Scotland on Sunday Travel Wishlist: Hire a campervan and head for a Highland road trip

As uncertainty reigns, going your own way could be big news this summer and campervans are out ahead as the way to make the most of a staycation when restrictions lift.

When restrictions allow, Rannoch Moor is an ideal destination for a campervan staycation.

Taking your accommodation with you is Covid-friendly in terms of social distancing and what better way to experience Scotland’s landscape and culture than to set out on your own epic road trip through the Scottish Highlands like The Men in Kilts, aka Outlander’s Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish.

Take the Highland Tourist Route to the Cairngorms National Park and you will be rewarded with wildlife and mountains, forests with mountain biking and hiking trails, towns to explore and historic castles to conquer.

Yescapa hooks holidaymakers up with camper van owners all over the UK and Europe who rent out their vehicles, ranging from converted vans to coach built motorhomes, depending on your needs, budget, ambitions and location.

The Ford Freda four-berth ‘Craig’s Campervan’ is typical of the vans on the website and recommended in terms of size for a Highland trip, but there are plenty of others to choose.

Covid precautions

Check each campervan’s details for their Covid cleaning procedures on the Yescapa website.

Yescapa offers flexible Covid-friendly booking arrangements: Cancel up to 30 days before departure and receive a 70% refund (excluding insurance and service fees).

A small double bed in the roof and a double bed in the main van when the seats fold down mean this van can sleep three or four.

With proof of Covid-19, you can cancel up to 48 hours before departure, either receiving a refund from the owner or the option to move the booking to alternative dates.

Full details are available here: https://www.yescapa.co.uk/information-covid19

Budget or boutique?

Budget, and an economic way to get a family of four away for a week’s holiday without adding to your financial woes.

A mini kitchen at the back of the van means cooking can take place inside and out, depending on the weather.

Room Service

With automatic gearbox, power steering and sat nav, the Ford Freda four-berth ‘Craig’s Campervan’ is recommended as easy to drive, with the added bonus that it fits narrow Highlands roads and makes passing places a breeze. It’s also easy to park and being a 4x4 can navigate varied terrain, including ski areas.

Bigger vans are available too but ‘Craig’s Campervan’, located in East Kilbride, is ideally suited for two adults with one or two children with a small double bed in the roof and double bed in the main van when the seats fold down. There’s a mini kitchen at the back of the van so cooking can take place inside and out, depending on the weather. Towels can be supplied on request for an extra charge.

The campervan has a no smoking and no pet policy.

The interior of the van with bed folded away.

Wining and Dining

With a gas hob and sink, and 240 volt hook-up, you can stock up and cater as you go, cook outside on a campfire if weather allows, or simply stop off at eateries en route.

Worth Getting Out of Bed For

Visit Scotland recommend the Highland Tourist Route for lovers of Scottish history with four castles, Culloden Battlefield and many museums along the way, as well as the Cairngorms National Park for nature lovers and activity enthusiasts. Further afield, the islands await and this is where size matters as ferry tickets are priced according to length of vehicle.

Little Extras

This owner is happy to arrange a private taxi for guests for transfers from airports, making it cheaper than airport taxis.

Cupboards for storage and access for cooking at the rear of the van.

Guestbook Comments

Discover what we’ve been missing in our own backyard this summer with a campervan roadtrip.

Prices From £71 per night with Yescapa.

In May prices for a four-berth campervan start from £496 for seven nights including two insured drivers, breakdown cover and mileage (100 km per day). Save an extra 5% with the Early Bird Offer and there is a flexible cancellation policy up to 48 hours in advance. (www.yescapa.co.uk).

Yescapa has over 80 campervans and motorhomes to rent across Scotland. Craig's Campervan, East Kilbride (G74 2BG), United Kingdom, (www.yescapa.co.uk).

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