Visiting Scotland

Obviously we can’t guarantee the weather: if we could, we’d be rich enough to be driving our vehicles around the world at leisure, rather than hiring them to you!  It can be sunny and warm or wet and grey.  There are two sayings about Scottish weather, both well known because they’re true:

1. If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes

2. Scotland looks it’s best when the weather is at its worst.

As weather fronts often cross Scotland from West to East – driven by the jet stream – and because of the mountains, the West coast is generally more prone to rain.  So, if the forecast is wet, the tip is to go East and duck behind the mountains.

Our busiest period is the peak tourist months of July and August, when demand for our vehicles is extremely high.  But we particularly recommend the spring and autumn months of April, May, June, September and October.  In spring the days are getting longer and the midges (see below) have yet to emerge, whilst in autumn you can enjoy the fantastic colours of the trees and beautiful evening sunsets.  And you’re even more likely to have the place to yourself.

Camping in the winter months is for the brave, but may prove good training for your next polar expedition!

Official campsites – many of them truly fantastic – are located throughout the country. It is advisable to try and book campsites in advance during the busiest months.  A comprehensive list of them can be found here at Visit Scotland and Pitchup.

“Wild” camping is permitted in Scotland, so long as it is done in accordance with the guidance in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, and in a spirit of ‘leave-no-trace’.  However, the Code does not extend to cover camping in vehicles.  A network of continental-style “aires” is being introduced from 2021 where vehicles are permitted to stay overnight of an informal basis. You may also find other locations where you are able to camp informally, but it is essential to seek the landowner’s consent where possible prior to doing so.

The principle points to follow when informal camping are:

• Seek the landowner’s consent where possible prior to setting up camp
• Avoid overcrowding, and don’t camp near homes, other people or livestock.
• Always keep open fires off the ground (our Firebox, in the standard equipment, helps with this).  Don’t light fires or barbecues during very dry periods or in environmentally sensitive areas.
• Always remove all of your litter / recycling (it is good practice to also pick up any other litter / recycling that you may find).

Visit Scotland has produced two useful short films on camping and using a campervan in Scotland, which we highly recommend watching.

Yes they are, though again we would refer our clients to the Outdoor Access Code for guidance with open fires.  For a very safe and controlled open fire, with minimal impact on the environment, the Firebox (supplied with our standard equipment) is ideal.  Wildfires can occur in Scotland when conditions are very dry, and so it is essential that clients act responsibly when lighting fires, ensuring that the fire is contained and that there’s no risk of it spreading to surrounding vegetation.  A fire extinguisher is supplied in the vehicle.

Midges – a small sand fly type insect – can blight some parts of Scotland.  They can be there one minute, gone the next, and can be intense in one place and non-existent just a few metres away.  They tend to congregate when the air is very still, and especially in the presence of still or slow-moving water.  Special repellents are available, and we especially recommend Smidge.  Choosing a slightly exposed campsite with a nice breeze will help keep them at bay, as will a moderately smoky campfire.

The tents are fitted with insect nets on the doors and windows which successfully stop the midges from sharing your bed!