A BEGINNER'SGUIDE TO

CAMPERVAN HIREIN SCOTLAND

Day OneWhen we arrived at Roseisle Luxury Campervan Hire to pick up our campervan, we felt a little bit nervous. Would we manage to operate the campervan? How easy would it be to drive?

However were immediately put at ease by the warm welcome (and cup of co�ee!) we received from the smiling Roseisle team.

The Westfalia Columbus Campervan was ready and waiting for us, which made being shown the ropes really straightforward. Megan talked us through the whole van and took her time to answer the questions we had about the heating, wild camping and the battery life.

Picking up the campervan was a very informative experience and by the time we set o� we felt fully prepared for our trip.

HIRING A CAMPERVAN FOR THE FIRST TIME MIGHT FEEL LIKE A DAUNTING EXPERIENCE - BUT IT REALLY SHOULDN’T BE

To prove just how easy it is, two of our first time campervan hire guests took to the road and documented their 4 day Highland road trip - giving you a first-hand account of what it's like to hire a campervan for the very first time.

GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR CAMPERVAN HIRE

Before you set o� with your luxury campervan hire, the team at Roseisle will talk you through:

• Plugging into the electricity supply

• Switching the heating and hot water o� while driving

• Checking the voltage

• Emptying the toilet and grey water

• Managing the battery (e.g. doing a full day of driving or one night of mains charging before wild camping and not charging electronics overnight)

• Reversing onto the levelers and into parking bays

• Changing the transmission between automatic and manual

With Roseisle’s 24/7 customer service, you can be sure that if you encounter any problems on your journey, Roseisle will be on hand to help.

GLEN ETIVE ROAD

On the recommendation of Roseisle, we started our journey at the Meeting of Three Waters waterfall in Ballachulish before leaving a ‘love lock’ at Lairig Eilde Bridge. We then headed for one of Scotland’s most beautiful drives - Glen Etive Road.

Known for its spectacular scenery and photo opportunities, the road didn’t disappoint. We arrived just before sunset and were greeted by the sight of many wild campers setting up for the night, their brightly burning stoves punctuating the twilight.

Having completed our first stretch of the journey we were starting to feel much more comfortable with driving the campervan. Despite being longer and wider than vehicles we had driven before, it didn’t take long to get used to the size di�erence.

If you are unsure of how to make the most of your Scottish road trip and spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what to see and do, Roseisle is on hand with a number of pre-planned travel itineraries and supplier partners for your convenience.

THE CLACHAIG INN

After taking in the sunset on Glen Etive Road we arrived at the Clachaig Inn. Having read many glowing reviews online and seen the bar and inn featured in countless articles listing the ‘Top 10 Pubs To Visit in Scotland,’ we just had to visit.

Settled in the atmospheric Boots Bar (complete with log piles and rough slates) we enjoyed mulled cider by the fire. On busy nights, the bar’s annex ‘The Snug’ makes an even cosier setting for dinner and drinks - it is well worth a visit.

INVERCOE CAMPSITE

Ready to unwind for the evening we went to park up at Invercoe Campsite - a Roseisle Luxury Partner. We were met by Ian, the Owner, and given an excellent pitch overlooking the loch.

After a full day of activities, our memories were put to the test when it came to getting the campervan ready for parking up overnight. The process was surprisingly straightforward (even for novices). We were advised to call Roseisle if we had any problems at all, but we didn’t even need to consult the manual.

Once we had checked in we reversed onto the levellers (kept in the boot of the van) to ensure we got a good night's sleep, before plugging the van into the pitch’s electricity supply to get the heating on. The van was extremely well equipped, highly advanced and had everything we needed.

THE GLENCOE GATHERING

To complete the day we went to the Glencoe Gathering for dinner, where we thoroughly enjoyed lobster and chips, a bottle of wine and a wee malt nightcap. The pub o�ers exceptional local fare in a relaxed and cosy setting, right by the banks of Loch Leven.

Day Two After a good and cosy night’s sleep we woke up and put the kettle on the gas stove. Once the kettle whistled we enjoyed a nice cuppa overlooking the loch (a mere 10 yards from our pitch) which was steaming with the cold air.

Before enjoying breakfast at Crafts & Things (another destination renowned online) we hopped to the shower block, braving the cold Highland winter in our pyjamas. The showers were lovely and warm - the ideal start to our second day.

