The Campervan Lifestyle
I recently teamed up with your Camper in Giffnock to take some of their luxury Campervans out on the road for some mini adventures. The brief was clear: have some adventures within an hour from Glasgow. Challenge accepted. This was my first time behind the wheel of a Campervan and knowing I was responsible for a newly refurbished and customised two-tone Volkswagen van meant I kept it nice and easy on the road as I set out on my first adventure. With the inbuilt Apple Carplay keeping me right and taking any stress about where I was going and how I would get there out of the equation I decided to head out towards Loch Lomond, a place I’ve visited countless times through the years though never from Giffnock and never in a Campervan. It gave the trip a whole new sense of wonder.
What I realised, when I parked up in Luss, was just how much of a home from home you have when you’re travelling Campervan style with fully upholstered seating, table space and a meticulously fitted kitchen with all the mod cons you could hope for right behind the driver’s seat. It really is impressive. I took a moment to enjoy those benefits and with the roof extended for additional standing up space and the stove aglow I filled up my moka pot and brewed myself a strong coffee, just like I would at home. The difference of course was that I could enjoy it surrounded by nature, strolling cup in hand down to the edge of the loch where I was lucky enough to see the brightest of rainbows stretching out across the still waters with the sun not far behind it. No long queues in a coffee shop, no excessive noise and bright lights; just me, my favourite freshly brewed coffee and an expansive landscape all to myself. It was bliss.
Feeling brave after that first part of the drive I got a little ambitious and decided to stretch the sides of the ‘hour from Glasgow’ brief, heading on up to the Rest and Be Thankful, famed for its’ glorious mountain views. It didn’t disappoint. With some snow still visible on the highest peaks and a definite chill in the air I took advantage once again of the kitchen space I’d brought with me, fired up the stove, got out some ingredients and utensils and made a pot of fresh chunky vegetable soup to enjoy with a hunk of crusty bread. Cooking on location, it turns out, is easier and much more fun than I’d imagined, something I reflected on while sitting in the open door of the van looking out over some of the most stunning views our country has to offer. It’s a proper adventure for grown-ups and I started to see why the campervan lifestyle is so appealing to so many people. It’s the ultimate freedom.
By the time I returned the Campervan at the end of that first trip I felt like a pro. I’d driven without incident, taken full advantage of all the amenities it offered and had an adventure in a day which I would never otherwise have had. There’s something about having a Campervan which makes you want to set off and explore; just you, the road and endless possibilities. You start to look at the map again and think about the numerous places you could visit, seeing Scotland with fresh eyes. It felt good to leave the everyday noise behind and remind myself that even the smallest of adventures is good for the soul.
*This article was first published in Ayrshire Magazine