Scotland – our beautiful country with rugged landscapes, towering mountains and tranquil shorelines beside stunning lochs. This is a dream destination for lovers of the open road – but what is it really like to live and travel in a van through Scotland?

In this edition of our blog, we’ll look into the pros and cons of living a van life in Scotland, and we’ll provide a comprehensive guide for travellers of all types – both new and seasoned. Whether you’re filled with wanderlust or just looking for a quick adventure or escape, these are the insights you need – and Dicksons of Perth is the dealership you need. We offer a wide selection of high quality motorhomes and campervans for sale in Scotland – and if you want to try before you buy our hire service is the perfect way to start your van life journey.

What is ‘van life’?

It’s the perfect lifestyle! Van life means living and travelling in a campervan or motorhome and, for most people who live it, it represents freedom, flexibility and simplicity. In recent years this particular lifestyle has gained traction, fuelled by vloggers and bloggers on social media connecting with viewers and followers who desire a more meaningful travel experience. Van lifers often ‘return to nature’, seeking to connect with nature, exploring remote destinations, and enjoying the flexibility of spending life travelling at their own pace.

Why van life in Scotland?

We started this edition of the blog by mentioning Scotland’s landscapes, mountains, shorelines and lochs. Its varied locations, vast wilderness areas and charming small towns, mean that it’s well known around the world for its natural and often completely unspoiled beauty. Scotland’s well-maintained road network and breathtakingly scenic routes (such as the North Coast 500 or the scenic route through Glencoe) make it the ideal country for van life enthusiasts. Van lifers have the perfect opportunity, here, to immerse themselves in stunning scenery while enjoying tranquillity and solitude.

Scotland’s cultural heritage, from castles to historic battlefields to vibrant festivals, makes it an exciting destination for history lovers, culture seekers and adventurers. There is also a rich tradition of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling and even skiing, which fits well with the ethos of van life encouraging you to do things you otherwise might not.

There is a growing movement to support motorhome and campervan travellers and van lifers in Scotland, with the country described as having the best infrastructure in the UK for this type of tourism (CAMpRA’s Strategy for Sustainable Motorcaravan Tourism, 2021). A survey conducted by Visit Scotland a couple of years later revealed that there were 2.94 million overnight trips which included a stay in two or more places in 2022, which represented 22% of all overnight trips to Scotland that year. But, as with any lifestyle, van life in Scotland does have its share of both advantages and challenges.

Pros of van life in Scotland

Scotland presents amazing opportunities to experience the very best of van life.

Freedom and flexibility: One of the most significant advantages of van life is the freedom it offers to travellers. When you have a motorhome or campervan you can travel at your own pace and make spontaneous decisions about where you would like to go next. The freedom of the open road means that you can explore hidden gems that are often overlooked by traditional tourists. You can discover remote villages, unspoiled beaches or mountain passes, and experience Scotland in a way few others do.

Cost savings: Van life can be a cost-effective travel option – particularly if you compare it against traditional forms of holiday accommodation such as hotels or Airbnb. Scotland is home to many campsites and designated motorhome areas, where you can park for a small fee. You can also save money by cooking your own meals rather than eating out. This can be a huge saving, especially when travelling for an extended period. On average, a motorhome holiday can cost up to 30% less than traditional holidays, depending on the type of accommodation and activities chosen. For a couple travelling in a campervan, the savings can add up quickly over time – and, for van lifers, that savings equation will run even deeper.

Connection with nature: Scotland provides an unparalleled connection to nature at its most beautiful and sometimes its most raw. Travellers can wake up to the sound of birds and step out of the vehicle to be greeted by panoramic views of the rugged Highlands or the calm waters of the Isle of Skye. For nature lovers, van life in Scotland is an opportunity to become immersed in the outdoors. Whether hiking, cycling or simply enjoying a peaceful day by a lake, the natural beauty of the country is all around. The slower pace of van life encourages travellers to develop a greater appreciation of the natural surroundings. Scotland is also a great destination for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies in Europe.

