7th Jan 2026
Welcome to the ScotCampers fortnightly blog.
This period can be summarised by; heritage, festive season slowdown; downtime on the black stuff.
A route I’ve been wanting to test all year is the road that takes you north from Lochgilphead to Oban. To get to Lochgilphead, you’re looking to head towards Glasgow and then north up the western shores of Loch Lomond. Rather than the motorway to Glasgow, I usually favour the A roads from Stirling that cut across the country to the nice village of Balloch, on the south end of Loch Lomond. Balloch is very popular in the summer and there is a nice selection of restaurants and shops about. From there, up the side of bonnie Loch Lomond and then towards the west coast and up the famous Rest and be Thankful. In recent years, this has been plagued with landslip challenges and it was interesting to drive past some of the works that have been going on – very much along the lines of the alpine roads with some pretty heavy-duty fixtures and nets in place. You can’t fight the forces of mother nature so suspect this won’t be the end of this particular saga. Watch this space…..
Bridge over the Atlantic
It’s a lovely drive from the Rest and be Thankful over to Lochgilphead but best done when you’re not in a rush. Pretty dangerous stretches and lots to see. On the way I spotted Buzzards, Red Deer and Seals.
Upon stopping at Lochgilphead, into the lovely Fiona’s café. Lovely spot and always friendly, full of advice and tips. Next I forged north in search of my paternal grandmother’s childhood on the island of Luing. First of course was the Bridge over the Atlantic onto Seal Island. Local mate of mine hails from there so was interesting comparing notes when I returned. Lovely spot but a lot closed this time of the year, mid-week.
The ferry to Luing is a RORO (roll on, roll off) and takes less than 5 minutes to cross. Luing used to be famous for slate mining (my great grandfather’s profession). Now it is home to agriculture and some tourist lets. It was fascinating finding my grandmother’s home – typical highland cottage in the middle of nowhere and made me think what on earth kids did with their playtime in a time long, long before social media and the internet. She was brought up speaking Gaelic and the pastime of choice was highland dancing.
I’d recommend a trip there – not that far off the beaten track and gives you a sense of the real island life of Scotland – a lot different to say, Skye and the Faery Pools (mobbed).
Ferry port on Luing
Dublin:
So, with the expected downturn in demand, combined with my earliest mate from school, Robert, popping across from the states to stay in Dublin for the festive break, felt only right to fly across for the day to see him!
Anyone visiting Edinburgh, Dublin is an easy day trip. Edinburgh airport and 45 mins later you in Dublin. 30 minute bus transfer finds you in the city centre. So far (and if you plan in advance) you are potentially sub-£100 pounds at this stage.
River Liffey
Was on a flight around 10am and met with Robert at lunchtime. First priority, a proper pint of Guinness.
Given festive period, Dublin was very, very busy.
The thing that always gets me about Dublin bars however, and what I seek ScotCampers to aspire to is SERVICE. First pub we go to is three deep at the bar and despite that, barman makes eye contact and starts to pour a pint for us. None of this avoiding eye contact with the person paying your wages. I witness way too much of those behaviours these days. For me, it’s the customer and attention to detail that has to be front and centre.
Anyway, enough of me on my high horse and here was the focus of my day trip:
Happy to discuss bespoke hires in 2026, based around your needs.
DM me to discuss a 2026 discounted hire rate and until next time, remember, not all those who wander are lost.
