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Got a trip to Aberdeenshire area next month for maybe two/three days of riding.
Ideally looking for somewhere to park up a couple of vans and bike bum it for the weekend like you can do at inners DH carpark but not knowing the area this is a gamble just driving up and seeing what happens.
Can anyone recommend somewhere around Ballater/Aboyne where we can park up out of the way and be no bother to anyone or a legit campsite/ biking accommodation if the former is a no go?
There is a campsite in Ballater and people seem to van camp around the Burn o Vat visitors centre. At least they did last September.
People also van camped at the top of Glenn Shee and there is a campsite in Braemar.
Thanks Bruce. That's a good start. I'll look into those options 👍
there is a campsite in Braemar.
But that would require dealing with Andy the Campsite Nazi, something that should be avoided at all costs.
Probably not what you're looking for but I can't recommend the Ballater Hostel enough. Great place to stay and great hosts.
Out of curiosity Andy the campsite Nazi?
I have only ever driven past.
Just looked on Trip Advisor!
I see what you mean!
Just looked on Trip Advisor!
I see what you mean!
He was merely an obstructive jobsworth with us but he was downright rude to one of his colleagues because she'd tried to help us out. I won't be going back.
There’s a couple of places I could suggest but honestly I’d rather not publicise them. I’ll PM them if you like.
The site at Ballater takes touring vans. Fairly busy at this time of year.
There are lots of minor roads of the main North Deeside Road. I’m not sure I’d recommend the Burn o’Vat visitor centre as it’s becoming a bit of a honey trap for the motor homers. There is a discrete spot suitable for vans just before the visitor centre.
We stayed here earlier in the year. Very well located for riding at Ballater and Aboyne.
We stayed at the Burn o’Vat car park last night. We arrived around 7pm and there were about 8 other vans already there, and at least 3-4 arrived after we did. There are signs up saying they welcome people staying for 1 night only, and ask people to consider a donation, which you can make online (we did this).
The toilets are open all night, and we had a walk up to the waterfall in the evening and also again this morning, as my daughter loved it.
Quite a few vans with bikes there last night, and most people seemed to be heading off this morning to the local trails. Definitely spotted a few of them at Tarland today when I cycled through.
That Ballater site does have truly excellent showers
Andy the campsite Nazi
Indeed.
Since their disbanding in 1945, most would-be recruits of the Waffen-SS appear to have gone into campsite management instead,
All good stuff here folks. Thanks.
Campsite may be the best option as we've got one person in a tent by the looks of it now.
What's the link to the trip advisor? I can't find one with hilariously bad reviews. Could do with a laugh.