ADVENTURE AWAITS!: SCOTTISH DESTINATIONS NAMED IN TOP 20 IDYLLIC CAMPING DESTINATIONS 2024
Kiera Milne
03/05/24
(Ben Nevis, Image Credit: Steven Milne)
Three Scottish hot spot destinations have been listed in the Top 20 Idyllic Camping Destinations 2024 in the United Kingdom.
Destinations include the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness Shores, and Ben Nevis, which all came in the top 15 destinations across the United Kingdom, with the Scottish Highlands placing third in the poll.
In the poll, it was revealed that 79% of surveyors enjoy a camping holiday in the United Kingdom, on average four times per year, with 91% eager to explore what their home country has to offer.
According to Mintel, one in five adults in the United Kingdom have gone on a camping or caravanning holiday. In 2021, Brits were spending £2.7bn on camping trip.
“Many of these customers are likely to have substituted planned holidays abroad for staycations”, stated John Worthington, Mintel’s senior travel analyst.
“Rising cost of living crisis has the potential to dampen consumer spending on all holiday types”, he said.
“Camping and caravanning, however, hold the advantage of being seen as an affordable holiday. Our research shows that ‘low cost’ is seen as the leading attraction for consumers”.
Experts argue that Camping and Caravanning holidays have a positive impact on an individuals’ wellbeing due to nature living, but also the practicality.
Research commissioner and Deputy director general of The Camping and Caravanning Club, David Whittington stated “Camping provides an opportunity to become immersed in the incredible outdoors, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
“It’s also proven to have a positive impact on your physical and mental wellbeing”, Whittington stated.
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
(Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Image Credit: Steven Milne)
Arguably, the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands is unbeatable. From its rugged remote nature to white-sandy beaches resembling the Caribbean, you are simply spoiled for choice.
In recent years, the Scottish Highlands has become the ultimate tourist hot spot due to the North Coast 500.
The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile route that was launched in 2015 which starts and finishes at Inverness Castle. Along the route, you can explore places, such as Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland, Caithness. You can also explore the iconic Fairy Pools in the Isle of Skye and the white sandy remote beaches of Achmelvich and Sandwood.
WHERE TO STAY?
Here at Blether, we’ve found some of the top campsites located in the Scottish Highlands that you can visit in 2024.
Red Squirrel Campsite
(Red Squirrel Campsite, Image Credit: Campsites.co.uk)
Located in Glencoe, the Red Squirrel Campsite is a 22-acre woodland that is popular amongst campers. The campsite is at the heart of the Scottish Highlands nature, with the River Coe running through the site, along with lots of wildlife. Campers argue that the Red Squirrel is a relaxing campsite which caters to all. Anyone can visit/ stay at the campsite, such as wild campers and caravanners.
Camping Skye
(Camping Skye Campsite, Credit: Camping Skye Broadford)
Located near Broadford, and south of Portree, Camping Skye is a community owned campsite which is ran by the Broadford and Strath Community Company. This campsite is unique to the Highlands as it is disabled friendly. The campsite has disability features such as parking, adapted toilets, and showers. Due to the popularity of the Isle of Skye, this campsite books up incredibly fast. There are only 26 pitches for campervans/caravans and 22 pitches for tents.
LOCH NESS
(Boat Wreck, near Fort Augustus Loch Ness, Image Credit: Steven Milne)
Loch Ness is famously known for the Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, however many individuals flock here to visit the views the Loch has to offer.
Loch Ness is one of the biggest lochs in Scotland, after Loch Lomond, and is the second deepest loch after Loch Moar. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid swimming in the loch despite how tempting it may be!
The Loch can easily be accessed by car, bus and train. By car, travel on the A9 towards Inverness, which from Edinburgh takes 3hrs 20mins and 3hrs 26mins from Glasgow. Or you can catch the train to Inverness from both Edinburgh and Glasgow Queen Street, and once in Inverness, the Loch can be accessed by local buses.
WHERE TO STAY?
Here at Blether, we’ve found some of the top campsites located at/near Loch Ness that you can visit in 2024.
Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning Club
(Loch Ness Shores Campsite, Image Credit: Alisdair Cusick)
Located near Foyers Village by Loch Ness, the Loch Ness Shores Camping and Caravanning Club is based on the quiet south shore. Visitors have argued that this campsite is the perfect base for those wanting to explore the surrounding area. The campsite offers different living arrangements, from wooden Wigwam cabins to 99 pitches. Therefore, this is the perfect place for those who wish to choose either the glamping or traditional camping lifestyle.
Loch Ness Bay Camping
(Loch Ness Bay Camping, Image Credit: Visit Inverness Loch Ness)
Loch Ness Bay Camping is located close to Drumnadrochit village and the bay of Loch Ness, making it the perfect location. The location is also close to Inverness and the Glen Affric Hills, making it accessible. There is a variety of beautiful walks which look over Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle which is only a 15-minute walk from the Campsite.
The campsite is catered towards Campervans, and Caravans offering large spacious pitches, laundry facilities, washing facilities, Wi-Fi as well Scotmid Store on site.
BEN NEVIS
(Ben Nevis, Image Credit: Steven Milne)
Ben Nevis is every hillwalker’s dream, with many hoping of ‘bagging’ Ben Nevis in their bucket list. However, if hillwalking and rock-climbing is not your cup of tea, then you can use the mountain gondola to explore the views of the Great Glen and Ben Nevis. Despite being able to wild camp in Scotland, it is advised that individuals do not camp on the mountainside and should camp elsewhere at near-by campsites.
Ben Nevis is a popular spot for tourists visiting Scotland due to the close proximity to iconic landmarks such as the Glenfinnan Monument and the nearby town Fort William.
WHERE TO STAY?
Glen Nevis Campsite
(Glen Nevis Holiday Campsite, Image Credit: Glen Nevis Holidays)
Located in the heart of Glen Nevis, the Glen Nevis Campsite is the perfect camping park near Fort William offering spectacular views of Ben Nevis and the surrounding mountains.
The campsite is over 30 acres, offering scenic views and activities for all. The campsite also offers a variety of living arrangements, allowing guests to choose from Caravan and Motorhome pitches, tent pitches as well as camping pods and traditional holiday caravan homes.
Ben Nevis Holiday Park
(Ben Nevis Holiday Park, Image Credit: Highland Holidays)
Located only 10 minutes from Fort William and Glen Nevis, the Ben Nevis Holiday Park is the perfect base for those exploring what Scotland’s West Coast has to offer!
Whilst staying at Ben Nevis Holiday Park, guests have a variety of living arrangements, catering to everyone’s needs. The park offers Highland Premier Caravans, tent pitches, highland caravan, Nevis family hot tub lodges, wooden lodges as well as traditional caravan pitches.
There are endless activities at Ben Nevis Holiday Park including mountain biking, fishing, sailing, and even pony-trekking.
