Monday, 22 May 2017

Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 5

Vw campervan hire scotlandby Michelle McAnally


Destination Skye: Cullin, calm and collected


Day 5- On the road again


We are nearing the end of our campervan hire adventure to the Isle of Skye, one of the most popular holiday destinations in Scotland. We have had so much fun and have fallen so much in love with this Westfalia Club Joker that we never want to go home!


When we woke up yesterday it was sprinkling, and by the time we got on the ferry from Raasay back to Skye, it was raining pretty hard. The weather had held out for most of our trip up to now, and for the end of March, that’s pretty good odds, so we weren’t too heartbroken. After all, inside the Club Joker campervan hire, it’s comfy and cosy. We made a quick detour to the village of Plockton, the “Jewel of the Highlands”, one of those places that makes you say ‘I could live here”!


After a hearty breakfast at the pier in Kyle of Lochalsh, we headed south to Oban, the Seafood Capital of Scotland, for the night. Our drive took us through Lochaber, and more stunning mountain scenery, past Ben Nevis and through scenic Fort William, one of the dramatic set pieces in the Outlander books and TV series. Dramatic Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most famous landscapes, dominated by Buachaille Etive mor and Buachaille Etive Beag and the drive along Loch Etive is stunning.


VW Campervan Hire in Scotland


Oban, or  “Wee Bay” in Gaelic, is a bustling town that hugs the bay and looks over the islands of Mull and Kerrera. From here, Caledonian MacBrayne ferries leave to go all over the Hebrides- after all, Oban is also known as ‘The Gateway to the Isles.”  But it’s definitely worth a stay here rather than jumping off to the islands too soon, with lots of nice shopping and a plethora of fine seafood restaurants.


We found another out of the way wild camping spot down a small glen and treated ourselves to a big seafood dinner at a country pub featuring local hand dived scallops, huge langoustines, and locally smoked salmon. To our delight, there was some live local music and we joined on in!


Westfalia Club Joker City Campervan Hire


This Westfalia has been the perfect companion to the perfect campervan hire holiday in Scotland, and, an automatic, it drives like a dream. It’s smooth, even on the rugged island roads, and it’s so easy to manoeuvre and park. It has enough power to pull even the steepest of tracks with no problem, something that is very important in this part of Scotland. The lovely brown colour of this particular Club Joker City adds to the ‘stealth camping’ effect, making it a piece of cake to find a spot to wild camp and subtly pull in for the night, just blending right in to the scenery.


We would never have seen so much and had such brilliant adventures if we had lodged at a hotel or guesthouse, rather than using a campervan hire. With our ‘hotel on wheels’ we were able to venture out as far and wide as we wanted- for example, our impromptu trip to Raasay was one of the highlights of our holiday, and that never would have happened if we were worried about finding lodging on the island. In fact, we are now officially hooked on the campervan hire experience and it’s opened up a whole new world of travel opportunities to us.


Big thanks to Emanuel, Louise and Heather and the entire Roseisle Campervan Hire team for taking care of all the details so we could relax and just enjoy ourselves. This luxurious Westfalia Club Joker and all the accessories really do provide all the comforts of home, so for those who think camping in Scotland isn’t really for them- like I used to- then I encourage you to try it in a campervan hire. Having traveled extensively all over Scotland, I can honestly say that this has been our favourite holiday experience of all time, and we’ll cherish the memories always!


Photo caption:


Oban means ‘Wee Bay’ in Gaelic, and Gaelic culture is alive and well in this bustling Victorian town.


For 5* campervan hire – look no further than Roseisle Luxury Campervans!



Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 5

Friday, 19 May 2017

Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 4

campervan hireDestination Skye: Cuillin, Calm and Collected in a campervan hire


Day 4- Calum’s Road


This morning we are waking up to the sound of birdsong, nestled in our perfect forested wild camping spot near Inverarish off Burma Road on the charming Isle of Raasay.


Yesterday the weather was lovely and we were feeling adventurous, so on a whim, we decided to go from near Staffin in our campervan hire to the island Raasay for the night. The ferry was a breeze to park on (and this time of year it’s not crowded) and in no time, we arrived on the island. Our first stop was Raasay House, where we treated ourselves to a big lunch and enjoyed sitting in the sun in their lovely gardens.


Our next destination was the north of the island and the famous Calum’s Road. The landscape is almost lunar like in the higher north parts of the island, and after leaving Raasay House, the only humans we saw for 24 hours were a couple of farmers.


Starting at dramatic Brochel Castle, this windy, narrow road built by Calum MacLeod to connect the north of the island to the rest of it, goes to Torran where it dead ends. Our Westfalia Club Joker campervan hire is so easy and nimble, tackling this somewhat dodgy single track was no problem at all, though I wouldn’t take any larger vehicle on it. The views are spectacular, and at the end, there is a walking trail down the point, which was so lovely and a great way to unwind after that long and winding road. What a feeling of being at the end of the world!