LOCH NESS & CHANONRY POINT

Feeling more secure in our campervan know-how, we headed North to Loch Ness, with no shortage of photo opportunities on the way. After trying to spot the Loch Ness Monster we travelled to Chanonry Point in search of dolphins. The stretch of land, which lies between Fortrose and Rosemarkie, is one of the best places to spot marine mammals in Scotland. It is worth planning ahead though as the tide times can have a big impact on visibility.

IV10 CAFĖ BAR & DELI

No trip to Fortrose is complete without a visit to IV10. The renowned local eatery is one of the best places for lunch, dinner or drinks on the Black Isle. It is worth booking ahead as tables fill up quickly. We had the mac and cheese which was incredible, however with a wide range of pizzas and small plates, there is something to suit everyone.

OAKWOOD CARAVAN & CAMPING PARK

After dinner we drove down the A9, destined for the lively Cairngorm town of Aviemore. We pitched up at the Oakwood Caravan & Camping Park. The location was incredibly beautiful and peaceful. We made use of the shower facilities which were complete with underfloor heating. Setting up the campervan for the second night was a breeze.

NIGHTS OUT IN AVIEMORE

Staying close to the town was great as we were able to book a taxi and head into Aviemore, where the evening entertainment has a strong reputation. We enjoyed dinner at the Cairngorm Hotel before walking along the High Street to the Winking Owl to enjoy some live music. The venue was packed, which was testament to the friendly atmosphere.

Day ThreeHIGHLAND HOME CENTRE & ROUTE 7 CAFÉ

Before leaving Aviemore we enjoyed breakfast at the Route 7 Café within the Highland Home Centre - well worth a visit if you’re in the area. Warmed up by hot chocolate we took a 12km walk through the Rothiemurchus forest to the beautiful Loch an Eilein, surrounded by deer.

GLENMORE CAMPSITE

After stocking up on cheese and biscuits from a local farm shop and enjoying a fish supper at Smi�y’s, we returned to our camper to park up in the picturesque Glenmore Campsite, situated in the stunning Cairngorm National Park. What better way to spend the evening than playing card games and enjoying our local nibbles.

Day FourLOCH MORLICH

We rose early to watch the sunrise over Loch Morlich - a 400m drive from the campsite. After reversing onto the loch we opened the doors and watched the sunrise over the water from the comfort of the campervan’s bed - with co�ee and croissants to top it o�. It was undoubtedly the best part of our holiday.

TAYMOUTH MARINA’S HOT BOX SPA

For a spot of brunch we stopped at House of Bruar, where we picked up some Christmas presents, before making an unforgettable stop at the Taymouth Marina’s Hot Box Spa. The spa o�ers an unrivalled hydrotherapy experience, complete with Loch dip, wood fired sauna, outdoor firepit and panoramic views.

We returned to Roseisle for 4.30pm where the team was ready and waiting to check us back in. The process was as easy and relaxed as it was before we left. We did a full walk around the van, enjoyed a co�ee and told the team all about our trip. They were as excited about it as we were!

All in all our first campervan hire experience was a total success and one that we can’t wait to repeat. From start to finish it was an absolute delight. What a way to explore Scotland!

Experiencing Scotland in a camper made us realise just how lucky we are to live here. From Glen Etive Road, to Fortrose, Aviemore, and Kenmore the trip was awe-inspiring.

The highlight of the trip had to be opening the van doors to Loch Morlich at sunrise and having a cuppa looking over the Loch.

Without a doubt we will be booking again very soon! We need more time in the van to explore. The team, the van, the service, were all exceptional. Thanks Roseisle!

About The AuthorsLee and Rhianna are an adventure-loving couple from Midlothian. They enjoy hiking, and outdoor pursuits as well as being self proclaimed foodies. SEEING OUR HOMELAND IN A

NEW LIGHT! THANKS ROSEISLE!

My Fiance and I got away for a long weekend break in a Westfalia Columbus Campervan recently and the experience from start to finish was an absolute delight.

What a way to explore Scotland! Both being Scottish, experiencing Scotland in a camper made us realise just how lucky we are to live here.

From Glen Etive Road, to Fortrose, Aviemore, and Kenmore the trip was awe-inspiring. The highlight of the trip had to be opening the van doors to Loch Morlich at sunrise and having a cuppa looking over the Loch.

Without a doubt we will be booking again very soon! We need more time in the van to explore.

The team, the van, the service, were all exceptional.

Thanks Roseisle

“

”Lee