When the weather is on your side, there is nowhere as beautiful as the British coastline and for breath-taking scenery, you can’t beat Scotland.
One of the best ways to see Scotland’s iconic cities, rolling hills and beautiful coastline is to take a road trip, and what better way to do that than taking a tour in your caravan (or a campervan)?
Below we have listed some of the best destinations to visit if you are touring Scotland in your caravan. Just don’t forget to compare caravan insurance and get covered in case anything goes wrong along the way!
Edinburgh
With its stunning architecture, winding streets and iconic castle, there is nowhere quite like Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh.
Why not start with a walk through Edinburgh Town? Dating back to medieval times, its small streets are lined with wool shops, pubs and historical monuments. Make sure you walk the Royal Mile, which is at the heart of the Old Town, and connects Holyrood Palace with Edinburgh Castle.
Perched on a 350 million-year-old volcano, Edinburgh Castle dates back to the 12th century so is stepped in history. You can explore the former royal apartments, the Great Hall and the Scottish National War Memorial.
While there are lots of hotel options in Edinburgh, caravanners’ best bet is to stay a few miles out of the city on a site in one of the surrounding villages. Newbridge is ideal. It is a stunning countryside village, but is just 11 miles from the centre so perfect for day trips into the city.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is one of the largest, deepest, not to mention, famous expanses of water in the UK. The largest of the lochs in the Great Glen, Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
And while it may be most famous for its monster – and there are plenty of Loch Ness Monster boat trips you can take – this corner of the Highlands has a lot more to offer than Nessie.
The area is renowned for its dramatic scenery while nearby is Urquhart Castle, as well as some of Scotland’s most beautiful and picturesque villages.
As one of Scotland’s most famous sites, there are lots of campsites in this stunning area. The quieter south shore near the village of Foyers is one of the most popular spots and definitely worth considering as part of your Scottish caravanning tour.
Corryvreckan whirlpool
The Corryvreckan whirlpool, just off the west coast of Scotland, is a natural phenomenon that has to be seen to be believed. It is one of the largest, permanent whirlpools in the world and is in one of the most dangerous stretches of water around the British Isles.
The currents at the whirlpool can reach over 10 knots, while the waves have been known to reach heights of almost 10 metres.
Legend has it that the whirlpool is named after a Norwegian prince who died while trying to prove his love to a Scottish princess when her father challenged him to keep his boat there for three nights. Others say it was conjured up by a witch to catch a nasty pirate.
But whatever you believe, one thing is never in doubt: It is utterly spectacular.
There are lots of tour operators that run boat trips to the whirlpool and the surrounding areas and you can also book scuba diving if you are a certified dive master.
Nearby Port Ban on the beautiful Knapdale Peninsula, is the perfect place to pitch up for the night with a caravan or campervan. The views are breath-taking and if you want to ditch the van and get on your bike, National Cycle Route 78, which runs between Oban and Campbeltown, is right on your doorstep.
Ben Nevis
Ben Nevis is the tallest mountain in the British Isles and, every year, more than 150,000 people attempt to hike it. For the more adventurous – and fit – caravanners, it is certainly worth considering.
Fondly known as the Ben to locals, Ben Nevis was once an active volcano and stands 4406ft above the town of Fort William.
There are lots of different routes available, ranging from “The Mountain track”, which is the easiest route and best for beginners; the Carn Mor Dearg Arete, which is a more challenging climb for experienced hill walkers; through to the Ledge Route and Tower Ridge, for serious rock climbers.
And if you don’t fancy climbing Ben Nevis, but would still like to enjoy the sights, why not take a mountain gondola ride at nearby Nevis Range and experience the amazing views without the effort?
There are a huge number of campsites in the area, many of which are just a few miles from Fort William and the Ben Nevis visitor centre, and offer fantastic views of Ben Nevis and beyond.
Luskentyre Sands
Luskentyre Sands, on the west coast of South Harris in the Outer Hebridean islands, is one of the UK’s most stunning and spectacular beaches. With its miles of white sand and stunning, clear water, this stretch of coastline looks more like the Caribbean than Scotland. It is no wonder it has been voted the finest beach in the UK.
One of the best ways to appreciate the panorama is to cycle or walk the three-mile singletrack that links the beach to the main road in Harris, before going down on to the beach itself to enjoy the soft white sand and turquoise waters.
It is a very popular spot, so while there are plenty of camping and caravanning sites around, it is advisable to book well in advance if you want to guarantee a place to stay.
Argyll Coastal Route
While there are plenty of amazing places to visit, some of the most beautiful and breath-taking views can be had by simply road tripping with your caravan. The Argyll Coastal Route, which starts at the banks of Loch Lomond and finishes in Fort William, is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the UK.
Almost 130 miles long, it includes sea lochs and snow mountains. With a number of fantastic campsites on route, you can enjoy this gorgeous coastline at your own pace.
Preparing for your trip
There is no doubt that one of the best ways to tour Scotland is in a caravan (or a campervan), because you have the freedom to go where you want, when you want. And while to an extent, your trip can be quite ad hoc you will need to do some planning to avoid disappointment – or any unexpected costs. Here are our top tips:
- Plan your route – decide where you want to go, and for how long.
- Book your stops – once you have worked out where you want to go, try to book as many of your overnight stays as you can, especially if you are going in the summer as you will not be able to just turn up and hope to get a space.
- Equipment – make sure your caravan is well equipped, with all the cooking utensils you need. There are usually shops at caravan sites but it makes sense to stock up on essential foods such as cereal, rice and pasta before you go so you don’t have to worry.
- Caravan insurance quotes – before you embark on your trip, make sure you compare caravan insurance quotes and put a good policy. Most policies will cover damage (from weather and accidents), public liability (in case you damage someone else’s vehicle or property while towing) and theft as standard, with the option to add on extras such as family use.
To get the trip off to a smooth start don’t forget to visit InsureMy Caravan Insurance InsureMy only ever work with trusted and reputable specialist insurers and price match every touring caravan insurance quote, so you can be sure you’re getting the best deal.
