Campervan Touring

CRUISIN' IN A CAMPERVAN

Ten Top Tips for Free-Wheeling Touring

Campervan travel has taken off in recent years as a way to explore the Highlands and Islands. With all of Scotland to explore and a comfy bed in the back, the appeal is clear. However, rural communities are understandably nervous about this upward trend, as many rely on traditional tourism for their income. So, with guidance from Andy McCluskey from Open Road Scotland and Rob Dawkins from Big Sky Campers, Ailsa Sheldon outlines ten tips to help you make the most of your campervan adventure and ensure you are a considerate, welcome visitor to the west coast and islands

1.Plan ahead. While spontaneity is part of the joy of a camper holiday, travelling in rural Scotland does require some forward planning. Know where your next stop is for fuel and food, where waste disposal sites are, and definitely book ferries in advance – particularly in summer. Before your trip, investigate your options – remember there is much more to Scotland than Skye and the North Coast 500 (NC500).

2.Be curious. Be open to changing your plans, and listen to local recommendations. Keep your eyes peeled for posters for Highland games, concerts and other local events that might be taking place. In many places you’ll find qualified guides offering wildlife walks or boat trips, even sailing and kayak lessons. Take advantage of these experts to go deeper and learn more about the place you’re visiting. 3. Learn the rules of the roads. Rural Scotland has many narrow single-track roads that require you to use passing places. The driver closest to the passing place should pull in if the space is on their left, if the space is on the right stop beside it allowing the approaching driver to safely drive around. Practice reversing your vehicle before you have to do it under pressure. Many companies will give you a lesson before you set out.

On two-way roads you must let other vehicles pass, particularly if you are driving under the speed limit. You may be enjoying the views but accidentally holding up local commuters, emergency workers or people trying to catch a ferry. Never travel in convoy with other campervans – passing places are designed for one vehicle and travelling in convoy puts others at risk. The Campervan and Motorhome Professional Association (CAMPA) has some useful demonstration videos for safe campervan driving.

4. Consider taking bikes. Many campervan companies, including Open Road Scotland, have installed bike racks on their campers. Being able to park your van and then explore on two wheels is a brilliant way to experience a new place. Even if you don’t manage any round-the-island bike trips, a bike is far more convenient for a quick run to the shop.

5.Leave no trace – it’s the most important mantra for any camper or campervan visitor. Familiarise yourself with, and follow, Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code. It asks that you use a portable stove rather than light fires (most hire companies will include a stove if you ask). Many campsites have fire pits so you can have a small fire without damaging the landscape.

Use toilets wherever possible. When you need to ‘go’ in the great outdoors, do so as far away as possible from open water, rivers or buildings. Take a trowel to bury human waste and a resealable plastic bag for your toilet paper (never leave the paper or bury it). Take all rubbish with you and never leave rubbish bags beside a full bin. >>

Name of sectionCAMPERVAN TOURING

6.Try not to do too much. Just because your ideal itinerary is possible in a few days doesn’t make it a good idea. Take your time and stop often – you’ll see and appreciate so much more. Talk to your hire company for help planning your perfect trip.

7.Pack light. Campervans vary widely but often there isn’t much spare space.

Leave hard suitcases at home and choose smaller soft bags that can be flattened. There’s nothing relaxing about tripping over everything you own. Check what’s supplied before you pack – many include everything for cooking plus bedding and even camping chairs. Be prepared for changing weather but don’t overdo it.

8. Whenever possible stay in campsites – you’ll find hot showers, clean bathrooms, great local knowledge and contribute to the local economy. Informal camping is legal in most of Scotland but can sometimes be unwelcome. If you stop somewhere for the night, try to arrive late and leave early and don’t set up camp for days on end. Never stop in a passing place, block a gate or park anywhere with signs asking you not to.

9. Be respectful of other people, whether on a campsite or elsewhere. Keep the noise down and give others as much space as you can.

10. Eat out! Scotland’s food and drink is exceptional, and if you load up in a large supermarket you’ll really miss out. Aim to use small shops, try local produce and seek out the best places to eat. This helps the local economy, and it’s also the more enjoyable option. While breakfast in the van may be part of the fun, so is a seafood supper in a great local pub while immersing yourself in the landscape and culture – that’s what memorable holidays are made of.

• Scotland’s Outdoor Access Code outdooraccess-scotland.scot • CAMPA (The Campervan and Motorhome Professional Association) campa.org.uk • Big Sky Campers Edinburgh bigskycampers.co.uk • Open Road Scotland openroadscotland.com

CAMPERVANS ON FERRIES

• If you’re travelling to the islands with a campervan, a lot of pre-planning is now required. The main and longer ferry routes need to be booked in advance. A number of short or frequent services are ‘Turn Up and Go’ routes – while no advance booking is necessary on these sailings, you will need to build in more time for your journey as your first choice of sailing may not always be available. See page 5 for details on making a reservation. • If you have a reservation, it's a good idea to stay connected with CalMac. You can do this by downloading the CalMac app or following the @CalMac_ Updates account on Twitter for the latest information on each route. Their service status pages provide timely updates containing the latest information available.

• Campervans and motorhomes are charged according to the length of the vehicle, which includes any racks, towbars etc, and any overhanging roof rack items. If you don’t give an accurate length when you book you may have to pay an excess charge, and there may not be room on board at busy times. • When purchasing a ferry ticket for a campervan or motorhome from the mainland to Islay, Colonsay, Coll/Tiree or the Outer Hebrides, you will have to confirm that you have secured a pitch or have otherwise agreed overnight provision prior to travel to the islands.