What’s been going on?
My last post was sometime ago, not long after I got back from there first big trip to Gibraltar last November. I suppose I’ve been busy doing it, not having the time or inclination to write until now. But that’s now changed, so here goes……
After the Gibraltar trip, it didn’t take long before the “wanderlust” took hold again. So, I’ve travelled to Scotland for a couple of weeks, in early December, up the west side of the NC 500. Reaching Durness in the far north, before the weather deteriorated so much, I needed to turn south. So I dipped down towards Inverness, into the Cairngorms before heading home.
Christmas intervened and then Covid prevented me travelling as planned in early January to The Alps. However after a ‘crappy’ February, I finally left for the Alps on the 2nd March, returning home early April. A winter trip deserving of a blog post all of its own.
Post European blues!
In my last post, I reflected on my experiences and what I had learnt on my first big trip in the van. Day to day experiences I have been posting on instagram https://www.instagram.com/thevantraveller/. Posting with the mobile app is so much easier and instant. It’s a great realtime record of your experience. A personal archive, which enables others to join in the fun as you go.
However, what I have learnt day to day with each successive trip, is better discussed on the blog. Discussing overall themes and issues as a collective summary of my experiences.
I had a great time in France and Spain. It was challenging, as I was travelling in the van for the first time. I was on my own most of the time, which was an addition challenge. Particularly so, at the beginning. But I grew into it, learning a huge amount very quickly. See my last post from November last year, My van travel experiences and the mistakes I have made in the blog archive for further details of that trip.
One thing since getting back I hadn’t anticipated, was how I would yearn to get back on the road. I describe it as post European blues in the heading. It’s not a depression of mood or sadness, but a feeling of restlessness. Often described as “wanderlust”, it’s a deep seated urge which is unsettling; to get back on the road. To venture to new places and beyond!
And so it was, after two weeks, I decided to go to Scotland. Initially travelling up the northwest coast. I had no plan to do the so called NC 500 as such, but rather meander and see where it took me. So, I set off early December with no particular return date, other than accepting I’d need to be back before Christmas! As it was, I was away for 10 days.
The NC 500 – The good bad and ugly!
As discussed above, I’m not going to detail the trip, rather discuss some important themes. You can see the day to day feed on my instagram account as a follower https://www.instagram.com/thevantraveller/, in addition there are some videos on my YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCErbXZeZbHWyhlqkk7GOtgA
The good…..
Scotland is a fantastic country, not only for the geography and scenery but the people. I was aware of the huge amount of publicity about the northwest coast particularly, and I wasn’t disappointed. It is truly stunning. I would encourage anyone to get up there and see for yourself.
As for the people, I met some great characters, particularly on Skye in Portree at the Pier Hotel on the harbour.
The bad and ugly…..
I was in Scotland for 10 days and was very welcome. However, it was low season and whilst there were a few vans about , it was by on large quiet. I did however sense that there was a degree of “anti-motorhome/campervan” sentiment. Initially from the numerous signs in lay-bys and carparks stating “no overnight camping”, even in some relatively remote areas.
I had no problems parking up safely, generally in remote areas. Off grid, so called “wild camping “, as most recognised campsites are closed in the winter. It was a little more difficult nearer villages and town centres, because of well sign-posted restrictions. I can only surmise that in peak periods with limited parking many have resorted to parking on private land without permission or without care for local residents. Scotland unlike France for example, despite its ample wilderness, does not have sufficient facilities for disposal of all types of waste, in addition to designated places to park up for the night. Leading some to dispose of waste inappropriately, causing a mess. Destroying the place they’ve stayed and the very reason for them being there in the first place .
I suspect, as an alternative to foreign travel because of covid restrictions, many are new to travelling this way. As the first and perhaps the only time they ever will, they have been less than judicious in the holy grail of van life – “leave no trace”.
Another issue is the increased congestion because of vans travelling along narrow single track roads slowly, not allowing other ‘local’ traffic’ to pass. Often, even stopping at inappropriate places to take photographs or have a picnic! Not only inconvenient to local people trying to get about their daily commute, but often dangerous too.
The future…..
I’m not sure! Two things need to happen:
- Those new to this way of living need to buck up, think about the impact of their behaviour on local people and respect the fact it’s their home, leaving ‘ no trace’ or better still give up this way of travelling.
- Local councils need to take responsibility for ensuring there are sufficient facilities, as there is in France for example and embrace the benefits to the local economy of this type of tourism.
What will happen time will see, but I don’t think campervans and motorhomes are going to go. So we have to adhere to a code of conduct, the time honoured “leave no trace” and park sensibly. With those in positions of authority acknowledging and providing the necessary infrastructure so that all can benefit from travelling in a van!
Next post…Winter Sports in a Campervan!
