3 First Time Scotland Campervan Road Trips
The first time Billy and I took a camper van out, we decided that a 2 week adventure on the NC500 in off season would be a great initiation trip - plot twist, it absolutely was not. I was riddled with anxiety driving the whole time, was unsure where we were allowed to park and was terrified that someone was going to knock on our door in the middle of the night and tell us we had to move the van.
I stayed in a constant state of anxiety for the full 2 weeks and to add salt to the wound, i lost my only pair of glasses (which i absolutely need to drive), we had to park up at 3pm every day as the sunset at 3.30-4pm (not exaggerating!) we burst a tyre at the most northern point of Scotland, had to refill our adblue mid trip and experienced some of the strongest winds we have EVER had in Scotland.
However…we still had an amazing trip 😂
That being said, when I’m asked for advice for first time camper van adventures, I have 3 core tips.
1. If it’s your first time, go on a weekend to 3 day getaway where you’re not TOO far from your van pick up point, that way you know you’re never to far should something go wrong
2. Don’t travel in off season or winter, especially if you’re not familiar driving in these conditions
3. If you’re going for longer than 3 days, schedule in a hotel or B&B stop every 3-4 days so you can bathe, stretch out, repack your bags etc (honestly makes such a world of difference!)
So with those tips up your sleeve, let’s chat about the 3 Scottish roadtrips I’d reccomend for your first time experiencing campervan life
Glencoe & Glen Etive
The area of Glencoe and Glen Etive are famous for a reason, they are absolutely BREATHTAKING! We frequently head back to these two locations as they offer a beautiful views, hikes & wild swimming spots all year around. Only a few hours out of Edinburgh or Glasgow, the dramatic change in landscape is offered so quickly with very limited effort to get there! The drive once you’re out of the city is breathtaking and still brings a tear to my eye every time I visit!
In Glencoe you can either wild camp along the road to Glen Etive or book a camper space at the Red Squirrel and in Glen Etive, if you drive right to the end of the road there’s a carpark area for camping here too. As always, please leave your camping spaces cleaner than you found them! We are so lucky in Scotland to have the freedom to roam act, it’d be so sad if we lost that privilege should people continue to leave sites messy.
Ardnamurchan Peninsula
This is a great spot for your first ferry adventure as the Ardnamurchan Peninsula is also attached to mainland Scotland. So you don’t have to take the ferry if you don’t want, but I found this one a nice and easy step into catching a ferry with a vehicle, knowing that if they couldn’t run because of weather, I had access off the peninsula too!
Ardnamurchan is only 50 square miles at the most westerly point on the British mainland and is beautiful and unspoiled (and not as busy as some other sites we’ve visited in Scotland too!) Whether visiting on a rainy weekend or a gloriously sunny jaunt, Ardnamurchan and it’s spectacular beaches is a great shout for a new campervan explorer.
I’d really reccomend wild camping whilst here, but if you want the security and peace of mind, book yourself a spot at Lochan nan al Campsite! Whilst you’re in this part of Scotland, check out Castle Tioram (one of our most favorite castles in Scotland!)
Glen Shee & Braemar
Headed to the eastern side of Scotland now, my last reccomendation is to take a drive through Glen Shee and make your way to Braemar. The drive through Glen Shee is so incredible and one of my most favorite drives in Scotland. In winter you’ll find ski enthusiasts heading down the slopes, and in the summer you can pull over and picnic by wee rivers and lochs and enjoy the lengthy summer days. The drive through Glen Shee takes you to Braemar, one of our favorite smaller towns! Whether you fancy a coffee and cake or a pint at the Fife Arms, this little town is worth exploring for a day and checking out local walks like the 7 bridges walk around Ballater (we’re yet to do that one!)
You may be a wee bit harder pressed to find a wild camping site in Braemar specifically, but the Braemar Caravan Park and Campsite is well worth a stop and it even has toilets and hot showers - bliss!
Whilst you’re in Braemar, you’re not far from Balmoral Estate and the Balmoral Cairns, Scotlands very own pyramids (not joking!)
With all that information we’re sure you’re buzzing to get your next Scotland road trip planned! So if you’re ready to get booking, check out Staycation Scotland Campervans and use the code scotlandmagic10 to save 10% off your booking!
Let us know below which campervan trip you’re most excited to embark upon?!