16th July 2025

Welcome to the ScotCampers fortnightly blog. 

Back from short break with a bang with two requests for last minute bookings landing.  Oh, and a mechanical fault – of course!  The bookings never worked out – I’m learning that a lot of folks out there make an enquiry around booking, ask a bunch of questions and end up not proceeding.  That’s fine as long as people are making the right vacation decisions.  Catherine from Denmark and her husband are hiring this Saturday and hope the weather holds for them.  Another nice couple who want to experience what is, the fabulous Scotland.  I’m engaging with them around route choices again and hoping I can assist and embellish their plans.

I took advantage of the weather last week for a day road trip to the west coast to, test the van even more, get some pics and gain more knowledge to help future hirers with routes.  I did intend to just go to Inverkip (cracking marina there on the Clyde) but actually ended up in Largs – 20 minutes further down the coast.  As I was munching an ice cream blending in like a tourist, I couldn’t help notice the frequency of the ferry going to Great Cumbrae.  Every 15 minutes and a slick load/offload process.  S0, 10 minutes and £21 later, me and Bilbo are rolling onto the CalMac ferry bound for the small island in the Clyde.  Lovely spot and I’ll be back and a good recommendation for future hires.  Cracking wee golf course with amazing 360 degree views, nice pubs and eateries in Millport, along with a nice harbour/beach front.  Millport is a nice spot to let the world go past that little bit slower and watch the busy mainland in the distance.  Bike hire is available there and I investigated the Garrison Camp and campervan site which is ideally positioned off the main front (but still walking distance to pubs/eateries).

I had time ahead of the return ferry so drove a couple of miles north of the ferry terminal for an explore.  Came across the poignant memorial to the two crewmen of HMS Shearwater who lost their lives just of the island in 1844.  All that was found of them was their caps after borrowing a small sailing craft.  Always brings into focus for me, the beauty of these places but also the potential dangers lurking.

Anyway, back to the 7 minute (yep, 7) ferry crossing back to the mainland.  Was delighted to be joined by a couple of playful Harbour Porpoises on that leg – couldn’t believe they were so close to the boat/shore!

I have availability in September so please get in touch to discuss requirements.

Catch you next time and remember, not all those who wander are lost.