Embark on an unforgettable 14-day family adventure exploring Scotland by campervan, perfect for two adults and a 6-year-old. This moderate-budget journey promises breathtaking scenery, thrilling hikes, majestic castles, charming lighthouses, and beautiful beaches. Get ready to create lasting memories together amidst Scotland's stunning landscapes.
Pick up your rented campervan from a designated depot in or near Edinburgh.
Allow time for paperwork and a vehicle orientation.
Ensure you have all necessary driving documents, insurance details, and understand the campervan's features. Stock up on essential groceries before heading out.
Take a leisurely walk down the historic Royal Mile, soaking in the atmosphere.
Enjoy street performers, browse unique shops, and admire the architecture.
Perfect for a first taste of Edinburgh. Keep an eye out for hidden closes and charming courtyards. Grab an ice cream for the little one!
A brief visit to the magnificent Thistle Chapel within St Giles' Cathedral.
Its intricate carvings and stained glass are impressive.
Entrance is generally free, but donations are welcome. Photography might be restricted in some areas. A quiet and awe-inspiring stop.
Enjoy a family-friendly dinner at one of the many restaurants in Edinburgh's Old Town.
Options range from traditional Scottish fare to international cuisine.
Many pubs offer early bird specials or kids' menus. Consider booking ahead, especially on a Wednesday evening.
Drive to a nearby campervan campsite outside Edinburgh city centre for the night, enjoying your first evening in the campervan.
Book campsites in advance, especially during peak season. Check for facilities like play areas for children. Remember to top up water and empty waste.
Explore the historic Edinburgh Castle, home to the Scottish Crown Jewels, Stone of Destiny, and various regimental museums.
Don't miss the One O'Clock Gun!
Book tickets online well in advance to secure your preferred time slot and save time. The castle is quite spread out, so wear comfortable shoes. Consider what areas might be most engaging for a 6-year-old.
Head down to the lively Grassmarket area for lunch.
There are many cafes and pubs offering various meal options, often with outdoor seating.
A vibrant area with views of the castle. Perfect for a casual family lunch.
Walk up Calton Hill for fantastic panoramic views of Edinburgh Castle, Arthur's Seat, the Firth of Forth, and the city skyline.
It's an easier climb than Arthur's Seat for a child.
A relatively easy walk to the top with stunning photo opportunities. You'll see several interesting monuments, including the National Monument.
Allow your child some free time to play at one of the play parks within Princes Street Gardens, below Edinburgh Castle.
A great way for kids to burn off energy after sightseeing. Enjoy the beautiful green space in the heart of the city.
Prepare and enjoy dinner at your campsite, making use of your campervan's kitchen facilities.
A relaxing evening at the campsite, allowing for early bedtimes for the little one.
Take a scenic drive along the East Lothian coast to the charming seaside town of North Berwick.
Enjoy views of the Firth of Forth. North Berwick is a lovely coastal town with a relaxed feel.
Visit the dramatic ruins of Tantallon Castle, perched on a cliff edge overlooking the Bass Rock.
Great for imaginative play and stunning views.
Run by Historic Scotland, check opening times and book online. The castle offers fantastic photo opportunities and a sense of history that can captivate a child's imagination. Dress warmly as it can be windy.
Enjoy some relaxing time on North Berwick's beautiful sandy beach.
Build sandcastles, paddle in the water (if brave!), or hunt for shells.
A fantastic, clean beach. There are often opportunities for ice cream nearby. Bring buckets and spades for the child.
Grab a casual lunch in North Berwick – fish and chips are a classic choice by the sea!
Plenty of cafes, bakeries, and fish & chip shops to choose from.
Visit the Scottish Seabird Centre (or just walk around the harbour) in North Berwick, offering interactive displays about local marine life and views of the Bass Rock.
The Seabird Centre is engaging for children with live cameras on the Bass Rock. Booking recommended for entry. Alternatively, enjoy a walk along the harbour.
Drive towards the Scottish Borders region and check into your pre-booked campsite for the night.
Choose a campsite that suits your family's needs and provides a good base for exploring the Borders tomorrow.
