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I mentioned flippantly on another thread that I missed solo travel. Whilst I have some ideas for further afield I am thinking maybe it's time to do something closer to home. My camper van just had its first MOT today and service so is ready for the road all bar a good clean and polish and a few little bits and pieces. Maybe it's all a sign?
Just an idea...
Had these in the cupboard for a while. I wonder...
Scotland is a great place to take your camper, the roads and views can be quite majestic. Unfortunately, as in all walks of life, a few idiots start to spoil things for the many. There has been many reports of campers pulling up in passing places to camp and leaving litter and even human waste by the roadside. Another gripe seems to be oversized Motorhomes causing tailbacks and not pulling over to let long queues of cars passed, usually inexperienced renters who travel to do the route. The so called 'Wild campers' block up car parks at beauty spots and so on, infuriating some locals, and the NC500 is the most affected by this, or so it seems, with reports of disturbances at night such as sounding car horns and even threats being made. Having said that, we use designated areas and campgrounds when travelling and have always had a warm welcome. We love Scotland but have not driven the NC500, with so much beauty and alternative options, I don't get so much joy out of following the crowd along a Tourist driven route. Of course that's just my 2 cents and only meant as a heads up!
Good luck pulling off a solo road trip now you have created a family of road trippers! Haha
Dave
When I toured Scotland a while back, I did so as an undergraduate (albeit at 35) in Geology and Earth Science. If you're not aware, Scotland was the birthplace and/or working home of some of the most influential founders of geology, including James Hutton and William 'Strata' Smith. What most travelers would see as a barren wind-swept but scenic landscape, to a geologist is an open book from which one can read a good bit of the history of the Earth. I would suggest then, that at the very least you read a bit on the web about the men and the geology that made Scotland unique in that field. Three of the most interesting sites in that vein are Hutton's Unconformity at Siccar Point on the coast about 39 mi or 62 km east of Edinburgh; the Isle of Skye Dinosaur Tracks near the northern tip of the Isle of Skye; and Smoo Cave at the northwest tip of the country.
AZBuck
I am aware of the anti-visitor sentiment with some of the locals along the route (presumably as they want it all to themselves - I do not blame them) but I'd only want to travel out of season for the very reason of avoiding the crowds. I have a feeling that even the busiest day wouldn't be a fraction of the A30 down to the other end of the country so doing it out of season should be a pleasant experience. I would love to hear of some of the places you have visited in Scotland, Dave, unfortunately my experience is somewhat limited. A trip to Oban a couple of years ago and a couple of times to Edinburgh are the sum total of the past ten years. I used to get about a bit back when I worked for a living (!) but then, well, that was just flying through at 90mph travelling to or from job sites.
Out of season wins everytime for me! Not only do you avoid the crowds, you should also dodge the Midges! The volume of traffic isn't as much a problem as is the size of some of the roads along the NC500 that were just not designed with Motorhome tourists in mind. We are just preparing to head west in the Moho for a few days, so I will share some ideas on our return. It's a bit last minute, as I don't appear to be at the front of the queue of 7 million people waiting for an operation!Quote:
I have a feeling that even the busiest day wouldn't be a fraction of the A30 down to the other end of the country so doing it out of season should be a pleasant experience. I would love to hear of some of the places you have visited in Scotland, Dave, unfortunately my experience is somewhat limited.
Dave.
Have a good trip and look forward to hearing any thoughts when you are back!
Maybe consider a road trip to a nearby national park or a scenic coastal route. It's a great way to recharge and explore without the hassle of long flights or big logistics. Plus, you'll have the freedom to go at your own pace and really soak in the experience. Just pack some snacks, tunes, and your sense of adventure, and you're good to go!
As it's almost two (pretty solid) days of driving to Inverness I think it's best left until I am better prepared and, given the midges and hoards of tourists in the summer months, this will likely be as things wind down in October time. Instead I have booked to take 5 days away on my own to Pembrokeshire and the Gower. By happenchance I discovered that the British Truck Racing Championship is racing at Pembrey whilst I am there so it'd be rude not to check it out given it is the only circuit in the UK that I've never visited!
