Travel: Touring Scotland in a classic campervan

THERE are few vehicles left on our roads that are capable of inspiring feelings of freedom and escapism. Few, if any, can remind us that we should be taking things that little bit slower and exploring more of the country on our own doorstep.

A 1970s Volkswagen campervan easily falls into the above description and the prospect of taking one on the road for a whistle-stop tour around Scotland had me rather excited.

Too often in the past myself and partner have opted for the easy option of a cheap flight or package holiday abroad.

This summer, we vowed, would be different. We would make a determined effort to explore more of the scenery and culture of our own country.

Our seven-day trip began in the Borders where we picked up our vehicle from Classic Camper Holidays, a new campervan company in Selkirk.

Our van, the affectionately named 'Bluebell', was an immaculately restored 1975 'tin-top' model.

She was remarkably spacious and comfortable inside and kitted out with luxurious cream leather upholstery.

In the living area of the van was a large pull down double bed and enough camping equipment to remain self-sufficient for the duration of our vacation.

With no power-steering she took a bit of getting used to but in no time we had soon mastered her big steering wheel and were pleasantly motoring north.

One of the near-certainties of holidaying in Scotland, apart from the poor weather, is that you are bound to be amused by the antics of the local populace at some point in your travels.

Having stopped to admire the banks of Loch Lomond we were treated to the spectacle of two semi-naked bald men jumping head-first into the water.

• Loch Lomond

The next morning we awoke to the inspiring sight of a thin layer of mist covering the loch which put us firmly in the mood for the rest of our travels.

We planned to do a loop of Scotland that would take us up the west coast, over to Skye and across to Inverness before heading back to the Borders via Stirling.

I must admit as a first-time visitor to Oban I wasn't immediately bowled over by the place but a wider glance at its surroundings made me realise that the town does sit in a rather special spot.

• The view of Oban Bay from McCaig's Tower

We climbed up to McCaig's Tower, a Victorian folly according to some guidebooks, for a fantastic view of Oban Bay and the mountains of Morvern and Ardgour.

A one-mile drive north of Oban brought us to the ruin of Dunollie Castle, former home to the MacDougalls of Lorn in the 13th century.

The castle was abandoned by the MacDougalls when they moved to Dunollie House just downhill from the castle ruins.

I find places like this a pleasure to visit as they are steeped in history and there's not a glossy tourist leaflet in sight.

We settled in a campsite at Glen Coe for the night, fired up the stove and watched the sun set over Loch Leven.

• Loch Leven at sunset

A glance in Bluebell's rear-view mirror after leaving our camp in the morning revealed the irate manager of the establishment we had just left.

After pulling over, we managed to calm him down and convince him that we hadn't in fact done a runner. Apologies were made and we were soon on our way.

First stop of the day was in the former aluminium smelting town of Kinlochleven. A pleasant walk through woodland brought us to the spectacular sight of Grey Mare's Tail waterfall.

We then visited Glenfinnan Monument which must rank as one of Scotland's most picturesque places to visit.

The tower, which is topped with a stone-carved clansmen, stands as a tribute to the fallen of the 1745 Jacobite rebellion.

• Glenfinnan Monument is pictured with Loch Shiel in the background

The monument is situated close to where Bonnie Price Charlie raised his standard shortly before the ill-fated campaign that would end in defeat at Culloden.

You can climb up its winding staircase and through a narrow hatch at the top to get an excellent view of the stunning Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

We parked up Bluebell for the night near the white sands of Morar beach before embarking on the ferry from Mallaig to Skye in the morning.

After arriving in Skye to some pretty abysmal weather we made a bee-line for the remote Talisker distillery in Carbost.

Distillery tours are often criticised for being too alike but you can see efforts have been made here to create a tour with a difference.

A nice touch is letting you touch and smell the grain before and after it's been dried over peat fires.

• Our campervan Bluebell pictured outside the Talisker distillery on Skye

We drove around the island for the remainder at the day simply marvelling at the rough volcanic nature of the place before setting up camp and enjoying the spell of sun that had crept in to the end of our day.

Having left Skye, we visited Eilean Donan Castle in Dornie near Kyle of Lochalsh.

• Eilean Donan Castle

Following the failed Jacobite uprising of 1745, Hanoverian naval forces lambasted the castle until the few remaining soldiers surrendered.

Canon balls from the attack, which led to the castle falling into ruin, are still on display today.

One of the benefits of travelling in a campervan is the freedom it gives you to chose your own route.

So having visited one Scottish icon we set off for another at the other end of the country.

We took a scenic drive along the banks of Loch Ness, looking for any mysterious shadows in the water, before stopping for the night in Inverness.

The home straight of our journey took in Stirling Castle and Melrose Abbey and gave us the opportunity to relax and take in the history around us.

We dropped off Bluebell back with a tinge of sadness.

We had grown quite used to the admiring glances she collects on the road and, having returned friendly waves to fellow VW campervan drivers, felt we were part of a special club.

The Facts

Classic Campervan Holidays, Selkirk, 01750 490967, www.classic-camper-holidays.co.uk

Campervan prices ranger from 180 to 285 for a short break and 360 to 600 for a week