North Rhinns Camping
UK Scotland South Scotland Dumfries And Galloway
Back-to-basics camping near Scotland’s wildly beautiful south-west coast
‘Our number one rule?’ smiles Rob Googe, the co-owner of North Rhinns.‘You must be laid-back.’ And, with his wife Kath, he has created a hideaway campsite that makes you want to be just that. This gem of a site harks back to the golden days of camping that your grandfather may have told you about, when he tramped along some sun-dappled byway with no real plan in mind and needed no more than a few grassy feet of a local farmer’s orchard to be completely happy.
When the Googes came here in 2010 they found a small forest run wild with bracken and brambles, and saw the potential to create the campsite they had always wanted to stay at themselves. Inch by inch, they hand-cut pitches according to the shape of the land and the feel of the space. So each spot has its own character – one is perfect for watching the sunset, another completely lost amid the trees or favoured by grazing deer at dawn. Find the one that suits you best and settle down.
As you do, you’ll begin to discover more special things about this deceptive site. The trees you thought were all pines also include young oaks and odd exotics (is that really a eucalyptus?). That odd ‘ack-ack’ noise isn’t a misfiring tractor but a boisterous buzzard, and that vole isn’t actually scurrying away from you, but the barn owl that happens to be sat on the fencepost. This is a site you’ll want to tell your friends about – but not too many of them, as it truly is one of the best-kept secrets in UK camping.
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Details
Facilities
10-ish tent pitches, 5 with electric hook-ups. Pitches have a secluded feel with 2 separate parking areas to provide vehicle free camping and preserve the grass.Our 3 campervan pitches with electric hookups are a very short level stroll to the facilities.
Our cosy camping pod is equipped with 2 beds, electric heater, kettle and toaster and freesat TV. Plates, bowls, mugs ,cutlery and cooking pans provided.
Our facilities building has full disabled access and has a disabled loo and level access shower.
There are washing up facilities and a electric socket for a hairdryer/charging phones.
Small fridge-freezer for campers cold blocks and milk etc. (no charge)
Drying lines strung between trees.
Dogs are welcome on leads.
Picnic tables and fire pits/BBQ hearths provided. You can buy sacks of wood with kindling from us.
Suitable For
People with Tents, single campers, couples, families and groups maximum 10 (same-sex groups and couples welcome too)3 small campervans – yes. Caravans and large motorhomes – NO.
Well behaved children and dogs welcome too!
Nearby
There is a well-stocked and licensed village shop 2 miles in Leswalt that gives cashback.The local sea fishing is fantastic – visit The Sports Shop, tel 01776 702705 (www.fishingstranraer.com) we have some local information here too.
There is a sandy beach 2 miles away (walk there) and other secluded beaches can be reached by car, as well as some on foot. The holiday town of Portpatrick is 10 miles away. The Southern Upland Way (01835 824000) is 5 miles away and particulaly good walks can be found at the RSPB reserve at Mull of Galloway along with a Lighthouse there.
The North Rhinns Coast path is now agreed and parts are under construction and accessible. A favourite section is between Killingtrangin lighthouse and Portpatrick.
There is also an interesting route to take in to discover all the gardens of Gallowaywith a nearby favourite being the grounds of Castle Kennedy, well worth a visit.
Food & Drink
The hotel in the lighthouse (01776 853220) at Corsewell Point, 9 miles from the site, does fine food and does yummy tea and scones, too. The Crown(01776 810261), The Harbour House (01776 810456), Mount Stewart Hotel (01776 810291) and Campbell's resturant (01776 810314) are amongst others at Portpatrick, with live music at The Crown on Fridays and Saturday nights.A large selection of takeaways are in Stranraer.
If you're looking for something a little more on the hoof then try the fish and chip van in Portpatrick harbour, high season only.
Opening Times
Main Camping season 2017 Third week of March – mid/late October. Please contact the site in advance so they know when to expect you and preferably before 8pm, andin all cases plan to arrive before dark.We are pleased to take phone calls and emails and bookings all year round. If you plan to come at the end of the season, please phone or email to check that we are open.
Why book with I Love This Campsite?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
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The Owner Says
VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY UNTIL LATE AUGUST FOR CAMPERVAN OR SMALL TENTS ONLY MAX 2 PEOPLE AND SOME NIGHTS FOR CAMPING POD. , LOTS IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2020
Back-to-basics camping near Scotland’s wildly beautiful south-west coast – North Rhinns Camping is a small quiet camping field in a stunning rural location. Tent pitches are well spaced and private, according to the lie of the land and leaving bushes and trees to divide them. Small campervans accepted, under 6.4 metre, plus we have a fully insulated camping pod. Modern facilities building has hot water for shower, wash basins and washing up sinks included in price. Campfires at most pitches. Drinking water at all taps. No need for bottled water.
- We keep a strict limit on the number of people who are on the site at any one time, so at busy times we may make some pitches unavailable to make sure we are not overcrowded. Very young children (under 6 years) are restricted to certain pitches (for online bookings).
- Dogs and other pets are welcome, with considerate owners. Agressive dogs NOT welcome. We need to know the breed or type of your dog/dogs when you book, helps us to offer suitable pitches. If your dog attacks/bites anyone on the campsite you will be told to leave.
- When we are not fully booked we can be very flexible, so if our online offers do not meet your specific needs, please contact us directly by phone or by email or our website to discuss options.
