Wild Camping In Scotland

Proving you don’t need sun, sand or surf to get the most out of your Camper. Here’s a cool winters tale to inspire us all

- Jess Medlicott

Since knowing Si, he has always had a fascination with the Highlands; it’s only taken 11 years for us to scratch that itch! We decided to make our way up there after a long week at work.

We had sold our 1962 SO33 Westy a little while beforehand and thought we would be a bit too brave if we were to use our Oval and pitch our tent (it was the middle of winter). Luckily enough, all the family are in love with Volkswagens so were able to borrow my father-in-law’s 1978 Westy Berlin for our trip to the north.

This had become a bit of a regular occurrence as only a few months previously we took the same Bus on our honeymoon to Italy.

Cosy Camper

We set-off just after 6pm and headed north. Our first night wasn’t as luxurious as the photos might have you believe, as we stayed in the car park of Carlisle service station! Well, it was late and Si had just driven 213 miles through the hideous M6 traffic.

Once parked, I got the Bus cosy by making up the rock ’n’ roll bed with the essentials. Namely, two 15 tog duvets, two -15oC sleeping bags, four thick woollen blankets and our pooch, Frank. Thankfully we also had a gas night heater!

Frank made himself at home by snuggling under the duvet and resting his head on Si’s pillow. Si bought back two large hot chocolates from the shop and we were done for the night.

Three in a bed

We woke up as the sun was rising to a very cold (about -6oC) and misty morning. By this point, Frank had made his way in between us and was on his back with paws in the air. He had also kicked the covers off; no wonder it was cold!

We got up and moved on. The Bus didn’t skip a beat as we headed towards Pitlochry.