Camping Inspiration: West Highlands Of Scotland

  Camping in the UK: Travel destination guide

Towering mountains, atmospheric glens and magnificent beaches attract visitors to the north-west of Scotland from all over the world.

Billy Connolly once said there are two seasons in Scotland, June and winter. Most think of Scottish summers as being wet and cold but often the sun can put in an appearance and when it does you could be mistaken for thinking you were in the Mediterranean rather than the far north of Europe. Sandy beaches abound and the water has a clarity you often associate more with the tropics than the United Kingdom.

Driving up the single track Bealach na Bà towards Applecross is at once terrifying and exhilarating. The road boasts the greatest ascent of any highway in the UK, winding back and forth in the manner of an Alpine pass, to a height of 2,053ft. The knowledge that all that’s preventing you from plummeting hundreds of feet down the hillside are a small barrier and your driving skills, makes it an unforgettable experience.

This is not an area full of family friendly attractions and theme parks and you often have to be versatile to keep the children happy, but after a day or two of settling in everyone kicks back and relaxes and simply enjoys the freedom to be found here. It’s certainly a long way to travel to reach this idyllic part of Scotland, but when you get here you’ll know it was worth it.

MUST SEE
Follow the winding road that hugs the coastline through Ross-shire and Sutherland (the North Coast 500) for spectacular sea views.

The area also has a rich history, from the Highland Clearances to secret wartime operations, from the decline of traditional industries like fishing and crofting industries to the development of nuclear and wind power.

You can’t visit the north-west corner of Scotland without taking a detour to Stoer Head for a cuppa or a slice of homemade cake from Leigh Sedgley’s Living The Dream snack van. Leigh also came up with the idea of opening the most remote public toilet on the UK mainland.

DID YOU KNOW?
During World War 2, Loch Ewe was a significant naval port, serving as one of set off point for the Arctic convoys that took vital supplies to Russia. As a result, the entrance to the loch was guarded by anti-aircraft guns and mines, anti-submarine nets, and boom depots to protect it from German U-boats.

STAY AT
SHORE CARAVAN SITE
106 Achmelvich, Lochinver, Sutherland IV27 4JB
01571844393
shorecaravansite.yolasite.com

A beautiful family-run beachside site with dramatic views in all directions. The location is glorious with both stunning sea and mountain views and an amazing white sandy beach. The site has a toilet and shower block and a small launderette. There is a small shop selling basics and a chip shop which opens certain days in the main holiday period. Electric hook-ups are available for campers and there’s Wi-Fi on offer.

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