Exploring Scotland in a Camper with Young Kids: 5 Tips for an Adventure of a Lifetime

Are you itching for an unforgettable family adventure?

Look no further than Scotland, a land of rugged beauty, enchanting landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage.

We recently embarked on a 10-day journey along Scotland's North Coast 500 in a VW Grand California camper from Breeze Campers with our 3 and 2-year-olds, and we're here to share our top tips for making the most of your Scottish camper adventure with young children.

1. Embrace the Unpredictable Weather

Scotland is notorious for its unpredictable climate, but don't let that deter you. Instead, be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way.

Pack layers, waterproofs, and sturdy footwear for the family.

Invest in quality rain gear for the kids to keep them dry during those spontaneous rain showers. And if your signal allows it, check the weather forecast before setting off for the day. You won't always be able to rely on this but it is a good start.

The key is to have a positive mindset and remember that even cloudy days can lead to the most magical moments. Plus, there's something truly special about snuggling up in your cosy camper as the rain taps on the roof.

We had a couple of wet and windy days combined with beautifully sunny ones, one moment you could be in the sunshine and the next you could be in the middle of a shower. This gave us some stunning rainbows which the boys loved!

2. Prioritise Outdoor Exploration

Scotland's wild landscapes are a playground for kids (and adults) of all ages. Encourage your little adventurers to explore the outdoors—it's an educational experience they'll cherish.

Whether it's climbing a small hill, collecting pebbles on the beach, or spotting wildlife, Scotland's natural wonders will ignite their curiosity.

We allocated plenty of time for outdoor exploration, and it was amazing to see our kids connect with nature and develop a love for the great outdoors. There is plenty of wildlife to be spotted and we made checklists to keep the boys engaged.

With so much driving on plan, we used walks and moments of exploration to stretch their legs and give them a break.

3. Plan Your Route and Stops

With so much to see in Scotland, it's essential to plan your route carefully.

We learned this the hard way on our first visit when we only had 5 days and missed out on many treasures. This time, we allowed ourselves 10 days, which made all the difference.

Start by mapping out your must-see destinations and allocate enough time for each.

Be flexible and open to spontaneous detours, as some of the most memorable moments happen when you least expect them.

Another bonus of being in a camper is that the Grand California has a kitchen so we could easily make pasta and noodles from any spot and even though some of these stops weren't planned we had allocated enough time for them.

4. Use Apps like Park4Night

One of the best tools in our camper adventure arsenal was the Park4Night app.

It's a lifesaver for finding safe and legal places to wild camp. With young children on board, knowing you have a secure spot for the night is crucial.

Park4Night provides user-generated recommendations, complete with reviews and photos, making it easy to choose spots that suit your family's needs. Just remember to leave no trace and respect local communities and the environment.

A couple of the spots we visited request a donation to help support the area, please respect this and do what you can to support the local communities you visit.

Whether that's grabbing a coffee in the morning from a local café or paying 50p/£1 to use the onsite showering/toilet facilities. We had our own in the van but you do have more spaces in these sites.

5. Embrace the Camper Lifestyle

Finally, embrace the camper lifestyle wholeheartedly. Camping with kids can be an enriching experience, fostering family bonding and creating lasting memories.

Involve your little ones in daily tasks like meal preparation, setting up camp, and exploring new surroundings. Make the camper feel like home by bringing along familiar toys and books, we had a large line up of Pokémon cuddly toys and a small percentage of their Hot Wheels collection.

Scotland is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered, and a camper adventure with young children is the perfect way to explore it.

Be prepared for the weather, encourage outdoor exploration, plan your route wisely, use helpful apps like Park4Night, and fully embrace the camper lifestyle.

With these tips in mind, your family is in for an unforgettable Scottish adventure that will leave you all with hearts full of wonder and memories to last a lifetime. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let Scotland's magic enchant your family on this incredible journey.

Author: Lauren Allen

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