HOW BUSY ARE THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

[poppycamper]

The Rest is open via the old military road.

Yes indeed but under convoy protection.. Think still best avoided and anybody who knows that road may agree....
Also don't know what vehicle restriction there may be.

 

[Fatboy1960]

Just spent 2 weeks Oban Fort William Skye (Dunvegan) First trip in a MH so difficult to compare. Avoided for the majority of the trip single track roads, did not hit any heavy tradfic or congestion Yes there are. plenty of MH out there quite a few on hire.

We found people to be very friendly and welcoming, as others have said social distancing is better observed north of the boarder

Stayed at Edinburgh for a few days was told by the locals as the fringe was not operating the city was empty- felt very pleasant

Midgies not too bad either

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Interesting to read recent updates from people.

I've got friends who'd hired a mh to do the NC500 in early September. That's now cancelled due to the dodgy practice of the hirers and they are taking their caravan instead. Luckily they booked some sites a few weeks ago and will do a shortened trip.

Not sure I'd fancy it with a caravan, they will be on some single track roads

I had everything arranged for a trip to Scotland in April but of course it was cancelled. It is now firmly off my list of places to visit for the medium term at least. The whole idea was to get away from people...... It might still be possible but simply can’t be bothered right now

 

[Garfields]

Just for info
A68 is shut between Lauder and Edinburgh
Also due to landslips
By the size of the hole could be shut for a while

 

[Us2]

We are hoping to tour the west coast of Scotland in late September. We just wonder if this is still a good idea with all the bad press about motor homes that we hear about. Hoping it is just bad press and relates to the minority, that responsible travellers would still be welcome. We are more than happy to use the less commercial type of campsites, CL's etc.
Just wondered if there are any funsters that have been recently, or are from the area that have a view or advice.
Thanks

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[Us2]

We live in Orkney and motorhomes are welcome. There’s plenty about at the moment. Please shop locally though and use the campsites.

 

[Potty]

I'd say go for it, things usually settle down a bit by september & if you think the highlands might be problematic, try the south west.
Plenty of overnight parking spots, we've just got to hope that the rubbish/shit prone tenting fraternity don't ball's it up for all of us.
Yes there are a few tag axle vans etc but, the place is bloody huge, & if you can't find a quiet spot or a CL I'd be very surprised.

This was last weekend in Stinchar Falls car park but, everyone was really respectful of each other.
View attachment 415798View attachment 415799

Came past Stincher Falls yesterday. The car park is not signed at the moment so might be difficult for others to find.

 

[Potty]

Back yesterday after 8 days up North. Some places very busy; the campsite at Durness was heaving! The traffic on the A82 going North was very busy, miles of slow moving vehicles all the way from the Erskine Bridge to the Balloch roundabout. Balloch itself was jam packed. Apart from that we found somewhere to stay every night although filling up and emptying was a bit difficult at times. Don’t travel at the weekend and try to find a place for the night early and you should be OK. As Mrsambulancekid says, try the SW.

Didn’t have much to do with people whlie we were there but had no problems with those we did in shops and on stopovers. At one place we were given freshly caught fish, enough for 2 meals.

 

[bigtree]

Yes indeed but under convoy protection.. Think still best avoided and anybody who knows that road may agree....
Also don't know what vehicle restriction there may be.

I know that road like the back of my hand, friend.

 

[poppycamper]

I know that road like the back of my hand, friend.

I am sure you do and I did not once say you don't. However
I said it is open but under convoy conditions and therefore will still be busy if everybody who does not know the route uses it because you said it is open..(how many are aware it is a very long single track)..
Friend!!!

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[bigtree]

I am sure you do and I did not once say you don't. However
I said it is open but under convoy conditions and therefore will still be busy if everybody who does not know the route uses it because you said it is open..(how many are aware it is a very long single track)..
Friend!!!

It only seems long due to the convoy system.

 

[The general]

Yes indeed but under convoy protection.. Think still best avoided and anybody who knows that road may agree....
Also don't know what vehicle restriction there may be.

Another land slip ? They been working on that road for many a year

I had everything arranged for a trip to Scotland in April but of course it was cancelled. It is now firmly off my list of places to visit for the medium term at least. The whole idea was to get away from people...... It might still be possible but simply can’t be bothered right now

thats how I feel

 

[bigtree]

Another land slip ? They been working on that road for many a year

The slip occurred a bit further down from the area that has been stabilised.

