A Scottish Road Trip in my Campervan: My Solo Journey Through the Breathtaking Highlands
- Kate
- Sep 7
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 10
I recently embraced van life and converted my Citroën Berlingo into a cosy campervan. For my first long adventure, I set my sights on a solo road trip around the Scottish Highlands—a destination famous for rugged landscapes, shimmering lochs, and dramatic mountains.
Over six unforgettable days, I drove winding Highland roads, hiked breathtaking trails, and fell asleep under starlit skies in my little van. My Scottish campervan journey included hiking Meall a’ Bhuachaille, chasing waterfalls at Loch Ness, and exploring the magical glens of Glencoe. Each day was packed with awe and discovery.
This post recounts my Scottish Highlands campervan adventure—from planning and preparation to the highlights of each day—and shares tips for anyone dreaming of their own road trip through Scotland.
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The Planning Process for My Scottish Campervan Road Trip
The planning stage was almost as exciting as the trip itself. Since this was my first adventure in a converted van, I wanted to ensure everything was carefully planned out.
I marked must-see places on a map of Scotland—from Loch Ness to Glencoe.
I planned a driving route, deciding which highways and scenic roads to take.
I researched each stop, from wild camping spots to campsites with facilities.
To balance convenience with adventure, I booked one campsite halfway through to recharge, refill water, and—most importantly—have a shower. The rest of the time, I planned to van wild camp in Scotland (known as free camping in Scotland) using the Park4Night app to find safe overnight spots. With my route finalised and Dolly (my van, named after Dollywaggon Pike) packed, I was ready to hit the road.
Day 1 – Starting the Road Trip in Braemar
The first day of my six-day Scottish Highlands campervan itinerary began on the A1 motorway. On the way, I stopped at Holy Island, Lindisfarne, for lunch. This tidal island is only accessible by causeway, so checking tide times is essential—you don’t want to get stranded!
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By nightfall, I crossed into Scotland and found a peaceful riverside spot at Clunie Water near Braemar. With the sound of the river and limited traffic nearby, my first night in Dolly was a dream. It felt like the true beginning of my van life journey.
Day 2 – Exploring the Cairngorms National Park
I woke up to a view that made me pinch myself: misty hills and the sound of water rushing past. Coffee in hand, I soaked in the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.
That day, I hiked Meall a’ Bhuachaille (810m), starting from the Reindeer Centre. The trail was tough in parts, but the panoramic views of the Highlands were worth every step. On the way down, I visited Ryvoan Bothy and the legendary Lochan Uaine (The Green Loch), said to be coloured by fairies washing their clothes.
That night, I camped high up on a steep, winding road—over 500m above sea level. Clear skies revealed a canopy of stars, one of the most magical moments of my trip.
Day 3 – Camping Beside Loch Ness
After restocking supplies in Aviemore, I stopped at the Falls of Foyers, a 50m waterfall plunging into a gorge before reaching Loch Ness. Surrounded by forest, it was a beautiful contrast to the open Highland landscapes.
I then drove to my campsite on the shores of Loch Ness. With views across the famous loch (sadly no Nessie sighting!), it was the perfect place to relax. I set up my awning, recharged my power station, and enjoyed the luxury of a hot shower.
The next morning, I walked down to the beach with a coffee and watched the sunrise transform the loch into shades of blue and gold. It’s a memory that still gives me goosebumps.
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Day 4 – Hiking in Glencoe’s Lost Valley
No Scottish Highlands campervan trip is complete without a visit to Glencoe. Known for its dramatic scenery, it’s one of the most breathtaking places I’ve ever been.
I hiked into the Lost Valley, surrounded by towering peaks and mossy streams. The landscape felt prehistoric—like something out of Jurassic Park. Although river crossings made the route challenging, I found a circular trail that provided incredible views from above.
That night, I parked along the James Bond Road by the River Etive, famous for its cinematic views. As rain pattered against the van's roof, I felt completely content.
Day 5 – Sunrise at Loch Lomond
On my final day, I drove south into Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. While my permit campsite wasn’t as scenic as I’d hoped, the next morning made up for it.
The sun finally shone as I hiked Conic Hill (361m), a short but rewarding trail overlooking Loch Lomond and its many islands. The peaceful shoreline, quiet woodlands, and panoramic summit views were the perfect finale to my solo road trip in Scotland.
Lessons From My First Solo Campervan Trip in Scotland
My first experience of van life in Scotland was unforgettable. Here’s what I learned:
Preparation is key – Research routes, campsites, and wild camping spots.
Van life is freeing – Even a tiny van can become a comfortable home.
Scotland is magical – From the Cairngorms to Glencoe, every turn is breathtaking.
Self-sufficiency matters – Stock food, fuel, and supplies, and be ready for breakdowns (the RAC and I are now on first-name terms!).
Final Thoughts – Why You Should Try a Campervan Road Trip in Scotland
If you’re dreaming of adventure, a solo campervan road trip in the Scottish Highlands is an experience like no other. From wild camping under starry skies to hiking legendary mountains and exploring misty lochs, Scotland delivers beauty, solitude, and freedom in equal measure.
Whether you’re new to van life or a seasoned road tripper, Scotland is the perfect place to explore by campervan. I know this won’t be my last adventure—if anything, it’s only the beginning.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with me in the comments if you'd like any GPX routes for any of the hikes mentioned above, or if you have any other questions about my trip.
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Are you new to wild camping? Check out The Beginner’s Guide to Wild Camping for everything you need to get started.
Have any questions or thoughts? Feel free to get in touch with me here—I’d love to hear from you.
If you haven’t already, consider downloading the Ordnance Survey App. It lets you import GPX routes directly and mirrors the paper maps you should always carry as a backup. I use this app to plan all my hikes, and it’s an essential tool for navigating the great outdoors.
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