Mum and pop, two children and a daft Labrador pet for 4 nights in a Volkswagen campervan. What may probably go flawed?
I’ll admit to a little bit of apprehension as we launched into our first campervan journey. Anybody who is aware of me is aware of I want a resort to any sort of tenting.
However our van “Carrie” got here with all mod cons together with wi-fi and plug factors so I took the plunge.
Purists would argue that it’s not tenting if you should use your hairdryer, however with two women of 9 and 7 who've a wholesome YouTube dependancy, the onboard wi-fi was arguably a should.
We collected Carrie from Staycation Scotland which is conveniently located in Dalmuir, north Glasgow. It’s a brief hop from there to Loch Lomond and onwards to the Highlands.
Proprietor Jules gave us an indication of how every little thing labored. From easy electrical hook-up to pop the roof up and switch the seats into a cushty mattress in seconds. The entire run-through took about half-hour and we felt extra assured we may deal with this journey.
I’m certain the beautiful Jules chuckled inwardly on the quantity I had packed as we transferred it from our automobile to the van however it’s stunning what you possibly can slot in a campervan. Very quickly we had been on the open street heading in the direction of Fort William and our first pre-booked campsite.
Carrie is a pleasure to drive. It’s no tougher than driving a automobile, with glorious energy steering and a pleasant high-up place. The children had been strapped within the again with the daft canine and really put their tablets right down to benefit from the breathtaking views as we wound our manner up the A82 in the direction of Ben Nevis.
With the music on the sound system, which hooks to your cellphone, and the solar shining I may really feel any worries disappear.
We arrived on the award-winning Glen Nevis campsite round late afternoon and located our electrical hook-up pitch. Carrie and all of Staycation Scotland’s vans are geared up for wild tenting with electrical even when not connected. However I'm a fan of a bathe and a rest room so we opted for the better choice.
As soon as connected, principally plugging in to the location’s energy provide, we may absolutely benefit from the van. The entrance seats swivel round to face the again ones and there’s a desk you possibly can put up inside too. With a deceptively massive fridge our wine was chilled and able to pour.
Carrie has a two-ring fuel range and is stocked with all of the crockery, pans and utensils you’ll must whip up a meal. As soon as the roof is up, there’s loads of room to face as you prepare dinner.There’s a sink for laundry up and water on board too. And the van heater is mighty and far wanted to camp in Scotland in March. The heater runs off the diesel however the quantity it makes use of is minimal so you possibly can keep toasty with out worrying about draining your tank.
It was easy to set Carrie up for the night time. Within the roof is a double mattress with a mattress and the youngsters slept there and liked the neon lights. We pulled our mattress out by flattening the again seats and it was super-comfy. Scout the Labrador thought so too.
Due to the time of 12 months, we left the heater on timed for a few hours as we drifted off and woke the following day after a terrific sleep. We made breakfast, showered and had been off vibrant and early to get the miles in. We even remembered to carry the roof down earlier than setting off. We had been profitable at this campervanning lark.
It was a wonderful spring day so we headed to see the seashores of Arisaig the place we spent an idyllic few hours and Scout had one of the best day of his eight-month life.
We parked the van at Camusdarach seaside for lunch earlier than heading in the direction of Skye.
The great thing about the campervan is the liberty. Cease and make a cuppa everytime you like, pull out the tenting chairs, that are provided, and absorb the view.
After an evening on Skye at a website close to Portree and a tour spherical this majestic island, we had been again to the mainland to drive the Bealach na Bà, aka the Applecross Cross.
I used to be nervous about doing it in a model new, expensive campervan however a textual content to Jules and she or he reassured us we undoubtedly ought to. We noticed 4 seasons navigating the single-track street however the surroundings was no much less gorgeous for it.
We didn’t have a website booked so after leaving stunning Applecross we opted to take the coastal street and maintain a watch out for someplace to cease for the night time. As luck would have it, we occurred upon Shieldaig Tenting and Cabins, Strathcarron.
This wonderful spot, with views overlooking Shieldaig island, is image excellent.
We pulled up and on a noticeboard there was a listing of the free pitches the place you’re welcome to simply drive in and to hook up.
The bathroom and bathe block is newly renovated and spotless and it’s a brief stroll to the Shieldaig Bar & Coastal Kitchen the place the langoustines are an actual deal with.
Whereas we longed to remain, it was time to go again south. Carrie was to be loved by different holidaymakers and we had been unhappy to say goodbye.
An in a single day keep in Newtonmore to interrupt the journey again to Glasgow and our van adventures had been over.
We had clocked 700 miles and made valuable recollections.
And, in the long run, nothing went flawed.
Sally's campervan was courtesy of Staycation Scotland staycationscotlandcampers.com
Costs vary from £110-£135 per night time, this contains the insurance coverage limitless mileage. You may go wherever in UK and overseas.
Sleeps 4 and there are pleasant vans accessible.
For extra info and to e-book staycationscotlandcampers.com Shieldaig Tenting and Cabins shieldaigcampingandcabins.co.uk Glen Nevis Campsite glen-nevis.co.uk/campsite.