Explore the majestic ruins of Jedburgh Abbey, one of the four great Border Abbeys.
Its scale and history are impressive.
Administered by Historic Scotland. The visitor centre is informative, and the grounds are good for a child to explore. The town of Jedburgh itself is also charming.
Drive to St Abbs Head National Nature Reserve for a stunning coastal walk with dramatic cliffs, seabirds, and lighthouse views. Choose a manageable route for your 6-year-old.
Parking available. The walk to the lighthouse is relatively flat but can be windy. Keep children close to ensure safety near cliff edges. Puffin and gannet sightings are common.
Enjoy lunch in the picturesque fishing village of St Abbs, known for its quaint harbour and fresh seafood.
A few cafes and a pub in the village. This village was famously used as 'New Asgard' in Marvel's Avengers: Endgame.
Visit Eyemouth Harbour, just a short drive from St Abbs.
Often, you can spot seals swimming around the boats, much to the delight of children!
A busy fishing port. There are often designated areas to feed the harbour seals, making it a memorable experience.
Drive to a campsite further inland in the Borders, or begin your journey north towards Stirling for tomorrow.
Enjoy the quiet rural surroundings. Consider a site near a river for evening walks.
Enjoy a scenic drive from the Scottish Borders north towards Stirling, a town steeped in Scottish history.
Take in the changing landscapes as you head further north. You'll soon start to feel the proximity to the Highlands.
Visit Stirling Castle, one of Scotland's most historically significant castles.
Explore the Royal Palace, Great Hall, and the Royal Chapel. It's very interactive and child-friendly.
Book tickets online in advance. Considered one of the best-preserved Renaissance buildings in the UK. Plenty for a 6-year-old to enjoy, including costumed characters.
Enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Stirling town centre or at the castle's cafe.
Plenty of options for a family meal. Consider a traditional Scottish pub for a hearty lunch.
Visit the National Wallace Monument, commemorating William Wallace.
Enjoy the views from the top (accessible by internal spiral staircase or external viewing platforms) and learn about Scottish history.
There's a shuttle bus from the car park up to the monument, which can be useful with a child. The climb to the crown is quite a few steps but rewarded with superb views.
Drive towards the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, settling into a lakeside campsite.
This sets you up perfectly for exploring the national park and heading into the Highlands next. Enjoy the beautiful evening views over the loch.
Start your journey into the Highlands by driving through the stunning Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Enjoy the picturesque views of Loch Lomond.
Driving your campervan from your previous location (likely near Perth/Stirling area) towards the west.
Stop at the charming conservation village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond for a gentle walk along the pebble beach and enjoy the loch views.
Perfect for a child to explore.
Luss has public toilets and small shops for snacks.
Enjoy a packed lunch with views of Loch Lomond or grab a bite at a local cafe in Luss.
Explore Mugdock Country Park (if routing allows) with its easy trails and castle ruins, or continue to Balmaha for a short, accessible walk up Conic Hill for panoramic views of Loch Lomond's islands.
Conic Hill walk can be steep in parts but offers rewarding views for the effort. Suitable for an active 6-year-old.
Drive to a pre-booked campervan site within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.
Enjoy the evening amidst nature.
Booking campsites in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. Facilities usually include electric hook-up, fresh water, and waste disposal.
Experience the majestic and dramatic scenery of Glencoe, driving through this iconic glen.
Make several stops at designated viewpoints to admire the landscape.
Driving your campervan along the A82 through Glencoe. Look out for parking at viewpoints.
Visit the National Trust for Scotland Glencoe Visitor Centre.
Learn about the history, geology, and wildlife of the glen through interactive exhibits, perfect for all ages.
Enjoy a family-friendly walk in Glencoe, such as the Glencoe Lochan Trail, a gentle loop through woodland with beautiful reflections, or a short section of the West Highland Way.
Pack snacks and drinks, and wear sturdy shoes. Check trail difficulty at the visitor centre.
Drive to Fort William, the 'Outdoor Capital of the UK'.
Have a stroll through the town centre, grab an ice cream, and enjoy views towards Ben Nevis.
Public parking available for campervans in Fort William.
