5 tips to help you plan your trip to Scotland
Article updated on13.06.25
Scotland promises wide open spaces, misty lochs, mysterious castles and endless roads lined with sheep. It’s also a perfectly van-friendly destination and a true paradise for lovers of nature and freedom.
But to make the most of it, it’s best to be well prepared! Here are our 5 practical tips (tried and tested) for a successful Scottish road trip.
1. Travelling to Scotland with Irish Ferries
For us, the adventure begins long before the Scottish countryside: it starts with the Calais-Dover crossing. Travelling with Irish Ferries means choosing tranquillity and comfort, especially when you’re travelling in a van. Unlike by plane or tunnel, here there are no baggage restrictions or stressful checks: you board with everything you need.
The crossing takes around 1h30, just enough time to enjoy a break, admire the white cliffs of Dover from the bridge, sip a coffee (or a local beer) and, with a bit of luck, spot dolphins or other marine animals.
A little bonus we recommend: the Club Class option, available for less than €20. It entitles you to a cosy reserved area, a selection of hot and cold drinks, a hot meal, a small snack buffet… and priority boarding. Perfect for a smooth start to your journey!
👉 To book your crossing, visit their website : www.irishferries.com
2. Travelling by van
Scotland is perfect for van road trips. The roads are spectacular, there are plenty of places to sleep in the countryside, and you’re always just minutes away from an incredible viewpoint.
Just remember to :
- Respect the local highway code and drive on the left 😅 (zero tolerance for drink-driving)
- Follow the rules of wild camping (Leave No Trace is sacred here)
- Use apps like Park4Night to find pretty spots. And be sure to read the rules on the signs at the entrance to car parks.
3. Choosing the right season
The Scots have told us, and we agree: April and May are the best months to explore Scotland.
And why is that?
- The countryside is already very green and full of flowers
- The days are getting longer
- There aren’t too many tourists, so it’s easy to find the dream spots
- There aren’t any midges (those tiny midges that sting, worse than mosquitoes!)
- And above all… it’s the sunniest time of the year (and we can confirm it!)
It really is the ideal time of year for hiking, taking advantage of the roads with little traffic and experiencing Scotland without the crowds.
4. Prepare for all the seasons... in a single day
That’s one of the charms (and challenges) of Scotland: you can have sun, rain, wind, then sun again… all in the space of a few hours.
Our advices :
- Always take with you at least one waterproof jacket, a down jacket and two T-shirts (one for the hike and one to change into during the picnic and stay dry ;)) and gloves (the wind can be icy at the top of a summit or along the coast)
- Invest in a good pair of waterproof shoes (trust us! 😅) the mud will be there.
5. Plan your itinerary but leave room for the unexpected
We recommend that you outline your route in advance (especially if you have limited time), but be flexible. Distances can quickly become long because there are so many spots to see along the way.
Bonus: download our free interactive map with over 100 spots (places to sleep in a van, surf, hike, café, restaurant, activity, etc.) !
👉 To get your FREE map:
1️⃣ Follow us on instagram: @on.vagabonde (click here)
2️⃣ Send us a message “SCOTLAND”
3️⃣ We’ll send you the link by MP!*
*Sending the map can take up to 24 hours ☝️
So, when are you leaving?
Scotland is clearly the perfect destination for a road trip with friends or as a couple. And with Irish Ferries, you can start your trip stress-free: no airport hassles, you leave with everything in the van and, as a bonus, a beautiful view of the sea!
With our 5 tips, you’ve got everything you need for a great trip. Now all you have to do is hit the road! 🚢 🚐
Did you like the article?
Pin it !
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Leave a Reply