FACILITIES AT THE BIG SKY HIDEAWAY
We’re still a young campsite and are constantly evolving our facilities. Our aim is to be a 100% renewables-powered site, it’s a fun and decent goal but not always easy. We’re not a grassy Hilton but every choice we make compliments nature and allows a down-to-earth balance between nature and comfort that we hope our guests appreciate.
ECO TOILETS
We've created most of our facilities from second hand and upcycled materials and so far guests have enjoyed (as much as anyone can enjoy the loo!) the rustic feel.
Many of our glamping units have their own private toilets, or one shared with a nearby pod. The camping loo and barn each have a shared block.
Our toilets are all compostable, we keep them clean and scent free, and they come with a separator which diverts number ones away from number twos to aid the composting process! This means that toilets are all seated, with the exception of the stand up urinals provided.
Once the composting process has done its thing we'll use the result to safely feed the trees planted on site. Win!
KITCHENS & COOKING
Our buses have kitchens inside and our Landpods have their own private outdoor field kitchens. We don’t currently provide communal cooking facilities and our camping and tented camping guests tend to cook over the fire or bring their own raised-up stoves. We encourage guests not to use their own stoves unless they have legs to avoid scorching the ground and we also have a ban on disposable BBQs.
If you need a coolbox we also hire 50l Igloo boxes for £5 per stay, and we'll keep you topped up with chilled ice blocks
SHOWERS
Our camping and glamping facilities have all been created on a patch of land well away from mains infrastructure, which makes providing full pressured hot showers an interesting proposition.
Ironically, our Dave does his best thinking in the shower, and has come up with a few ingenious solutions:
1) We have a gas-heated shower option near the camping meadow, with a solar powered pump. This offers a very comfortable hot shower, but the compromise is the use of gas.
2) For our first two years our sole shower option was to heat up water at big Sky HQ (our house) for a hand-pumped warm shower! Here’s a film to show how this works!
3) Throughout 2023 Dave was refining an experiment to heat water using the power of composting grass and woodchip! The success of this depends on various factors, but it’s a very cool shower when it works.
4) We’re looking into various solar-heated options for the 2024 season. Watch this space.
Shower option 1) is open every morning and evening (and in between if you ask nicely) but if you fancy trying one of the more unique options just ask Dave or Em if they’re available.
The only rule, keep your shower short and sweet as water is at a premium.
WATER AND WASHING UP
Communal washing up sinks with running cold water are situated at the facilities in the camping meadow, and also next to the barn.
Both of our buses also offer sinks with running water.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING
One element of being renewables-powered that we can't control is the vehicles our guests use to visit us. But we're now glad to have an EV charger on site which guests can use to charge up their EV for a small price.
The 7 kw charger has a Type 2 cable and although prices may change we charge 50p per kw used. If you’d like to charge your EV during your visit let us know with as much notice as possible so we can fit you in alongside any other EVs that need some juice!
CAMPFIRES
Big Sky Hideaway is a peaceful getaway. We love the sound of nature, the crackling of the campfire and laughter and memories being made. It is the perfect place to leave all your worldly distractions behind, watch an incredible sunset and marvel at the stars. You'll find your own private firebowl at every pitch, pod and bus (just ask for one if you're camping and we’ll bring it over) and during events and busy weekends the communal campfire near the barn is often lit.
Firewood is available for purchase on site. We've got good old seasoned stuff which burns long and hot for £5 a basket.
Although you're welcome to take a peaceful wander through our woodland please stick to the paths and don't scavenge for firewood in there. We're working on a woodland management plan and your firewood money really helps us look after our woods, new and old.
Finally, health and safety! Fires are only to be lit in designated bowls and pits. Please don’t use disposable BBQs on the grass. If we have a heat wave we’ll usually issue a campfire ban as fire surrounded by long grass can be a safety hazard (so far in three years we’ve only had a fire ban for one week, so hopefully you’ll be safe to enjoy a campfire when you visit)