With 30 years of motorhoming experience across Scotland, we’ve crafted our West Coast campervan route to showcase the most scenic landscapes accessible by road.
We specialise in wild camping, meaning there’s no need to pay for campsites when travelling on one of our motorhomes. Our carefully designed route can be customised into 7, 10, 12, or 14-day circular tours, depending on your schedule.
To make your journey even easier, we supply a Garmin sat Mac, free of charge, preloaded with all our recommended campsites in West Coast of Scotland. Just choose a place, press go, and you’ll be directed there!
Our GPS also includes around 300 water taps for refilling, areas for toilet waste disposal, and great pub stops where you can eat and stay overnight.
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If you’ve had a long drive to reach us in Perth, you may prefer a shorter journey to start your adventure.
If the weather isn’t ideal, consider wild camping on the lower down at Loch Morlich, where you can park right on the water’s edge. If you have kids with you, don’t miss a visit to the Landmark Kids Adventure Play Park, just a few miles north of Aviemore at Cartridge.
We generally don’t recommend visiting Loch Ness, as the views are spoilt with road lines and trees, making it difficult to appreciate the scenery. It’s also filled with tour buses and tacky shops selling plastic monsters. So, unless it’s a must see on your tick list, you’re better off avoiding this area and just park up for the night at a much more spectacular loch.
When in Aviemore, consider taking a scenic 20-mile trip through the Cairngorms National Park aboard the Strathspey Steam Train and spoil yourself for lunch in one of the first-class carriages.
If you’re looking for a high-level West Coast camping in Scotland, head up to the Aviemore Ski Centre, where you can enjoy a trip near the summit of the Cairngorms Mountain on the funicular railway - the highest railway in the UK. Not your typical public transport!
For a fascinating tour of history, stop by the Highland Folk Museum in Kingussie, located on the road from Perth towards Inverness. This museum gives visitors a flavour of the life and work of the Highland people from the 1700s to 1950s. With over 30 historical buildings, designed appropriately to their time period, the Highland Folk Museum provides a nice insight into local history.
The site works as a trip through time, as its mile-long stretch features a 1700s township on one end (featuring six houses) and a 1930s working croft at the other.
Be sure to stop by the butchers at Ullapool Harbour for some delicious local T-bone steaks and freshly caught scallops. If you’re staying overnight, Broomfield Holiday Park (inspected and recommended by us) in Ullapool is right on the water’s edge. From here, you can watch the ferries sailing past to and from the Islands, right from the comfort of your motorhome.
When you’re ready to move on, head south from Ullapool on the A835 for about ten minutes before turning right onto the A832 towards Gairloch. Along the way, watch out for Inverse Gardens, which are famous for exotic plants and set amongst the rugged landscape of Wester Ross.
Corrieshalloch Gorge is situated on the Droma River, 20 km South of Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands. It’s 1.5 km long, 60 m deep, and was formed near the end of the last ice age by erosion caused by meltwater.
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Near the cove at Loch Ewe, wild camping is available right on the sand dunes. During World War II, the loch became a naval port of high strategic importance to the Allies and was used as one of the assembly areas for many of the Atlantic convoys heading for America and Africa, together with those destined for Arctic Russia, known as the Arctic Run.
Gruinard Island was also a significant area during WWII - it was the site of a biological warfare testing by British military scientists. To reduce contamination, the government required a very remote and uninhabited Island. After their survey, it was decided Gruinard Island would be ideal, so it was requisitioned from the local landowner.
Way better than Loch Ness or Loch Lomond, Loch Maree has an abundance of peaceful wild camping spots right on the water edge, each with stunning views of the mountains. You can also spend the night next to the loch if that’s what you prefer.
Take a look at this West Coast Route Map with some additional places to stop.
Torridon Mountain pass is a single-track road where you can enjoy a quiet, peaceful drive. While here, you can soak up the spectacular views of the high mountains, such as Beinn Eighe.
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Stop in at Nannys in Shieldaig, a restaurant who has been providing delicious platters of seafood since 2008. With a mouth-watering variety of dishes, light bites, and specials, they also offer a range of breakfasts, home baking, and cakes.
Drive safely the first three miles, as the road is steep with lots of blind corners. Once you reach the end, the road opens up with stunning views of the Western isles and has been voted the second-best drive in the world after Route 66 (you’ll see why when you get there!).
The best characteristic of Applecross is its remoteness. It was only in 1822 that a road was built from Kishorn over the pass of the cattle to Applecross village. Up until the 1950s the road was a gravel track, and during the winter it was blocked for many weeks at a time.
