Pitch perfect in Scotland

As the summer warms up – and more of us look for great value holidays and an escape from everyday life – camping just keeps getting cooler.

Offering bargain breaks on some of the best campsites in the UK - a four night break under canvas starts at just £130 for up to six people - Eurocamp UK Escapes provides an al fresco alternative to a night in a hotel with a whole host of unique outdoor experiences thrown in.

With pre-erected, fully-equipped tent accommodation on nine sites across the UK, Eurocamp has everything you need for a hassle-free camping break – the only thing you need to pack is your sleeping bag and pillow case! All tents come with a large living area, three separate sleeping compartments with beds, pillows and blankets, plus a 4-burner hob, cool box, outdoor table and chairs as well as a charcoal barbecue – so you can enjoy al fresco living to the full.

And with a number of tents accommodating dogs, our favourite furry friends can also enjoy the holiday at no extra cost.

Eurocamp tents can be found at two award-winning campsites in Scotland – Cobleland, near Gartmore, Stirlingshire and Cashel on Loch Lomond, Argyll – both are run in partnership with Forest Holidays and operate within the Forestry Commission Estate.

The stunning scenery of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park is the setting for both campsites. Stretching from the east shore of Loch Lomond to the rugged terrain of Strathyre, the park boasts a wondrous mountainous backdrop, filled with open moorland as well as shaded woodland and lazy rivers and lochs - making a Eurocamp UK Escapes the perfect antidote from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Cashel, Loch Lomond
For lovers of fishing, walking and even water sports, Cashel is located on the lapping shores of Loch Lomond. Those with their own boat will appreciate the campsite’s launching area for non-powered craft and dinghies. There are many islands dotted on the loch which can be enjoyed and explored via a cruise boat – with boat trips operating regularly throughout the summer. On dry land there’s also plenty to do, with a number of paths leading through the scenic Queen Elizabeth Forest Park to explore on foot or bicycle, and Ben Lomond is located nearby for those more adventurous hikers.

A three night stay in a pre-erected fully equipped tent at Cashel – arriving on Friday 31 July 2009 – costs just £155 for up to six people, making it just under £26 per person for the entire stay.

Whilst there, join in the family fun weekend on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August run by Forest Rangers in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park’s David Marshall Lodge Visitor Centre. There will be wood skills, craft demonstrations and other outdoor Ranger activities for the whole family to enjoy.

Cobeland, in Gartside, Stirlingshire
Some 25 miles away from Cashel, is the award winning Cobleland campsite, in the very heart of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park. The Eurocamp tents here are pitched amidst ancient oaks with stunning backdrops of natural beauty. There’s plenty to do here too, with a wide range of Ranger-led activity – such as survival skills like safe fire making, animal tracking and shelter building – not to mention walking, fishing, orienteering and cycling.

A seven night stay at Cobeland – arriving Friday 7 August – staying in a pre-erected fully equipped six-berth tent costs just £320.

And on Saturday 8 August why not join one of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park rangers to watch this year’s Osprey chicks take their first flight and practice their hunting techniques before setting off on their African migration. The tour leaves from a Ranger centre less than half a mile away and early booking is recommended.

For further information or to book, visit eurocamp.co.uk.