Road Trip 1:
Touring South Western Scotland
Wanting a short break to try touring for the first time, or to squeeze in an extra holiday this year? This road trip is just for you! Based on the SWC300, the route covers 500 miles in all, taking around 11 hours, visiting castles, mountains, historic towns and the amazing south western Scottish coastline. Allow 4 to 6 nights away for this trip.
SWC300
The Route
Section 1
Collect your campervan or motorhome from Northallerton Motorhome Hire and set off on a 4-hour drive to your first stopover of the trip at the stunning Culzean Castle, on a rugged section of coast south of Ayr. There is a great Camping & Caravanning Club site here, with members' rates for hirers, and the area has lots of walks or space to relax and enjoy the sunset. If you want to take your time to get here, a night at the Quiet Site, near Ullswater, breaks the journey in half.
Section 2
Head south for just over an hour, hugging the coast, to the lovely seaside village of Portpatrick. There is a nice campsite close by, with a clifftop walk into the centre, passing the ruins of Dunskey Castle. There are plenty of places to eat and drink in this quaint stopover.
Section 3
You head west for around 90 minutes, along the coast through quaint villages, passing through the Isle of Whithorn, to the highly-rated Drumroamin Farm site, with its great facilities, friendly welcome, views and peace.
Section 4
Set off for the attractive, historic town of Newton Stewart, with its selection of cafes, shops and galleries, before passing through Gatehouse of Fleet and Kirkcudbright, on this 90-minute section to the next stop at Kippford. This small village by a river, with hotel for nourishment, is surrounded by walks up fabulous peaks, such as Mark Hill with its views across the Solway Firth.
Section 5
From Kippford it is a 3 hour drive back to Northallerton, with the option of a stopover for an extra night, closer to home, at the Camping & Caravanning Club's site at Barnard Castle (again with members' rates for hirers).
Top Tips
As with all road trips, you don't want to be driving for the whole of your break. This trip gives you plenty of time for exploring the many attractions en route, and to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery around you. At most times of year it is advisable to book sites in advance, to avoid last-minute disappointment, but this can be done while you are on the journey. Enjoy!