Revel in the glorious Cashel campsite with our 3-day itinerary

Here at Camping in the Forest we have a whole host of campsites in fantastic tree lined locations throughout the UK. Cashel, sitting on the shores of Loch Lomond, has been a big-time favourite among many happy campers and it’s not hard to see why.

Everything there is to love about Loch Lomond – and indeed Scotland itself – is all just a short drive from this campsite. From the open stretch of beautiful blue water to the leafy trees foregrounding the rocky highland mountains, you won’t be short of places to explore.

With its intoxicating scenery and exciting surroundings, Cashel belongs on every camper’s bucket list. We’ve put together a 3-day itinerary to make sure you enjoy each and every second of your trip to this popular Scottish holiday spot.

Here we go…

Day 1 – Discover the wildlife of Loch Lomond

There’s a lot to love about Loch Lomond, but tourists aren’t the only creatures swooping around the twinkling freshwater loch throughout the year.

Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre is home to a stunning selection of fine-feathered, long-winged inhabitants, with over thirty different species to marvel at. Little Owls, Kestrels, Falcons, Eagles, Buzzards and Hawks all share the same space, cared for by a group of expert bird handlers – who regularly inform guests about the background and behaviour of the animals.

A small entry fee gains you access to the centre for the whole day, leaving you free to roam around the wooden cabins and watch in amazement as these incredible creatures hover, flutter and plunge right before your very eyes.

After being treated to an exclusive peek at some of the most beautiful birds in the country, you can then head over to the nearby Loch Lomond Aquarium for a closer look at creatures of the deep.

This venue lures in guests from all over Scotland, offering an immersive experience involving sharks, sea horses, otters, stingrays, giant turtles, and starfish. Talks and feeding sessions are hosted at various points throughout the day, offering entertainment for adults and children alike. There’s even the opportunity to adopt your very own sea creature, as well as a cinema room that screens films in the afternoon and evenings. 

Getting to these two locations is easy; Cashel campsite sits right on the shores of Loch Lomond and the bird of prey centre is less than a 30 minute drive from the site. 

Day 2 – Let’s all go down to Dumbarton

Just over twenty miles south of Cashel is Dumbarton – a charismatic town that functions as a historical hotspot for Scotland. There are many venues in this region where you can consume a bellyful of stories detailing the past, but the pick of the bunch is arguably Dumbarton Castle.

Standing aloft on a volcanic rock that stares out across the ripples of the River Clyde, Dumbarton Castle is a majestic stone structure with walls that whisper thousand-year-old legends. From White Crag Tower at the top, to the incredible geological feature at its feet, Dumbarton Castle is, without a doubt, one of Scotland’s prize possessions.

For more tales of antiquity and further insight into the old world of Scotland, a trip to the Scottish Maritime Museum’s sister venue – The Denny Tank Museum – is the ideal solution. A fifteen-minute walk away from the castle, Denny Tank is a place that pays testament to shipbuilding through the ages. A ticket (kids get in free) earns you a front row seat to see the first ever commercial ship model experiment tank – a head-scratchingly colossal structure that matches a football field for length.

This maritime institution is also home to an assortment of ship models, photographs, salvaged artefacts, and information sheets, and if you fancy yourself a bit of a craftsman you can try your hand at carving a legitimate wax hull model! There’s also a café on site which serves up hot snacks and lunches, as well as a well-stocked gift shop where you can pick up a souvenir.

Day 3 – Escape to the big city 

It can be tricky to pull yourself away from all the natural splendour of Cashel campsite, but with Glasgow on the doorstep, it’s worth seizing the chance to discover what this famous Scottish city has to offer whilst you’re nearby.

Glasgow is located around twenty-five miles south-east of Cashel, typically taking about an hour to reach by car. There’s an incredible amount to see and do in this iconic riverside city, but if you’re looking for a real experience, your first port of call ought to be the Glasgow Science Centre at Pacific Quay.

Dedicated to educating and informing guests about the wonders of the technology world, Glasgow Science Centre boasts a booming IMAX cinema, a hypnotic planetarium and an enrapturing series of shows in the Science Theatre. There’s a mouth-watering menu in the main café, and a revolutionary rotating tower that regularly leaves visitors speechless.

Glasgow Science Centre is worth a visit whatever the weather. If you have time on your side and fancy soaking in a couple of other sights during your trip to the city, The Riverside Museum, Kelvingrove Art Gallery, and the University of Glasgow all come top of the recommendations list.

Explore all that camping in Scotland has to offer before your stay with Camping in the Forest. As you can see, Cashel is overflowing with nearby attractions and places to explore.