Best things to do Highlands Scotland and the Northern Isles. This article focuses on the very north of Scotland highlighting some of the best things to do in the northernmost parts of the Highlands and the Northern Isles.
A steep staircase of 365 steps descends to a secluded natural harbour. Located on Scotland’s northeast coast in Caithness, these historic stone steps descend a steep cliffside to provide the only access from the land to a secluded natural harbour, framed on three sides by 250ft cliffs. Aside from the views of the North Sea from the steps, they provide a glimpse into the local area’s fishing heritage.
Over 300 stone steps are carefully built into the rugged cliffs, zigzagging down to a small, sheltered cove once bustling with herring boats. The steps date from the 18th century. They were originally used by local fisherwomen to haul their catches of herring, cod and haddock up from the harbour below. Walking down the steps evokes the harsh conditions faced by those who worked here. The setting is atmospheric – towering cliffs and crashing waves against a soundtrack of the calls of the seabirds such as puffins and kittiwakes who nest in the cliffs from which the steps were hewn.
Visiting the Whaligoe Steps offers an excellent opportunity to explore the Caithness coastline, known for its dramatic cliffs, sea stacks, and historical sites. The area is relatively quiet, so it is a good place to visit for those looking to escape the crowds and simply enjoy Scotland’s wild beauty. Nearby, you can also visit sites like the Castle of Old Wick or the Camster Cairns, adding to the sense of stepping back in time in this remote and rugged region.
How to Get There
The Whaligoe Steps are about 8 miles south of Wick, just off the A99 road. The turning for the steps is opposite the signpost for the “Cairn of Get”.
If you’re travelling from Inverness, it’s roughly a 2-hour drive along the scenic North Coast 500 route. The site is accessible via a small car park near the Whaligoe Café, from which the steps are just a short walk away. While the descent and climb back up can be challenging, the journey is manageable for most visitors with a reasonable level of fitness. The steps can be uneven and slippery, especially in wet weather so make sure you wear sturdy shoes.
Duncansby Stacks, Caithness
Off the most northly tip of the Scottish mainland, the Duncansby Stacks are towering sea cliffs that rise sharply from the North Sea.
These stunning rock pinnacles have been sculpted by thousands of years of relentless wind and waves, creating an awe-inspiring sight that showcases the raw power of nature. The tallest of the stacks – the Great Stack reaches 60 metres in height. You’ll also see Thirle Door here – a huge natural arch of rock.
The surrounding stacks and cliffs are home to a rich array of seabird colonies, including puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, and fulmars, making them a haven for birdwatchers. In addition to birdlife, you may also spot seals basking on the rocky shores below or even dolphins and orcas in the waters beyond, particularly during the summer months.
Although the Duncansby Stacks themselves are primarily a natural wonder, the surrounding area is steeped in history and folklore. The nearby Duncansby Head Lighthouse, built in 1924, has long guided ships through these treacherous waters. Legend has it that the area was once a gathering place for Norse settlers and Viking raiders, drawn to the northernmost point of Scotland as they navigated the coastline. There have been countless shipwrecks in these waters over the centuries, adding to the area’s mystique and historical significance.
How to Get There
The Duncansby Stacks are just a short drive from John o’Groats, easily accessible by car via the A99. There is a small car park near Duncansby Head Lighthouse, from which a scenic coastal walk of about 20 minutes takes you to the best viewpoints. The path offers incredible views of the cliffs and stacks. While it’s relatively easy, sturdy footwear is recommended due to uneven terrain. It’s around 2.5 hours from Inverness.
Near the village of Durness in the far northwest of Scotland, this spectacular sea cave is one of the most fascinating natural attractions in the Highlands. What makes Smoo Cave truly unique is its combination of both sea and freshwater origins, with part of the cave formed by the erosive power of the sea and another section created by rainwater dissolving limestone over thousands of years. The result is a dramatic cavern with an impressive entrance—one of the largest in the UK—measuring around 50 feet (15 metres) high and 130 feet (40 metres) wide.
Visitors to Smoo Cave can explore its vast entrance chamber on foot for free all year round. However, if you visit between April and October you can take a guided tours deeper into the inner caverns by boat or walkway. The highlight of the cave is the waterfall chamber, where an underground river plunges 20 metres into a deep pool, creating a spectacular and atmospheric sight. The caves have been lit dramatically and this, together with the sound of roaring water against the limestone formations is an unforgettable experience.
Smoo Cave is steeped in legend and folklore and has long captured the imagination of visitors and locals. Archaeological evidence suggests that the cave was used as a shelter by early inhabitants and later by Vikings and smugglers who found its hidden recesses perfect for their clandestine activities. One legend is that the cave was somewhere where spirits lived or even a gateway to the underworld. The cave’s name itself is thought to derive from the Norse word smjugg, meaning “hiding place” or “hole,” further linking it to the area’s Viking heritage.
