It’s official. According to polls conducted by people who really want you to visit Scotland, The Scottish Highlands is one of the most relaxing UK holiday destinations, and one of Britain’s most beautiful staycation destinations to boot. And who are we to argue? Scotland is indeed a wonderful country to visit.
One of the best ways to truly appreciate the wild beauty of Scotland is by campervan. Embarking on a campervan tour of Scotland is akin to stepping into a storybook filled with ancient castles, misty lochs, and verdant glens. The freedom of the open road combined with the comfort of your home on wheels makes for an unforgettable adventure, make no mistake.
To ensure your Scottish road trip is as enchanting as the landscape, here are some top tips for touring Scotland by campervan this summer.
Start In Edinburgh
Scotland may not be vast in size, but it is rich in diversity. From the rugged Highlands to the serene islands, planning your route is essential. It’s a good idea to strike a balance between total freedom and a little forward planning for a road trip like this.
Of course, every campervan trip needs a starting point. The guys at Your Camper, who offer campervans for sale in Edinburgh, tell us that the city is a fantastic starting point for a road trip. Edinburgh is well-connected to other parts of Scotland via major roads like the M8, M9, and A720. They suggest staying close to the city for a few days before venturing further into the country or coast. Oh, and if you’re planning on visiting this summer in August, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe is a must-see.
Read: 6 mythical places to explore in Scotland
Roads Well Worn
While the attraction of a campervan holiday is planning your own path, some well established routes are worth considering. The most well-known campervan route in Scotland is arguably the North Coast 500. This route, often referred to as ‘Scotland’s Route 66’, is a 516-mile scenic journey around the northernmost reaches of the mainland, starting and ending at Inverness Castle. It offers a mix of stunning coastal scenery, rugged mountains, and opportunities to spot wildlife, alongside charming villages and distilleries.
The West Coast Route is another popular choice for campervan enthusiasts, taking travellers through the dramatic western coastline of Scotland. This route can vary in length and itinerary, but it often includes the picturesque areas of Argyll, the Isle of Skye, and parts of the Highlands, providing a chance to experience Scotland’s wild and varied coastal landscapes.
For more of the best road trips Scotland has to offer, check out our article here.
Savour The Local Produce
Scotland’s culinary scene is spectacular. From the freshest of seafood to revered Aberdeen Angus beef, there’s a plethora of local produce to enjoy across the country. Summer is a particularly bountiful season for seafood here, with lemon sole and plaice both excellent in July, as are lobster and crab. August is a perfect month for foraging, too. Indeed, Scotland’s woodlands are brimming with blaeberries, wild cherries and mushrooms. You can also find cloudberries in the Highlands.
If you’re not one for foraging, there are lots of food and drink festivals happening all over Scotland in the summer where people do the foraging and cooking for you. Consider planning your Scottish summer road trip to coincide with some of them…
FyneFest (Glen Fyne, 31 May – 2 June 2024) – A celebration of beer, food, and music set against the stunning backdrop of the Fyne Ales brewery estate. Expect a wide selection of ales, local foods, and live entertainment.
Great British Food Festival (Dalkeith Country Park, Edinburgh, 15th – 16th June 2024) – This travelling festival brings together the best of British cuisine, featuring chef demos, artisan markets, and plenty of interactive activities for food lovers of all ages.
Edinburgh Food Festival (19 – 28 July 2024) – Set in the heart of Edinburgh, this festival offers a taste of Scotland’s diverse food scene, with a focus on fresh, local, and sustainable produce.
Foodies Festival (Various locations, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, early August) – The UK’s biggest food festival makes its way to Scotland, offering a weekend of culinary activities, from top chefs cooking live, to workshops, food tastings, and a wide range of food and drink stalls.
Seek Out The Highland Games
From late May to September, the Highland Games happen all over Scotland. This is a Scottish tradition dating back hundreds of years, and towns around the country host their own versions of the Games. This is usually a one-day event featuring traditional Scottish sports – think tug-of-war and the hammer throw. There’s even piping and drumming competitions alongside music, food and dancing.
Perhaps the best known is The Braemar Gathering, which sees members of the Royal Family in attendance. When planning your summer campervan trip in Scotland, be sure to include a day of games in it.
Know The Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Scotland is famous for its scenic wild places and it’s still completely legal to camp on most of Scotland’s unenclosed land. However, it’s important to note that the rules regarding wild camping with motorhomes can be quite strict in Scotland, especially due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which allows for responsible wild camping on most unenclosed land but does not generally apply to motor vehicles.
Indeed, while the right to roam allows for wild camping under the SOAC, this right does not extend to motor vehicles. Yep, you cannot simply park a campervan anywhere and consider it wild camping. That said, there are designated areas and campsites where you can legally stay overnight in a campervan. You should always check the latest local regulations and seek permission if necessary.
Here are some other things to be aware of when planning to camp with your campervan in Scotland…
Parking: When parking your campervan, you should do so in a manner that does not obstruct road access, gateways, or driveways. You should also avoid causing damage to the verge and should not stay in the same place for an extended period, as this could be considered an encroachment on private land or lead to environmental damage.
