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With a motorhome through Scotland

Scotland is wonderfully wild and somehow delightfully different from the rest of the United Kingdom. You can look forward to dramatic landscapes, a fascinating history and a glass or two of whisky when you plan a vacation in Scotland with a camper.

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Scotland with the motorhome – What you need to know on the road

  • Very important: In Scotland there is also left-hand traffic. Therefore, you must remember that your headlights have to be adjusted for left-hand traffic.
  • The speed limit for small motorhomes is 48 km/h in towns, 80 km/h outside towns, and 96 km/h on expressways and the freeway. In some residential areas you are only allowed to drive 32 km/h. Keep in mind that the speed in the country is posted as mph (miles per hour).
  • The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 in Scotland.
  • If you are looking for a parking space, remember that parking and stopping is prohibited at double yellow lines. A temporary parking ban is indicated by a dashed yellow line.
  • Children younger than 12 years and shorter than 1.35 m must ride in an appropriate child seat.
  • You may only talk on the phone while driving if you are using a hands-free device.
  • If you pay a fine within 14 days, you will get a 50% discount for some traffic offenses.

The most beautiful Scotland motorhome tours

5 days by motorhome following in the footsteps of Harry Potter

It’s best to plan a motorhome trip through England and Scotland if you want to see Hogwarts from the inside as well as from the outside. The setting for the famous school is in the north of England.

But once in Scotland, there are plenty of great film locations to explore on the ground and a good dose of Scottish history to discover along the way.

Day 1 – Edinburgh

  • Kick off the road trip with a cup of coffee at Elephant House, the café is fondly referred to as the birthplace of Harry Potter. You’ll be gutted if you miss out on this piece of fan memorabilia!
  • At Edinburgh Castle you can admire the Scottish Crown Jewels and the Providence Stone.
  • During a tour of Scotland with your home on wheels, you must try haggis; the best place to do this is the Arcade Bar Haggis and Whisky House.

Campsite: Edinburgh Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite

Day 2 – Glencoe

  • Right on site you can admire Hagrid’s hut and see how the friendly giant lives.
  • Visit Loch Eilt, with its pretty islet “Eilean na Moine”, this picturesque lake also appears in many movies.

Campsite: Glencoe Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Day 3 – Fort Williams

  • Drive through the Glen Nevis Valley to Steall Waterfall, which is featured in the dragon scene of the Triwizard Tournament.
  • Hiking enthusiasts must head up to the summit of Ben Nevis for a proper view.
  • You can learn all about the regional history at the West Highland Museum.

Campsite: Bunree Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite

Day 4 – Mallaig

  • Swap your camper for the Jacobite train and take a detour to Mallaig. On the way, you can see the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, featured in the Harry Potter movies.
  • Near the surrounding area, you should plan a trip to Loch Morar, which provided the backdrop for the lake in Hogwarts.
  • From Mallaig you can easily plan a trip to the beautiful Isle of Skye.

Campsite: Camusdarach Campsite

Day 5 – Loch Arkaig

  • Loch Arkaig also appears in several movie scenes, such as diving during the Triwizard Tournament take your time exploring the area.
  • Look for the French gold that was supposedly hidden here for the Jacobites in 1746 but was never found!

Pitch: Glen Nevis Caravan & Camping Park

7 days with the motorhome along the North Coast 500

Fancy the stunning coasts and the lush, green Highlands? Then cruise along the North Coast 500 with your campervan. On the way you can expect endless sea, a comfortable drive and a proper insight into the life and history of the Highlands.

Day 1 – Inverness

  • Search for Nessie, then see the spooky and charming Urquhart Castle on the shores of Loch Ness.
  • Inverness Castle gives you a grand view of the city.
  • A visit to Culloden and the adjacent museum is a must for history buffs.

Campsite: Ardtower Caravan Park

Day 2 – Applecross

  • Drive over the Bealach na Ba, one of the highest roads in the country, for non-stop driving fun and spectacular views over the coast.
  • Kayak out to sea – there are great tours for beginners too, so you can see the peninsula from the water.
  • You’ve got to try the smoked fish when you are in Applecross, it’s a must.

Campsite: Applecross Campsite

Day 3 – Torridon

  • Hike along the Liathach Massif, which rewards you with great views.
  • At the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre you can learn all about the nature of the region.

Campsite: Torridon Campsite

Day 4 – Ullapool

  • Loch Broom in particular is great for bird watching grouse, puffins, and even golden eagles can be found in the area.
  • Spend a relaxing beach day at Ardmair Bay.
  • Be sure to visit Corrieshalloch Gorge National Nature Reserve – the impressive gorge stretches for 1.5 km and is home to numerous waterfalls.

