Scotland - Fife - Duloch Hamlet

[Boris]

Duloch Hamlet near Inverkeithing in Fife brands itself as an eco friendly campsite that caters primarily for the tenting community although it does have one vintage caravan for rental. It is located near Inverkeithing in Fife which is just across the River Forth from Edinburgh and is easily accessible by both road and train.

First impressions aren't too favourable as the approach to the site is behind a closed gate secured with a lock and chain (but don't let this put you off). Yvonne (the guardian) soon appeared and showed me how to open the lock and gave me the combination. Once through the gate the entrance road is flanked with a mix of sheds leantos and an old tent. Chickens scratch around and there is a definite air of recycling and make do and mend about the place.





The road continues past the buildings towards a meadow further up the hill where larger tents can be accommodated but for me it was the woodland pitches that appealed, so only 50 or so yards past the buildings and off to the left I was shown my pitch. The pitch consisted of a flatish area for my tent. A rather rustic table and bench and a fire pit. Logs and kindling is available at the shop for £4 for enough to keep the fire lit all evening.



Across the clearing from my pitch was the ablutions which consisted of a cold water sink and composting toilet. On the outside was another sink for dishwash with cold freshwater tap. Recycling bins were located nearby. Tanked water is available further up the hill.



Scattered round the woods are benches so one can sit and listen to the birdsong (and nearby motorway) and further up the hill is a "cottage" that you can sit in at night and watch the badgers and other creatures that live in the wood. Binoculars and a notebook are provided for campers use.





Pitch fees were a very reasonable £6 for me and another £2 for the motorbike (cars are £6 and push bikes free) car and motorbike charges are for the first night only. Firewood can be purchased for £4 and the shop also sells free range eggs along with other fresh produce. There are also some other prepackaged produce for sale such as oils, soups, beans, milk, pasta and bacon from Asda and the like. The shop operates on an honesty policy with a teapot for the takings. The fridge is also available for campers own food if required.

All in all a splendid site with the only real downside being the nearby motorway. It's not noticeable during the day but in the middle of the night the steady thrumming of vehicles can be a bit of a distraction. It's not loud by any measure, but it is noticeable against the relative silence of the night time woodland.

Bottom line is this place is simply terrific. I wish I had more time to stay as I'm sure there was so much more to Duloch Hamlet than I saw in my all to brief visit. I'll certainly be back and judging by the comments made by a couple of campers I met (Andy and his charming wife which to my shame I've forgotten her name) I won't be the only one. Thanks go out to the guardians Chris and Yvonne who have undoubtedly made this place one of the finest eco campsites I have been to.



Website camping fife near edinburgh

Google Maps Duloch Hamlet - Google Maps

[Boris]

On reflection I was so impressed with this place I am going back again this weekend. This time with No1 child.

We may even get to see the badgers.

[Boris]

Doh.
I received an email from Yvonne at Duloch saying the torrential rain we have had this week has made the Hamlet paths pretty muddy. In order to avoid causing unnecessary damage it looks like I may have to postpone my visit till things dry out a bit.

[ousho]

Ach, I hope it drys up. Vix and I who met you on both our and your first visit there were hoping to go along this weekend too. Love the forum btw, looks great and I look forward to getting plenty tips from the other users. Cheers, Andy.

[Boris]

Hi Andy, Sorry I forgot Vix's name.

The above post of mine is a few weeks old and I have been back since. Give Yvonne a call as things have been a bit drier recently and they have also been putting down some bark chips on the pathways.

Let us know how you get on.

[choobidoobi]

Have to say that the hole in hole station was a bit more robust – less wicker in construction than this one! well ventilated, tho looks like one good blast of wind and...
but Im definitely gonna add this my list of places to aim for.