Fort William Mountain Film Festival.
Scotland boasts a growing number of festivals that celebrate the great outdoors. From film festivals to walking festivals there are so many to choose from. Here we suggest 10 great festivals that are perfect for the focus of a great holiday in a hired campervan or motorhome.
Peebles Outdoor Film Festival
February 13 to 15
The inaugural Peebles Outdoor Film Festival 2015, based in the Scottish Borders, offers a mix of films and guest speakers. The film programme ranges from distance running and trail riding to mountaineering and wing-suiting.
Talks will be given by ultra-marathon runner Andrew Murray, cycle journalist Richard Moore and adventurer Al Humphreys. See Eastgate for film details
Fort William Mountain Festival
Feb 18 to 22
Based in the Highlands, this festival celebrates the wild in the Outdoors Capital of the UK. The popular event showcases adventure films from the Banff Mountain Film Festival Tour and also offers a range of outdoors activities and workshops.
There will be guest speakers, live music at The Nevis Centre and exhibitions.
A campervan is a great form of accommodation for this festival because B&Bs and hotels fill up fast in the area.
Walk Islay
April 12 to 17
Another great week of outdoors events takes place on a Scottish island. Islay is a delightful isle and a lovely place to enjoy a walk. The festival boasts a guided walk every day, which you can join or head off on your own to explore.
Remember, too, that Islay is famous for its many whisky distilleries.
See Walk Islay
SYHActive Day
April 18
A one-day event that’s new for 2015, the SYHActive Day has been created by SYHA to showcase the many outdoor activities that take place at the heart of the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park. The event will include a sponsored duathlon.
See SYHActive
Arran Mountain Film Festival
May 15 to 18
Take a ferry to the wonderful west coast island of Arran for a festival of outdoors fun. From wildlife-watching walks along the island’s coastline to scrambles on towering granite ridges, there’s something for all outdoors fans.
The festival is an opportunity to meet like-minded people, explore the island and take in the fabulous views.
See Arran Festival
TweedLove
May 17 to 31
A celebration of all things cycling takes place in the Scottish Borders this summer. The popular TweedLove festival includes off road and on road races, family activities, films, talks and workshops.
Bag the Munro Dreish at the Angus Glens Walking Festival.
Angus Glens Walking Festival
June 4 to 7
The 13th Angus Glens Walking Festival offers a delightful programme of guided walks and fantastic wildlife watching opportunities. Experienced mountain leaders, many of whom live or work locally, guide walking guests on each walk, with countryside rangers and estate managers enhancing experience with their knowledge of local history and wildlife.
You could choose to walk along Jock’s Road, Scotland’s Oldest Right of Way, or bag a Munro, Mount Keen, Driesh or Mayar.
See Angus Glens Walking Festival
Scottish Traditional Boats Festival
July 3 to 5
Taking place in the north-east region of Aberdeenshire, this combines sailing and rowing with history (maritime and rural), crafts, music and arts. There is a fast-growing Scottish arena of skiff boats and this is the festival to see a few exciting coastal skiff races.
Scottish Traditional Boats Festival
Harris Mountain Festival
September 12 to 19
The Isle of Harris Mountain Festival is a week-long celebration of the stunning landscape of the Outer Hebridean isle of Harris with its rugged hills, white sandy beaches and beautiful seas.
Outdoors activities, workshops, guest speakers and films nights are being planned for this year’s festival. Keep an eye on the website for details.
CowalFest
October 2 to 11
The walking and outdoors festival promises 80 walks to suit a wide range of abilities. Areas of interest will include wildlife, drama, photography, art, history, heritage and folklore.
There will also be Nordic walking, mountain bike races and canoeing. Keep an eye on the website for full details closer to October.
See CowalFest
Also see What to do in Winter in Scotland