps first and if it looks OK I would go for it.👍

[@julierogers1155]

I appreciate that you observed a moment of silence for the Pan Am Lockerbie (bombing) victims at the memorial.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Thanks, yes had to do it that way, it was a moving experience being there.

[@julierogers1155]

@@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot Even after all these years, I remember that day ... the reporting and the grief.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

It was shocking and we were a nation in mourning for a very long time.

[@robertoxley4997]

I take it you have a porta potty on board

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Hi Robert , yes we have that in one if the cupboards in the van.

[@petecoventry6858]

I think this is good. We have a car park in the Midlands that has a separate place for motorhomes and caravans - it's per night biling and for that you get ELSAN and water and hookup. And it's manned 24/7 by a warden. Happy to pay to park and I don't leave any mess anywhere. In fact I clean it up if I can before I leave You notice how messy people are but we still get the grief.

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

Yep, a few litter louts can spoil if for the rest of us. We need more initiatives like this allowing honest folk to park up and visit different places 👍

[@Cunntas]

terrible pronunciation of Wauchope :-)

[@MikeandTriciaOotnAboot]

I know, the forest ranger told us the right pronunciation. Thought we had got away with it until you just picked me up on it, well done, damn 😂😉😳