Scotland whisky tour (1 Viewer)

[GJH]

such a shame they wont let anyone stop over as anyone ever asked ?

Most are hiding behind some kind of HMRC rule? Balvenie & Glenfiddich (who are next door) have no qualms though. Just seems odd.

Like any other company, they are subject to the restrictions in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. Presumably, without a caravan site licence or CL exemption, the demand would soon outstrip the rules on numbers of vans at a time and numbers of nights in a 12 month period.

 

[TheWM]

Like any other company, they are subject to the restrictions in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960. Presumably, without a caravan site licence or CL exemption, the demand would soon outstrip the rules on numbers of vans at a time and numbers of nights in a 12 month period.

More than one has stated it is a specific tax reason. However, having read some other blogs as above, if you've had a few drinks then there is realistically nothing they can do. I just didn't want to chance it and get on the wrong side of them.

 

[icantremember]

I forgot to add, a possible whisky rally/meet

Last year we spent a few days on a C&CC THS at Bridge of Allan run by Glasgow DA who put on a whisky tasting evening with a great selection of assorted malts.

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[MattR]

I forgot to add, a possible whisky rally/meet (although I'm sure that rum/brandy/armagnac/gin drinkers can be included too), is being discussed here:

http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/whisky-fans-lidl-do-it-again.119171/page-7

Perhaps we need a new thread in the rally section?

Created: http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/proposed-whisky-meet-may-7th-2016.119967/

 

[GJH]

More than one has stated it is a specific tax reason. However, having read some other blogs as above, if you've had a few drinks then there is realistically nothing they can do. I just didn't want to chance it and get on the wrong side of them.

There may well be a tax reason as well, I won't dispute it if they claim it However, notwithstanding that the 1960 Act does apply
As regards nothing they can do about people who have had a few drinks, presumably they could levy a high parking charge and/or insist that the van is left empty overnight. Definitely not one to chance

 

[Dave and Ginny]

I'm joining this thread a bit late as you now seem all sorted! You might like to look on FB at Scottish Motorhome Wildcampers, a nice friendly little group with a POI file of locations that may come in handy. Also, there is Friends of Classic Malts thats worth joining, you can google them and join or also join at a participating distillery. You get a little brown book to get stamped up and when full you get freebies but I can't remember quite what.

Have a good time and do keep us updated as we're heading back to Gods Country next year.

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[klaatu]

I've read in a number of places that Glenfiddich 'officially' allow overnight parking in their car park - in fact we were considering it on our recent trip. This is no longer the case, then?

Steve

 

[TheWM]

Glenfiddich & Balvenie whilst not officially saying yes - have advised that their car parks remain open all night and there would be no (physical) restriction to coming and going. Which was a wink and a nod without actually giving approval.

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

Hi,
Shame you are going now but if you enjoy yourself why not consider the Speyside Whisky Festival 28th April to 2nd May 2016 LINK.
We went last year and had a fantastic time. you get to sample very many of the single cask bottlings most of which are non-chill-filtered as there is no chance any will be going to the US where they put ice in single malts!!!!
We parked in car parks and beside lakes with actually no bother at all. In fact at one point we were sitting in our deck chairs on the pavement in Dufftown eating our lunch with a large glass of malt in our hands when a couple of coppers walked past and started discussing what we had sampled and what we were sampling at that moment. Then wandered off with a cheery "have a good weekend." (our daughter in-law was driving as she doesn't like whiskey)
Things not to miss: The "Whiskey Dramble" a ramble through the woods with a tasting of about six different malts. Visit the "Whiskey Castle" shop in Tomintoul for a superb introduction to many lesser known malts, whiskey tasting of single cask malts in the Dufftown village hall.
Unfortunately the timetable is not published yet but certainly worth putting on the calender. We will probably head up after Peterborough. Oh and there is a free or nearly free bus service around the festival so you don't have to drive.
Have Fun,
Steve

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[TheWM]

@Old age travellers I would love to go and the Feis Ile too. This was a spur of the moment decision as my pal and I need a break and I want to go camping on my birthday too. As the missus is not in the slightest bit interested in whisky and I have 20 odd days to take off before April this seemed to be a winner. I had no idea that lots of distilleries/campsites shut down or that the weather would be cold (I know I'm an idiot!). Still I can't wait if I ever get through today and tomorrow. Been working 7 days a week 10 hours a day for the best part of 3 weeks now and it is starting to catch up on me...

