A Scottish Campervan Adventure

Back to blog list  October 01, 2018

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Scotland is just about overflowing with numerous exciting cities, jaw-dropping landscapes, rich history and a thriving folk music scene. Rumble from the dramatic mountain ranges to tranquil fishing villages in a Camperbug motorhome or campervan hire. Camp out on the undulating hills of Borders, or explore the stunning islands generously sprinkled in the Western Isles and the Hebrides. This road trip primarily focuses on uncovering Scotland’s beauty, and we’ll show you how to soak in the splendour in a campervan or motorhome rental. From wild beaches to craggy castles, Scotland has what it takes to top lists as one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

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First stop – Hello Dear Green Place!

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Day 1 and 2

Outgoing Glasgow welcomes the world to enjoy its architectural heritage, lively music scene, characterful museums, and a burgeoning food and drink culture. There are many beautiful things to see and do in the bustling city. Visit a hipster vegan restaurant, explore a fantastic cathedral, or take a walk in a rolling park. The town is small and easy to navigate so you can fit in a majority of the famous sites into a weekend break. Explore the buzzing culture capital, get acquainted with the friendly locals, and enjoy their irreverent sense of humour when you view the iconic Wellington statue gleefully decked with a traffic cone! There is an abundance of bars and pubs to enjoy your favourite tipple. Drygate Brewery boasts of a comprehensive range of excellent beer. The Horseshoe Bar has kept many a visitor suitably tiddly since the mid-nineteenth century. Here are some must-see Glasgow attractions:

Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

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The city-owned museums and galleries are plentiful and in most cases, free to visit. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is famed for its excellent collection of artefacts, and art. This iconic red sandstone building welcomes over a million visitors each year, and the stunning Kelvingrove Park sits right next to the museum, making it a top attraction in Glasgow.

See Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

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A magnificent Glasgow Cathedral marks the birthplace of Glasgow. It is allegedly built on the site of St Kentigern’s tomb, the first bishop of the ancient British kingdom of Strathclyde. The cathedral is said to have been erected between the 13th and 15th centuries. The Glasgow Necropolis is an atmospheric Victorian cemetery dating back to 1833. See one of Britain’s finest collections of stained glass windows, and admire the carved bosses along Blackadder Aisle at Glasgow Cathedral. Enjoy the view over the city, and stroll along with the monuments.

Take in striking architectural Heritage

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Glasgow’s skyline is pierced by striking buildings that are often used in Hollywood movies like World War Z, Cloud Atlas, and Fast and the Furious 6. Check out some of the top film and TV locations or enjoy a legacy of exquisite Victorian architecture. From the majestic Victorian City Chambers overlooking George Square to excellent examples of medieval architecture like Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis, Glasgow’s wealth past has left a legacy of magnificent architecture. Take a guided tour or wander around the city and take in the sights.

Follow the City Centre Mural Trail

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Glasgow’s, building and lanes are adorned in splashes of colour by talented local street artists. These colourful makeovers range from patron saints and local icons to famous Glaswegians and animals. Find out about the inspiration behind the art on a Street Art Tour led by locals or enjoy the City Centre Mural Trail at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

Uncover Glasgow’s legendary music scene

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Glasgow’s music scene is as diverse as it is abundant. It is the first city in the UK to be elected a UNESCO City of Music and brims with a variety of people, places, and performances. Take a guided walking tour across Glasgow’s top music venues, or ramble around and let the city unravel its musical delights. Ask the locals where you can visit the world’s oldest music hall or explore the venue that propelled Oasis into the spotlight.

Stop two- Fort William

Glen Coe, Ballachulish. Image by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

Day 3 and 4

From the humming city of Glasgow, head 170 km north and you enter the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ – Fort William. Set on the scenic shores of Loch Linnhe, the town is flocked by those who love getting out in the open-air. There so much to see and plenty of approaches to see the sights. Enjoy a cornucopia of outdoor activities like water sports, mountain hiking, biking, hillwalking, and more! Are you holidaying during winter? Lucky you! See the ski slopes come to life or scale the mighty Aonach Mòr Mountain in a gondola lift and enjoy an eagle-eye view of the Inner Hebrides from the very top. If you’re looking for a low-key stay, explore the historic town, try castle hopping or enjoy hours of fishing. More often than not, the local restaurants offer unbeatable views, so sit back, savour the local lard, and explore Fort William your way.

