European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 23, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                By Theresa Bujnoch picture a tour of Britain High teas tweeds and the Queen Mother come to mind How about a tent a sleeping bag and Mother nature if this sounds like the difference Between eating a scone and filling up on Haggis chances Are you re not seeing the advantages of camping in Britain. In a country that seems to thrive on class consciousness the campsite is the ultimate common ground. The struggling Economy in Britain and the weak . Dollar make camping attractive for British and american travellers alike. England Wales Scotland and Northern Ireland have More than 5,000 campsites. The country that appears to let spare rooms in almost every House capable of mustering up breakfast apparently feels the same Way. Toward travellers who need a space of land to pitch a tent. Some campsites Are attached to National Parks others to someone s Back Yard. How about camping on a sheep farm the Gill head farm caravan and camping Park about five Miles West of Highway my in Northern England fits that Bill. With a View of the Sun setting behind Foothills of the Lake District and the bleating of lambs on the wind campers can Nestle into a Good sleep knowing there Are hot showers waiting for them in the morning. All for 5 pounds about $7.50 per person. In Scotland accommodations thin out in the Western islands especially. On the misty Isle of Skye however there Are at least five campgrounds. One of the most attractive and blustery of these lies at the Edge of the dramatic Quillin mountains. The Sli Achan campsite catches the North winds. Blowing in off Loch Sli Achan. This and its proximity to Mountain hiking trails make Sli Achan a popular base Camp for Hearty types wearing All the great looking gear you Eye at the sports stores and wish you had an excuse to buy. Even for those who wish to log most of their Camp time at the cozy restaurant across the Street the wild scenery is Worth getting to know. Among the campsites listed under Quot great Britain Quot in Europa camping and car Vaning 94, at least half earn two tents the campers Quot Star Quot rating system a which goes up to three tents. That Means the campsite offers what s described As Quot considerable  in this writer s experience considerable Means Large clean bathroom Sites with showers. Sometimes you have to pay for hot water about 20 Pence a 30 cents a for four minute but that was the Only drawback. Some offered facilities for washing dishes and some even had washing machines for clothes. Compare them to your average state Park in the United states and you have the difference Between a Holiday inn and one of those Musty places where you wish you d brought your own sheets. Except for the consideration that the weather is often anything but fair camping in Britain is hardly roughing it. What May be rough however is beating out the other smart travellers who want to be closer to nature and closer to the travel budget they promised to stick to before they priced the Cost of meals in Britain. July and August Are the busiest months but happily this is also when the mosquitoes and midges gnats Are at their worst try for late Spring we had no problem finding space in May and Early fall instead. Those desiring to secure reservations can usually do so by mail or phone. A a most campsites Are privately owned and open april through october although some stay open year round. Some a amp is occasionally let individuals Camp on their grounds but this is usually offered to walkers without cars. Indeed the hardest part about camping in Britain May be passing by All those cozy looking victorian Homes with Quot vacancy Quot signs in their windows. Don t miss out on the a amp a scene totally for it is As British As Buckingham. Palace. But save it for a rain Day you la have one before your trip is done. A. For More information about camping in Britain Send for the free brochure Quot caravan and camping Parks Quot from the British tourist authority thames Tower Black s Road Hammersmith London w6 9el, England. The Telephone number is 081-846-9000 and the fax number is 087-563-0302. To Call from outside the United kingdom dial your International Access code followed by the country code 44 and drop the first 0, Quot caravan and camping Parks Quot can also be obtained by writing the British tourist authority 551 fifth ave 7th floor new York . 107 76-0799. In addition the forestry commission in Scotland offers a free leaflet on campsites. Its address is 231 Corstorphine Road Edinburgh eh12 7 at Scotland. Theresa Bujnoch is a free Lance writer living in Mannheim Germany. Of campers have breathtaking views at Aviemore Mountain resort caravan Park in the scottish Highlands