But, of course, you should always take the opportunity of having the freedom to explore, especially when travelling by campervan or motorhome. • The introduction of non-essential travel restrictions over the dates you are due to travel Many visitors to Scotland are surprised by how narrow some of the roads are, especially if they’re not used to driving a large vehicle like a motorhome. Day 7 The only way to truly soak up the beauty of Scotland is through the freedom of a Motorhome holiday. As long as you relax, take care and drive courteously, you’ll have a great time. We have suggested routes that take you on some of the best road trips in Scotland. When I’m travelling through Scotland I usually stay in a Bed and Breakfast for shorter periods and a self catering cottage for longer stays. I have written down all the stages of the entire Route, from Gretna Green to North Berwick, the stage distances and the points of interest we have been to. Touring Scotland in a Motorhome Based on our 30 years of touring experience, we are convinced Scotland has something really special to offer when it comes to motorhome holidays. Then from Ullapool you can work your way down the west coast. You never know when a farmer or home-owner may need to use them – just because you can’t see a house doesn’t mean there isn’t one along the track, just over the hill. Motorhome campsite tips If you’re hiring your motorhome during the school holidays or other busy periods, it’s a good idea to plan and book ahead. Driving Routes Scotland motorhome routes and itinerary guide. Day 4   Scotland is brimming with wild beauty and fascinating culture, and is a true gem for a motorhome holiday. This driving route only launched in the summer of 2019 and is set to become incredibly popular due to its ease of accessibility and highly rated locations en route. Aviemore is set in Scotland's Cairngorms National Park. Scotland Motorhome Itinerary Map and Campsite Tips Below is the map, itinerary and general information and tips from our Scotland in a Motorhome Tour in the Spring of 2012. With motorhomes remaining ever popular and a common sight around the UK’s campsites, what could be better than starting the engine and driving off on a camping trip without a worry in […] If you don't have your own campervan or motorhome, not to worry. Many visitors to Scotland are surprised by how narrow some of the roads are, especially if they’re not used to driving a large vehicle like a motorhome. What’s more, you’ll see the full beauty of Scotland’s lochs, mountains and coast. There was everything we needed in the van and it felt like holidaying with a hotel on wheels, with different views each day and wild camping along the way, I would highly recommend your company to hire a van from! They can be on either side of the road. Ruthvenfeild Avenue, Day 6 Driving Tours; Map; Our Scotland Motorhome Tour Intro Page. It is worth spending time poring over maps and deciding where you’ll feel comfortable driving – maps are half the fun of a road-trip anyway.). Nor are gateways, cattle-grid gates or other apparently-unused entries. Carefully. Don’t try to pull into a passing place on your right – it’s one of the best ways to cause an accident. Motorhomes can be quite large and you may find the thought of driving one a little daunting. These roads are often so quiet that you have a good chance of seeing unusual wildlife, like pine martens. Horse-riders and cyclists should be allowed to pass you at their own pace; horses may be nervous of your large vehicle and cyclists are working much harder than you are! This site uses cookies. Driving a motorhome in France is not hard, but there are many things that can help you to be better prepared before doing so, especially if it is your first time.. Planning for this part of your journey can improve your confidence, get your head in the right space, and alleviate many of the anxieties, frustrations and even fear that you might otherwise feel. For a more relaxing attraction fit in a visit to the Strathspey Railway. In reality, it is not as difficult as you might think. A short drive away is Scone Palace and the National Hunt RaceCourse, or for motorsport enthusiasts, this is also the headquarters for the Scottish Rally Championship, Mcrae Forest Stages rally in October. The Cairngorms. It is important to plan ahead! Video Of Someone Driving A Class A Motorhome For the First Time. Home » Europe » A Guide to Driving Scotland’s North Coast 500 by Motorhome As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We are the only company who have all brand new very high specification motorhomes, however and more important than that is the service and advice of where to go and also where not to go from experienced expert local motor homers. Scotland Driving Routes 2021. OR A paradise for camper or motorhome travel, miles of beautiful winding roads along the coast and an indefinite amount of small roads. As an example, take a look at our week-long route below. All we can say is that if you want to fall in love with Scotland’s fascinating history, then get in there soon before it gets busy! North again to Inverness, plenty to do and see here from shopping to battlefields, the capital of the Highlands of Scotland has plenty to offer everyone. Exploring Scotland in a motorhome . For more info, please check our disclosure page . If the passing place is on the left pull into it; if it’s on the right, stop opposite it. Perhaps you'll be lucky enough to watch the fishermen landing their catch. Just a couple of weeks ago, I was on the B842 on the east coast of the Kintyre peninsula, heading for Carradale Bay. Head along the coast and Visit places such as Gairloch, Arisaig and head towards Fort william. Even though free camping in the UK with motorhomes can be difficult, it definitely is worth it. Perth, PH1 3WB The road network is in very good condition but the crossing is sometimes difficult, especially between a motorhome or a fitted campervan and a … Ferries are available to the Islands of Mull, Collins, Barra and Uist from Mull, why not have a trip as foot passengers to the picturesque village