Melody Jacob

After visiting Devil’s Pulpit, we drove around looking for a place called Queen Elizabeth Park. Unfortunately, the map wasn’t too clear, so we stopped to ask a lady for directions. She kindly offered us her parking spot and drove off, and that's when we noticed Cobleland. At first, we thought it was just another outdoor camping spot. But no—turns out, they have their own tents for rent and even wooden cabins covered with tent material.

We went to ask a man at the mini store, which had all the camping necessities, and he pointed us in the right direction to check out the setup. We did, and I loved it. The campsite is nestled in nature, surrounded by trees and bushes, with a river nearby. There’s even a parking lot close enough for people to park their cars right next to their tents. It felt cozy and peaceful.

While we were there, we saw a couple setting up their tent, and my partner suggested we check out their website to learn more—maybe we could come back and camp here. I agreed; it seemed like a great spot. Plus, the rooms have heaters, lamps, and everything you need—though it’s warm, it’s not too warm to go without a heater. They also provide kitchen utensils, plates, blankets, a toaster, a cooker, a mini fridge, a waste bin, and pillows. There’s even a fire pit area if you want to sit by the fire at night, right in front of the structure.

The vibe was just right. Inside, there are small camping beds—kind of like the ones I had at boarding school (haha, I’ll spare you the memories). They also have running water in the bathrooms, a drinking water tap, and a toilet area. I’ll admit, I’m not sure I could camp in winter, but if you’re into that, I’m certain it would be great. For me, I think summer would be the best time to go.

Curious to learn more, I checked out their website, and here’s what I found: it’s called Cobleland Campsite, and you can enjoy both caravan and camping options. The site sits on the bank of the River Forth, right in Queen Elizabeth Forest.

After exploring the campsite, we found out there are a few extra perks that really caught my attention. For starters, they offer a Pamper Room, so you can indulge a little while you’re out in nature. There's also a laundry service if you need to freshen up your clothes during your stay, along with towels and bed linen—though these do come at an additional cost.

For the BBQ lovers, you’re in luck! They offer BBQ facilities, along with gas hobs, and you can rent crockery and cutlery—again, for a small additional cost. They also provide electric hook-ups at many of the pitches, so you can stay connected if you need to, but it’s still very much a nature retreat.

Drinking water is readily available at various points around the park, with a filling station for motorhomes and tourers, along with waste disposal facilities. It’s clear they’ve thought of everything to make your stay comfortable.

For the little ones (and adults who love a bit of fun), there’s a play area with swings, climbing bars, and a small assault course. It’s a great spot to let off some steam if you’re not busy relaxing by the fire.

And yes, dogs are welcome at Cobleland, as long as they’re kept on a short lead and under control. So, feel free to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

For those who need extra convenience, there’s 24-hour access to freezers where you can re-freeze your ice packs. Plus, the on-site shop has everything you might need from basic camping gear to BBQ supplies, snacks, drinks, and even local info to help you explore the area.

The washroom facilities are modern, with two purpose-built blocks that include laundry and drying services. It’s worth mentioning that these facilities are kept really clean, and they make sure you have everything you need to feel comfortable while camping.

Cobleland Campsite is beautifully located on the River Forth in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, which is just 13 miles from Ben Lomond (remember when I shared our adventure there? That’s the place!). The park’s natural beauty is breathtaking, and there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy.Now, if you’re someone who prefers to just sit back and relax, don’t worry—you can totally camp here and do nothing but enjoy the crackling fire. But, for those who are up for some adventure, there’s plenty to do! From seasonal events like the Easter Hunt to Springwatch for spotting wildlife like otters, wildcats, buzzards, and red squirrels, there’s always something fun happening. In the summer, they have a grand BBQ with produce from local butchers, and in autumn, you can enjoy a bonfire with a silent firework display (so your dogs don’t freak out!). There’s even an early Trick or Treat event.

Be sure to check their social media and news pages for updates on upcoming events, too!

Water activities near Cobleland are a must. If you’re into kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding, there are plenty of spots nearby. Loch Lomond, just 15 miles from the site, is a great place to launch your boat, and if you don’t have one, there are cruises and boat hires available. Lake fishing is also popular at the nearby Lake of Menteith, where you can hire a fishing boat.

For walkers, there are several trails directly from Cobleland. The Doon Hill and Easter Trail lead into Forestry Land Scotland, while the Aberfoyle Cycle Path is perfect for cyclists. If you’re more into relaxed strolls, the Woodland Walk is a peaceful path down to some stepping stones.

If you’re up for a bit of water fun, there’s even an open water swimming spot at the end of Loch Ard, just a short distance from the campsite.

For those into more challenging activities, there’s mountain biking, hiking, and even river fishing on the River Forth. Cobleland is also close to some incredible hill walks, with stunning views of Ben Lomond and other surrounding peaks.

