Abbotstone Wood Campsite

[Spacemonkey]

Went here over the bank-holiday weekend with a couple of mates for a few nights in the hammock. The people I went with prefer access to toilets and showers hence the proper campsite. It's a good place though, can recommend it. Explained to Sidney (the guy in charge) what we were after and he allocated us an out of the way pitch which was perfect.

Even though it was the bank-holiday it wasn't too crowded, with most people opting to camp in the big field and all the woodland pitches well spread-out.

Sidney explained that their priorities are nature first, families second, groups (like us) third, which was fine with us. Would be a great place for anyone wanting a "wild" hanging experience with their kids for example.

They're open from Easter till the end of September, doubt I'll get back this year but may well go again at some point next year as it's only an hour or two out of London.

There's a little video of our camp here.
Ta,
Jim

[Bowlin]

Thanks for posting Jim,

Interesting site ( a bit too far away for me, but maybe a trip in the future) and very interesting to see your set-up, especially your method of using a continuous ridge-line. I've only just started using a continuous set up so it is interesting to see the different versions there are.

Where did you get your UQ from? I'm currently researching which to get so any views/ input regarding UQs would be gratefully received.

Cheers
Steve

[Spacemonkey]

Hi Steve. My UQ is the hammock gear Phoenix 20 degree (about -6C), ordered it direct from US and the import tax was not great as I got it at the same time as my tarp. It's a 3/4 length quilt which comes to my knees. I'm happy with it. I use a cut-up CCF mat under my lower legs and feet which is generally fine, it also serves as a back support in my pack and a sit-pad. The lowest I've taken the UQ was about -4C and I was cold although mainly on the bits it didn't cover. I think if I was regularly going out in sub-zero conditions I'd get a full length one but for most of the year in the UK the 3/4 is fine. Hope this helps.

[guinnessgrim]

I too have hung at Abbotstone wood and found it very good, and Sid the governor is a top fella, always willing to help. They have a sister site about 8 miles up the road called inwood camping which I took my daughters to and that too is a good site, a bit more woodlandy but the governor there was a grumpy old fella. They are the closest sites to wild camping I have used.

[Spacemonkey]

Agree about Sid- top bloke. I stayed at Forgewood, another Camping Unplugged site a year or two ago. That one's closed this year which led me to Abbotstone Wood. They seem a good company and might try some of their other sites in the future, although maybe not Inwood if the boss there is that grumpy.

[guinnessgrim]

I've been there twice, the first time the guy was really nice and made me and my daughters welcome, the next time I went with two mates and the site was busy so maybe the pressure had gotten to him. I told Sid when I went there and he said he was grumpy too. Once checked in you never see him though so i'd go back, especially in the hammock as the woodland area is larger.

[paulie]

Love the Camping Unplugged sites but since Forgewood closed I've struggled to find one accessible without a car. Any Ideas?

[gentjim]

This looks brilliant. I used to live just around the corner, in Micheldever, and it's lovely countryside, but wasn't aware of this site.
Thanks Spacemonkey

I will definitely take my kids (2 young boys) down next year for some hammocking.

FWIW, I am selling my UK Hammocks winter UQ Bowlin if you're interested - see the classifieds and PM me if you're interested.

[Paulm]

I'm local to the Abbotstone site and the Inwood one is just five minutes away !

If anyone wants to plan a visit, next season I guess now, let me know, or maybe I'll plan one and let the forum know !

I seem to end up travelling to a couple of places in Kent mainly which is great, but with a couple on my doorstep does seem a bit daft sometimes !

Cheers, Paul

[gentjim]

Paul, I'd be keen.
If they could be persuaded to open (or just let us use the woods..?) beyond the end of September I'd be up for a winter hang.

[gentjim]

BTW, Jim - great set-up on your video. I'm about to take delivery of a CF Hammock Gear tarp and Phoenix 3/4 length underquilt... My wallet still winces to think about it, but the rest of me can't wait to get hold of them..!

[Spacemonkey]

Thanks Jim. Best of luck with your tarp and UQ, I've no complaints with mine once I got over the financial shock, hope the customs are kind to you. I could be up for a winter hang as well depending on the dates- I think Abbotstone might have an issue with their licence (potentially only allowed to have visitors for certain months to preserve the site) but it would be worth a try.

[Paulm]

Thanks Jim. Best of luck with your tarp and UQ, I've no complaints with mine once I got over the financial shock, hope the customs are kind to you. I could be up for a winter hang as well depending on the dates- I think Abbotstone might have an issue with their licence (potentially only allowed to have visitors for certain months to preserve the site) but it would be worth a try.

I suspect you're right on the licence front, Inwood too, but there is another place near Arborfield, which is same kind of area (loosley!), that I've heard about and is open to end of October http://www.camping-berkshire.co.uk/ Could be worth giving a try before the end of the season ?

Cheers, Paul

[Diamond Dave]

L

I'm local to the Abbotstone site and the Inwood one is just five minutes away !

If anyone wants to plan a visit, next season I guess now, let me know, or maybe I'll plan one and let the forum know

I seem to end up travelling to a couple of places in Kent mainly which is great, but with a couple on my doorstep does seem a bit daft sometimes !

Cheers, Paul

Hi Paul, I'd be up for a visit next year...

[Paulm]

Sounds good Dave Think they open again in the spring sometime, we'll fix something up.

Cheers, Paul