Isle of Skye in a campervan hire

The magical Isle of Skye is one of the most popular camping destinations for a campervan hire in all of Scotland. And no wonder- with stunning mountain ranges, enchanted waterfalls and vibrant local Gaelic culture, Skye offers the best of Scotland.

But best of all, Skye is beloved for what it doesn’t have, and that’s masses of prefabricated hotels, chain restaurants and skylines of high rises. There are just miles and miles of spectacular untamed landscapes. Wild and free- that best describes this fantastic getaway, and the best way to experience it all is in a campervan hire!

Visit Castle Moil in a Campervan Hire

As soon as you cross the Skye bridge, greeted by the moody ruins of Castle Moil, you will start to feel as if you have left all your stresses and workaday worries behind on the mainland. The dramatic Cuillins mountain range, one of the most stunning in Scotland, tower above you, and around every corner the scenery just gets better and better. You won’t miss a thing when you explore Skye in a campervan hire!

Your first stop will be Broadford, where you can stock up on petrol or diesel and supplies. There are several wonderful touring parks with hook-ups, but we find that Skye offers many opportunities to wild camp. Just choose your postcard perfect location and you may have a little piece of Scotland it all to yourself!

It’s easy to drive around the entire island in your motorhome rental and there is so much to see. Highlights for hikers include the famous Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle (be sure to get there early to beat the crowds and get a parking spot!) and the Quairaing. Be sure to get some photos at Kilt Rock, the Old Man of Storr and Staffin Island from the Staffin Pier. Visit Carbost to tour Talisker Distillery, and take advantage of the shower facilities at the pier.

Campervan Hire and Uig

Don’t overlook the north part of the island- Uig is lovely, and take time to stop at Edinbane Pottery to watch the potters at work and pick up a souvenir of your trip. Then, on to Portree, the main settlement, with its quaint streets and charming eateries. Along the way, there are gardens, ancient brochs, castles and chances to see wildlife, so be sure to take your time to enjoy this gorgeous part of Scotland!

Isle of Skye in a campervan hire

Explore enchanting Scotland this autumn in a campervan rental

Mother nature paints in a brilliant palette of golds, reds and oranges, and there’s no better time to soak it all in. We continue our look at some of the best places to celebrate autumn in Scotland in a motorhome or campervan.

The Hermitage, Perthshire

Head to charming Perthshire in a campervan rental and take a wander around this landscaped, almost cathedral-like, wooded grove of towering trees overlooking the spectacular falls of the River Braan. Perched high above is the delightfully restored Georgian folly of Ossian’s Hall, the perfect spot from which to spy red squirrels and salmon leaping up the falls- quintessential Scotland. The Hermitage is open all year round and access is free of charge.

Killin, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park in a campervan rental

Fuelled by the autumn rain, the Falls of Dochart, one of the most photographed in Scotland, make for a sound and sight spectacular as the water cascades over the rocks and under the bridge. Follow part of the 12-mile route from Killin to Ardtalnaig, along Scotland’s famous Rob Roy Way, for views over the head of Loch Tay towards the Tarmachan Ridge and Ben Lawers range.

Dawyck Botanic Garden, Scottish Borders

Take in the fiery colours at Dawyck Botanic Garden as well as the autumn fruits; from acorns to crab apples, maple keys to fir cones and everyone’s favourites, the conkers produced by the horse chestnut trees. The Garden is a feast for all the senses; make sure to stop by the large Japanese Katsure tree to enjoy its gorgeous caramel scent.

Glentrool, Dumfries & Galloway campervan rental holiday

Wanderers can get lost amongst the trees for an hour or two and gaze out across the tranquil waters of Loch Trool. Part of Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first dark sky park, stay until night falls at Glentrool and wonder at the magic of a sky studded with thousands of stars. Glentrool is accessible at any time with Glentrool Visitor Centre open 10.30am until 4.30pm daily. There are plenty of beautiful spots to park your campervan rental, so all this majesty is right outside your door.