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

@TheWM I wouldn't worry about sites at all, they do not seem to get uptight in Scotland about wild camping (parking) in the Scottish Highlands. We have never stayed on a site yet. Obviously we only stay a night or two and keep a low profile.
Of course if you ask companies in writing then they will inevitably say no but as long as you have a few alternatives then no problem. If you are on their tour and say would you mind if I stay overnight and they don't have locking gates then you would usually get the "Not a Problem" answer.
We also belong to Wild Camping which has a fantastic database of excellent spots which will pay for your membership the first time you stop. The cost is just short of £20 per year and in my opinion well worth it for the database alone.
The content of which is as below.
Their Forum for me doesn't compete with FUN but the Wilding Features are very good.
Have a good trip and a couple of drams for me.
Steve

The October POI database has the following locations:
Great Britain
Wild camping - 5,415 locations
Pub Stop - 482 locations
Taps - 389 locations
Public toilets - 4,967 locations
France
Wild Camping - 2,624 location

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

@TheWM Just spotted this while looking at the Feis Ile web site and thinking of going there after Speyside:

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, wild camping is permitted provided it is short term (ie 2-3 nights) and only involves few people.

So I don't think you will have any problems at all.
Steve

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[GJH]

@TheWM Just spotted this while looking at the Feis Ile web site and thinking of going there after Speyside:

Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, wild camping is permitted provided it is short term (ie 2-3 nights) and only involves few people.

So I don't think you will have any problems at all.
Steve

Sorry but no. In addition to involving few people it involves even fewer vehicles - i.e. none

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives the following advice regarding wild camping: “Wild camping is defined as lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two to three nights in one place. You can camp in this way wherever access rights apply but help to avoid causing problems for local people and land managers by not camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals and keeping well away from buildings roads or historic structures. Take care to avoid disturbing deer stalking or grouse shooting. If you wish to camp close to a house or building, seek the owner’s permission. Leave no trace by: Taking away all your litter; Removing all traces of your tent pitch and of any open fire (follow the guidance for lighting fires); Not causing any pollution.”

It may well be possible to find a lay-by to camp in but that isn't covered by the statutory right to wild camp.

 

[OldAgeTravellers]

Sorry but no. In addition to involving few people it involves even fewer vehicles - i.e. none.
It may well be possible to find a lay-by to camp in but that isn't covered by the statutory right to wild camp.

Thanks for the correction, I didn't get over properly what I meant. The act demonstrates the very lay-back attitude of the Scot's to sensible wild camping with or without vehicles. We have never even had the strange looks you get in England. The same here in France, as long as you are not in peoples faces it is very much "Live & Let Live" perhaps they don't get the "Traveller" problem up there. At least not in the places I want to stay.
Steve

 

[GJH]

Thanks for the correction, I didn't get over properly what I meant. The act demonstrates the very lay-back attitude of the Scot's to sensible wild camping with or without vehicles. We have never even had the strange looks you get in England. The same here in France, as long as you are not in peoples faces it is very much "Live & Let Live" perhaps they don't get the "Traveller" problem up there. At least not in the places I want to stay.
Steve

It appears to be actually a mixture. The laid back attitude, in legal terms, is strictly without vehicles. They don't appear to have the same "traveller" problem but there are areas where motorhomes have been banned as a result of abuse (see Broken Link Removed about Coll for example).

You are probably right about the places you want to stay. In more remote areas there are less people to be upset and complain in the first place and fewer people camping in motorhomes as well. In more popular areas, however, the behaviour of a few (example here) is causing the same sort of reaction as similar abuse has caused in England.

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[TheWM]

I have only wild camped in Scotland once in my old campervan for a fortnight. We made sure we stayed away from eyesight of any building and were in remote locations. We were thoroughly welcomed by locals. I did note that many places were blocked off with huge boulders or similar. That was 4 years ago. I dare say that it has become worse. I spent a long time clearing one beach that campers had dumped a bag of rubbish and the wind blew the contents across a very flat bay and land around it.

 

[Gellyneck]

More than one has stated it is a specific tax reason. However, having read some other blogs as above, if you've had a few drinks then there is realistically nothing they can do. I just didn't want to chance it and get on the wrong side of them.

Distilleries are managed under HMRC Excise regime and as such the distillery management team are responsible for associated risks. As a result they are secure premises. This is the reason for no extended parking within the HMRC controlled environment. Some distilleries parking areas are outwith the controlled environment and they may "turn a blind eye".
"realistically nothing they can do" means their security team will tell you to leave the premises (potentially) without your vehicle and if you refuse call the Police and they will intervene.