Reaching the top of the pass, it’s worthwhile stopping in one of the car parks to enjoy some of the amazing views. This is also a popular start to explore the surrounding mountains as it has the benefit of being 2000 ft high. Please be aware it is very high up here, so don’t stray far from the car park otherwise you could land in trouble when low clouds blow in from the sea.
West Coast camping is available in a magnificent spot right on the Beach at Applecross Bay. With views of the Isle of Raasay and the Black Cuillin mountain ridge of Skye, you might even come close to the local wild deer who come down from the mountains every night to eat the seaweed on the shore.
A mile away is the Applecross Inn, where you can enjoy some of Scotland’s finest seafood including Squat lobster - a unique dish to the West Coast.
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Drive over the Applecross pass, which is 2500 ft high straight down to sea level. At first sight, this road to be more of a rollercoaster ride than a road for a large motorhome. However, don’t be daunted as we have motorhomes pass here every day during the summer months.
The Kishorn seafood bar here is voted in the world's top 100 seafood restaurants and is only open during the day. Great for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack, all of its food is freshly caught that morning. During the summer, they are open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and until 5 p.m. on a Sunday.
After here, follow the road past Lochcarron and take the A890. We first recommend turning left to visit one of Scotland's best castles, “Eilean Donan”, before heading back towards the Isle Of Skye.
When you reach the Sligachan Hotel, gear left on the A863 for 800 yards to find a nice wild camp spot (right beneath the Cuillin Ridge), which is within walking distance of a climber's pub, a steak pie, and chips sort of establishment. There is also a small campsite nearby opposite the Sligachan Hotel.
At the foot of the Black Cuillins Mountains at Glen brittle are the famous Fairy Pools, crystal clear blue pools of mountain water in the Brittle River. If you’re feeling brave, go for a swim in the cold water, otherwise it makes for a great photo stop.
Next is a visit to the Talisker distillery. Turn left onto the A8009 to reach the only distillery on the Isle of Skye, set on the shores of Loch Harport. This alluring, sweet, full-bodied single malt whisky is so easy to enjoy. And like Skye itself, it is so hard to leave.
If you are using a campsite, we are happy to recommend Kinloch campsite at Dunvegan (inspected and recommended by us), located right by the sea. Only a short walk away is the Old School House restaurant where you can enjoy a huge plate of langoustines or an excellent steak.
At the village of Carbost near the Talisker distillery, don’t miss a visit to the The Oyster Shed Farm Shop, which supplies Pacific oysters grown in the crystal-clear waters of Loch Harport.
Another must visit on the Isle of Skye is Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the ancestral home of Clan MacLeod for over 800 years. Dunvegan is the oldest continually inhabited castle in Scotland, which has been built in the most stunning Loch side setting.
Visit the Skye Museum to learn how the Islanders lived and earned a living in bygone years. Then continue for around two miles to a fantastic wild camp spot at Duntulm. Sitting next to the Sea overlooking the Western Islands of The Outer Hebrides, you can stay overnight with a nice glass of wine and have a BBQ - just sit back and enjoy the most spectacular sunset over the sea. That’s what we did, and here’s our photo for proof!
Stopping off at the Kilt Rock waterfall, stretch your legs for a 40-minute walk and visit the Old Man of Storr. The “Old Man” is a large pinnacle of rock that protrudes high which is seen for many miles around. It is part of Trotternish ridge and was created by a huge ancient landslide.
See below another West coast route map with points of interest marked on it.
Take the Ferry to Mallaig on the mainland. During the summer, the Ferries run every hour or so and normally there is no need to book. You could also consider visiting Sea Safari in Mallaig, who offer one-hour whale and dolphin-watching boat trips.
If you’re looking for a campsite, don’t miss the beachside campsites at Arisaig and Sunnyside Croft is one of our favourites.
The owners Ian and Julie have brought West Coast camping into the 21st century - everything is immaculately clean and modern with under floor heating in the toilets. Each pitch has an elevated position with views over the bay and a local lady cooks authentic Thai take-away dishes from her cottage just a few minutes away.
Visit the famous Glenfinnan viaduct and see the Jacobite steam train, which runs across the Bridge travelling between Fort William and the seaside town of Mallaig. The bridge spans 1,000 feet and is 100 ft above the ground level. Please note that the steam train needs to be booked many months in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Jacobite steam train is also known as one of the world’s best train journeys. The 84-mile round trip enjoys a fantastic list of impressive views passing through Fort William, close to Britain’s highest Mountain Ben Nevis, Britain’s deepest freshwater loch Loch Morar, and deepest seawater loch Loch Nevis.
