An eco-friendly campsite just outside Bonnybridge is expanding after the rise in ‘staycations’ saw bookings soar.
Bonnybridge Eco Camping & Glamping, which opened in 2019, was forced to close for the whole of 2020 due to the pandemic- but since reopening, the boom in people looking to holiday in the UK has meant it has been busier then ever.
Planning permission has now been granted for the site – part of a 15-acre smallholding, two miles south of Bonnybridge – to expand.
But the small campsite will remain ‘off-grid’, something that is for many visitors as big a draw as the panoramic views it boasts.
While there is no mains electricity or water, the site is fully sustainable – harvesting rainwater and using wind and solar power to be able to offer facilities that include hot showers, a drinking fountain and USB charging points.
“A lot of customers come to us because they want to see how we manage being completely off-grid,” said owner and manager, Karyn Robb.
“Lots of people are interested but they don’t know where to start so we get lots of questions about how we’ve managed to make it work.
“It’s not been easy – we’ve not had any grants or anything, we’ve done it all ourselves with a lot of trial and error!”
Being off-grid was also a life-saver during Covid restrictions as the site did not have huge overheads, which helped them make the difficult decision to close for the whole year.
The site has one glamping pod, but the main focus is on tents, including large bell tents and a modern tipi, which can be hired, in addition to camping pitches.
As tourism in and around Falkirk has soared in recent years, Karyn says more and more visitors are aware of what the area has to offer.
“We’re also in a great position for the whole of the central belt – we’re right between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Stirling and the Trossachs,” she says.
“It’s a great wee location – and we’ve got great views!”
Expansion will not only mean Karyn can stop having to turn down bookings but also allow the site to continue social distancing measures for as long as is necessary.
“We’ve got bookings for next year already and we’re also doing events such as birthday parties,” she said.
“We also get people from the local area who just want to get away from it all or introduce their kids to the experience of camping.
“And a lot of our customers return, which is great!”
