Where to stay on a Stravaig?

[alancrob]

As a result of the truly dreadful hotel I stayed in on Saturday night, The St Ronans in Innerleithan - named and shamed - and based on a vague memory of a conversation with Bob, Fred and Alex over a beer or 2 in a caravan here are 2 examples of an alternative.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HOBBY-750-4-BED-LUXURY-MOTORHOME-CAMPERVAN_W0QQitemZ180288834498QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item180288834498&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A16%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-AUTOTOP-CAMPER-SMEV-COOKER-SINK_W0QQitemZ270270092707QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item270270092707&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

I have been looking at the Mazda for a while. The wee garage in Dairsy sells them, although for about twice the price you can get one on e-bay.

The question Fred asked was how often would it be used? Would I get my moneys worth?  Could I justify having it as my main transport?

I have looked at hiring a camper for a week in the summer but it is cheaper to drive and stay in hotels.

Anyone have experience of Campers in this country? I know they are very popular in USA and Canada.

Alan

[Fishtales]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MAZDA-BONGO-FULL-CAMPER-CAMPERVAN-CONVERSION_W0QQitemZ130255743271QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item130255743271&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A15%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

You do realise this price is only for the conversion, you have to have a Bongo first. Also they only do 23-34 mpg depending on use with an average of 29mpg, and that is the 2.5 turbo diesel.

The prices here are more like the real price http://www.themazdabongocompany.co.uk/latest/photonews.php

There is a review here http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/index.htm?md=1024

As you might guess I looked into getting one

[alancrob]

OOps. I noticed that and had changed the link before you posted Fishtales. Honest. 

I have looked elsewhere, the link was just to prove to P.A. that the prices could vary from ?5000 for a Bongo or similar to any price you want to pay? I was saying I could not be bothered hitching a caravan and my back requires more than a floor and a sleeping bag after a day fishing.

You say you looked into buying one. Verdict?

Alan

[Fishtales]

If the MPG had been better I would consider one, especially the 4 wheel drive. There is a guy I met at work who has one. He can't fault it and says it is great off-road and has got him out of some sticky (read muddy) situations where others have got stuck in other vehicles. They are worth a look if you can afford the diesel

Bongo owners club site.

http://www.bongofury.co.uk/

[lightkeeper]

I was looking through this accommodation thread and I saw the word 'Lochinver'............Cathal McLeod and his wife run one of the best B&Bs there that I've ever stayed in. An added attraction is the fact that Cathal
has an encyclopedic knowledge of the waters of the NW Highlands ....oh and the Haddie and poached eggs you can choose in the mornings keeps you going till tea time!
If you're ever heading that way 'Polcraig' into google will get you the details..... then again I'm probably preaching to the converted here.

[waafisher]

Yes its is a good bit North Gavin especially from our base in Berwickshire! I give a fantastic thumbs up too to Cathel at Polcraig. We stayed with him for a four day trip a few years back and his knowledge of the area in terms of the trout fishing is second to none. He has a wee fishing study with the maps detailing the hundreds of lochs and if you really gain his trust he may tell you about the one or two which hold the big trout! Sionascaig, Polly Lochs and Loch Awe (near Inchnadamph) were great for us. Will go back some day.
Brian

[rabbitangler]

I was looking through this accommodation thread and I saw the word 'Lochinver'............Cathal McLeod and his wife run one of the best B&Bs there that I've ever stayed in. An added attraction is the fact that Cathal
has an encyclopedic knowledge of the waters of the NW Highlands ....oh and the Haddie and poached eggs you can choose in the mornings keeps you going till tea time!
If you're ever heading that way 'Polcraig' into google will get you the details..... then again I'm probably preaching to the converted here.

Couldn't agree more