- Our campsite is suited to campers who enjoy PEACE AND QUIET. Ideal for birdwatchers, cyclists, walkers, sea anglers. Bird life in abundance.
- FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN ARE ASKED TO RESPECT THE PEACE AND QUIET OF OTHER CAMPERS. Children should be supervised by their responsible adult at all times. WE DO NOT PROVIDE PLAY FACILITIES.
- Noise and nuisance. We as owners have the right to advise you to leave if you do not respect other campers, or ourselves, by making a continual noise or nuisance of yourselves.
- If you are making a booking to arrive the same day or the next day please phone or text us to let us know that you are coming, in case we have not seen our emails.
Social Distancing Measures
We have reduced the number of tent pitches available and have imposed a limit on the total number of people staying to 18. Pitches have at least 10 metres between them. We are roping off the narrow path leading around the field side of the campsite, which prevents other campers crossing the 5 tent pitches by the path, which may have tents . There remains another wider circular path to the top of the field and around the wood.
The double doors of the facilities building will be open at all times, enabling campers to see if there is anyone using the 2 toilets or shower or washing up sink. We will ask campers to wait by a marker outside the building if they are in use. There will be markers on the floor to show distancing. We will ask campers to leave toilet and shower doors open when they leave so others can see they are vacant. Handsanitiser and disinfectant at building entrance.
Card and cash payments possible on the site.
Accommodation
10 grass tent pitches, 3 that will take large 6 man tents with electric hookups. Max of 3 campervans (up to 6.3 metres in length) on hardstanding with grass area beside. 1 camping pod sleeping 2 (3 at a squeeze). It may not always be possible to have the exact pitch you see in the photograph when booking.
Medium tent pitch (no EHU)
Grass pitch
Sleeps 4
Suitable for 4-man tent. Campfire included. No electric hook-up.
Campervan pitch optional electric no awning
All-weather with electricity
Sleeps 5
This pitch is suitable for a campervan with no side awning. A small tent close by is possible. Electric hook-up included. Car with rear awning can use this pitch. Enjoy open views and nearby facilities close to the campsite entrance.
Campervan pitch with optional electric hookup
All-weather with electricity
Sleeps 4
Suitable for campervans (under 6.5m) on hardstanding with grass area beside. Alternatively, a small tent (less than 3m wide) can be pitched on the grass with a car parked on the hardstanding. Optional electric hook-up available.
Campervan pitch with optional electric hookup
All-weather with electricity
Sleeps 4
Hardstanding for campervan under 6m long (VW, Bongo, Transit, Ducato etc) long with grass space for side awning or small tent less than 3m wide. Extra charge for awning. Optional electric hook-up available. No campfire on this pitch. This pitch is the most sheltered from wind in poor weather.
Cosy Camping Pod
Pod
Sleeps 2
All weather furnished camping pod sleeps 2 people , & 1 small child, or one adult and child. Electricity included. A small tent can be put up close to the pod to accommodate older children.
Large tent pitch (optional EHU)
Grass pitch with electricity
Sleeps 6
Large tent pitch with electric hookup, maximum tent size 6m x 4m. Includes campfire and open views.
Large tent pitch (optional EHU)
Grass pitch with electricity
Sleeps 6
Spacious sheltered pitch for families or groups. Takes large tent tent (max 7m x 4m) or 3 small tents (5m x 5m). Includes campfire. Optional electric hook-up available.
Large tent pitch (optional EHU)
Grass pitch
Sleeps 6
Spacious sheltered pitch for families or groups. Takes large tent tent (max 7m x 4m) or 3 small tents (5m x 5m). Includes campfire. Optional electric hook-up available.
Medium tent pitch (optional EHU)
Grass pitch with electricity
Sleeps 5
2 Available
This medium grass tent pitch can accommodate a single 4-5 man tent. Near to facilities building and entrance. There is parking on hardstanding close by.
Small tent pitch (no EHU)
Grass pitch
Sleeps 4
Suitable for small/medium tents (max 4m x 3m) for 2–4 campers. Campfire hearth included. No electricity. West-facing with expansive views over the surrounding fields.
Small tent pitch (no EHU)
Grass pitch
Sleeps 4
Set within the shelter belt, this pitch is suitable for small/medium tents (max 4m x 3m) for up to 3 adults. Campfire hearth included. No electricity.
Small tent pitch (no EHU)
Grass pitch
Sleeps 4
Suitable for small-medium tent (max 3.5m x 4m). Campfire hearth included but no electric hook-up.
Location
Contact North Rhinns Camping, Glengyre Cottage near Leswalt Stranraer Wigtownshire Dumfries and Galloway DG9 0RG
Getting There
From Stranraer head west following signs for Leswalt, Kirkcolm. After golf course on right go straight on at roundabout into Leswalt. Pass shop on left and continue straight up steep hill, after which site is 1 mile further on, first cottage on left. There are Tourist signs for North Rhinns camping 2 miles away at Leswalt Kirk crossroads in the village.
Long Distance buses and coaches direct to Stranraer from Carlisle, Dumfries, Glasgow and Ayr. Bus 408 runs from Stranraer to Leswalt, 2 miles walk from site. There is also a railway station at Stranraer (6 miles) that has direct trains from Glasgow and Kilmarnock.
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Why book with I Love This Campsite?
- Best Price Guarantee, with no fees
- Instant booking confirmation
- Trusted for over 10 years
- A chance to win prizes in our regular competitions