Blog 13th May 2026
Welcome to the ScotCampers tri-weekly blog.
This period can be summarised by; hirers; French Alps, fleet size v service.
Hirers. It was great to hire out to Alison the other week from Perthshire. Perfect hirers for me – previous experience of bigger campers, knew Scotland, outdoorsy, ultra reliable. With the purchase of a campervan in mind, was the perfect opportunity to try before you buy.
Up they went to walk Ben Lawers (10th highest mountain in the UK – from memory!), then across to the Trossachs. Lochearnhead for a dip (did I say they were brave!) and the Loch Katrine and Ben A’an. Great feedback as well, which is always welcomed.
The end of this month sees me hiring to Blanca and Costa – again! They must have enjoyed last month ‘cos they’re away again. Do hope the weather gods smile on them making Skye a better option this time. Hamish’s school chum’s dad, Nigel, is hiring later this month. Nigel is a seasoned walker and makes me look like a slouch so no doubt he has plans in the far north! These hires are the first time I’ve had multiple vans out over the same weekend so sense there will be a bunch of learns.
Nigel’s destination “Mackay country”! – Kyle of Tongue
French Alps. So, Chamonix last week and not sure where to start. Less faffing than I thought, which was a good thing as pretty big days and therefore tired. Think this is about my 8th time here and every time I am blown away with the scenery, atmosphere and food/drink! Flight into Geneva and then a fairly straightforward drive along the valley to Bossons, next to Chamonix. Apart from encountering some mad woman in the supermarket on the way there, all good.
My plan was Scottish Munro sized days and see how far I could get before the snow impeded matters. Found out Day 1 on way to Mer de Glace that the answer to that was around 7,000ft. Regardless, awesome terrain, awesome people and views that would take your breath away.
Above Glacier de Bossons
Have a plan for next time already and that’s peak of summer (which I was planning to avoid around heat), chairlifts open and get high before I start. Beyond that, I have an enquiry out to my local guide around climbing Mont Blanc and Glacier traversing trip.
Food in the Alps is awesome too and if you’re there, you need to try Tartiflette and cheese Fondue. Foofs is decent too. And the wine tastes pretty good after a day in the hills…..
Glacier de Taconnax, above Bossons
Fleet vs. Service:
Finally, been doing a bit of thinking recently around maintaining my (very good) 5 star reviews. When I set up 12 months ago, yes, I wanted to make some money but my priority was service. And still is. And sharing my passion for touring and Scotland.
My reflection has been around trying to employ someone as obsessed with service as me or scaling the fleet so I can cope myself. In the end, for now, it’s around me having the right sized fleet that I can get the personal touch right. So, my Type 5 van is getting a couple of bits done this coming week and then it’s up for sale. That will allow me to focus on what’s important and best for customers.
That’s it for this time. Next time, hopefully I’ve ticked off another couple of mountains, met some more awesome hirers and planned another trip!
Until next time. Not all those who wander, are lost……