 

[Gaston aires]

Got all excited seeing a reply to my first ever post
Hopefully someone in the know will post soon. Have just found some information about forestry car parks which looks good, but just wondering about the welcome in general ?
Tim

We are going in September - early-ish - difficult to find somewhere - CLs and club sites not available for our dates, so going to a privately run site - suspect further into Sept onwards it should settle down somewhat...

We have changed tack until October. Other less busy places to see in September.
Phil

 

[CWH]

Pretty busy in some parts of Highland

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[Rimswell Wanderer]

Just a thought for anyone that hasn’t used BritStops it is certainly worth the £28 a year for the pub and various night stops. For your £28 you get a thick book of participating pubs and other sites that are free for one night Stays, certainty worth a look as a stopover to split a long journey and of course a pub meal.

 

[ShaKen]

A friend of mine has just travelled up to Scotland to visit relatives and they were using the Gourock - Dunoon ferry. Normally they would just turn up and find the ferry fairly quiet but on this occasion there were large queues of traffic, mainly motorhomes and caravans waiting to head north so it seems as if it is rather busy.

The reason the Gourock / Dunoon ferry has been busy lately is due to the closure and then partial closure of the A83 due to a Landslip.

As a consequence traffic was diverted on a 62mile diversion, or alternatively using the ferry.

The A83 remains closed but they are now using a old section of road called the “Old Military Road” which by-passes the closed section. This road is single track and has a steep climb, thus it is done with a convoy system.

I travel up to the Argyle area regularly (once a week or so) and have likewise used the ferry to avoid the closure on the A83.

So to summarise, the queue of traffic on the ferry are due to the A83 closure and not volume of traffic due to Motorhomes (for example I only saw 2 Motorhomes on the drive from Portavadie/Kames to Gourock yesterday via the ferry).


Saying that - last weekend there was a lot of caravans / Motorhomes on the road, but that is typical as it is the last weekend of the regular Scottish holiday season, as schools went back here on Tuesday.

 

[ShaKen]

Yes indeed but under convoy protection.. Think still best avoided and anybody who knows that road may agree....
Also don't know what vehicle restriction there may be.

I was up there on Saturday with an approx 25mins delay and saw large lorries going up it.

It is steep at the end (if heading north) and of course a steep descent if heading south.

 

[34127]

The reason the Gourock / Dunoon ferry has been busy lately is due to the closure and then partial closure of the A83 due to a Landslip.

As a consequence traffic was diverted on a 62mile diversion, or alternatively using the ferry.

The A83 remains closed but they are now using a old section of road called the “Old Military Road” which by-passes the closed section. This road is single track and has a steep climb, thus it is done with a convoy system.

I travel up to the Argyle area regularly (once a week or so) and have likewise used the ferry to avoid the closure on the A83.

So to summarise, the queue of traffic on the ferry are due to the A83 closure and not volume of traffic due to Motorhomes (for example I only saw 2 Motorhomes on the drive from Portavadie/Kames to Gourock yesterday via the ferry).

Yes, that information was given in an earlier post.

 

[ShaKen]

Yes, that information was given in an earlier post.

Sorry didn’t spot that - scanning too fast!

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[irnbru]

Just a thought for anyone that hasn’t used BritStops it is certainly worth the £28 a year for the pub and various night stops. For your £28 you get a thick book of participating pubs and other sites that are free for one night Stays, certainty worth a look as a stopover to split a long journey and of course a pub meal.

Living in Scotland theres very little times we dont find somewhere decent to park. Never felt the need for a Britstops book up here, and dont forget we have our very own Keiths pub stopovers right here on fun. Each to their own though!

Wildcamping

 

[MopedMan]

Don't dismiss Scotland because the West snd North are busy. Stop long before that, in the Sottish Borders in the East or Dumfries and Galloway in the West. Two beautiful areas with nice towns and plenty of campsites. Then head North via the East coast, visit Fife and Angus just North of Dundee. I've stayed in a sites in St Andrews and Monifeith in the last fortnight - both really well run and covid wise I felt totally safe in both of them.

 

[CWH]

Just arrived in Dingwall after driving from N-W Skye, via main route (A82). Roads practically empty.