Combine a visit to Smoo Cave with a visit Ceannabeinne Beach, near Durness on the far northwest coast. Known for its stunning golden sands and turquoise waters it is also home to the Golden Eagle Zip Line. Stretching an impressive 37 metres (121 feet) high and 215 metres (705 feet) long, the zip line provides an exhilarating ride with panoramic views of the golden sands, turquoise waters, and rugged coastline below. Get a rush of adrenaline as you reach speeds of up to 40 mph whilst suspended in mid air.
There’s no need to book, simply turn up and soar. However, the operation of the zipline is weather dependent.
Sandwood Bay in Sutherland on the north coast is one of Scotland’s most breathtaking and remote beaches. It is a truly wild and unspoiled coastal experience as it can only be reached by boat or a 4 mile walk from the nearest road. With its mile-long stretch of golden sand, backed by rolling dunes and a freshwater loch, Sandwood Bay feels like a hidden paradise untouched by modern development. Sandwood Bay and its surrounding land are owned and managed by the John Muir Trust, which works to preserve the area’s natural beauty and wild character for future generations.
The impressive Am Buachaille sea stack towers over the bay – a striking sandstone pillar which rises dramatically from the Atlantic Ocean.
Like many of the places on this coast, Sandwood Bay is steeped in history and folklore. It is said to have been a landing spot for Viking longships, with local legends suggesting buried treasure still lies beneath the sand. The bay is also believed to be haunted, with tales of ghostly sailors and a mysterious “White Lady” spirit who is said to wander the dunes.
One of the reasons Sandwood Bay is so special is its sense of remoteness, as no roads lead directly to the beach. To reach it, visitors must embark on a scenic 4-mile (6.5 km) walk from the small hamlet of Blairmore near Kinlochbervie. The route takes you through moorland and rugged terrain, with stunning views of lochs and mountains along the way. Although the walk requires a moderate level of fitness, the effort is well worth it when you finally arrive at the secluded beach and take in its breathtaking surroundings.
The Sandwood estate covers 4,700 hectares and encompasses eight islands, a saltwater lagoon, and the freshwater Sandwood Loch. It has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) due to its unique landscape features, which include dune grassland, shifting dunes, and machair.
Badbea is an abandoned village in Caithness. Perched on steep cliffs overlooking the North Sea, it was one of many such villages established in the late 18th century to house families displaced by the Highland Clearances. The residents endured harsh conditions, with strong winds so fierce that children and livestock were reportedly tethered to prevent them from being blown away.
Today, you can explore the remains of sixteen stone houses in the village and walk amongst what is left of the drystone walls outlining the fields the villagers used to cultivate. Each family rented a couple of acres for growing produce and rearing livestock. Walls and houses were built from what could be found on the site. It was a meagre existence and many worked on the boats fishing for herring or cleaning the catch to make ends meet. By the end of the 19th Century the herring industry was in decline and the village was eventually abandoned in 1911. The village ruins, set against the dramatic backdrop of the cliffs and sea, create a haunting atmosphere.
A visit to Badbea will give you an insight into the struggles of those who lived there and walking its ruins is a poignant reminder of the hardship faced by the families displaced by the Clearances. A commemorative monument honours the memories of its former inhabitants.
Reaching Badbea is straightforward. A car park is located off the A9 road, about 2.5 miles south of Berriedale. A well-maintained walking path leads from the car park to the site, offering a short and relatively easy walk. Visitors should take care near the steep cliffs and dress appropriately for the often windy conditions.
St. Ninian’s Isle is a remarkable tidal island off the southwest coast of the mainland of Shetland in Scotland. It is best known for its stunning tombolo, a natural sand causeway that connects the isle to the mainland at low tide, creating one of the most picturesque beaches in Shetland. The island is rich in history, with its most famous discovery being the St Ninian’s Isle Treasure—an exquisite collection of Pictish silverware unearthed in 1958. The island is uninhabited today, offering visitors a peaceful retreat to explore the ruins of a 12th-century chapel, enjoy panoramic coastal views, and observe local wildlife, including seabirds and seals.
Getting to St Ninian’s Isle from the Scottish mainland requires a journey to Shetland, by air or sea. Flights from major Scottish cities such as Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Glasgow arrive at Sumburgh Airport, which is about a 30-minute drive from St Ninian’s Isle. Alternatively, the NorthLink Ferries service runs overnight sailings from Aberdeen to Lerwick, the capital of Shetland. There’s also a ferry from the north coast of the mainland via Orkney during the summer season. From Lerwick, there’s a scenic 25-mile drive south to the small village of Bigton.