Community: Wherever you are in Scotland, the van life community tends to be friendly and welcoming. Many van lifers share tips on things to do, things to see and the best places to stay, helping travellers make the most of their journeys. The minimalist lifestyle of van living also encourages a simpler, pared down, more intentional way of life. With the relatively limited space a motorhome or campervan offers, van lifers will often focus on the essentials, reduce clutter and opt to embrace a more sustainable, eco-friendly way of living. If you are the kind of person who wants to detach from the consumerism and chaos of modern life to reconnect with yourself and nature, then van life could be for you!

Cons of van life in Scotland

There’s no getting around the fact that Scotland also presents some challenges for van lifers, and it would be disingenuous not to discuss them here. None of them are insurmountable if you are prepared.

Weather: Scotland’s weather is infamous for being somewhat unpredictable, which can be one of the biggest challenges for van lifers. There are periods of heavy rainfall, strong winds and snow, and conditions can change dramatically in quite a short time. While the stunning landscapes are always worth the potential weather challenges, it’s extremely important to be prepared for all conditions. For full-time van lifers, the constant exposure to the elements can also be a little less comfortable, particularly during the colder months. If your van isn’t adequately insulated or equipped with heating, you could find yourself feeling chilly on long nights.

Limited facilities: While Scotland boasts many campsites and facilities for motorhomes, remote areas can lack essential amenities (toilets, showers or waste disposal points). Running water and electricity may also be scarce, which means that you need to be self-sufficient when it comes to food, water and power. Some motorhome parks may offer access to these facilities, but you will probably need to book in advance, especially during peak season.

Legal and parking restrictions: Scotland is widely regarded as one of the most ‘wild camping-friendly’ regions in the UK, largely due to the provisions of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which grants the public the right to camp on most unenclosed land. However, it’s very important to note that this right applies solely to non-motorised camping, such as tent camping. Motorhomes and campervans are not covered by this legislation. Overnight stays in a vehicle are only permissible with the landowner’s consent or in designated motorhome stopovers and lay-bys where specific signage permits parking. In the absence of clear permission or signage, parking overnight without consent could be considered unlawful, and in some areas, it may lead to fines.

Maintenance: Owning (and even hiring) a vehicle requires regular maintenance and care, and this is particularly important for those intending to travel long distances. Van lifers rely on their vehicles to transport them across Scotland, so any mechanical issues or breakdowns can significantly disrupt plans. For those hiring a campervan or motorhome, it’s crucial to be aware of what to do if there is a breakdown or an accident. An explanation of our process can be found in the FAQs at the foot of this page.

Tips for van lifers

Before setting off on a van life journey in Scotland, there are a few tips to follow so that you can make the most of the experience.

Plan: Scotland offers endless routes and destinations all ripe for exploration, but it’s important to recognise that some areas can be more challenging to navigate or may not be appropriate at all. Make sure a route is planned in advance and road conditions are considered, especially in the Highlands and more remote areas.

Book campsites in advance: Campsites with facilities are comfortable – and therefore popular. It’s a good idea to book in advance to secure a spot.

Test the lifestyle: If you’re new to this type of living, consider sampling the lifestyle first. Hire a motorhome or campervan first to test the waters. This will ensure you have a feel for the lifestyle (and whether it’s actually for you after all) before you commit to the purchase of a vehicle.

Van life and Dicksons of Perth

For those considering sampling van life in Scotland, Dicksons of Perth offers a range of motorhomes and campervans for hire. With decades of experience in motorhome hire (and sales), Dicksons is well-equipped to help you embark on your Scottish adventure. We can provide expert advice and top-quality customer support to ensure your van life journey is memorable and stress-free. To get started, explore Dicksons of Perth’s motorhome and campervan hire options, and contact us for more info. Safe travels!

Van life in Scotland: Pros and Cons