 

[Rosco]

We have been visiting the West Coast for 40 years. We will not be going this year! Our friends live near Lochinver above Ullapool and their comments about overcrowding on the single track roads and the sheer number of Motorhomes seeking very few places to stop convinces us not to go.If you check the Scottish Press you will be horrified at some of the comments. We normally take the press with a large pinch of salt but our friend assures us they are not reporting half of it. He was disgusted to find the contents of someone’s loo in the beck adjoining his home. He says it Is happening Frequently. It saddens us but it has been created by a good idea (the NC 500) with no infrastructure. Put the current situation on top of that and I guess it was inevitable.
Cheers
Bernie

You are dead right, for years the NC500 have been reaping the visitor’s without spending anything on bettering the infrastructure. At the middle of July Scottish Tourist Board we’re quick to run adverts on the TV bragging that “Scotland is Open” come spend your “staycation “ in Scotland. So in my eyes be careful what wish for, and if looking to point the finger of blame then people should look no further than the ScottishTourist Board / Scottish Gov rather than the people on vacation. Just my view.

 

[Rosco]

Don't dismiss Scotland because the West snd North are busy. Stop long before that, in the Sottish Borders in the East or Dumfries and Galloway in the West. Two beautiful areas with nice towns and plenty of campsites. Then head North via the East coast, visit Fife and Angus just North of Dundee. I've stayed in a sites in St Andrews and Monifeith in the last fortnight - both really well run and covid wise I felt totally safe in both of them.

You missed the best bit “No Midges” on the East Coast.

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[jopparocks]

Just spent 2 weeks Oban Fort William Skye (Dunvegan) First trip in a MH so difficult to compare. Avoided for the majority of the trip single track roads, did not hit any heavy tradfic or congestion Yes there are. plenty of MH out there quite a few on hire.

We found people to be very friendly and welcoming, as others have said social distancing is better observed north of the boarder

Stayed at Edinburgh for a few days was told by the locals as the fringe was not operating the city was empty- felt very pleasant

Midgies not too bad either

As an Edinburgh resident I can confirm that the city is relatively empty. Bars and restaurants are open and there are some good campsites about so well worth a visit.

 

[William Mccall]

We are hoping to tour the west coast of Scotland in late September. We just wonder if this is still a good idea with all the bad press about motor homes that we hear about. Hoping it is just bad press and relates to the minority, that responsible travellers would still be welcome. We are more than happy to use the less commercial type of campsites, CL's etc.
Just wondered if there are any funsters that have been recently, or are from the area that have a view or advice.
Thanks

I STAY IN SCOTLAND AND HAVE A MOTORHOME IF YOU ARE A GOOD DECENT MOTORHOMER YOU WILL BE FINE, PRESS BAD PRESS LOL STICK TO SITES AND YOU WILL BE 100% OKAY WAIT AND SEE IF YOU BLOCK ROADS NOWHERE TO EMPTY TOILETS ETC WATCH OUT COMMON SENCE ENJOY YOU WILL BE FINE

 

[poppycamper]

I STAY IN SCOTLAND AND HAVE A MOTORHOME IF YOU ARE A GOOD DECENT MOTORHOMER YOU WILL BE FINE, PRESS BAD PRESS LOL STICK TO SITES AND YOU WILL BE 100% OKAY WAIT AND SEE IF YOU BLOCK ROADS NOWHERE TO EMPTY TOILETS ETC WATCH OUT COMMON SENCE ENJOY YOU WILL BE FINE

I STAY IN SCOTLAND AND HAVE A MOTORHOME IF YOU ARE A GOOD DECENT MOTORHOMER YOU WILL BE FINE, PRESS BAD PRESS LOL STICK TO SITES AND YOU WILL BE 100% OKAY WAIT AND SEE IF YOU BLOCK ROADS NOWHERE TO EMPTY TOILETS ETC WATCH OUT COMMON SENCE ENJOY YOU WILL BE FINE

Ouch.. Turned hearing aid aff...
We can aw hear yea.......Nae need tae shout.

 

[GWAYGWAY]

Have a great time doing the The NC500, so pleased to hear you are doing it anti clockwise! It should be made a rule IMHO, you will find less oncoming traffic, especially MH's, the roads are so narrow even with passing places its difficult to make headway.
Thanks for the tip on Ireland, never heard of the Irish Motorhome Club, will look into that.
Best wishes.
LES

For Ireland I joined 'motorhome craic' and they have a forum and maps showing parking and other helpful things.

 

[CWH]

OK Tuesday I carried on from Inverness to Co. Durham so south through the Cairngorm area, and today from there back to Skye. Only the A66 was busy, and that not so much as usual. Back into Highland there was some evidence of past poor behaviour (mashed up verges from vehicles etc) but on the main roads all was fine - less traffic than usual; probably more tents, camper vans and motorhomes in designated areas but fewer in even well-tolerated lay-byes. No midgies today - they don't like stormy weather

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