Campsite: Ardmair Point Caravan & Camping Park

Day 5 – Caithness

  • See the stone setting of Achavanich, which is over 4,000 years old and was laid out in a horseshoe shape.
  • The ruins of Sinclair Girnigoe Castle delight history buffs and nature lovers alike.
  • Dunnet Head is the northernmost point in the United Kingdom and offers fantastic views of the coast.

Campsite: Wick Caravan & Camping Site

Day 6 – John o’ Groats

  • At the Castle of Mey, you can walk in the footsteps of the Queen Mother and feel quite regal yourself!
  • Adrenaline junkies go surfing on the coast – great waves await but be sure not to forget your wetsuit!
  • Afterwards, you can enjoy some homemade ale at the John O’Groats Brewery.

Campsite: John O’Groats Caravan and Camping Site

Day 7 – Dingwall

  • Stroll down the grand High Street, which is charming with its red sandstone buildings.
  • Don’t miss the town’s monument, the Tolbooth, an 18th-century tower.

Campsite: Dingwall Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Day 8 – Inverness

To say goodbye, be sure to visit the elaborate Dunrobin Castle, a real fairy tale castle with beautiful gardens nestled next to the sea.

7 Day Motorhome Route along the North East 250

Along the North East 250, spectacular coastal sections and highlights of the Deeside Tourist Route are awaiting you. Sometimes the road sections can be challenging, but you will be rewarded with great views.

The route itself is not very long, so you can take your time along the way. Remember, the journey is the destination! There are also numerous whisky distilleries along the way where you might want to stop.

Day 1 – Aberdeen

  • The Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a great place to learn about the city’s special relationship with the sea.
  • Afterwards, you can enjoy some fresh sea air and maritime flair at Aberdeen Beach.
  • To learn more about Scottish history, visit the splendid Gordon Highlanders Museum.

Campsite: Templars’ Park Scout Campsite

Day 2 – Peterhead

  • In the bustling fishing port of Peterhead, you can buy all sorts of tasty seafood for your cooler.
  • Visit the ruins of Slains Castle, where Bram Stoker is said to have visited and served as inspiration for Dracula’s castle.
  • On the Peterhead Trail you can learn about the history of the town and its famous smugglers, heroes and Jacobites.

Pitch: Craighead Caravan Park

Day 3 – Fraserburgh

  • Visit Scotland’s first lighthouse and the adjacent Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.
  • Travel back in time at Maggie’s Hoosie, a lovingly restored original fisherman’s cottage.
  • Get some proper air at Strichen Community Park, where you can also see Fraserburgh’s very own stone circle.

Campsite: Fraserburgh Caravan Park Ltd

Day 4 – Portsoy

  • If you’re looking for an unusual souvenir, you’ve come to the right place! Portsoy marble jewellery is beautiful!
  • Come in early July to learn all about the art of boat building and sailing at the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival.

Pitch: Portsoy Links Caravan Park

Day 5 – Spey Bay

  • Walk the shingle beach at Spey Bay, the largest in Scotland.
  • There is a bird watching platform at the east end of the bay.
  • Leave your camper behind and do a tasting tour along the Whisky Trail in Speyside.

Campsite: Speyside Camping and Caravanning Club Site

Day 6 & 7 Braemar

  • On the Victorian Heritage Trail, you can learn all about the famous Queen and why she loved this region of Scotland so much.
  • Step back in time to the Middle Ages with a visit to the ruins of Kindrochit Castle.
  • In the Cairngorms National Park, hikers, climbers and nature lovers can really let off steam.

Campsite: Braemar Caravan Park

With a motorhome through Scotland – tips & costs for your tour

Scotland is home to an array of beautiful campsites campgrounds for the ultimate campervan road trip. While wild camping is allowed, the same rules don’t apply to roadside camping (camping in or near a vehicle), so it’s important to camp responsibly. You can find many great campsites throughout Scotland or use our roadsurfer spots to find sites for an overnight stay with private hosts.

Heard about wild camping in the UK and interested to learn more? Check out our roadsurfer wild camping guide to learn about the regulations and make sure you’re respecting the locals and the land.

In the cities, gas stations are usually open 24/7, but in the countryside, you should plan ahead as there are fewer options for refuelling.

If you’re planning a trip to Scotland with a motorhome, you’ll be happy about your travel budget because there are no toll roads in the country.

To Scotland with a motorhome and a dog? No problem! All roadsurfer models can also be booked as a dog-friendly camper and your four-legged friend will be comfortable on the trip. Additionally, your dog needs an EU pet passport, a current rabies vaccination and a treatment against tapeworms, which must not be older than 120 hours at entry.

The best time to travel to Scotland by motorhome is between May and October when most tourist attractions are open, and the weather is at its best. Those heading to Scotland for winter camping should be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand, as snow can quickly make roads impassable, especially in the Highlands.

In May and June there is on average the least precipitation, but a rain jacket should always be on your packing list for Scotland.

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