Explore enchanting Scotland this autumn in a campervan rental

Get back to nature with motorhome rental holiday this autumn

Gorgeous colours, crisp air and fewer crowds- there are so many reasons to enjoy a motorhome holiday this autumn. Enjoy the last hurrah of the season by hitting the woodlands for an exhilarating walk (keep an eye out for fairies!) then back to the cosy warmth of your luxury campervan for a dram. Here are just some of the exciting outdoor events going on this fall in Scotland:

Visit an Enchanted Forest in a motorhome rental

The Enchanted Forest returns to Faskally Wood in Pitlochry Thursday 4 October–Sunday 4 November. This year’s atmospheric show, Of The Wild, is firmly rooted in nature highlighting the natural wonders all around and is inspired by the hidden beauty of the wild forest after dark. This spectacular event combines breath-taking visuals, state-of-the-art technologies and a rousing music score that fuses contemporary with traditional. Visitors can follow the winding trail past the mysterious Loch Dunmore deeper into the woods where they will come alive after dark with sights, sounds and scents guaranteed to enchant the senses and surprise curious minds. It’s all right outside your door when you choose a luxury motorhome rental!

Motorhome rental and CowalFest Argyll 2018

Based in Dunoon on the Firth of Clyde, this year’s festival will run from Friday 5 to Friday 12 October (inclusive) with its usual varied and exciting range of carefully graded walks to suit all ages, interests and ability. Fourteen new walks are included alongside old favourites with transport being provided as necessary. The walk leaders and organisers of CowalFest are all volunteers who are keen for others to enjoy the magnificence of the Cowal Peninsula in Argyll.

A mystical walking holiday in a motorhome rental

If spotting dolphins at Chanonry Point off the Black Isle wasn’t magical enough, ‘leaf-peepers’ can indulge in the magic of autumn colours on a walk at Fairy Glen in Rosemarkie. With two picturesque waterfalls, the Fairy Glen was once the scene of a well-dressing ceremony, where the children of the village decorated a pool, next to a spring, with flowers. It was believed that this would ensure the fairies kept the water supply clean.

Get back to nature with motorhome rental holiday this autumn

Fall for an island campervan hire holiday this autumn

Autumn is an enchanting time across Scotland; the leaves turn from luscious green to rich red, gold and fiery orange, there is no better time to explore the country’s scenic islands in the crisp air before getting cosy in your motorhome rental with a warming hot chocolate.

From stargazing on Coll to beachcombing on Lewis, autumn in the most beautiful country in the world is a truly magical time for a holiday in a motorhome!

Island stargazing in a campervan hire

A hive of activity throughout the summer season, autumn on Scotland’s islands is the perfect escape for a campervan hire break to re-charge the batteries before winter sets in. A blanket of reds, golds and oranges lies across the islands and the darker skies glitter with the light of the bright stars.

The Isle of Coll is a designated Dark Sky Island. With little to no light pollution the island is one of the best places in the UK to view the inky night sky and autumn is the perfect time to experience this beautiful natural phenomenon. Alternatively, set off in search of the Northern Lights this autumn and head to the most northerly island group in Scotland, Shetland. With the right conditions, the ‘mirrie dancers’ are most commonly seen from mid-October until mid-March.

Find a postcard perfect spot to wild camp on the islands in your motorhome rental with no crowds in sight.

Campervan hire with beaches all to yourself

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Lewis and Harris as the islands’ world-renowned beaches are likely to be quieter. Head to beaches such as Luskentyre, Seilebost and Hushinish to stroll along pure white sands and breathe in fresh sea air. With wild camping spots as well as touring parks (check operating hours for the winter) you will miss the throngs and enjoy crisp autumn days in peace while you explore the islands in your campervan hire.

Fall for an island campervan hire holiday this autumn

Island Time-The Isle of Arran in a Motorhome Hire

This week we head south from Edinburgh as we continue our motorhome hire exploration of Scotland below the Central Belt and journey to the Isle of Arran.

A jewel in the Firth of Clyde between Ayrshire and Kintyre, the Isle of Arran is known as “Scotland in Miniature.” At only 19 miles by 10 miles, its varied landscapes give visitors a taste of the entire country, and with a wide range of attractions both natural and man made, since Victorian times it has attracted holiday makers looking for an escape from the big city.

Arran is one of our top picks for an outdoor lover’s motorhome hire break, with adventures ranging from hillwalking to mountain climbing to kayaking. But it also offers more mild experiences, including world-class fare, history, scenery and culture.