Looking at your itinerary, and assuming you're travelling up the A9, you'll virtually pass by the door of Dalwhinnie which is the highest distillery in Scotland. You should be able to fit this in after Aberfeldy. You might also want to think about Strathisla as it's the second oldest distillery in Scotland and it isn't far from Knockdhu?

 

[TheWM]

Distilleries are managed under HMRC Excise regime and as such the distillery management team are responsible for associated risks. As a result they are secure premises. This is the reason for no extended parking within the HMRC controlled environment. Some distilleries parking areas are outwith the controlled environment and they may "turn a blind eye".
"realistically nothing they can do" means their security team will tell you to leave the premises (potentially) without your vehicle and if you refuse call the Police and they will intervene.

Looking at your itinerary, and assuming you're travelling up the A9, you'll virtually pass by the door of Dalwhinnie which is the highest distillery in Scotland. You should be able to fit this in after Aberfeldy. You might also want to think about Strathisla as it's the second oldest distillery in Scotland and it isn't far from Knockdhu?

Thanks. I'm torn with Dalwhinnie. You're right - we travel up the A9 right past it and it is open on Sunday (we go to Aberfeldy on Sat) when we pass. However, unless one of us does not drink, then - one of us will have to go without and to be honest, I've avoided the whole who's drinking/who's driving question by literally booking taxis for everywhere we go so we both can enjoy.

I've been informed by a friend that they were disappointed with the Dalwhinnie tour, given that in his view, it was way too commercialised. I'm leaving the options open, but have suggested we get to Craiggelachie and spend some time in the town on Sunday, but as we don't have to book, we can always drop to the Dalwhinnie if we fancy it.

I suppose at lot depends on how hard we hit Aberfeldy on the Saturday night

I do appreciate your comments and suggestions - I've always found Strathisla a 'take it or leave it' type dram. TBH, the only reason I am going to Cardhu is that I'm a Johnnie Walker fan.

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[Portland]

No good for us teetotalers

 

[Gellyneck]

the only reason I am going to Cardhu is that I'm a Johnnie Walker fan.

And that's the reason I don't.

 

[TheWM]

Right - in Scotland now. Brief update:

Visited Annandale distillery. I'll be honest I had low expectations of this place given that it doesn't even technically have any whisky for sale and won't do until 2018 at the earliest.

This place screams out to me money. The attention to do detail that has gone into just the fabric of the buildings as a renovation is quite astonishing. I was told that 10 million has been pumped into the visitor center and distillery. I can believe it. It was a grand designs type affair, but not too overly ostentatious (just).

Currently have new make peated and unpeated. The unpeated whilst having lots of flavour layers (think tropical fruits) was new make. It tasted like a raw Kavalan.

The peated version was actually a real eye opener. The peat mellowed the harshness of the spirit and at 40ish ppm coming out @ 60+% even confused my mate who hates peaty numbers.

Even more interesting was that they refuse to do the normal new distillery route of serving up gin and other spirits for some cash flow. They really do believe in their product and the buildings that they rent out for corporate events I think this is a distillery to watch - the master distiller also ran Kilckoman and I think that is worth mentioning.

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[TheWM]

Due to weather and a leaky rear window we haven't had the chance to go to the Aberfeldy distillery as planned. I have however managed to pull the window catch off the window removed the drama and identified that there is a leak. Where it is entering from is as of yet unknown. Cleared drainage holes. May need to gaffer window as a temp measure. A pic for you all.

 

[MattR]

Due to weather and a leaky rear window we haven't had the chance to go to the Aberfeldy distillery as planned. I have however managed to pull the window catch off the window removed the drama and identified that there is a leak. Where it is entering from is as of yet unknown. Cleared drainage holes. May need to gaffer window as a temp measure. A pic for you all.

View attachment 84477

Sorry to hear of your leak and window problem; hope that it is solved quickly.

 

[TheWM]

Hi guys. An update. Home earlier than planned - a combination of real treacherous conditions, my mate coming down with flu and wanting to surprise the kids on my birthday (and the small but annoying leak) just seemed to make sense to come back. Whilst I was a but disappointed that I haven't managed to do what I set out to do - the days we spent we awesome. And the kids seeing me this morning was more than enough to make up for any disappointment I may have felt yesterday.

Made some real good new contacts, had a whale of a time and enjoyed the 5 nights away I had immensely. I'll drop some further notes when mentally I'm up for it. We drove back through the weather north of Aberdeen to south London in one hit yesterday. 700 miles - 14 hours. In a motorhome. Pretty epic especially with a few foot of snow in some places.

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