Winter in Scotland can be a brilliant time to hire a campervan or motorhome and head off for a driving holiday. While spring, summer and autumn are the most popular seasons for a Scottish campervan vacation, there are still many places to see and things to do in winter.
In addition, you have a greater chance of being able to book a campervan or motorhome hire when you want – and potentially for shorter breaks. The prices are cheaper, too, on many weeks because it is what is considered the low season for Scottish holidaying.
Find out some great reasons to book a Scottish winter campervan holiday.
Why go on a campervan holiday in winter?
Winter beauty in Scotland
This view….Lochan na h-Achlaise on Rannoch Moor, against the backdrop of the Black Mount Mountains. Credit: John McSporran.
Scotland’s landscape is beautiful whatever the season, but in winter, when there is a frost on the ground or the hills and mountains are covered in snow, it can be even more breath-taking.
Travel to places where you have seen the view before and look at it anew under a blanket of pristine snow; gaze up at majestic mountain peaks topped with the white stuff, or head to the coast for dramatic vistas of crashing waves and moody seas.
See another of our posts: 15 fabulous winter views in Scotland.
Hit the Scottish ski slopes
Skier in the Scottish mountains.
Enjoy the snowy action at one of Scotland’s five ski resorts, which offer the best outdoor skiing and snowboarding in the UK. If you fancy trying a different snow sport head to Aviemore and book a sled dog safari or strap on a pair of snowshoes and join C-N-Do Scotland on a guided expedition.
Embrace Còsagach
You don’t always have to be outdoors to appreciate Scotland’s winter beauty. Drive the campervan or motorhome to a quiet spot, park up and experience a bit of Còsagach. This Gaelic word has been translated by VisitScotland as Scotland’s answer to Hygge, the Danish concept of cosy and convivial atmospheres that promote wellbeing.
Starry skies
Dark Sky Park in Dumfries & Galloway. Credit. getlstd
A clear winter’s night is a great time to appreciate the wonders of the cosmos. You can find perfect stargazing spots at Galloway Forest Park – the UK’s first Dark Sky Park , the Isle of Coll – a Dark Sky Island or Dark Sky Discovery Sites such as Tomintoul and Glenlivit within the Cairngorm National Park. Look out for planets as well as a host of twinkling stars as the sky, unlike during the summer nights, becomes properly dark.
The Northern Lights
Aurora borealis ©Lorne Gill SNH
Winter usually offers a better chance of catching sight of the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights in Scotland. The best places are further north and also in areas away from light pollution.
Go on a night-time adventure
Go night mountain biking.
Winter might mean less daylight hours but Scotland doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. There is a host of great activities to try during twilight. You could go for a night walk, run or mountain bike ride, so long as you have the right lights and a good sense of where you are going, or else the skills to navigate at night.
If you are feeling brave, why not take the plunge at Highland Fling Bungee in Killiecrankie, Perthshire? This is the place to go for Europe’s first (and only) black out bridge bungee jump.
It’s also possible to enjoy a night paddle on the waters across Perthshire with Outdoor Explore.
See old favourites in a new light
Winter is a great time to visit Skye by campervan or motorhome. Credit: John Allan
Winter is great time to enjoy some of Scotland’s most popular destinations at a quieter time of year. The Highlands and islands were recently named Best in Travel 2019 by Lonely Planet.
Take a road trip on the North Coast 500, drive the North East 250, use the dramatic winter sun to take the perfect photo at the beautiful Eilean Donan Castle, stop for a dram at one of Speyside’s many whisky distilleries or discover the magic and mystery of the Island of Skye, which is often very busy in the high holiday season.
Hire a campervan in Scotland
Open Road Scotland has a range of campervans and motorhomes to hire in Scotland and conveniently located close to Glasgow Airport in Central Scotland. Contact them for winter availability and prices.