Scotland is a land of captivating landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality- and, with its relaxed travel laws and combination of good infrastructure and wild landscapes, it’s also one of the best destinations in the world for campervan enthusiasts!
While summer brings its own charm, winter in Scotland unveils a magical realm of snow-dusted mountains, frozen lochs, and a tranquil ambience. However, venturing into the Scottish winter with your campervan does require some careful preparation.
Being experts in all things campervans (since we hire them out here in Scotland), we have put together a list of tips for those wanting to explore this beautiful country in the winter!
Preparations you should make
Before you depart for your campervan holiday to Scotland, the most important thing you should do is make sure you’ve got a vehicle that’s designed for colder and potentially even snowy conditions. We recommend our own Tartan Campervans, which are designed to be comfortable and stylish in all Scottish weather!
Next, prepare to potentially face snow and ice by packing things like a shovel and warm clothes. We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket to stay comfortable in the cold and rain.
Once you’ve done that, you should pre-book any campsites you want to stay at in advance, especially if it’s around Christmas. This can be a busy time of year, and you also want to make sure you go to a campsite with plenty of amenities, such as electricity, showers and toilets.
Finally, pack for the trip by bringing your own food, drinks and entertainment! Make sure your campervan is stocked with non-perishable items and snacks that can withstand cold temperatures, as well as activities to keep you entertained during downtime, such as books to read, board games to play, or movies and something to watch them on.
Other things to keep in mind
Once you’ve arrived in Scotland, if you’ve done all of the above then there’s not much to worry about, although there are still a few things you should be mindful of.
Make sure to plan your routes carefully, which includes checking weather forecasts, making sure there are no road closures and making sure on long road trips that there are campsites or other places to sleep on the way.
The most important thing to do is drive safely.
No, seriously: Scotland can get very icy roads during winter (especially after it has rained) which causes accidents every year. Campervans can sometimes be more difficult to control than smaller vehicles, so never take chances with sudden manoeuvres and always maintain a safe speed.
Finally, we recommend you take your time and enjoy the scenery! Don’t plan too much to see and not enough time to actually appreciate it all- sometimes the best part of a holiday in Scotland is stopping for a while to just appreciate the beauty around you.
With these tips, you’ll have absolutely no problems exploring Scotland during the winter months when it’s arguably the most enchanting. If you’re looking for a cosy vehicle to do it all in, why not talk to us at the Tartan Camper Company? We’ll be happy to help you out and make sure your winter campervan holiday is one to remember!