From Dollar, retrace your steps on the A91 and why not pop into the Japanese Gardens, just short of Pool of Muckhart (signposted).   Here’s where you’re going off the beaten track for routes less explored!  Most people take the A823 towards Gleneagles/the A9 to Perth, but why not take the minor road to Dunning (B934).  This road takes you through the very quiet and picturesque Dunning Glen.  There are lots of opportunities for walks and views aplenty, particularly as you descend towards Dunning. 

Dunning – 15 miles.  Dunning has a nice pub for lunches and they sometimes have pizzas cooking outside.  Also a lovely spot for a wander.  Not many people visit Dunning but it certainly saw a lot of Italians in its day….  A short drive/walk from Dunning along the B935 towards Perth finds you in Kincladie Wood.  I literally stumbled across this walking the dog a few years back and was blown away to discover an old Roman encampment this far north that which is estimated to have had a garrison of between 17,000 and 30,000 soldiers.  Pretty impressive given Dunning has around 1,000 residents these days.  There’s a darker side to Dunning also around the persecution of witches and warlocks.  Take a short drive along the B8062 towards Auchterarder to see the monument to Maggie Wall – the poor alleged witch executed in 1657.    

Next you’re heading to Perth.  This has been an important settlement in Scotland since prehistoric times.  Strategically situated on the River Tay, it enjoyed trade with France and the low countries importing Spanish silk and French wine.  Scone Abbey lies nearby with some great history around the crowning of kings (Robert the Bruce, for one) and the interesting story around the Stone of Destiny…..  Taken away from Scotland to Westminster in the 13^th century, it was stolen right back by four students on Christmas day 1950.  Scottish and English relations have greatly improved since the 1300s and has been back in Scotland since 1996, in Edinburgh castle.  

From Perth/Scone, take the A94 towards Glamis.  48 miles.  Here you will find the impressive Glamis castle, home of the Lyon family since the 17^th century.  Glamis was the childhood home of the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.  It was also the birthplace of Princess Margaret, in 1930.  Both the castle and it’s impressive gardens are worth a visit.  

Forfar.  56.5 miles. Forfar dates back to Roman times and has had a chequered history around the Picts occupying, then the English occupied it and during Robert the Bruce’s time, back to Scotland again!  Forfar is a traditional market town and was a major manufacturing centre for linen and jute.  Today, it is in the heart of agriculture in Angus and tourism flourishes, given its location in the lovely Strathmore. 

After Forfar, you are taking the A933 towards Montrose.  On the way, stop in at Restenneth Priory just outside Forfar with history going back to the 12^th century. 

Montrose.  83 miles.  Your final destination for the day is the coastal town of Montrose, with both its bustling harbour and picturesque dunes.

Montrose is home to the second oldest golf club in the world.  Home of the notorious Monty, it also boasts the widest high street and fastest tide in the country.  It was also home to Bamse – the legendary dog who was a registered crew member on a 2^nd world war Minesweeper.  I’ll say no more – go and explore the town and unpick the stories!

There are numerous places to stay around Montrose.  I opted for the municipal campsite near the harbour, walking distance to the beach and dunes.

If you’ve had enough exploring, the motorway via Dundee gets you back to Kinross in around 1 hour 30.  70 miles.

Enjoy the trip!   Alan, ScotCampers.

From Kinross, take the motorway to Perth.  At this point, I’d recommend getting off the beaten track and head towards Glamis (castle) on the A94.  This is an interesting part of the world which is a mix of agriculture and fruit.  In summer, stop at many of the roadside locations for fresh strawberries!  If you’re either an AC/DC fan or Peter Pan, a short detour to Kirriemuir is worth it (birthplace of DC Bon Scott and J M Barrie).  Back onto the main artery (A90)to Aberdeen for a short spell then off to Montrose.  The Montrose basin is worth an explore along with the picturesque House of Dun.

From here, why not head to Stonehaven for an overnight.  Try the Queen Elizabeth Park campsite.  Stonehaven is great for local fish and chips and Dunnottar Castle is worth a visit.

Take the A90 north and pop into Aberdeen if you fancy (the van is ULEZ compliant) or if you crave the open wide spaces, drop onto the waymarked NE250 (North East 250 mile route).  North of Aberdeen, take the A975 heading east and take in Newburgh and a must is the lovely Collieston.

From here, follow the NE250 route as it winds its way around coastlines (check Pennan – location of the film Local Hero) to your overnight at Buckie/Findlochty.  There is a lovely small campsite there by the beach, right next to public toilets and eateries.

Sees you exploring more of the coastline before turning south at Fochabers and heading to Speyside – home to over 50 distilleries including Glenfiddich, Macallan and Glenlivet.  Your destination tonight is Braemar, via Tomintoul (highest village in the UK) and Crathie (opposite Balmoral castle).  I’ve intentionally left specifics blank here – go explore.  Go on a whisky tour/tasting!

