Tips for travelling in a campervan

Touring around Scotland in a campervan is a fantastic way to see the best sights the country has to offer. In our opinion, it is the best, giving you the freedom to move around as you please and not be bound to a timescale whilst also having all your belongings with you everywhere you go, perfect for Scotland’s changing weather! 

If you are new to driving a campervan or if you are hiring one for the first time, this guide aims to give you some tips on how to travel in a motorhome responsibly.

Dispose of Your Waste Responsibly

If you are new to driving a campervan, you may not be completely familiar with the waste system. On a campervan or motorhome you have your grey water (the tank for dirty water) and your black water (your toilet). Due to the chemicals that are used in these waters, we need to ensure we are disposing of them correctly. 

The best way to dispose of your black and grey water is at a named facility or a campsite. There are many great campsites in Scotland that will allow you to pay a small fee, usually £5-£10, to dispose of your waste in their tanks. Alternatively, there are also many aries around Scotland with waste disposal points that can be found using the app Park4night or Search for Sites.

Take it Easy on Single Track Roads

Keep in mind that a campervan isn’t quite as nifty as a car and carries a bit more weight. You may pass through some areas with single track roads in Scotland where you will find yourself breaking often and pulling into passing places. You will also notice a number of cattle grids in certain areas as you share the road with wild animals. Look out for sheep, deer and even highland cows when you are driving in Scotland.

With this being said, take it easy on the narrow roads to avoid an accident.

Pull in to Allow Overtaking if Necessary

We don’t always want to drive at the speed limit when driving in a campervan, whether that’s because of the size and weight of the vehicle or because you are soaking up the scenery on route. If you see a number of cars behind you, pull in and let them overtake as the chances are, they will try to at some point anyway. Pulling in at the next opportunity makes this safer for everyone.

Don’t Park in Passing Places

There are many single track roads around Scotland and to help with the traffic flow on these narrow roads there are passing places. These are marked with a white sign and if it is on your side of the road, pull in to allow the other vehicle to pass. Passing places should not be used as parking spaces as this will result in the narrow road becoming blocked.

Plan Ahead for Campsites & Ferries

If you are travelling Scotland during the summer months, this is especially important. Have a rough idea of where you want to travel to and camp as campsites are extremely busy and will likely need to be booked in advance if you want to avoid disappointment. This also goes for ferries if you are planning to island hop during the summer months. 

Enjoy it

The freedom of travelling around in a campervan is really like no other. Soak up the views and immerse yourself in the Scottish cuisine and the wonderful local businesses.