Seeing the Best of Scotland By Motorhome
This is a sponsored blog post by InsureMy.
The ultimate ‘tor’ bus - seeing the best of Scotland by motorhome
From soaring tors to glittering lochs and golden beaches, Scotland has more than its fair share of star attractions. And one of the best ways to see all the sights is by motorhome.
Not only can you choose your own itinerary and timescale, but you can also take all your (motor)home comforts with you. And during the winter months, you may even catch sight of the dancing northern lights through your windscreen.
Whatever kind of tour you’re planning, you really will be spoilt for choice. So here are just a few ‘greatest hits’ to include in your set list.
The North Coast 500 - for wild (or mild) adventures
This 500-mile (800-kilometre) route around the north coast of Scotland takes in some of the most stunning and dramatic scenery the world has to offer.
Your road, your rules
The official route takes you clockwise, starting and finishing at the imposing Inverness Castle. But by all means break with convention and head off in the other direction for different (and some say better) views.
Whichever way you go, you’ll find beautiful walks and beaches at every turn, plenty of motorhome-friendly campsites, and lots of places to enjoy delicious local (sea)food. And when it comes to things to do, the world is your oyster - as well as your salmon and lobster.
Highlights include:
Visiting the Rogie Falls on the Black Water River
Climbing Beinn Eighe, one of the most stunning Munros (mountains over 3,000 feet) in the Torridon Hills
Taking a whale-watching cruise from Gairloch
Exploring Smoo Cave near Durness - Britain’s largest sea cave
Touring the Dalmore Whisky Distillery in Alness
Brushing up on your culture and history at the world-famous sub-tropical Inverewe Gardens or the late Queen Mother’s Castle of Mey near John o’ Groats
And that’s just the tip of the tor… the North Coast 500 really does have something for everyone.
The Hebrides - for inner peace and outer serenity
Motorhomes are one of the most convenient and relaxing ways of exploring the Hebrides - the stunning archipelago which includes ‘headliner’ islands such as Mull, and Skye, as well as lesser-known names, such as Jura and Lewis.
Here’s a suggested route, starting in the south and unwinding as you go.
Jura and Islay
Let’s begin in the Inner Hebrides, with Jura and Islay. Both have a wide variety of wildlife on land and at sea. And both have distilleries boasting distinctive local whiskies. Just be sure to hold that dram until you’ve parked up somewhere safe.
Mull and Skye
Heading north, you’ll reach Mull, famous for the colourful harbour town of Tobermory, but also home to minke whales, harbour porpoise, seals, and a range of dolphin species - some of which can be spotted from the beach.
From Mull, you’ll need to hop back to the mainland to follow in Bonnie Prince Charlie’s footsteps, over the sea to Skye (you’ll take the ferry, not a row boat).
Skye also boasts wonderful wildlife, including golden eagles, as well as castles, restaurants, and - of course - its own distillery.
Harris and Lewis
From Skye, you can take another ferry over to Harris - great for otter spotting and home to the famous Harris Tweed. And breaking with the whisky tradition, there’s also a gin distillery.
From Harris, drive on to the conjoined island of Lewis, where you can walk around a traditional ‘blackhouse’ dwelling at the Blackhouse Museum, take a selfie beneath the 25-foot Whalebone Arch in Bragar, or visit the ancient Callanish Stones, dating back to between 2900 and 2600 BC.
Not to be missed:
The islands are home to a thriving Celtic music tradition, so if you have the chance to attend a ceilidh, go!
On Skye, channel your inner Braveheart and take a dip in the famous Fairy Pools on the River Brittle, famed around the world for their crystal-clear water.
On Harris, look out for the small independent shops and workshops where you can buy Harris Tweed direct from the weavers.
The hills - for mountains of memories and views galore
While rather deceptively referred to as ‘hills’, Scotland boasts some stunning ranges that are definitely grown-up mountains - including the highest peak in the whole of Great Britain, Ben Nevis.
Happily, you can wend your way around and between these hills by motorhome, stopping off for the occasional walk to the summit, if you fancy. Just be sure to take a walking map, decent boots, warm clothing, and a waterproof as the weather here can change in a flash.
I’ll take the high road…
Ben Nevis crowns the Grampians, which run eastwards from Fort William through the Highland region of Scotland and Perthshire to the Angus Glens. This is a great region to explore by motorhome, as it offers spectacular views along with an impressive collection of castles, including the straight-out-of-a-fairytale perfectly pink Craigievar Castle.
You take the snow road…
Alternatively, try the Snow Roads Scenic Route, a 90-mile journey through the eastern Cairngorms, from Blairgowrie to Grantown-on-Spey. It offers dramatic landscapes carved by granite and ice, as well as plenty of cafes and restaurants to keep you well-fuelled for the journey.
This route also connects with the North Coast 500, so what’s to stop you going right the way round again?
Remember to pack the essentials
Along with your must-have midge veil and hat, you'd be well advised to consider specialist motorhome insurance to ensure you are fully protected on your Scottish tour.
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