of Tobermory on Mull. Spend the night in your motorhome in this area to allow you a leisurely drive back to Perth on your final day. Please find listed to the right and under the 'Exploring Scotland' tab, some suggestions on possible routes that you may find of interest. There’s no point in letting a quirk of British road-building keep you away from some of the most beautiful parts of the country. You’ll also need a lot of blankets, a heater, and an emergency kit in case of being snowed in. Road edges are often soft and narrow and can hide roadside drains, and you don’t want to get stuck. Very popular with the young and the young at heart. While it is easy to adapt to left-hand driving by car, Scottish roads are not wide. • Closure of the Scottish Tourer Depot on the date when your collection is scheduled On a more general note, you need to be aware that motorhomes are necessarily wide, while Scottish roads are both narrow, and in poor repair. Inveralmond Industrial Estate If you’re new to driving a motorhome in Scotland, here are some handy tips that could make the experience much more fun and rewarding. Answer 1 of 7: Planning trip to Scotland march time. This North Coast 500 motorhome route is a great adventure through Scotland.   Not just for other drivers’s sakes but because single-track roads often lack fences and you may meet cattle, sheep, deer, horse-riders, cyclists and walkers. If you haven't driven some form of heavy goods vehicle, then driving a motorhome anywhere, let alone in Scotland, could be a daunting experience. Scotland is filled to the brim with dramatic landscapes and stunning coastlines, and the best way to see them is up close. The Bealach na Ba’ pass to Applecross is one, as it is steep, narrow and very twisty. Driving north head for Aviemore, you'll find a winter ski resort and also hill walking and water sports in the summer months. Beside being able to stay at campsites with awesome views or having the ability to set up camp (almost) anywhere you want, there are several other perks to exploring Scotland and particularly the North Coast 500 in a campervan. So here are our best tips for safe driving on single-track roads. If you need to stretch your legs a walk up to the Hermitage situated off the A9 is perfect. The chances are that most of the vehicles you’ll meet will be smaller than yours and will wait for you to pass them. Why not spend your first day in and around Perth, also known as the fair city. To comply with data protection regulations (2018), we are unable to store and use your information unless you give us your permission. Single-track roads with passing places are not everyone’s cup of tea but if you want to travel in the Highlands you will certainly meet them. Should you meet a herd of animals, the safest thing to do is to pull in and switch off your engine until they have all passed. Parking charges 8am till 6pm and overnight parking appears tolerated. If you are more familiar with driving on the right, check your road position occasionally. Hopefully these tips will have put your mind at ease about driving on Scotland’s smaller roads. Why not take one of the many boat trips available, and then park up the motorhome for the night on the banks of Loch Ness to do some monster spotting! Pay extra attention at junctions, crossroads and roundabouts. It’s generally considered good manners to give way to vehicles coming up a hill towards you, particularly large and/or heavy ones. Take care on roads which are narrow, winding and switch from single carriageway to single track without warning. If it is the brutal Scottish winter - props to you!- then you’ll need to check you have winter tyres and snow chains. Driving a motorhome in the Scottish Highlands POV - YouTube Motorhome EscapesCamps Industrial EstateKirknewtonEH27 8DF, Motorhome Escapes Ltd – Registered at Companies House, Edinburgh, Scotland on 15th May 2013Company Registration Number: SC445238, Copyright © 2020 Motorhome Escapes | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy. The countryside may look as though nothing ever happens but a lot of people work there and they get very frustrated if they can’t pass you and get on with whatever they’re doing. If an oncoming vehicle is bigger or harder to manoeuvre than yours (for example, a tractor with a trailer), then it is usually a good idea to kindly reverse to the nearest passing place. Your plan of the West Coast Route was easy to follow and we saw some fab places along the way.   • If you are in a local lockdown situation over the dates you are due to travel. It's a relatively short bit of road, but I reckon if I could do that, there isn't a road in Scotland I can't get my motorhome along. A campervan really does offer the perfect getaway for anyone who relishes the prospect of exploring the rural locales and remote corners of Scotland on the open road. Driving In Scotland As many of our clients have never driven in this country before, the team at Lowland Motorhome Hire have created this helpful hints and tips to Driving In Scotland … We hope you'll use these suggestions to spark your own ideas on where and what to visit. We've compiled a list of Scotland road trips and route planner ideas. Speed limits can be different for larger vehicles than for cars. Very often drivers who have overtaken will thank you by using their indicators or hazard warning lights for a few seconds – it doesn’t mean anything’s wrong. There is something incredibly attractive about parking and sleeping where no-one else has ever slept. The trick is to be relaxed but very focussed: think ahead, take it gently and don’t worry. We enjoyed our time in the Motor Home from the word go and had 2 weeks of complete relaxation and enjoyment. If you are travelling in a motorhome or caravan around Scotland, it is always advised that you use official campsites or designated overnight parking areas. This applies overnight, too, since a home-owner may be coming home after dark or a farmer may be making an early start. The locks on the Caledonian canal at Fort Augusta or Neptune's Staircase just North of Fort William are well worth a visit. Explore at your own pace, go where you please, all with the flexibility of your hotel on wheels! For seafood lovers don't miss out on the Loch Fyne Oyster bar where restaurant customers will be welcome to park their motorhome overnight overlooking the Loch. With everything included that could need, we try to ensure our clients have the best trip possible when exploring this fantastic country. For a beautiful scenic route, drive to Ullapool. View our data protection policy for details.   