Taking your motorhome or campervan rental on the ferry from Adrossan to Brodick is easier than it sounds- simply straight on, straight off. In no time you will be on island time!

Hiking and motorhome hire

Be sure to pack your hiking boots, because there are enough mountain ranges on the north of the island to keep you busy for weeks. From Goatfell, the island’s highest peak at 2,866ft (874m) you’ll get an amazing view of the mountains, coastline and glens. The Arran Coastal Walk provides the ultimate stroll, with a well-maintained and marked route that you can tackle over multiple days or simply amble at your leisure. The route starts and ends at the official monument on Brodick’s shorefront near the ferry terminal. Be sure to have your photo taken here with the backdrop of Goatfell!

Explore heritage sites such as Brodick Castle & Country Park and the Arran Heritage Museum, or tour The Isle of Arran Distillery at Lochranza. At the end of the day, treat yourself to ‘home’ cooked fare in your motorhome hire with world famous Arran produce, such as cheese, oatcakes, chutneys, ice cream and fresh seafood. And if you fancy some nightlife, hit the pubs, where you will often find live music ranging from folk to jazz.

Wild camping in a motorhome hire

Whether you prefer to wild camp in your motorhome hire or set up base camp at a touring park (or a combination) you’ll find the perfect spot for your luxury home away from home on Arran. We suggest booking touring parks in peak season to avoid disappointment.

There is so much to see and do on Arran, but you’ll want to leave some time for simply kicking back, soaking up the peace and quiet and enjoying the views from your luxury campervan rental- after all, isn’t that what island life is all about?

Island Time-The Isle of Arran in a Motorhome Hire

Exploring Dumfries and Galloway in an automatic campervan rental

While motorhome enthusiasts often think that the Highlands offer the most scenic camping holidays in Scotland, the areas south of the Central Belt are outstanding destinations, too. From the Clyde Valley to Ayrshire to Dumfries and Galloway, southern Scotland offers woodland tranquillity, fascinating history and coastal beauty that are perfect for exploring in an automatic campervan rental.

Automatic Campervan Rental through Dumfries and Galloway

In our next series of blogs about holidays in Scotland, we head south to beautiful Dumfries and Galloway. Between Galloway Forest Park and the Colvend Coast in Scotland, there is something for every camper’s taste, along with wee charming villages to explore, such as Portpatrick, Wigtown, Castle Douglas, Kirkbean and Kirkcudbright.

An outdoor playground in your own backyard:

Galloway Forest Park in an automatic campervan rental

Known as “the Highlands of the Lowlands”, Galloway Forest Park is a favourite destination for families looking for both adventure and tranquillity. Pack your hiking boots, bicycles, kayak, telescope or fishing gear, because the park is a big 97,000-hectares playground where couples can get away from it all and families can bond over outdoor adventures. Galloway is also a Dark Sky Park, which means the night sky comes alive like you never see it in the city. Pick out constellations or see the planets up close at the park’s big telescope and night sky viewing events. When you spend your Galloway Forest Park holiday in a motorhome, your next escapade is as far as your front door and there’s no limit to how much you can pack in!

Exploring Dumfries and Galloway in an automatic campervan rental

Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses: Scotland’s Best Beaches in a Motorhome Rental

This heatwave of late has turned Scotland’s spectacular beaches into Caribbean-like settings with 30 degrees plus temps- except unlike the Caribbean, the days never end in Scotland! The best way to capture the summer sun and sand is in a motorhome, so you can just take all the comforts of home with you while the surf is just outside your doorstep.

Which Scotland beach will you explore in your motorhome or campervan hire this summer? We share our favourite seaside destinations…

Hushinish Beach, Isle of Lewis in a motorhome rental

Take your campervan rental down the 12-mile road and you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic and the Sound of Scarp. Considered a rival to any tropical paradise, Hushinish is a hidden gem, so you just might have it all to yourself as you explore rock pools surrounded by a carpet of summer flowers. Visit the nearby castle and whaling station, or hike to other beaches across the moor. Add to all this a glamping experience in a motorhome hire and it’s our idea of beach heaven.

