Travelling to Scotland in a motorhome

A staycation is a great way to explore what your own country has to offer and can be the perfect holiday choice if you’re on budget, but still want a change of scenery.

Here are some helpful tips and guidelines to keep in mind:

Road safety rules and driving etiquette:

No matter where you drive in the world, it’s essential you check the country’s rules and regulations to keep you and other drivers safe. Be aware of your vehicle measurements, if you’re not used to driving a larger vehicle, take extra precautions. Make sure you use roads that will be wide enough to fit your vehicle and b aware of your length too! Motorhomes can often have a rear overhang and reversing cameras do not always account for bike racks. Driving etiquette is key! As you are a larger vehicle, and likely slower, allow traffic to overtake you.
At Auto-Trail we have the optional extra, ‘motorhome specific’ satellite navigation included in both campervan and motorhome enhancement packs. By having a motorhome satellite navigation it allows you to able to plan suitable specific itineraries and that contains specific points of interest (POIs) which come in very useful for motorhome drivers.

Weather:

Weather is important, as the forecast can change quickly in Scotland, meaning there could be hazardous driving conditions such as heavy rain, snow, and ice. Make sure to pack for the seasons, including winter essentials such as a shovel, de-icer, warm clothing and extra food and water.

Although motorhome drivers are less vulnerable in the sun and heat, the summer period can take its toll on the vehicles themselves. According to www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk their advice for driving a motorhome is the following:

• The softened road surface can get slippery if there is rain after a dry period, causing vehicles to lose grip.
• Higher temperatures can exacerbate any existing damage your tyres may have, especially if they are under-inflated. Punctures and blow-outs may occur, so it’s vital that your tyres are sufficiently inflated.
• Check the tyre walls for cracks, and consider fitting Tyron safety bands which will help you maintain control in the event of a blow-out. You might also consider fitting a tyre pressure monitoring device, which alerts the driver to overheating tyres.
• If the vehicle’s cooling system isn’t working properly, it could run the risk of overheating. Make sure the fan and coolant hoses work and check the coolant level.

Plan ahead:

Scotland has a great range of places to stay in your campervan or motorhome and it is always advised that you use official campsites or designated overnight parking areas. This is to help preserve Scotland’s natural landscape and reduce as much disruption to local resident areas as possible. There are hundreds of campsites in beautiful scenic settings, complete with facilities and docks for your motorhome. Check which accommodation sites are open or closed, as well as designated overnight parking areas.

In Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park there are official lay-bys that form part of the roads network, allowing drivers to stop and rest on their journey, including overnight. In these locations you do not require a permit to stop overnight, but these short stay options are not designed for extended stays. Within the National Park there are designated areas where it is possible to enjoy a longer stay, but it is advised you purchase a motorhome permit online first. Make sure you stay somewhere that isn’t on private property, near or beside someone’s residence or blocking roads or driveways. To find out more and to book a permit visit: www.lochlomond-trossachs.org/things-to-do/camping/get-a-permit/

Every morning you can wake up to the magnificent mountains with the Scottish forest, be beside one of Scotland’s stunning loch’s or by an ancient castle on a historical site. Add this to excellent facilities and you’ve got a combination for a perfect break.

Visit Scotland have recommended some beautiful motorhome spots, visit: www.visitscotland.com/blog/accommodation-ideas/stunning-motorhome-spots/

Scottish Outdoor Access Code:

Read up on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code so you can be as eco-friendly as possible and learn about how you can leave no trace. Before driving away from your pitch, leave it exactly as it was when you arrived. Do not light bonfires or barbeques and take extra care around natural hazards when outdoors.

Waste:

If you have any waste you need to dispose of, most campsites or caravan parks will have general waste and recycling facilities where you can manage this appropriately. For your waste water this can dispose at the designated disposal point on site

Wild Camping:

If you like being off the beaten track and don’t mind sacrificing the usual day-to-day comforts and would like to explore areas of Scotland that very few visit. Then wild camping is for you. It’s a great way to discover remote and stunning landscapes and being close to nature. It definitely comes with a great feeling of adventure!

For more information visit, www.visitscotland.com/accommodation/caravan-camping/wild-camping/