When you’re ready to venture off the site, there’s plenty to explore nearby, like the Blair Drummond Safari Park, Doune Castle, and Glengoyne Distillery. Go Ape is just 10 minutes away if you want to challenge yourself with some high-wire fun.

The William Wallace Monument is only a 30-minute drive, and if you’re looking for more family-friendly activities, the Peak Sports Village and the Play Trail are nearby.

You can book your stay via Booking.com, and one of the things I really appreciate is that the photos on the website are exactly what you’ll get—no misleading edits. What you see is truly what you get, which makes the whole experience feel even more authentic.

Price per night: £125.00

So, if you're looking for a charming getaway in nature with all the comforts of home, Cobleland Campsite is definitely worth considering.

There are places you visit, and all that will come to your mind is—what a mighty God we serve! You will look at God’s creation, and no matter how many pictures you take, you will never be able to fully explain the feeling. It is simply indescribable! Look, God created the heavens and the earth, and there is no doubt about it!

As we drove from Glasgow towards Glencoe yesterday, the views were so breathtaking that all I could say was, “What a mighty God we serve! You are worthy, Lord!” If you want to feel God, just open your heart, and you will. The towering trees, the majestic mountains with mist hugging their peaks, and the countless waterfalls cascading down like liquid silver—it was pure magic. The fields stretched endlessly, shifting from golden brown to lush green, creating a calming, humbling effect as we drove through the heart of nature.

When we reached the massive rocks, I could almost feel them breathing—these things are alive, watching over us. It was an overwhelming sensation, something beyond words, and oh, I thank God for this day! My partner and I had planned this journey together, and when we finally arrived, I was completely overwhelmed—it was just too much beauty to take in at once! We lost count of the waterfalls; we saw over 30, but I’m sure there were many more. Every turn, every stop, revealed another hidden gem waiting to be captured in a photo. We walked around, snacking on green grapes, chips, and chocolates, just soaking in the moment.

Worshipping in the car added an entirely different dimension to the experience—it was a whole spiritual encounter! I kept wondering, “Who says there is no God? Just look around you; He is everywhere. The evidence is right in front of us!” Glencoe felt like an endless adventure. As you drive, there are designated stops to take in each stunning view—it’s like driving through a living, breathing masterpiece, with every stop telling its own unique story.

Oh, and let me tell you about the famous Scottish Highland cow! I got so close, and it was the cutest thing ever! I absolutely adore cows, and this one was so fluffy and brown—like a real-life teddy bear! The crystal-clear water flowing from the rocks was unlike anything from a tap; you could see the purity in its color.

Glencoe is not just a place—it’s an entire experience! It reminds me of the Nanka erosion site in Anambra State, Nigeria.

We drove for over 2 hours and 30 minutes to get there, but the journey back took less than 2 hours. And let me tell you, both directions offered equally spectacular views. One tip I have for traveling to Glencoe—if you have a personal vehicle, you’ll get the best experience! The beauty of Glencoe is that all the must-visit spots are right along the road, so driving allows you to stop wherever your heart desires, making the journey even more fun and adventurous.

There are professional photographers capturing the landscape, and I might never be able to fully express just how happy, grateful, and blessed we felt during this visit. But I hope these photos and the smiles on our faces tell the stories our hearts can’t put into words.

So, what are the best places to stop? Using a map and having a fully charged phone is key! And don’t forget to screenshot the emergency rescue number—just in case!

Do you remember when I shared a post about the Govan Stones? Well, before our visit, we made an unexpected stop at a nearby church. We were actually on our way to buy sanitizer before the Govan Stones tour when we noticed this beautiful church right across from where we parked. It’s just a 1-minute walk from the Govan Stones, and we couldn’t resist checking it out!

Oh my gosh, I just love going for walks around here! You wouldn’t believe how close Pinkston Watersports is—like, five steps from the Sighthill neighborhood! I walk by all the time, and it's just the best watching people at the water. There’s always something fun going on, whether it’s kayaking, canoeing, or even white water tubing! It’s so cool because Pinkston is actually home to Scotland’s only artificial whitewater course, and the water is so clean, it’s even good enough for swimming!

What’s really special is that Pinkston Watersports isn’t just about fun (though there’s plenty of that!); it’s part of the Glasgow 2014 Legacy and run by volunteers, which makes it feel super community-focused. They want everyone to get involved in watersports, and there are clubs, events, and coaching for all levels. So if you’re experienced, you can just pop in for a “Park and Play” session, but if you’re new, there are these white water taster sessions that are perfect for getting started. And if you get hooked (which I bet you will), you can even do progression lessons! It sounds intense, but I think it could be so rewarding.

Oh, and it’s not just about the water! There are also land activities like archery, team games, and bushcraft, which sound like such a blast. It’s like the perfect place for groups, whether you’re into watersports or just want to have some outdoor fun. I always feel like there’s something new to see or try when I walk by. It’s just such a cool vibe, and I totally recommend checking it out!