Settle into a campsite near Fort William for the night, preparing for tomorrow's 'Road to the Isles'.
Several well-equipped campsites are available around Fort William.
Drive the scenic 'Road to the Isles' towards Glenfinnan.
Visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous from the Harry Potter films, and the Glenfinnan Monument. There are walking trails to viewpoints of the viaduct. Consider timing your visit for the Jacobite Steam Train crossing if interested (check schedule in advance).
Continue your drive along the 'Road to the Isles' from Glenfinnan towards Arisaig and Mallaig, enjoying stunning coastal views and white sandy beaches.
Keep an eye out for viewpoints and small lay-bys to pull over safely.
Spend some relaxing time on one of the 'White Sands of Morar' beaches near Arisaig.
These pristine white beaches and clear turquoise waters offer a taste of the Caribbean in Scotland, perfect for a child to play.
Be aware that facilities might be limited at these remote beaches. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy here.
Visit the bustling fishing port of Mallaig.
Watch the ferries come and go, grab a fresh seafood snack, or just enjoy the atmosphere of a working Scottish port.
This is also where the ferry to Skye departs from, which might be an option for a future trip but you are going via the bridge for this itinerary.
Find a local campsite to settle in for the night, enjoying the coastal air.
Wild camping is possible in some areas (leave no trace!), but proper campsites offer facilities and peace of mind. Book ahead.
Drive towards Dornie and visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles. Explore its historic rooms and enjoy the stunning setting where three sea lochs meet.
There's a visitor centre, gift shop, and cafe. The castle is very atmospheric, captivating for a child's imagination. Take lots of photos!
Grab lunch at a local pub or cafe in Dornie, or enjoy a picnic with views of the castle.
Embark on one of Britain's most spectacular roads: the Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) to Applecross. This single-track road has tight hairpin bends and incredibly steep gradients, rewarding you with breathtaking panoramic views over Wester Ross, the Isle of Skye, and the Outer Hebrides. **Note: Check weather conditions before attempting, and ensure your campervan is suitable for challenging roads.**
Drive slowly and carefully. There are passing places for oncoming traffic. Stop at the summit for incredible photo opportunities. This might be a bit much for a nervous driver, consider the coastal route if preferred.
Ensure your campervan's brakes are in good condition for the descent.
Arrive at the remote and charming village of Applecross.
Enjoy the tranquility and stunning coastal views.
Settle into a campsite in or near Applecross, enjoying the remote beauty of this peninsula.
Applecross has a popular campsite, but it fills up quickly. Booking ahead is crucial.
Depart Applecross via the coastal road north towards Shieldaig.
This scenic route offers stunning views and is less challenging than the Bealach na Bà, though still single track in places.
Enjoy the slower pace and numerous photo opportunities along the coast.
Stop at the picturesque village of Shieldaig, nestled on the shores of Loch Shieldaig.
Enjoy a walk along the waterfront and spot the island in the middle of the loch.
Head inland slightly to Kinlochewe, a small village at the head of Loch Maree, for lunch.
The Kinlochewe Hotel offers good food.
Drive along the stunning shores of Loch Maree, considered one of Scotland's most beautiful lochs. Stop at viewpoints or take a short, easy walk through the ancient Caledonian pine forest at the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.
The visitor centre at Aultroy (near Kinlochewe) offers information on local walks.
Visit Gairloch Beach for some final west coast beach time.
It's a beautiful sandy bay, great for children to play and for watching for wildlife.
Settle into a campsite near Gairloch for the night, positioning you well for your journey towards the Isle of Skye tomorrow.
Gairloch has several good campsites with facilities, often with sea views.
Embark on a magical family hike to the famous Fairy Pools, a series of clear, cold pools on the River Brittle.
The walk is relatively easy and perfect for children, with opportunities to paddle in the crystal-clear water.
Wear waterproof hiking boots and bring towels if you plan to paddle. Parking is available but can fill up quickly. Allow ample time for the walk and photo opportunities.
Explore the historic Dunvegan Castle, the ancestral home of the Clan MacLeod.
