Spoke with the Park director today and he gave the go ahead for hosting a meet.
He was keen that if it was a skill sharing weekend that a few of the Rangers pop along to learn "something" as well as getting lots of good promotional type photos and a write up to be used for the Parks publicity. Nothing was said about costs, but I'll push for a freebie/cheaper fees for a first time meet.
Details and dates arent set in stone yet, just thought I'd let folk know that it will happen
I'm thinking either a dead of winter meet in January or february or possibly spring time. Looking at the potential sites its either the official campsite at Barnbrock or at the Muirshiel Country Park up in the Hills. Personally Id go with up in the hills as its a bit more remote (its used as a star gazing spot by the local observatory) and if we get snow cover like we did this year it'd be a cold camp, but happy to use the official campsite if there is more demand for that.
Fires would have be raised as we encourage the "leave no trace" principles with folks wild camping in the Park. If we have to pay we'd properly get access to the toilet and shower facilities so won't be totally roughing it.
Dependent on the time of year we meet I might also be able to get some discount on kayak or canoe sessions at our water sports centre at Lochwinnoch.
Its still early stage of planning so don't have all the answers yet but thought I'd start the thread to whet folks appetite.
Orric
He was keen that if it was a skill sharing weekend that a few of the Rangers pop along to learn "something" as well as getting lots of good promotional type photos and a write up to be used for the Parks publicity. Nothing was said about costs, but I'll push for a freebie/cheaper fees for a first time meet.
Details and dates arent set in stone yet, just thought I'd let folk know that it will happen
I'm thinking either a dead of winter meet in January or february or possibly spring time. Looking at the potential sites its either the official campsite at Barnbrock or at the Muirshiel Country Park up in the Hills. Personally Id go with up in the hills as its a bit more remote (its used as a star gazing spot by the local observatory) and if we get snow cover like we did this year it'd be a cold camp, but happy to use the official campsite if there is more demand for that.
Fires would have be raised as we encourage the "leave no trace" principles with folks wild camping in the Park. If we have to pay we'd properly get access to the toilet and shower facilities so won't be totally roughing it.
Dependent on the time of year we meet I might also be able to get some discount on kayak or canoe sessions at our water sports centre at Lochwinnoch.
Its still early stage of planning so don't have all the answers yet but thought I'd start the thread to whet folks appetite.
Orric