Rare wildlife and a remote setting for a motorhome beach holiday

Motorhome rental and Smerclate Beach, South Uist

Wildlife watchers and those who really want to get away from it all will love discovering Smerclate Beach in a motorhome rental. Silver ribbons of sugary sand and machair frame turquoise waters, and this time of year the flowers put on a fantastic display. Nearby Loch Druidibeg and Balranald Nature Reserves provide hours of fascinating bird watching, including the elusive corncrake. A remote beach, we love to load up on supplies and escape to Smerclate in a campervan hire, where we can feel like we are the only people in the world.

Saltcoats Beach, Ayrshire, family fun in the Scotland sun by motorhome rental

Saltcoats Beach, located a few miles north of Irvine, between Ardrossen and Saltcoats, is a favourite for families looking to escape summer in the city for paddle. The shallows go out for a long way, which is great for swimming with kids, and the fine sand is perfect for building sand castles. Walk the promenade to the harbour, where there are childrens’ rides and eateries. With plenty of facilities and stunning views over the Clyde and the Isle of Arran, Saltcoats Beach is a fantastic day out for the whole family. Load up the gang in a motorhome rental and live for the weekend at Saltcoats.

Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses: Scotland’s Best Beaches in a Motorhome Rental

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands of Scotland Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 7

It’s been a romantic week exploring the Highlands and Islands of Scotland in our campervan hire from Roseisle and we don’t want to go home. One week wasn’t enough to see everything so I would recommend at least two weeks. What a feeling of freedom we had on the open road- and with the luxurious touches of our campervan rental, we don’t miss our own house at all.

This morning we awoke to a cloudy sunrise in Oban, with views over the Firth of Lorn to go with our breakfast. We got an early start so we could drive on Edinburgh to return our campervan rental. The amazing team at Roseisle, especially Louise who checked us in, made sure we had everything we needed to make the most of our holiday all the way to the end.

We absolutely loved this Hymer Yosemite campervan rental. We were a bit nervous about moving up to a larger model this year, but found it easy to drive, park and get anywhere we wanted to go. The use of space in this campervan is magic- there’s a spot for everything yet we never felt really cramped, even in the washroom.

Campervan hire in a Hymercar Yosemite

We definitely recommend the Hymer Yosemite or a comparable size for the couple who wants to camp in style, yet still get around the Highlands of Scotland with ease. You could bring young children and still have room for everyone to sleep and eat. There is even a TV but we never turned it on the entire week- the views out our windows were too picturesque!

We love to wild camp, and this campervan hire was the ideal model for our travel style- thanks to Heather and Emanuel at Roseisle for helping us choose it. Even first time campers need not be nervous, because the friendly Roseisle team assisted us every step of the way, from choosing the campervan hire that was perfect for us, to taking us on a thorough tour of the vehicle, to an easy check out and check in process. And, as always, the campervan was immaculate and fully stocked, down to loo roll, a torch and road maps. All we had to do was show up with our luggage.

Glamping it in a campervan hire

This has been our best glamping experience in a campervan hire yet. For those who want to get the most out of a Scottish holiday, this really is the best way to go. It’s perfect for those of us who don’t fancy the idea of roughing it every night but still crave the outdoors. We love exploring hidden gems where there is nothing between us and Scotland’s world class land and seascapes!

To follow our travels and get more Scottish inspiration, visit us at www.imaginealba.com

Photo: Oban is a postcard perfect seaside town where the living is laid back and the views are amazing.

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands of Scotland Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 7

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands of Scotland Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 6

On this leg of our weeklong campervan hire adventure, we travelled from Achnahaird Beach in spectacular Wester Ross to charming Oban, the Seafood Capital of Scotland. From a beachy sunrise to spectacular waterfalls to a bayside sunset, we’ve seen some of the best of the Highlands of Scotland in just 24 hours.

Campervan Hire and Oban

Our destination for the night was Oban, our favourite seaside town in the West Highlands. Besides the hospitality, shopping and sunsets, Oban is famous for its fish and chips- best enjoyed al fresco while sitting on a bench on the esplanade.