Wander through its impressive rooms, discover ancient clan relics, and enjoy the beautiful formal gardens. There are boat trips to see the seal colony from the castle grounds (weather permitting).
Check for family-friendly activities and seal trip availability upon arrival. Book tickets online in advance to ensure entry and potentially save time.
Enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of the local eateries in Dunvegan, offering fresh local produce and a cozy atmosphere.
Several options like The Old School Restaurant or local cafes cater to families. Reservations recommended during peak season.
Settle into a local campsite for the night, enjoying the tranquility of the Isle of Skye.
Numerous campsites around Dunvegan offer facilities for campervans. Book ahead, especially for a Saturday night.
Visit the iconic Old Man of Storr, a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around.
Enjoy a family-friendly walk up to the base for spectacular panoramic views of the Trotternish Ridge and beyond.
The path can be steep in places but is well-maintained. Bring layers of clothing as weather can change quickly. Parking fills up early.
Stop at the viewpoint for Kilt Rock and Mealt Falls, where a waterfall plunges directly from the cliffs into the sea below.
The basalt columns of Kilt Rock resemble the pleats of a kilt.
Easy access from the parking area. Ideal for a quick photo stop.
Drive to the dramatic Neist Point Lighthouse, located on the westernmost tip of Skye.
Enjoy a walk along the cliff paths to the lighthouse for breathtaking views of the sea cliffs and potentially whales or dolphins.
The walk to the lighthouse involves a steep descent and ascent. Keep children close on the cliff paths. Dress warmly, as it can be very windy.
Head back to Portree, the capital of Skye, for dinner at one of its many restaurants overlooking the harbor.
Consider fresh seafood options. Many restaurants require reservations, especially on a Sunday evening.
Park your campervan at a campsite near Portree for your last night on Skye.
Portree has several well-equipped campsites. Booking ahead is essential.
Enjoy a final scenic drive across the Skye Bridge, stopping at various viewpoints as you head south from the island.
Take your time and soak in the last views of Skye. Consider a quick stop at the Sligachan Bridge for iconic photos.
Visit the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, one of Scotland's most photographed castles, situated on an island at the confluence of three sea lochs.
Explore the castle's interior and learn about its dramatic history.
The castle is very popular, so arrive early if possible. There's a visitor center and gift shop. Excellent photo opportunities from various angles.
Continue your journey south through the majestic landscapes of Glen Shiel, home of 'The Five Sisters of Kintail', and into the dramatic valley of Glencoe.
Enjoy numerous photo stops along the way.
Prepare for stunning scenery at every turn. Look out for local wildlife. The roads are generally good but can be winding.
Stop at the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the history and geology of this famous glen.
Enjoy a short, easy walk from the centre, suitable for the whole family, to immerse yourselves in the dramatic landscape.
Facilities include toilets, a café, and a gift shop. Rangers are often available to answer questions.
Find a campervan pitch in one of the stunning campsites within or around Glencoe, offering incredible views to wake up to.
Numerous options from basic to full-facility campsites. Booking ahead is highly recommended.
Enjoy a final short and easy walk in Glencoe, perhaps along the River Coe or to a scenic viewpoint, before starting your drive back south.
Many accessible paths are available. Choose one that suits your family's energy levels for the final day.
Embark on a scenic drive across Rannoch Moor, a vast expanse of peat bog, lochans, and heather.
This wild and remote landscape offers dramatic views.
There are several pull-offs for photo opportunities. This is a truly unique part of Scotland's natural beauty.
Stop at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park for a picnic by the lochside or a gentle stroll along one of the many accessible paths.
Enjoy the serene beauty of Scotland's largest freshwater loch.
Visitor centres and facilities are available at various points around the loch (e.g., Luss Village, Balloch).
Complete your epic journey with the final drive back to Edinburgh, where you will prepare for your campervan drop-off.
Allow extra time for traffic closer to Edinburgh. Ensure your campervan is clean and fueled for return.
Prepare your campervan for drop-off, ensuring all personal belongings are removed and the vehicle is in order.
Refer to your rental agreement for specific drop-off instructions, timing, and fuel requirements.
This 14-day itinerary for Scotland can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.