Waste Disposal: Proper disposal of waste is a critical aspect of the SOAC. Campervan users must manage their waste responsibly, using designated disposal points for sewage and rubbish to protect the environment and maintain public health.
Access Rights: The access rights in Scotland do not apply to motor vehicles. Therefore, driving off-road without the landowner’s permission is not allowed under the SOAC.
Local Bylaws and Regulations: Some areas may have specific bylaws or regulations that restrict overnight parking or staying in certain locations. It’s important to be aware of and comply with these local rules.
Loch’s You Can Camp At With Your Campervan
Scotland is full of Lochs. In fact, there are over 30,000 fresh water lochs scattered throughout the country. Summer, when temperatures are at their highest, is the ideal time to visit one.
That said, because of the aforementioned Land Reform Act, you can only camp with your campervan at a handful of them. Here are five of our favourite lochs where you can find campsites that accommodate motorhomes:
Loch Lomond – Being part of the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, there are several designated camping areas and campsites around Loch Lomond that cater to motorhomes. One such place is the Loch Lomond Holiday Park, which offers pitches for motorhomes with stunning views of the loch.
Loch Ness – Famous for its mythical monster, Loch Ness is also a popular spot for motorhome camping. The Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning Club Site is a great option for those looking to explore the area and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Loch Tay – Loch Tay Highland Lodges is one of the places around this beautiful loch where you can park your motorhome and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. They offer facilities and easy access to the surrounding landscapes.
Loch Awe – Loch Awe Holiday Park provides motorhome pitches and is a perfect base for exploring the west coast of Scotland. The loch itself is known for its fishing, so it’s a great spot if you’re interested in angling.
Loch Ken – Loch Ken Holiday Park is situated in the beautiful Galloway region and offers a range of facilities for motorhome campers.
Prepare For All Weather
Scottish weather is famously unpredictable. Even in the summer, it can be windy, rainy, or chilly. Infact, you may experience four seasons in one day, so pack accordingly. Waterproof clothing, sturdy walking boots, and layers are essential. Your campervan should also be equipped with heating and cooling options to ensure comfort no matter the weather.
Respect the Environment
Scotland’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep it that way. Be mindful of your environmental impact. Dispose of waste properly, stick to marked roads and paths, and use eco-friendly products. The ‘Leave No Trace’ 7 principles are a good guideline to follow.
Read: 5 IDEAL ways to have an ethical holiday in Scotland
Be Prepared For Narrow Roads
Make sure your campervan is suitable for the places you plan to visit. Some rural areas in Scotland have narrow roads that may not be suitable for larger vehicles, especially in the Highlands and on the islands where the roads are often thin and winding.
Consider This, Our IDEAL 4 Day Itinerary...
Day 1: Edinburgh to Loch Lomond
Morning:
- Pick up your campervan in Edinburgh.
- Head west towards Glasgow on the M8.
- Stop at Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, for a quick visit.
Afternoon:
- Continue to Loch Lomond, part of the Trossachs National Park.
- Have lunch at a local pub in Balloch or Luss.
- Explore the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond, perhaps taking a boat tour or a hike up Conic Hill for panoramic views.
Evening:
- Settle into a campsite around Loch Lomond for the night.
- Enjoy a campfire dinner, if permitted.
Day 2: Loch Lomond to Glencoe
Morning:
- Drive north towards Glencoe via the A82, passing through the Arrochar Alps.
- Stop at the Rest and Be Thankful viewpoint for some photos.
Afternoon:
- Arrive in Glencoe, known for its dramatic scenery and hiking trails.
- Have lunch at the Glencoe Visitor Centre and learn about the area’s history and geology.
- Spend the afternoon exploring, perhaps taking a walk in the Lost Valley or visiting the Glencoe Folk Museum.
Evening:
- Park at a designated campervan site in Glencoe.
- Cook dinner in your campervan or visit a local pub.
Day 3: Glencoe to Isle of Skye
Morning:
- Drive towards the Isle of Skye, taking the A82 towards Fort William, then the A87 towards the Skye Bridge.
- Stop at Eilean Donan Castle for a tour, one of the most iconic images of Scotland.
Afternoon:
- Cross the Skye Bridge onto the Isle of Skye.
- Have lunch in Broadford or Portree, the largest town on Skye.
- Visit the Fairy Pools, a series of clear, cold pools and waterfalls at the foot of the Black Cuillins.
Evening:
- Find a campsite on Skye for the night, perhaps near the coast for views of the sea.
- Enjoy a seafood dinner at a local restaurant or cook in your campervan.
Day 4: Isle of Skye to Inverness
Morning:
- Explore more of Skye in the morning. Visit the Quiraing for a walk with stunning views or the Old Man of Storr.
- Drive off Skye via the A87, heading towards Loch Ness.
Afternoon:
- Stop at Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness and try to spot the Loch Ness Monster!
- Have lunch at Drumnadrochit or Fort Augustus.
Evening:
- Continue to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
- Explore the city a bit, visiting Inverness Castle or strolling along the River Ness.
- Spend the night at a local campsite.
The Bottom Line
Touring Scotland by campervan offers an unparalleled sense of freedom and adventure. So pack your bags, rev up your engine, and set forth on a Scottish sojourn that promises to be as magical as the land itself.
