Touring the Black Isle of Scotland with a Campervan

Touring the Black Isle of Scotland with a Campervan

by Scottish Tourer January 06, 2021

Camping Black Isle Scotland: The Perfect Campervan Getaway 


The Black Isle in Scotland forms a peninsula with Ross and Cromarty, located in the Scottish Highlands. The area is high on many visitors' lists to travel to due to its natural beauty and secludedness. If you’re looking for a peaceful yet adventure-filled trip, the Black Isle is the perfect place for you. 

When camping in the Black Isle of Scotland, you will find many little villages including Culnokie, North Kessock, Muir of Ord, Munlochy and Avoch. These are perhaps villages many have never heard of before, but they are not to be underestimated as they offer heritage, culture and charm in abundance. 

If you’re planning to explore the Black Isle in a campervan hire, we’re here to recommend the best things to see and do in this area, from scenic drives and wildlife spotting to historic sites and must-visit local spots. 
 

Why go camping on the Black Isle of Scotland? 

Scotland offers so much for travellers, so why should you choose to visit the Black Isle when touring Scotland by motorhome? 

Surrounded by sea 

With three of its four sides surrounded by the sea, you will never be far from the soothing sounds of the water or the lovely sea air when camping in the Black Isle - The Cromarty Firth at the North, the Beauty Firth to the south and the Moray Firth to the East. 
 

travelling to the black isle by campervan
 

And the question many have, why is it called the “Black Isle?” No one really knows. Not only is there very little black to be seen, but it's also not an Isle. The fourth side of the Isle has many rivers branching off from its boundaries.  

If you are heading up the A9, which is the main road heading north from central Scotland, this passes right through the heart of the Black Isle, meaning you won't miss a moment.  
 

Wildlife is bountiful 

With protected areas across the Isle, you can encounter some spectacular nature.  

  • You are likely to see some bottlenose dolphins if you keep your eyes peeled. You can head out on a boat from Avoch or Cromarty or simply head towards the beach at Channory Point.  
  • The birds are plentiful by the sea and the shores as you would expect. The black isle boasts two RSPB nature reserves, a fairy glen and an enchanted wood with breathtaking waterfalls. Here you will find songbirds, pink-footed geese and beautiful, delicate wildflowers. 
     

Castles are everywhere 

In Scotland, you can't travel far without finding a castle, and the Black Isle is not left out. With several castles, some in ruins, you are bound to come across many historical and fascinating castle sites.  
 

Cromarty Castle on the black isle
 

There is even a spectacular house that now stands where Cromarty Castle once sat, and it is built partially of reclaimed stone and timbers from the original building. 
 

Gaelic heritage 

Not to be forgotten, but in 2012, the local dialect of Northern Scots was officially pronounced extinct when the last native speaker Bobby Hogg passed away. The Black Isle area, however, still keeps much of its Gaelic heritage and you will be almost guaranteed to meet someone who speaks the language fluently. 
 

Sights to visit when camping in The Black Isle 

Rosemarkie is perhaps best known for its Pictish stones. Some of these can be seen from the Groam House Museum, another spot worth visiting. 

The Kirkmicheal church is undergoing renovation to become a visitors' centre, so be sure to pop in and see how the work is developing when you are passing.  

If you’d like to taste some locally produced brews, ensure you stop in at the only organic brewery in Scotland. The brewery opened in 1998, and they not only produce their own beer but all the barley, grain, fruit, herbs, and vegetables to go alongside it. 
 

stunning sunset from a restaurant in the black isle
 

You can come along and attend a tour, learn about the history of beer on the Isle and appreciate the work that goes into every beer bottle. You could even take a sample back with you and enjoy it whilst your tea is cooking at the BBQ provided in the motorhome. 
 

Travel in style with a Scottish Tourer campervan 

With a Scottish Tourer campervan or motorhome, you have everything you need to tour the Black Isle (and the rest of Scotland) in total comfort. 
 

Fully equipped Scottish Tourer motorhome
 

Our range of motorhomes for hire offers our customers a thrilling yet peaceful experience as they go camping around the Black Isle 

No need to give up on home comforts. You can still sleep in a double bed and cook all your own meals when travelling in a Scottish Tourer motorhome. 

You'll have plenty of places to stop overnight on the Black Isle by simply following our built-in wild camping app or choose to book into a campsite if this is more your thing. The joy of a motorhome or campervan from Scottish Tourer is that the choice is up to you. One thing is for sure though, wherever you choose to stay you will not be disappointed! 

Contact the Scottish Tourer team today to book your next incredible motorhome camping in the Black Isle of Scotland! You won't regret it! 


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