There are wild locations to camp around Braemar however, the Braemar Caravan Park is good.  Nice facilities and walking distance to the village centre.  If energy remains, why not pop along to the Linn of Dee (start of the famous Lairig Ghru route to Aviemore).  I’ve mountain biked here many times.  Also Loch Muick, near Ballater is worth a visit.  This was a favourite spot of Queen Victoria and you’ll likely see red deer and if you’re lucky, an Osprey.

After a satisfying rest, you’re under two hours back to ScotCampers HQ in Kinross.  Don’t forget to factor in time to clean the van and top it back up with diesel.

Alan

From Kinross, take the A907 towards Alloa.  Dollar en route is a great place to grab a coffee and explore some of the small shops.  From Alloa, take the Clackmannan bridge across the Rover Forth and head to Glasgow.  The M8 motorway is a busy one and can frequently encounter delays – build this into your plan.  Past Glasgow Airport, navigate to Troon where the CalMac ferry operates from, taking you to Arran.  (Troon – 2 hours;61 miles.)  Book ahead.  The crossing is a pleasant one (an hour) and Arran looms large from early on.  When you arrive in Arran, head to Lamlash Bay and I’d recommend staying at Middleton’s campsite – a 10 minute walk from Lamlash Bay and pretty much, right on the coast.

Arran.  They say that Arran is Scotland in miniature and I wouldn’t disagree.  From rolling hillsides to the jagged ridges on Goat Fell (Arran’s highest point).  Spend the day exploring the island.  Driving around the coastline is achievable in a day however, the roads are winding and not the best so take your time.  This is where a campervan versus a motorhome is the better option.  There are two distilleries on the island where tours are possible.  There is also the Arran Brewery, Arran Soaps (you can make your own!) and the striking Brodick Castle.  Cycling is popular on Arran so why not rent a bike!

Campbeltown.  There is another ferry off Arran which provides a great shortcut to get to Kintyre peninsula.  This sails from Lochranza (cracking distillery there also).  The ferry crossing is short and you can’t book – you need to turn up ahead of sailing and wait in a queue (I’ve never not made this, so long as you turn up early).  Once you’re back on the mainland, take the very picturesque trip down the A83 towards Campbeltown.  This is a really nice town, steeped in history (especially illegal whisky stills!).  There’s also Scotland’s oldest cinema!  Stay about 15 minutes away at Machrihanish campsite.  Decent facilities and when I was there last, a pizza van (check ahead).

Islay.  Possibly my favourite Scottish island with an incredible 8 world class distilleries in it’s 25 mile length!  Getting there:  Book the ferry leaving from Tarbert – north of Campbeltown for the two hour crossing.  * Be aware on Islay – there are two ferry ports so make sure you pick the right one to leave from!  I would probably go for wild camping here (be considerate) or there’s a good site on the west of the island – Port Charlotte.  Experience the cracking seafood, beaches and general scenery.

From Kinross, head towards Callander.  Stirling is enroute with its majestic castle and the Wallace Monument.  This makes a logical stop point to stock up with a selection of supermarkets.  Callander is worth a stop (38 miles/1 hour) with it’s bustling high street.  From Callander, you are taking the A85/A82 to Tyndrum.  This is a picturesque route through the Trossachs national park, along Loch Lubnaig in the shadow Ben Ledi (a friend of mine has had his Landrover on the top!).  You’re then pst the end of Loch Earn and up through Glen Dochart.  The Green Wellie Shop in Tyndrum (36 miles/1 hour) is a good place to stop for a coffee and you will start to pick up on the brooding mountainous landscape around you…..  From here, it’s the A86 towards Oban.  Kilchurn castle on Loch Awe is impressive, along with the power station visitor centre under Ben Cruachan.  There are lots of options to stay around the busy port of Oban but given its popularity, booking ahead is wise.

s a fairly lazy one but takes in some cracking scenery and you’re sure to spot some seals on the way.  From Oban you are retracing your steps as far as Connel, where you are heading on the A828 sign posted for Fort William.  Port Appin is worth a small detour to its lovely small harbour and cracking seafood providers.  Castle Stalker is a great photo opportunity too.  If time allows, why not jump on the very short ferry trip to the island of Lismore.  A small, less travelled island and you feel the peace of the place.  Your destination tonight is Glencoe.  This is a atmospheric place and my favourite climbing location.  Make sure you read the history of the place.  If you fancy a stretch of your legs but a Munro isn’t ion the cards, why not walk uop the Lost Valley.  Atmospheric place and I had my 9 year old Charlie up there so not too demanding!  I’d recommend staying at the Red Squirrel campsite.  In peak times, two important things – call ahead to make sure they have space and in the summer, beware of the midges.  My favouite pub in the world is the 300 year old Clachaig Inn, a 10 minute walk from the campsite which has a whisky menu the size of a book.  Slanj.  On your walk to/from the Clachaig see if you Harry Potter fans can find the location of Hagrid’s cottage from the latter movies.