At the head of Loch Shiel stands the monument to the final Jacobite rising. The lone highlander in his kilts sits atop the 18 metre high stone column. The visitor centre gives full details of the Jacobite rise and fall, so be prepared to be emotionally stirred by this tumultuous chapter in Scotland’s history.
Neptune's Staircase is situated on the Caledonian canal near Fort William. It comprises eight locks, built between 1803 and 1822 by Tomas Telford and is the longest lock staircase in the UK.
The original system was hand powered and has been converted to an electric hydraulic system in recent years. It lifts boats 64 feet high; the eight locks are 180 feet by 40 feet and takes about 90 minutes to pass through.
See below for a West Coast route map of this leg of the journey.
Follow the road past the waterfall right to the top. (Note that Lewis or Bessacarr Models cannot pass due to height restrictions.) Here you can park overnight at the bottom of Ben Nevis in complete peace and tranquillity in the heart of the highest Mountains in the UK, standing at 1,344 metres above sea level.
The Commando Memorial is dedicated to the men of the very first British Commandos and was raised during WWII. It is an A-listed monument, which is situated a mile from Spean Bridge and overlooks across the Glens, where the training depot was opened at Achnacarry in 1942. It has become a famous war monument and tourist attraction, with stunning views of Ben Nevis.
On the way, go left for Glencoe A82 and turn around at King's house to head back towards Oban A828. This is a stunning drive through Scotland's highest mountain range. If you wish to spend the night here, overnight parking is available at Glencoe Ski Centre for £12.00 per night.
Next, visit the Cruachan power station. This is an amazing feat of engineering with the inside of the mountain hollowed out to house the power station so as not to spoil the local scenery.
If you take a tour, it will take you along the one kilometre roadway inside the mountain to where the power station sits. Once inside the mountain, on the walkway, you will notice tropical plants which are well suited to the humid conditions inside the mountain.
There is also a viewing gallery inside the massive generating hall showing the four generators producing the electricity from the water, which is stored in the loch above the mountain.
When in Oban, there are many burger style vans along the promenade selling fresh seafood which is cooked in front of you. If you want to spoil yourselves, head to the Temple Restaurant which has magnificent views and food to match.
Known locally as The Green Shack, the Oban Seafood Hut is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike with a delicious array of lobster, scallops, crab and other seafood delicacies.
From Oban, head down the A816 towards Lochgilphead then take the A83 along the Banks of Loch Fyne towards Inveraray.
The George Hotel is an excellent restaurant that only uses local produce. There is also the Famous Loch Fyne Oyster bar where you can dine and park overnight next to the loch.
Travel through the Arrochar Alps and down the famous “Rest and be Thankful Road” towards Crainlarich. From here take the A85 towards Lochearnhead (camping in the West Coast is available at various spots along the loch) and then take the A84 towards Stirling.
Inveraray is on the edge of Loch Fyne and is a small quaint town with lots of history. Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of the Clan Campbell and the iconic, must-see visitor attraction on the West Coast of Scotland.
On the way to Stirling, stop for the day at Blair Drummond Safari Park, where you can drive through the various enclosures and get close to animals ranging from lions and tigers to elephants and bears. It also has a children’s adventure park with water slides and sea lion / seal shows - a great day out for everyone!
Stirling Castle is a must visit along with the Wallace monument (as seen in the Braveheart film). The Witches Craig campsite (inspected and recommended by us) is close to the Wallace monument and is an ideal last night stop to clean the motorhome and empty the toilet before the 45-minute journey back to Perth.
When wild camping in West Coast, remember the following:
With our years of motorhome travelling, we’re here to help you make the most out of your camping trip to the West Coast.
Whether you're looking for wild camping spots, coastal adventures, or historic sites, our fully equipped luxury motorhomes make the journey effortless.
Browse our range of campervan hire or get in touch with our team to plan your unforgettable Scottish road trip today!
WARNING: This route and wording are copyright by Scottish Tourer and only available for use by customers of Scottish Tourer. Any other Motorhome Hire Company using any material copied from this route will result in copyright infringement and we will prosecute.
Trying to strike a balnce of keeping the kids amused and still enjoying a holiday thats both active and intresting is not always easy, our west coast route is based on our own experiance's with some suggested stops that my children have enjoyed along the way.
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