Thinking of discovering the Scottish Highlands in a campervan? It’s more incredible than you can imagine! French-Canadian, Matte Vonnee talks about his winter journey across the Highlands.

We had already tried the campervan experience for 4 months in New Zealand and loved it. The desire to get back on the open road and discover another country was too much! This time, we traded Middle Earth for the far reaches of Scotland’s highlands and islands.

For me, the highlights of travelling by motorhome are getting to where you want to go and waking up every morning with different views and landscapes. No constraints, no reason to leave the hotel room at 10am to return the keys! A campervan gives you just that, the ability to stay in a beautiful location as long as you want! Freeeedomm.

Scotland is the perfect playground for freedom and exploration. Places where nature is ubiquitous, wild and leaves you speechless as you travel across the miles. It is a country full of surprises, characterized by its legends, its whisky and its castles. Cliche? Not really, Scotland is not only that, it’s also packed with very friendly people, hikes, and characteristic houses. It feels like a Harry Potter scene, magic on the horizon and the natural environment does the rest.

For our road trip through the Highlands we were well equipped: Bunk Campers Vista campervan, luxury I will say! Bunk Campers was instrumental in achieving our road trip. The company gave us a great welcome to Edinburgh and was very responsive with our questions before we arrived.

After we signed the paperwork and had a run down of how everything worked in the camper, we were ready to go! Inside our road companion for the week we had; a kitchen, bathroom, two king size beds! Plus, you could have a hot shower in the middle of the mountains! A real rolling home for a whole week.

For the practical side, the Vista Motorhome is perfect for a family of 4, lots of storage space and enough room for everyone to feel comfortable. Even the reluctant camper can relax with all of the comforts from home on board.

In our little home on wheels, we cross Scotland from East to West. The road between Crianlarich and Fort William is striking, it took us to another planet. We discovered the black mountains and contrasting yellow grass that came together into one magnificent view! We parked up for the night at the famous “Three Sisters” but discovery of Loch Lomond National Park and the Trossachs was our real favorite. Not forgetting Eilean Donan, the iconic historic castle that immediately makes you think of Scotland.

From Eilean Donan, we continued to the Isle of Skye to be met by the sensation of reaching the end of the world as we crossed the large bridge that connects the island to the mainland. Along the intertwined roads, we discovered coasts and cliffs, mountains and waterfalls. We passed through Portree and its colorful houses to the old man of “Storr”, which makes us think of a giant troll. Prepare yourself, it is astounding!

Our astonishment does not end with Storr, we decide to continue our route via the Scotland’s second national park, “Cairngorns Mountains”. After a stop in Aviemore, we head into the heart of the park. Passing through Tomintoul, a charming little stone town before you arriving to the alpine atmosphere. The roads curve round as you travel and each landscape is better than the next! The ruins and castles dot our route as we examine them eagerly from the comfort of our camper.

My father was a big fan of whisky, so we had to stop at a distillery! Our choice is that of Ballater: Royal Lochanagar. Ironically, this whisky was approved and tested by Queen Victoria. With a sip of the national alcohol ticked off our bucket list, we finish our discovery along the east coast. Greener, Stonehaven and its castle of Donnotar plunge us back into the medieval atmosphere.

Our journey ends with the visit of the Scottish capital: Edinburgh. We discover a city full of history of a city frozen in time with the old town and its imposing castle.

One week touring Scotland in a campervan was a good alternative to a traditional organised tour. The freedom of the campervan connected us to culture and nature, there were fewer tourists, unrivalled access to landscapes and the ability to get to where we wanted to visit.

Matte Vonnee

Watch a video of our trip here:

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