Tackle Ben Nevis

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Ben Nevis is wild and adventurous, and should only be taken on by experienced climbers. At 14,411 feet, heading for the summit and back takes approximately eight hours of climbing so pitch a tent for the night and savour a jaw-dropping sunset. The path is often steep and dangerous, so if you’re travelling with kids or an inexperience hiker, it’s best to admire the peaks from below. The view from the top is breath-taking, encompassing of glittering lochs, glacial valleys, and mountains draped across the landscape as far as the eye can see.

Discover awe-inspiring scenery at Lochaber Geopark

St. John, The Scottish Episcopal Church. Image by sonyrxguy on Instagram

Expect nothing short of towering mountains, gleaming lochs, winding rivers, cliffs, sandy beaches, and beautiful outdoor scenery at Lochaber Geopark. Lovingly sculpted by nature, this outdoor playground boasts of some of the best geology in the world and extends from Loch Laggan to Isles of Canna, Rum, Muck, and Eigg. Learn how glaciers and scorching volcanic activity whittled down the glens and lochs you see today. The site abounds with varied wildlife ranging from the Big Five (Red Squirrels, Seals, Otters, Golden Eagles, Red Deer) to wild cats, basking sharks, and puffins. When you’re not discovering fascinating geological aspects, or admiring the local wildlife take on activities like walking, climbing, mountain biking, skiing, and paddling.

Hop aboard the Jacobite Steam Train

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Famed as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter movies, the Jacobite Steam Train tour is often described as the one of the best in the world. The train chugs from the highest peak in Britain, Ben Nevis to the village of Arisaig. Secure a first-class seat to take in the best open-coach views of Loch Nevis, Loch Morar, and the 21-arched Glenfinnan viaduct.

Third stay – The Isle of Skye

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Day 5 and 6

Skye’s picture-perfect landscape, mountain ranges, dramatic coastlines, folklore, and fairies encourage adventurers to rise bright and early to savour the best of ‘Outlander’ territory! Wander across the iconic landscape, unwind as you wild camp amid magnificent backdrops, and uncover a wealth of history. It is the second-largest Scottish island and one of Scotland’s most frequented tourist destination, yet it’s incredibly easy to find an uncrowded slice of heaven. From jagged coastlines, and grand geological features to brooding castles, and glittering Fairy Pools, and there’s so much to explore. Keep a safe distance from the deceptively docile-looking sheep! Head to the Talisker Distillery after a long day of discovery, and be sure to sample the succulent local half-lobster. Hop in a boat from Elgol to Loch Coruisk for a chance to watch basking seals.

Discover a hidden Fairy Pool

Fairy Pools, Glenbrittle. Image by Adam Gavlák on Unsplash

The striking crystal-clear Fairy Pools along the River Brittle are the stuff pulled from the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien, and embody the local culture of legends and Celtic myths.These well-admired pools are ideal for a spot of wild swimming and pull in visitors from across the planet. Dive right into the cold water, or find the right angle for an Instagram-worth snap.

Walk the Quiraing trail

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With a landscape you recognize from numerous movies, Quiraing trail is rewarding as it is arresting. Quiraing was formed by an ancient landslip and is moving to this day. Wander across the gorgeous landscape and marvel at fabulous views from the top of the mountain.

See preserved dinosaur footprints and pop in at the Staffin Museum

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Despite its compact size, the museum at Staffin holds an impressive collection of dinosaur and fossil information. Have a chat with the staff and locate the infamously hard to find Staffin Dinosaur footprints at the beach. The prints are free to visit but do keep an eye out for low tide timings.

Take in the views from the edge of Kilt Rock

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Clamber to the top of the jaw-dropping Kilt Rock and take in the majestic vistas of waterfalls plummeting into the ocean. The cliff is aptly named as its edges resemble a kilt. Be sure to keep a safe distance as you take in the views from the beautiful cliff.

