Motorhome & Camping UK: Touring in Scotland (Part 3/6) – Edinburgh to Loch Ness
Hello again! Another edition of our Motorhome and Camping tour around Scotland…. this time we’re heading to possibly the most famous and mythical place in the Scottish Highlands – Loch Ness!
EDINBURGH FESTIVALS TO LOCH NESS
EDINBURGH
Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh is alive with a rich cultural history and constantly developing modern city vibe with some of the best bars, eateries and markets you’ll find anywhere. Stockbridge Market is a small but lively local market with excellent produce, bakeries and hot food, as well as being a very arty suburb of this beautiful city. If you’re in Edinburgh in August though, chances are you’ll be spending your time at the 6 Arts Festivals that run throughout the month, creating the largest arts festival in the world. Until you’ve experienced, it’s hard to explain the atmosphere in the city during the Festivals – it’s just buzzing. There are performers everywhere from all over the world, performing previews all along the Royal Mile, or on the Virgin Money Stage. There’s performances happening in every pub, bar, cafe and attic space available, and it’s for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss it!
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, you should be planning to spend at least one night here!!
If you are looking to rent a motorhome or campervan for the duration of your stay in Scotland, there are plenty of locally based Motorhome Rental companies.
Lowland Motorhome Hire
Rockin Vans
Go Explore Scotland
Spaceship Rentals
HEADING NORTH
It’s only 3 and half hours up to Loch Ness, just west of Inverness, and easily accessible via major roads. Depending on your plans and how much time you have, stopping along the way within Cairngorm National Park would be a great way to break up your journey and take in a bit more of Scotland. Going up the north-west road, you could find a campsite anywhere north of Etteridge to be close to the bigger tourist locations, or pick somewhere slightly more remote.
INVERNESS
Inverness is the gateway to the Highlands. A cosmopolitan city perched on the edge of some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Inverness is a great place to start your Loch Ness adventure. Visit the Tourist Information office for inspiration and to peruse the numerous tours, heritage sites and battlefields in the area. It’s a beautiful city with plenty to see, and it’s a big shopping hub too if that’s your bag.
LOCH NESS
Everyone just take a deep breath and enjoy this moment. Scotland was voted the most beautiful country in the world in 2017 for good reason. Loch Ness offers so much for visitors, whether you want to do a day’s drive around the loch or take advantage of the numerous outdoor activities – walking, fishing, golf, mountain biking, canoeing, boat trips along the Caledonian Canal. There are a few long distance walks here for walking enthusiasts, including the South Loch Ness Trail, the Great Glen Way and the Affric Kintail Way if you want to head further into the Highlands.
Castle Urquhart is the iconic castle we’ve all seen on postcards and travel shows, a must-see for anyone travelling to Loch Ness, located in Drumnadrochit.
Fort Augustus is a charming settlement at the south-west point of Loch Ness, again a place that is on so many people’s must-do list. Brilliant for day walking and cycling along the canal, if you’re pushed for time, Fort Augustus is a pocket sized sample of what the Highlands have to offer.
LAST WORD:
Don’t forget to try the local food! Inverness and Loch Ness is reknowned for serving some of the best Haggis in the land. We’re serious, it’s delicious.
Motorhome and Camping UK (part 2/6): Edinburgh to the Cairngorms
Motorhome and Camping UK (part 1/6): Edinburgh to the Loch Lomond via Stirling
Great related blogs we would like to share:
WALKING THE SOUTH LOCH NESS TRAIL