In the
shadows of the bloodiest battlefields in Scotland and perhaps the nation’s
finest castle lies a sleepy wee gypsy caravan retreat that could not be further
from the days of clashing broadswords and bloodcurdling war cries. Bramble
Bield may be firmly in William ‘Braveheart’ Wallace country, just a catapult’s
hurl from Stirling Castle and the omnipresent Wallace Monument, but life here
is a relaxed affair with just a pair of little brightly painted traditional
caravans tucked between the meadow and beech, ash, and hawthorn trees.
Rowan and Holly
are no off the peg designer caravans. They are the real bow-top wooden caravan
deal and Bramley which no longer offers accommodation but has a seating area for reading or enjoying dinner, has been here or hereabouts since the 1920s. They are cosy and
compact inside with luxurious bedding, original Queenie stoves and tea and coffee
making facilities making up for the lack of space. You are allowed to pitch a
two-person tent by each caravan too. An outdoor patio set accompanies each
caravan and there is a communal campfire to toast marshmallows over. Neat touches
include a welcome bag with fresh bread, eggs from the Powis hens and jam from the local farm shop, butter, milk and fresh fruit in the fridge, and cereal in the cupboard. After a morning feast fit for a warrior beyond the
tranquil world of Bramble Bield those epic battlefields and castles await.