Take a look around our website for some of our pre-planned, tried and tested touring routes that we recommend for your trip to Scotland. There are plenty of places across Scotland where you can hire or rent - just make sure you plan and book in advance. They’ll expect to be thanked if they give way to you, too. A campervan or motorhome is a fantastic way to explore Scotland, offering an amazing combination of freedom and comfort. Rich in culture, history and natural breathtaking scenery, it also makes one of the best places for a motorhome holiday. Scottish Tourer Motorhome Hire, What better motorhome holiday could there be? (Having said that, some roads are simply not suitable for large vehicles. Passing places aren’t for stopping to take photos, have a picnic or park for the night; the clue is in the name! However, not all passing places are marked, so you have to keep your eyes open for them. Day 3 Next … Travel and spend the first night at Pitlochry, a popular and busy Victorian town in the Perthshire Highlands. Perhaps fit in time to visit Blair Drummond Safari Park or head across to Stirling where you can see Stirling Castle or climb to the top of the 220ft Wallace Monument. This will help preserve Scotland's natural landscape and reduce as much disruption to local resident areas as possible. They certainly exist in rural parts of England and Wales. If you’re doing the opposite, and cruising dow… Make sure anywhere you stop for any length of time is hard ground too! Look ahead as far as you can, and pull in to the passing place in good time – it will save you having to reverse. Even passing other vehicles on normal A and B roads can feel very tight. Thank you so much for all your help and support for our holiday in one of your vans last week. However, because of Scotland's strict laws, drivers … Home of some fine art galleries and the oldest repertory theatre in Scotland. Driving your motorhome on Scotland’s single-track roads. Whichever, you’ll find incredible landscapes, legendary Scottish hospitality and the thrill of the open road. Perks of Exploring Scotland in a Campervan. Many campervanners like to make the most of their trips by choosing free wild camping spots for overnight stops. Along the way there are too many highlights, you’ll meet enchanting castles, white beaches and fairytale-like sceneries. Close by at Blair Atholl is one of Scotland's many malt whisky distilleries and the famous Blair Atholl Castle, the home of the only private army in Britain. View the top things to do, tourist attractions and beautiful places to see in Scotland. The general rule is that whoever reaches a passing place first stops. A fantastic scenic drive down through Fort William and Glen Coe and onto Oban. Our route into Pitlochry and to the Atholl Road Car Park which has 4 dedicated Caravan / Motorhome Bays. If they stop at the same time as you and flash their headlights twice, it usually means that they’re inviting you to drive on – but this is not a hard-and-fast rule, so don’t rely on it. Tackle the whole route, for which you’ll need at least several weeks, or do a bit of it. If you’re arranging motorhome hire in Scotland for the trip, they can probably supply these, but always check first. Take a look at what we offer with our luxuruy motorhome hire. Driving a motorhome You need the right licence to drive a motorhome or campervan, and your vehicle needs to be within UK size limits. Motorhome parking is available at a vast number of sites in this area. Whether it's around the country's north east, through the highlands (such as the famous North Coast 500) or to the Outer Hebrides. Always use a passing place, even if it’s quite a long way back, rather than trying to climb up on the verge. Guarantee To Beat Any Like For Like Quote. This is surely one of the best motorhome routes in the UK and one of the best driving roads in Scotland. Touring Scotland in a motorhome will allow you to experience first hand the fantastic scenery and stunning views of our beautiful lochs, countryside, Highlands and coast. A leisurely drive in your motorhome will take you to beautiful Inveraray, a visit to the town jail and Inveraray Castle are worthwhile. You may also meet hard hazards such as low bridges and tight bends, which can come up without warning.   Thanks for a wonderful holiday, it won’t be our last! Visitors from elsewhere in Britain may have come across such roads. A drive around some of the sea lochs and Loch Lomond.   Keep an eye on your rear-view mirrors and use passing places to let any vehicles behind you overtake. Always drive on the left in Scotland. Scottish Tourer will offer a full refund or postponement without penalty if the UK Government imposes restrictions that cause any of the following Getting off the beaten track, touring undiscovered highlands, visiting local legends and stopping off at more than a few local whisky distilleries… If you don’t already know about Scotland motorhome holidays, you should. With all our travels in Europe, Scotland is by far one of the best countries to see from the road. Leave Perth and head north in your Motorhome to Dunkeld. Rich in culture, history and natural breathtaking scenery, it also makes one of the best places for a motorhome holiday. It is much easier for you to move off downhill than it would be for them to start moving uphill again. Please select Yes to allow this. Unless you have driven a commercial vehicle in … If they only flash once, it is usually a “thank you” and means they know you’ve stopped and they are driving on; you may also get a cheery wave as they pass you. 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