We were a bit afraid that the weather might turn overnight, so rather than stay up north for the night, we descended to the forest and found a great spot to wild camp right off Burma Road in a forest trails parking lot. No people to be seen, ahhh….total peace and quiet! That’s a great advantage to going camping on Skye before the spring rush.  We had the whole island virtually to ourselves. A forest walk before dinner was just the ticket to end our day.


VW Campervan Hire Scotland


Raasay has been such a fun adventure, and might just be one of our favourite parts of the trip so far- even more so, because it was an impromptu decision, something you can’t do if you are lodging. Only in a campervan hire can you truly live for the day and go wherever the wild road takes you!


At this point, we want to give a shout out to this fabulous Westfalia Club Joker campervan hire. This low profile van is perfect for ‘stealth camping’….meaning that we have been able to wild camp so easily!.The bed is so comfy, and we wake up each morning well rested and ready for whatever the day brings. Our water and gas supply is still holding out, so even in these remote spots, we have all the comforts of home. Also a shout out to the Roseisle team, who have supplied us with luxury bedding, towels, kitchenware and accessories- this isn’t ‘roughing it’ at all!


Photo captions:


The perfect wild camping spot for the night, nestled in the forest off Burma Road on the Isle of Raasay. We haven’t seen another person for 24 hours! Thank you Roseisle Campervan Hire!



Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 4

Wednesday, 17 May 2017

Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 3

VW campervan hire ScotlandBy Michelle McAnally


Destination Skye: Cuillin, calm and collected in Scotland


Day Three


This morning we awoke to another stunning view after pitching up for the night at the Staffin Pier in our Westfalia Club Joker campervan hire. The view overlooking one of Scotland’s most iconic little islands, Staffin, is breathtaking, especially at dawn!


After doing a bit of hiking around Loch Slapin, we headed for Glenbrittle and the famous Fairy Pools. The crowds were already starting to gather by mid morning, but we had a lovely hike through this renowned landscape.


Next stop- Carbost, home of Talisker distillery. This charming wee village is a great place to stop for a bit in your camperva hire- tour the distillery, have lunch at the Old Inn, then take advantage of the nice new shower facilities at the pier.


We headed for Dunvegan next in our campervan hire, intending to see the castle, but it was closed until April. Our trip was not wasted, though, as we headed on to Edinblane to visit the pottery shop. We got to visit with the potters and picked up a souvenir of our trip.


VW Campervan Hire Scotland


We took the north route and drove up to Uig and then cut across to Portree via the Quiraing- what a stunning bit of scenery, some of the most beautiful and rugged in Scotland! (There is a touring park with hookups near Uig but we decided to carry on.) We stopped in Portree to walk around and stock up on supplies, then headed to Staffin, where we found a place to pull up in our campervan hire and wild camp right between the pier and the dramatic cliffs.


After just a few days, we are feeling so relaxed, wild and free in our luxury Westfalia Club Joker City – we might never want to go home!


Photo captions


Staffin Island from the pier at sunset from our Westfalia Club Joker campervan rental from Roseisle. With a view like this, who wants to go home?



Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 3

Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 3

VW campervan hire ScotlandBy Michelle McAnally


Destination Skye: Cuillin, calm and collected in Scotland


Day Three


This morning we awoke to another stunning view after pitching up for the night at the Staffin Pier in our Westfalia Club Joker campervan hire. The view overlooking one of Scotland’s most iconic little islands, Staffin, is breathtaking, especially at dawn!


After doing a bit of hiking around Loch Slapin, we headed for Glenbrittle and the famous Fairy Pools. The crowds were already starting to gather by mid morning, but we had a lovely hike through this renowned landscape.


Next stop- Carbost, home of Talisker distillery. This charming wee village is a great place to stop for a bit in your camperva hire- tour the distillery, have lunch at the Old Inn, then take advantage of the nice new shower facilities at the pier.


We headed for Dunvegan next in our campervan hire, intending to see the castle, but it was closed until April. Our trip was not wasted, though, as we headed on to Edinblane to visit the pottery shop. We got to visit with the potters and picked up a souvenir of our trip.


VW Campervan Hire Scotland


We took the north route and drove up to Uig and then cut across to Portree via the Quiraing- what a stunning bit of scenery, some of the most beautiful and rugged in Scotland! (There is a touring park with hookups near Uig but we decided to carry on.) We stopped in Portree to walk around and stock up on supplies, then headed to Staffin, where we found a place to pull up in our campervan hire and wild camp right between the pier and the dramatic cliffs.


After just a few days, we are feeling so relaxed, wild and free in our luxury Westfalia Club Joker City – we might never want to go home!


