Before
the Act of Union and the birth of the modern British state many Scots lived on
crofts, small holdings of land where communal living was the norm. In the heart
of deepest Highland Perthshire this communal, everyone in it together ethic has
been re-created at Comrie Croft. Run by a co-operative of likeminded,
environmentally aware, individuals this is no mere campsite. Yes they take
tents, but they’ve also got Norwegian katas, an on site Tea Garden and a superb
bike shop, the latter handy for exploring the network of trails that snake off
up the Croft’s wooded hillside.
First
timers might feel most secure down in the main camping field by all the
facilities, but more adventurous souls will want to push on up into the forest
where secluded pitches await, each with their own campfire. Four of the seven katas lie up here too, a sort of Swedish tipi complete with a wood burning
stove and a large sleeping area strewn with soft blankets. Not exactly super
chic glamping, but supremely cosy.
There is
little need to leave the Croft. Down by the car park is a superb camp store.
Real thought has gone into what they stock from fluorescent camping pegs
through to their free range eggs and fresh local meat. Up the hill are those
trails. You can walk them, but biking provides a much better way of exploring
the hillside, though the tough red route is not for the fainthearted! You can
brush up on your technique first at their skills park. On a busy day – and most
weekends are busy – Comrie Croft buzzes with life, just as the traditional
crofts once did all over this charmingly scenic corner of Highland Perthshire.
