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Skip the NC500 – This Is the Scotland Campervan Road Trip You Actually Want

@theplyguys

Ardnamurchin, West Coast Of Scotland

May 2025



Let’s get this out the way early—we’ve got nothing against the NC500. It’s a stunning drive, no doubt. But if you think that’s all Scotland’s got to offer, you’re only scratching the surface.

So we hit the road in a convoy of Ply’d out vans—three Transporters and a Crafter—loaded up with dogs, paddleboards, coffee, and not a midge in sight. This trip was all about showing the other side of Scotland: the tucked-away beaches, quiet lochs, castle ruins, and wild spots where you can park up with no one else around.



Route Highlights

We didn’t follow a set loop—we followed the weather, the coast, and whatever track looked interesting enough to take.

  • 🏔️ Glencoe – You’ve seen it in a million photos, and it still hits hard in person. Massive peaks, misty air, and a real sense of “you’re in it now.”

  • 🌲 Glen Uig – Forests, lochs, and a bit of everything. We paddleboarded here, swam, and parked up for one of those quiet evenings where the dogs are knackered and the only noise is the breeze.

  • 🏰 Castle Tioram – Sitting out on a tidal island, this place feels like a secret—until you realise how many people used to defend it. Hike across at low tide and have a proper explore.

  • 🏖️ Singing Sands, Achateny – It’s a bit of a trek in, but totally worth it. Proper wild, with white sand, zero reception, and not a soul around.

  • ⛴️ Corran Ferry – Old-school charm. Short hop, great view, and just another reason to avoid doubling back.



The Vans

This wasn’t just a scenic drive—we were putting four very different Ply Guys setups to the test. Here’s what we rolled out:

Every van had a different vibe, but the one thing they shared was simplicity—easy to live in, easy to clean, and ready for everything from coastlines to castle car parks.



What We Got Up To

We packed a lot into a few days, and still had time to chill:

  • Long dog walks through ancient forests

  • Scrambling up to castle ruins and ridge trails

  • Paddleboarding on glassy water with no one else around

  • Kayaking along quiet coastline

  • Park-ups with a view, a fire, and zero midges (timing is everything)


Watch the Trip

We filmed the whole thing so you can come along for the ride. It’s not a polished tourism board edit—it’s what a real trip through Scotland in real vans looks like.


Pro Tips for Your West Coast Adventure:

Ferry Timing: If you’re taking the Corran Ferry, go early—queues can build up quick in the afternoon, especially in summer. It’s a short crossing, but saves a big loop.

Beat the Midges: Spring and early summer are gold—before the midges show up. If you're going later, grab a head net and some Smidge spray. Or just park up somewhere breezy.

Pack for All Seasons (Even in One Day): From T-shirt weather in Glen Uig to sideways rain in Glencoe—Scotland loves to keep you guessing. Layers, waterproofs, and decent boots are a must.

Respect the Land: Wild camping’s a privilege—use laybys or existing spots, leave no trace, and go easy on the drone flying near quiet communities.

Fuel Up Early: Some of these routes don’t have 24/7 stations—top up in Fort William or Strontian so you're not sweating it near the coast.

Support the Locals: Pubs, coffee shacks, and honesty boxes are dotted along the way. Get stuck in—fresh seafood and Highland baking hits different after a long hike.



Plan Your Own Adventure

Feeling inspired to hit the road and explore Ardnamurchan for yourself? Follow our journey with this Google Maps route.



Route Tips & Detours

1. Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter spot)

📍 Just before Glen Uig

  • Worth a stop to catch the Jacobite steam train if you're lucky with timing.

  • Early morning = fewer tourists and softer light for drone shots or photos.


2. Silver Sands of Morar

📍 Near Arisaig, a short detour west of Mallaig

  • Unreal white sand beaches and turquoise water.

  • Perfect for a paddleboard session or beach walk.

  • Quiet if you go early or late.


3. Ardgour Loop (instead of heading straight to Corran Ferry)

📍 Take the A861 down and rejoin at Strontian

  • Beautiful and less travelled—coastal forests and epic light in the evenings.

  • Stop at Garbh Eilean wildlife hide—often empty and peaceful.


4. Kinlochleven

📍 Between Glencoe and Fort William

  • Wild walk to Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall

  • Cracking spot for a leg-stretch and a snack stop


5. Glen Etive Detour

📍 Branches off Glencoe before heading to Bridge of Orchy

  • Epic single-track road with wild camping options, waterfalls, and deer sightings

  • Fewer people and a moody atmosphere in bad weather



Additional Walks

  • Sanna Bay (if you extend west past Achateny) – One of the UK’s most westerly beaches, rarely busy.

  • Lochan na h-Achlaise Viewpoint (Rannoch Moor) – Pull in off the A82 for a moody, wide-open Highland scene—epic at golden hour.

  • Pap of Glencoe (if you're up for a proper hike) – Tough climb, unforgettable views.


Tips for Wild Stops

  • Achateny to Glen Uig stretch is full of forest track pull-ins—go late and look for existing laybys.

  • Avoid busy laybys in Glencoe overnight—you’ll get more peace further west or tucked inland.

  • Corran Ferry queues can stack up in summer—consider early crossings to avoid waiting.


Pack your sense of adventure, a good playlist, and a van that’s built to go off the beaten track. Bonus points if you’ve got a dog riding shotgun.

From mountain passes to hidden beaches, this corner of the west coast gives you a bit of everything—without the crowds. Add a few paddleboards, some wild swims, and a setup that works as hard as you do, and you’ve got a trip that’ll be hard to beat.
















 
 
 

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