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From scenic routes to must-visit spots and essential travel tips, discover the best things to do on your first motorhome road trip in Scotland!
I still remember my first motorhome road trip around Scotland. The freedom of the open road, the wild scenery rolling by, and that unbeatable mix of excitement and uncertainty. I thought I’d planned everything down to the last detail… but Scotland had a few surprises in store for me! It turned out to be the perfect mix of adventure, discovery, and a few very valuable lessons along the way.
There’s something magical about exploring Scotland by motorhome; waking up to misty lochs, parking up beside dramatic mountain passes, and stumbling upon hidden corners you’d never find otherwise. It’s the ultimate way to see the country at your own pace, with the freedom to stop wherever the view takes your breath away.
If you’re planning your first motorhome road trip in Scotland, you’re in for something truly special. From epic routes to practical tips I wish I’d known before setting off, here’s everything you need to make your Scottish adventure unforgettable.
Plan Ahead for Your First Trip
1. Plan your complete itinerary
My itinerary was ambitious because I didn’t want to miss a thing. I mapped out castle-filled cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow, scenic spots such as Loch Lomond, Glencoe, the North Coast 500, and even the Kelpies. Trying to fit everything in is just impossible. Scotland is a big place, and it’s best enjoyed slowly.
If you’ve got plenty of time, you can easily add more stops to your own route, but one thing I quickly learned was the importance of planning the journey itself, not just the destinations. I spent longer on the road than expected and had to skip a few places along the way, so make sure you know which locations you want to prioritise before setting off.
2. Find out campsite locations
This one is very important to do before going to and after reaching Scotland, because you need to know where to park your motorhome in unknown locations. While it seems very thrilling to spend days and nights under the open sky, these scenic views have their own limitations, such as battery charging, refilling water, and disposing of garbage & used water etc.
Only a well-equipped campsite can fix these problems. So, I made sure to stay at scenic locations but also at multiple campsites for 1-2 days every time while travelling. By doing so, I was well-equipped with my necessities.
3. Equip your motorhome with all necessary items
A motorhome trip through Scotland is incredible, but being prepared makes all the difference. Once you’re out on those winding Highland roads, shops can be few and far between, so stock up before you go. Bring plenty of drinking water, a reliable power bank, a small first aid kit and spare gas for cooking.
If you’re planning to wild camp, pack some extra food and a few comfort items for colder nights. It’s also worth noting down supermarkets or local markets along your route so you can top up supplies without going too far off track. The more organised you are, the more you can relax and enjoy the adventure.
4. Know locations where you can dispose of your grey waste
This one is extremely important to do while in Scotland. You won’t like to pollute places or get into awkward situations due to the motorhome’s greywater. Make sure you have a proper list of toilet stations and greywater disposal places on your road trip.
It would make your trip a whole lot easier, hygienic, and healthy. Either you can use local maps or search online. I had both because when the internet was ghosting me, maps saved my day!
5. Check the weather and always be ready for all four seasons
Scotland’s weather has a mind of its own, and it’s not unusual to experience sunshine, rain, and fog all in the same afternoon. Before you set off each day, check the local forecast so you can plan your route and stops accordingly. Bring waterproofs, layers, and a few cosy extras for colder nights, even in summer.
I learned this the hard way after being caught in sideways rain on the North Coast 500 with nothing but a light jacket. Trust me, being prepared for every season will make your motorhome trip far more comfortable (and a lot less soggy).
Stay Safe and Travel Smart
1. Insure your motorhome to avoid any major emergency
Well, having a secure insurance is mandatory for first-time motorhome riders, especially if you’re travelling to far places. I already had one that covered me from emergencies earlier. If you have not taken it yet, check out Motorhome Insurance in 2025.
Choose a compatible plan that safeguards your vehicle and covers expenses in case of accidents or climatic mishappenings. As per my advice for Scotland, there are many low bridges, restricted roads and potential hazards. So you want insurance and breakdown cover that specifically applies to remote rural roads and motorhome use.
In short, it is wiser to not only protect yourself but also your motorhome while travelling to first time visiting places. You never know what you’ll face on your road trip!
2. Don’t rush to places and enjoy scenic beauty instead
As I have already mentioned, it took me more than a week to cover all the places on my itinerary. You can’t explore every place if you have a tight schedule because Scotland roads are different everywhere. Your travel journey will be slower on hilly roads, which will stretch time. So, I would advise you to explore more, focus on scenic beauty, and not rush into places just to tick off places from your list.
3. Explore popular cafes
Cafes in Scotland have a vibe! You can find aesthetic cafes to vintage cafes on your way while travelling from cities to towns. Though you can find popular cafes in Scotland online, I would suggest you to explore offbeat location cafes as they not only give tasty snacks but also a raw experience.
Also, cafes serve practical purposes. They allow you to plan your next leg with WiFi, use restrooms, and sometimes fill up supplies. Motorhome travel requires periodic resupply, like beverages, snacks, fuel, LPG, and cafés near towns often indicate you’re near services.
4. Travel to scenic road locations
Scotland is a big location and has all kinds of roads – hilly, coastal, highlands, etc. I was tempted by its scenic beauty and chose to stay in roadside locations. You can do the same if you are running out of time. Instead, explore places alongside the roads. You can travel on the coastline roads or explore border routes that have a remarkable view.
However, don’t get lost in these scenic views. Some of these routes stretch more than 50 miles. So, plan accordingly. I had a great experience on the way to the North Coast 500, as it had mesmerising scenic views throughout the destination.
5. If you are a newbie, avoid travelling on narrow roads
Lastly, if you are driving a motorhome for the first time on foreign roads or don’t have much experience with driving a motorhome, make sure you are choosing roads that have a wide width and proper inter-crossing.
Some locations have one-way traffic, while several roads have narrow lanes in Scotland. Moreover, some car parks or stopping points have height or width limits, which may exclude larger motorhomes. So, if you’re new, start your road trip on more main A or B roads, and avoid remote or tricky island tracks until you’re comfortable.
Final words
My first motorhome road trip around Scotland was an incredible learning experience. It was full of freedom, a few mistakes, and plenty of moments I’ll never forget. Travelling by motorhome gives you so much flexibility, but it also takes a bit of planning to get it right. Thinking ahead about your route, where to stop, and what to pack can make all the difference once you’re out on the road.
Before you go, download offline maps, save the locations of fuel stops and waste points, and jot down a few off-the-beaten-track places you don’t want to miss. A little prep goes a long way in making your Scottish road trip smooth, stress-free and full of adventure.