Stop four - Inverness

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Days 6 and 7

As Skye fades into the distance, look ahead to a brief yet breath-taking three-hour drive into the rugged beauty of Inverness. Highland vistas give way to a bustling city with a unique pink castle and the famed Loch Ness. Explore the Highland capital and uncover a vast scope of things to see and do. Learn of one of Scotland’s most tumultuous times – the Jacobite Risings, or hop on a river cruise for a glimpse at the ever-elusive Nessie. When you’re not traversing the uninhabited mountainous region, wander into a small town or lovely village. View the crumbling castles of the Highlands or unwind at a beautiful seaside town. There’s so much to unmask in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

Snap pictures of a mist-shrouded Urquhart Castle and look out for Nessie

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Urquhart Castle is a ruined, ancient fortress that rests on the banks of Loch Ness. Although it is in a skeleton of its former self, it is easy to imagine the magnificence of this castle in its former glory. Loch Ness is a must-see when touring the Scottish Highlands and you can see it by car, cycle walk or boat ride.

Explore the city of Inverness

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Begin at the lush grounds of Inverness Castle, and take in the backdrop of River Ness against the old sandstone building. Take in the history of the mountains, and its rich cultural heritage. Walk around the Neo-Gothic St. Andrews Cathedral and take in the splendours of the late 19th-century construction on the banks of the River Ness. See Abertarff House, the oldest building in Inverness or take a tour around the Victorian Market for a taste of home-grown food, drink and shopping.

Visit a site that altered the course of global history

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There’s no better place to absorb Highland history like Inverness. An impressive museum operated by the Scottish National Trust explains the Jacobite rising and offers a lot to see inside.Set aside some time to visit the center and immerse yourself in the chaos and fear the soldiers surely felt as the Scottish battled the British in 1746.

The final stop on the road trip - Edinburgh

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Days 7 and 9

All good things must come to an end, and we’re on the last leg of a memorable Scottish road trip! Happily, there’s so much to do in the Scottish capital, so look forward to two nights of castles, royals, modern art, writers, and witchcraft. Slip-on your walking shoes and head out among the winding cobblestones and craggy hills to truly get a taste of the ‘Athens of the North’. When you’re not taking photographs, savouring the slightly chaotic ambience or hopping from excellent restaurants to inviting pubs, fall in love with the rugged landscape, winding alleys, and picture-postcard views. A three-hour ride will take you into a delightful blend of medieval Old Town paired with the Georgian magnificence of New Town.

Scramble up Arthur’s Seat

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For some of the best views over Edinburgh and the enclosing areas, take a relatively easy, thirty-minute hike up Arthur’s Seat. It makes up the most significant part of a vast, extinct volcano that once towered over Edinburgh. Calton Hill and Castle Rock make up the mound of the now dormant volcano.

Wander the grounds of the Royal Botanic Gardens

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Stroll through 72 acres of well-manicured gardens, beautiful grounds, and calming nature at the Royal Botanic Gardens. First established in 1670, the landscape presents a Rock Garden, a Scottish Native Plants Collection, and a Chinese Hillside Garden for discovery. Set a comfortable mile from the city, this one of the best free attractions to visit.

Enjoy the Royal Mile and Grassmarket

Colorful Victoria Street in Edinburgh . Image and caption by Madeleine Kohler on Unsplash

The Royal Mile and Grassmarket are must-see attractions for anyone visiting Edinburgh. The Royal Mile acts as the historic heart of Scottish capital connecting Old Town with Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Wander along a mile of the cobbled street; discover a perfect Victorian road or step inside the bustling Grassmarket and learn of the public executions that often took place at the site.

See the St Giles Cathedral

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From beautiful stained glass windows to its magnificent spires, St Giles Cathedral dates back to the 12th- century and contains memorials of approximately 200 famous Scots. You can also find the Chapel of the Order of the Thistle, and Scotland’s company of Knights here too. Entrance is free, and there is a café on-site for a rest and refreshing bite.

Trace Scotland’s hidden gems, savour Scottish culture and uncover special landscapes on this road trip. Check out campervans for hire in Scotland on Camperbug and speak directly to owners throughout the country.