Exploring Motorhomes and Campervans in Scotland: A Road Trip Adventure!
Scotland is a stunning country, perfect for a motorhome or campervan adventure. But, before you hit the road, there are some essential rules and tips to keep in mind.
Driving in Scotland
Scotland drives on the left, like the rest of the UK, but opposite to most of Europe. Be sure to adjust to this difference to ensure a safe journey.
When navigating the roads, be aware that Scotland has many rural roads, some of which are single track with passing places. These are not parking spots; do not leave your vehicle here, as you will block the road.
Roundabouts are common in Scotland. Give way to vehicles from your right, and turn left on entering the roundabout.
Overnight Stays
Overnight parking means no awnings, outdoor furniture, BBQs, motorhome generators, washing lines, or anything outside the vehicle.
At the moment, wild camping with a motorhome or campervan is not recommended in Scotland. Use one of the campsites, CS or CL locations to avoid any unpleasantness. The Scottish government is working to create a better system for visiting motorhomes and campervans.
The Brit Stops scheme connects motorhomers and campervanners with pubs, restaurants, cafes, and local businesses who are prepared to allow overnight parking. There's also the Stay the Night Scheme, where you can stay overnight in one of the Forestry & Land car parks for a small fee.
For information on how to find good wild camping places, what to do when you're there, and how to stay safe, check out our step-by-step guide for motorhome wild camping in the UK and Europe.
Planning Your Route
When planning a trip to Scotland, the first thing to understand is that there is a difference between 'overnight parking' and 'wild camping' when it comes to motorhomes and campers in Scotland. Overnight parking is allowed, but wild camping is not, except where local signs specifically permit it.
The NC500 is a popular route to drive in Scotland, and they recommend 7-10 days to enjoy it properly. They've done the hard work for you and created a free guide to 60 incredible places to visit in Scotland to make your road trip unforgettable.
They recommend taking the M40/M6 instead of the M25/M11/A1(M) to reach Scotland, but warn that the traffic around Birmingham is often awful, and it only gets worse on the M6. To avoid traffic, they recommend getting up early and doing as much driving as possible before the traffic hits, then stopping and having a nap somewhere safe—a huge advantage of having a motorhome or campervan with a bed with you!
Wild Camping Laws
Wild camping with a motorised vehicle is not allowed in Scotland. The new wild camping law in Scotland prohibits people from not moving on in the morning and putting out washing/chairs/awnings etc. and 'camping' for a few days.
The problem comes when people are not choosing places which are safe or appropriate, and then they don't move on in the morning (that's the new wild camping law). The Scottish government is trying to protect their country from the damage and mess left behind by wild campers.
Staying Legal and Respectful
To avoid legal issues and respect the environment and communities, use official sites or landowner-approved spots for motorhome wild camping. Always seek landowner permission if unsure, avoid disturbing the environment or locals, and adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
When planning your itinerary and route, they recommend getting a 7-10 day itinerary and route planner for the NC500 to help you plan your route. They also recommend reading books before a trip, such as "Take the Slow Road: Scotland," "Lonely Planet Scotland," "Scotland The Best 100 Places," "The NC500 Guide Book," and "Scotland Travel Guide."
Enjoying Scotland
Scotland is worth visiting at any time of the year, but for different reasons. Spring in Scotland is lovely, as long as it's after April. Autumn is their favorite time to go campervanning in Scotland. Winter in Scotland starts around the end of November and runs until April, and it gets very cold.
Some of their favorite places to visit in Scotland include Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Isle of Skye, John o'Groats, Edinburgh, The Cairngorms, the NC500, the SW300, any whisky distilleries, and Orkney.
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For more information on wild parking in Scotland, check out the full post here. Remember, wild camping with a motorhome or campervan is generally not legally allowed unless explicitly permitted by local signs or landowners.
In Scotland, it's essential to remember that wild camping with a motorhome or campervan is not legally allowed, but overnight parking is permitted at designated campsites, CS or CL locations, or through schemes like Brit Stops or Stay the Night Scheme.
When writing about travel experiences in Scotland, one might include information about the NC500 route, which is recommended for 7-10 days to fully enjoy its scenic beauty, and books like "Take the Slow Road: Scotland," "Lonely Planet Scotland," and "Scotland Travel Guide" that offer insights and ideas for visitng the best locations.
While wild camping, it's crucial to follow Leave No Trace principles and seek landowner permission to be respectful of the environment and local communities, as the Scottish government attempts to protect their country from the damage and mess left behind by wild campers.