As we drove toward Inverness and Loch Ness in our campervan rental, we saw several red kites flying overhead, with their distinctive tails. Always looking for new destinations on our routes, we stopped at Invermoriston. This small village is easy to overlook when travelling this route with so many glamorous attractions, such as Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Monster exhibition at Drumnadrochit, but this hidden gem is well worth a stop- and there wasn’t a crowd like at the more popular sites.

There is a picturesque Thomas Telford bridge spanning the river and the impressive waterfalls. The entire scene is incredibly charming and it’s well worth an hour or so walking the forest trails along the falls and over the bridge.

Fort Augustus in a Campervan Hire

Just down the road is delightful Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal locks take boats into and out of Loch Ness. The town is built around the locks, and there are plenty of eateries and shops, including fuel. We took a walk along the canal esplanade while enjoying an ice cream and the views over the village and loch.

The drive between Fort Augustus and Oban in our campervan hire has to be one of the more beautiful in Scotland. No matter how many times we see Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, it never fails to take our breath away. Even in early spring, the peak is covered in snow, and for those who like to ski, the powder is usually excellent all the way through April. Driving through Fort William and along the sea lochs is a treat as we head south to the “Wee Bay”- Oban- for the night.

We got into town just in time to take an Oban Walking Tour, which was a fun and informative stroll through this lovely seaside town. Our amazing guide told us about the history of Oban as well as some entertaining Celtic legends and stories about the town’s past. We worked up an appetite for fish and chips- enjoyed whilst sitting on the esplanade and watching the boats come in and out of the bay. A perfect ending to a perfect day of sightseeing in Scotland from our campervan hire!

Photo: The drive along Loch Ness is beautiful and exciting- you have to keep an eye out for Nessie!

Roseisle Campervan Hire

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands of Scotland Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 6

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands of Scotland Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 6

On this leg of our weeklong campervan hire adventure, we travelled from Achnahaird Beach in spectacular Wester Ross to charming Oban, the Seafood Capital of Scotland. From a beachy sunrise to spectacular waterfalls to a bayside sunset, we’ve seen some of the best of the Highlands of Scotland in just 24 hours.

Campervan Hire and Oban

Our destination for the night was Oban, our favourite seaside town in the West Highlands. Besides the hospitality, shopping and sunsets, Oban is famous for its fish and chips- best enjoyed al fresco while sitting on a bench on the esplanade.

As we drove toward Inverness and Loch Ness in our campervan rental, we saw several red kites flying overhead, with their distinctive tails. Always looking for new destinations on our routes, we stopped at Invermoriston. This small village is easy to overlook when travelling this route with so many glamorous attractions, such as Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness Monster exhibition at Drumnadrochit, but this hidden gem is well worth a stop- and there wasn’t a crowd like at the more popular sites.

There is a picturesque Thomas Telford bridge spanning the river and the impressive waterfalls. The entire scene is incredibly charming and it’s well worth an hour or so walking the forest trails along the falls and over the bridge.

Fort Augustus in a Campervan Hire

Just down the road is delightful Fort Augustus, where the Caledonian Canal locks take boats into and out of Loch Ness. The town is built around the locks, and there are plenty of eateries and shops, including fuel. We took a walk along the canal esplanade while enjoying an ice cream and the views over the village and loch.

The drive between Fort Augustus and Oban in our campervan hire has to be one of the more beautiful in Scotland. No matter how many times we see Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, it never fails to take our breath away. Even in early spring, the peak is covered in snow, and for those who like to ski, the powder is usually excellent all the way through April. Driving through Fort William and along the sea lochs is a treat as we head south to the “Wee Bay”- Oban- for the night.

We got into town just in time to take an Oban Walking Tour, which was a fun and informative stroll through this lovely seaside town. Our amazing guide told us about the history of Oban as well as some entertaining Celtic legends and stories about the town’s past. We worked up an appetite for fish and chips- enjoyed whilst sitting on the esplanade and watching the boats come in and out of the bay. A perfect ending to a perfect day of sightseeing in Scotland from our campervan hire!

Photo: The drive along Loch Ness is beautiful and exciting- you have to keep an eye out for Nessie!

Roseisle Campervan Hire

Vanderlust: A Highlands and Islands of Scotland Adventure in a Campervan Hire: Day 6