By William Coleman
From the stunning Scottish Borders to the wild beauty of the Highlands, Scotland’s diverse landscape lends itself to many exciting driving routes, and the Caravan and Motorhome Club has a range of Scottish campsites for every stop of the way.
With membership starting from just £54 per year for two people, why not take advantage of the year round benefits and set off on a Scottish road trip?
Here are five of the Club’s top Scottish driving routes, complete with nearby campsites to head to in 2020:
Scottish Classics: Glasgow to Fort William
The drive from Glasgow to Fort William is less than a three-hour journey, with the winding route passing through the stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Tourers should stop at the beautiful Loch Lomond to stretch their legs near the banks of this famous stretch of water. The journey continues through the glen (renowned for being one of Scotland’s most scenic), where tourers find themselves surrounded by the magnificent munros and rolling hills of the Highlands.
The final destination, Fort William, is the perfect base for enjoying a walk through Glencoe or for exploring cultural sites including the West Highlands Museum. For those looking for a more adventurous trip, why not head to Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak?
Tackling the Ben is high on many keen travellers’ bucket lists, but those who’d rather stay out of the clouds can enjoy the view from the bottom whilst they go on a tour of the Ben Nevis Distillery.
Stay at the Bunree Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite. Located just 10 miles from Fort William on the edge of the beautiful Loch Linnhe, guests at this campsite have been known to spot sea otters and cormorants. This tranquil site is the perfect spot for tourers to set up a base to enjoy all that Fort William and Glencoe have to offer.
Prices start from £24.60 per night for two adults sharing a standard pitch.
For History Lovers: Aberdeen to Inverness
This Highland adventure is a 116-mile journey through the breath-taking Cairngorms National Park into the ancient city of Inverness. The route is perfect for history buffs, who can explore The Highlands’ military history through the museums, forts and castles that dot the countryside.
Potential stops include the Gordon Highlanders Museum, 18th century Fort George and the Culloden Battlefield & Visitor Centre, the site of the famous final Jacobite battle, which has been restored to how it would have appeared in 1746. Tourers should also be sure to take a break in the expansive Cairngorms National Park so that they can take in this stunning part of Scotland.
Stay at the Culloden Moor Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite. Just one and a half miles from the Culloden Battlefield and a short drive to historic Inverness, this campsite is ideally located for bedding down after a long day exploring the region. The site is particularly good for dog owners, with a range of lovely forest walks nearby.
Prices start from £19.30 per night for two adults sharing a standard pitch.
The Spine of Scotland: Inverness to Stirling
Those driving back south from Inverness should be sure to follow the A9, otherwise known as the ‘Spine of Scotland’. Scotland’s longest road is a full 273 miles long and takes drivers past ever-changing scenery, from the mist-shrouded hills of the Cairngorms to the stunning river gorge Killiecrankie.
Popular stops along the route include Blair Atholl, to explore the historic Blair Castle and the Blair Atholl Distillery and Dunkeld for its incredible cathedral. The final destination, Stirling, is a gorgeous historical city with plenty to do, with the magnificent Stirling Castle a must-visit.
Stay at the Blair Drummond Caravan Park (Affiliated Site), ideally situated within the old walled garden of Blair Drummond House. There is a range of lovely walks around the nearby woodland and the neighbouring Blair Drummond safari park is a wonderful day out for families.
Prices start from £26.00 per night for two adults sharing a standard pitch.
Scotland’s Borders: The Borders to Edinburgh
This two-hour journey is perfect for those driving into Scotland from England. Starting from the border town of Gretna Green (famous for historic runaway weddings!) the drive continues through the borders, with possible stops at the Borders Textile Towerhouse, where visitors can learn about Scotland’s famous fabrics, tartan and tweed.
This route continues through southern Scotland’s spectacular countryside, with possible stops at Abbotsford, the former home of legendary writer Sir Walter Scott, and also Scott’s View, one of his favourite viewpoints that has stunning views across the valley of the River Tweed.
Edinburgh has a huge range of things to see and do, with Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and the Palace of Holyrood House all popular. Visitors can also enjoy a stroll down the famous Royal Mile, which is often home to many bagpipers – the true spirit of Scotland!
Stay at the Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite. Located on the Firth of Forth, the campsite has easy access to the beach as well as Scotland’s magnificent capital city, making it the perfect spot for those after a coastal break near the city.
Prices start from £18.45 per night for two adults sharing a standard pitch.
The Malt Whiskey Trail: Moray
The Speyside Malt Whisky Trail is the ultimate road trip for any whisky enthusiast. Home to the largest concentration of distilleries in the world, this 74-mile trail comprises nine sites that visitors can explore.
With both household names and smaller distilleries, including world famous Glenfiddich, there’s something to appeal to every whisky fan. Each location is able to provide guided tours and tastings with true whisky experts – those planning on enjoying a dram should ensure they have a designated driver!
Stay at Sunnybrae Certificated Location and enjoy all the Highlands have to offer. Well located in Moray for heading out on the Whisky Trail, visitors can also enjoy the wonderful local wildlife, including kestrels, pine martens and deer and dolphins that can be spotted in the Moray Firth.
There is a range of coastal walks that are also accessible from the campsite, and a number of other activities including pony trekking cycling or touring historical sites.
Prices start from £12.00 per night for all occupants sharing a standard pitch.