Photo captions


Staffin Island from the pier at sunset from our Westfalia Club Joker campervan rental from Roseisle. With a view like this, who wants to go home?



Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 3

Tuesday, 16 May 2017

Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 2

VW campervan hire scotlandBy Michelle McAnally


Destination Skye: Cuillin, calm and collected in a campervan


Day Two


This was the first full day of our epic journey to the Isle of Skye, and, wow, we have seen so much already!


After starting our day with breakfast in our Westfalia Club Joker campervan hire overlooking Loch Tummel, we hit the road and headed west to our first stop of the day. We had a fabulous drive up through the Cairngorm Mountains and down the Kyle of Lochalsh, one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland.


The first item on our bucket list was Eilean Donan Castle, an iconic landmark that has famously appeared in film and television, from Outlander to James Bond. It certainly didn’t disappoint!


As we cruised past the Five Sisters mountain range in our campervan hire, the landscape became more dreamlike with every mile. Between the shimmering lochs, scenic mountains and remoteness, it really is like being immersed in a Lord of Rings landscape!


VW Campervan Hire


We arrived in Skye and stopped for supplies and diesel for our VW Westfalia Campervan in Broadford, the first settlement you come to on the island. Then we set out in search of the perfect wild camping spot, and wow, did we find it. We parked in an unpopulated spot overlooking Loch Slapin, in view of the dramatic Cuillens range, one of the most iconic in Scotland. Not another person was in sight, so we got to enjoy our own campervan paradise in peace- ah, heaven! Forget about a crowded lodge, this is our idea of the perfect holiday.


Photo captions


Eilean Donan Castle, Kyle of Lochalsh is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles.


 



Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire – Part 2

Thursday, 11 May 2017

Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire - Part 1

VW Campervan Hire


By Michelle McAnally


Destination Skye: Cuillin, calm and collected in a VW campervan hire


Day One


It’s a beautiful sunrise over Loch Tummel, and we have awoken to a cacophony of ducks and geese- and a gorgeous rainbow to start our holiday!


Our ultimate destination is the magical Isle of Skye. I have never been before, and my husband last went when he was a wee boy, so it was time to tick this one off the bucket list. We have a loose plan of sights we want to see, but by discovering Scotland by campervan hire, we can be flexible and just go wherever the road takes us.


VW Campervan Hire from Roseisle


This holiday is off to a brilliant start, thanks to Roseisle Luxury Campervans in Edinburgh who offer 5* campervan hire! Just a few hours after picking up our Westfalia Club Joker, we were watching the sun set over one of the most celebrated views in all of Scotland.


The team at Roseisle was so friendly and welcoming, and the process was quick and easy. Louise and Heather helped us with the paperwork, and then Louise gave us the grand tour of this beautiful Westfalia Club Joker with all the bells and whistles- everything we will need to explore Scotland in style and comfort!


This Club Joker hire is kitted out with a fully functional kitchen, toilet, sitting area, air con/heat and pop-up sleeping berth. After Louise showed us the ropes, it all seems pretty easy to operate and the controls are slick and user friendly. Topped up with petrol, water and gas to last several days, away we go!


We plan to wild camp in Skye, but Louise suggested that for our first night in the campervan hire, we might want to stay at a touring park, just to get the hang of it.


We caught the A9, stopped in Perth for supplies, and then headed for Strathtummel near Pitlochry. It’s a two-hour drive from Roseisle, just in time to stop in Pitlochry for dinner and a stroll through this charming wee town.


This Westfalia Club Joker drives like a dream- it’s automatic and is as smooth as a car.  Believe me, you want to pack light, but this small campervan hire is flexible enough get anywhere a car can, and with its lovely brown colour, it will blend in subtly to any environment, making wild camping much easier (we hope!) and with very low impact to the environment.


After dinner, we headed for our spot in Tay Forest Park, which has electric hook-ups and a phone signal. Not really roughing it yet, I know, but I’m not complaining. Our pitch is right on the shore of Loch Tummel, overlooking Schiehallion, just a bit down from Queen’s View. There are forest walks nearby, and the visitor centre is just down from the campsite.


This is Big Tree Country, simply gorgeous, and you can see how it earned its name. We walked up to the view (the visitor centre was closed so we had the whole place to ourselves!) and watched one of the most spectacular sunsets we have ever seen from the favourite spot of Queen Isabella and Queen Victoria- all to the soundtrack of singing ducks, geese and frogs. Simply magic, and what a romantic start to our holiday!


It was early night for us; we have a big day today in our campervan hire, with the Cairngorms, the Kyle of Lochalsh and Eilean Donan Castle on our route. We might not be able to get a reliable phone or Wi-Fi signal over the next few days, but, you know what? That’s the whole point, and we can feel those workaday blues melting away already! See you on Skye!



Skye Trip in a VW Campervan Hire - Part 1