If you’re planning a trip to Scotland next year, maybe in one of our motorhomes for hire, prepare to get wet, or at least to dip your toes into our fabulous waters. 2020 is the year of Coasts and Waters in Scotland, and there’s a wealth of ways to celebrate – here’s just a few.
Jump In
With rushing rivers, dynamic seas and rocky coastlines, Scotland’s waters will satisfy even the biggest thrill-seekers. Activity centres and companies operate throughout Scotland offering a range of activities from white-water rafting to canoeing, kayaking, coasteering and gorge walking, so you won’t be short of opportunities.
You don’t need a guide though; you can also head to the beach for a surf or swim on your own – there’s loads of great surf spots, so why not hop in your motorhome and explore them all. You’ll have the perfect place to dry off and warm up after as well. For something less adrenalin pumping, there’s boat trips, paddle boarding and kayaking around calm lochs – there’s something for everyone.
Wonder at the Wildlife
If you think you need to head abroad to see fantastic marine wildlife, think again. Scotland has a lot to offer. Keep your eyes on the sea for sightings of majestic killer whales, graceful basking sharks, and playful seals. Look to the skies for puffins, gannets, sea eagles and more; during the breeding season, cliff faces swarm with seabirds and their young.
If you’re visiting in autumn, head to the Falls of Shin in Sutherland to witness one of nature’s great events as salmon make their way upriver to their breeding grounds. There’s a wealth of wildlife opportunities, and with a motorhome, you’re free to follow every intriguing detour!
Sample Fresh Seafood
With all that water, comes an abundance of delicious seafood. Just some of Scotland’s specialities include langoustines, oysters, salmon and, if you’re in the area, Arbroath smokies, a local speciality that’s well worth trying; haddock salted and smoked over a traditional smoke pit in the ground.
There’s many ways to enjoy the local delights; speciality seafood restaurants with stunning backdrops pepper the coast, but you can also buy some yourself from markets and cook it up in your motorhome or even take a fishing trip and catch your own. Whatever you decide, you can be sure it’s local, fresh and that you’ll have beautiful views in the background.
Enjoy the ‘Water of Life’
Clean, clear waters are a key ingredient in a very important Scottish creation – whisky, or the water of life! With distilleries all over Scotland, you won’t find it hard to find one but if whisky is a favourite of yours, why not drive the Scottish Whisky trail? It’s a scenic drive that takes you round a collection of world-famous whisky distilleries in Speyside, so is the ideal way to sample a variety.
Take Part in an Event
You don’t need to visit an event to celebrate the year of Coasts and Waters, but why not? There’s lots going on to celebrate. DolphinFest is running in Aberdeen from April 15–19th to highlight the fact it’s one of the best locations to watch bottlenose dolphins in Scotland – simply head to the harbour. Events will occur across the city, from conservation talks to art exhibitions and games and activities for children.
Fife Regatta is filling the Clyde with yachts from 4–11th June; the last one being a resounding success in 2013, and Scotland’s annual boat show is back at Kip Marina from 9–11th October. As an addition for the 2020 year of coasts and waters, they’ll be lighting up the waters on the 10th for the River of Light. You can also learn all about Scotland’s waters on the big screen at the National Theatre of Scotland and at the Scottish Film Festival – both of which are putting on watery themed showings to celebrate the year.
Motorhome Hire to Explore Scotland’s Coast and Waterways
If you’re interested in a motorhome hire holiday and want to find a vehicle or just want to find out more, our team are always happy to help. From choosing the right luxury motorhome hire for your needs to arranging a bespoke itinerary for your trip, you’ll be in safe hands with our knowledgeable and friendly team of experts. Get in touch today with any enquiries or queries.