Pembrey Country park has camping and is a nice place to hang out. The memories would of been fonder if I hadn't had a bad 'turn' there, which ultimately ended in emergency heart surgery a few weeks later! Lol There are lots of great locations along the coast to just 'chill out'. Three Cliffs Bay and Rhossili beach on the Gower Peninsular, being 2 such places. Heading further west, Tenby is a great seaside resort and the coastal stretch through Manorbier beach, Barafundle bay around to Freshwater west beach is great!
Scotland! October can be a great time to visit and most of the country is pretty awesome. For now, I'll throw out a few names that I think are worth consideration, and when you have done a bit of homework, let me know if you'd like more details.
Loch Lomond/Trossachs. Lovely spot to stop for a couple of nights to unwind after a long drive. Quite a few campgrounds around the Loch, the East side is more isolated, and more peaceful! We stayed at Cashel camping with a campsite right on the shore.
Glencoe. One of my favourite places. Lots of nice stops off the A82, but drive Glen Etive, a no through road, but one of the best anywhere! Campers do wild camp along this road. There's also a nice drive around Loch Leven.
Fort William/Glen Nevis. Quite a good point to explore the surrounding area. Glen Nevis camping is across the road from the start of a Ben Nevis trail. If you're not feeling that keen there are some nice trails and waterfalls just down the road. Not far way is Glenfinnan station and viaduct of Harry Potter fame, but a great spot in it's own right! Then there is the Glen Roy national reserve near Spean Bridge, another no through road that's scenic and isolated if you fancied a Wild camp. (The nearby Commando monument is worth a stop)
Kyle of Lochalsh/Isle of Sky. A nice drive around Loch Lochy, Oich, Garry, Loyn and Cluanie will take you to Loch Duich and one of Scotland's finest located castles, Eilean Donan at Dornie. If you continue to Kyle you can drive over Skye bridge onto the Island which has it's own attractions, the most famous being the Fairy pools. If instead you wind your way North to the coast and Applecross you will drive one of the famous parts of the NC500 to Bealach na Ba viewpoint.
That's about as far North as I have been, so heading east is the obvious Inverness, Loch Ness and then the Cairngorms, which I need to explore in more depth. Edinburgh and Stirling are both nice places to visit, and if you're passing the Kelpies make a good stop. The Galloway forest is often overlooked and has a 'Dark night park' status could be considered before the drive home, or a night in the Kielder forest on the borders.
Dave,
All of this intel is actually helpful for me. Megan and I are considering a wee detour north to Scotland after we leave your place. Although, I am not really sure that I am going to drive and may have to rely on places that we can more-or-less-access-via the train.
Mark
Trains would be quite limiting in the Wilderness areas. I guess there would be some coach tours to help get around. A car rental offers you the most freedom by far. A flight to Scotland and Local rental is worth considering.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mark Sedenquist
Dave
Thanks Dave. I am just back from the trip out to Pembrokeshire in the camper van. Lovely area, decent weather and a nice break from the kids. Didn't get to squeeze in the Gower area and, other than the truck racing event at Pembrey, I didn't stop anywhere outside of Pembrokeshire (through choice). Had to skip the bit between Freshwater West and St Govan's Chapel as the red flags were up on the Castlemartin firing range although I was pleased to get down to the chapel at least. After a quick stop at the lilly pond at Bosherton a torrential rainstorm rolled in and I had to sit and wait it out in the camper van when I reched Barafundle Quay before exploring the bay.
I have to agree that Tenby was surprisingly lovely. Not sure what it would be like during the high season but I definitely wish I had more time there; would have been nice to go over to the island too. Will definitely come back.
Scotland is definitely still on the list but it is a day and a half of driving to get to the best parts opposed to a half day to the far side of Wales. I could be in Ireland in not much more time so it may be a little while before I end up back in Scotland. Definitely going to get done sometime though!!
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Ref Mark's trip:
100% gotta be a flight to Edinburgh/Glasgow and a car rental from there. Public transport is better in the UK than the US however it is not to be replied upon to get you where you want to go (and certainly it couldn't be afforded even if it did)
OK. Thanks for that. I don't know if we will rent a car or no. Certainly would be more convenient.Quote:
Originally Posted by UKCraig
Mark