Is the culture of sites changing?
And before anyone starts this is non accusational, just an observation.
Just back from 2.5 weeks up north - The NC500 area of Scotland, spending 8 nights at Kinlochewe and then 8 at Brora.
Both sites were 60-75% motorhomes of which 50% were rentals (all guesswork arithmetic btw)
Motorhomes were by their nature nomadic one night maybe two then off again.
An observation I'd make is that the majority kept themselves to themselves (Their choice)
But this did alter the dynamic of the sites in that caravaners general stay longer, meet people, build up a bit of rapport/banter, even with the wardens much more inclusive IMHO.
Just my thoughts
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Possibly the N500 area (I dislike this description because it has turned the north of Scotland into a race circuit, not just for vans either, coaches, motorbikes, cyclists etc etc) is going to attract the stay one night people who are just ticking another box on their list? Unfortunately short visits and no interest in the people or the locality will be the norm. Whatever happened to Sutherland and Caithness, don't get me going on this one. Let's hope the SW counties of the UK don't become the SW630 (based on the coast path length.
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even if on an aire for one night, I am happy to chat to my neighbour (if there is one...) be they French, Dutch, German or even from the UK...
some folk are 'sociable' by their nature....some aren't, however long they stay on site...
having said that, if it really is a MH just breezing in, cooking dinner, kipping and then off in the morning for the next day's adventure, perhaps pausing to pass the time of day with all and sundry just isn't on their radar....not rude or anything, just touring differently....
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I think it just reflects the two sites you have chosen to discuss, both bang on the NC500.
The same stats would not apply at say Broadway or Moreton in Marsh......?
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We’ve been to Brora many times with both caravan and MH and found people no more and no less friendly than on other sites. We've also stayed at Kinlochewe but that was only for one night with a caravan which completely breaks the mould.
Trips in the last few years have been amidst the NC500 hype and I really can’t say I’ve noticed any difference in terms of site usage and friendliness than in other years.
It wouldn’t surprise me to find a predominance of MHs on those sites, though, because it’s an area that lends itself to their use rather than towing caravans. For instance, although Berriedale Braes is doable with a caravan, it’s easier in a MH.
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Good point, DD. I’ve heard more than one warden/site owner say the hired MH drivers are usually the perpetrators of any problems on site.
Presumably, it’s because they might not have a vanning background and for the reasons you give.
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The "packaging" of the NC500 which lends itself so well to using a motorhome or even better a "camper-van" in the proper sense has spawned MH hiring businesses but the Germans and Netherlands campervanners discovered the route decades ago.
The hype surrounding the route is great for tourism along the route and may therefore be regarded as a success but whether it is good for users of the route is a different question.
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It was sad to hear about Skye becoming overwhelmed with visitors last year, there is a lot more pressure on all types of accommodation due to all the advertising. Whether people are friendly or not will depend on how easily anyone strikes up conversations etc. but I suspect there are many trying to pack in as much as they can on stays that aren't long enough.
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+1
I don’t think people realise the scale of the country and the fact that the roads aren't straight dual carriageways.
It’s not about driving the route but about stopping, exploring, looking, seeing and appreciating.
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+1 and I think that the site itself will generate it's own style of touring?
I'm at Melrose at the moment, been full from last midweek and that's really a 'traditional' club site as you'll find, easy to get to from north and south and it's probably about 60% caravans, certainly 60% on the SP row, but all MH on the fully tarmac area. Also from the MH and caravans I can see from my pitch they haven't been off site with either MH or car, but that could be because it's a site right in the town/village with a largish Co-op almost right on the door and lots cafes and eateries, (but sadly now only one pub!) walks and abbey, and it's BH weekend ). Maybe it will change from tomorrow? I'll keep an eye out.
I've chatted to a a few neighbours and people walking about, some want to chat a lot, some don't.
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It’ll be the old story of a mod moving the thread but it leaves a ghost behind in the original place.
It rather defeats the object of moving it when it effectively stays where it was.
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David www.northcoast500.com
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I have visited parts of the NC500 since the late 50’s (admittedly then Still in nappies) so view the new found interest with mixed feelings. It is good to bring money into the area but suspect many visitors are simply box ticking. How many investigate places such as Sandwood bay or Flowerdale?!
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