The Up Helly Aa festival takes place at the end of January in Shetland. The day involves a series of marches and visitations, culminating in a torch-lit procession and the burning of a galley. The day’s events begin at 08:15 with the torchlit procession at 19:30.
The day is made up of marches, ceremonies, songs and processions by squads of up to a thousand ‘guizers’ in Viking dress, armour and weapons. Guizer Jarl is the leader of the elite Jarl Squad who play a prominent role in the proceedings. It is considered a great honour to be chosen to be a member of the Jarl Squad and to be elected Guizer Jarl, an even greater one. To take part as a guizer you must have been a Shetland resident for at least 5 years. Until 2023 women were not allowed to participate but the times are a changing and last year was the first year that women participated as guizers.
Since Up Helly Aa began celebrating Shetland’s viking heritage in the 1880s, it has been only cancelled or postponed for exceptional events – basically war, the death of monarchs and most recently the Covid pandemic. If you can’t make it in person the event is livestreamed.
The Orkney Islands are home to some of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Neolithic communities that thrived over 5,000 years ago. The UNESCO-listed Heart of Neolithic Orkney comprises several well-preserved monuments. One is Skara Brae, a stone-built village that provides an insight into daily life during the late Stone Age. The settlement was buried under sand for millennia and was only rediscovered in the 19th century.
Another significant site is the stone circle the Ring of Brodgar. Thought to have been used for ceremonial purposes, it forms part of a wider ritual landscape that includes the Standing Stones of Stenness, believed to be one of the earliest stone circles in Britain. Nearby, you will find the burial mound of the Maeshowe Chambered Cairn which was built in neolithic times but features Viking runes carved into its walls centuries later.
Visiting Orkney’s prehistoric sites offers a unique opportunity to connect with the distant past while enjoying the island’s stunning natural scenery. These sites demonstrate the complexity and sophistication of the ancient communities who built monuments aligned with celestial events.
Getting to Orkney is relatively straightforward. Ferry services from mainland Scotland, including from Scrabster to Stromness and Aberdeen to Kirkwall, or flights from major Scottish cities are available. Once on the islands, many of the prehistoric sites are easily accessible by car or local tours.
Take a photography workshop with amazing photographer Ollie Taylor. Only three places are left on the next nine-night, eight-day tour of the Highlands scheduled for January 2026. This workshop will guide participants through landscape photography, landscape astrophotography, and, when conditions permit, Northern Lights photography in some of the most photogenic destinations in the Scottish Highlands. The itinerary includes visits to the Central Highlands, Isle of Skye, Torridon, Wester Ross, and the far North Highlands, providing a comprehensive photographic exploration of Scotland’s diverse landscapes.
The workshop emphasizes night photography, prioritizing potential Northern Lights displays and landscape astrophotography when weather conditions allow. It’s not for complete beginners, participants will need a decent camera and should have a solid understanding of shutter speed, aperture, and ISO settings, as well as experience operating their cameras in manual, aperture, or shutter priority modes. The group size is limited to ensure personalised instruction and ample shooting opportunities.
Ollie also offers workshops focusing on the far north of Scotland, including areas around the North Coast 500 route, such as Assynt and Inverpolly. Book via his website Ollie Taylor Photography.
Ben Hope is the most northerly Munro in Scotland, standing proudly at 927 metres (3,041 feet). It offers one of the most rewarding hikes in the Highlands. Located in Sutherland, it provides breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding rugged landscape, including the dramatic peaks of nearby mountains, the vast moorlands, and even glimpses of the North Sea on a clear day. If you are only going to bag one munro, the relative isolation and untouched natural beauty of Ben Hope make it the one to go for. Climbing Ben Hope is a rewarding challenge, offering a sense of solitude and achievement that is hard to match elsewhere in Scotland.
Visiting Ben Hope is an excellent choice for both experienced hikers and those looking to tackle their first Munro. There is a well-defined but steep path to make the ascent. It’ll take around 3-5 hours for a round trip, depending on your fitness level.
Along the route, walkers can enjoy sightings of local wildlife such as red deer and golden eagles, while the summit offers an unparalleled vantage point to admire the dramatic Highland landscape. Whether you’re drawn by the challenge of Munro bagging or want to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of Scotland’s far north, Ben Hope provides an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
Getting to Ben Hope is relatively straightforward, though it does involve a journey through some of Scotland’s most remote and scenic areas. The mountain is located near the small village of Tongue, accessible via the A836 road that runs along the north coast. The starting point for the hike is at Muiseal, where a small car park provides easy access to the trailhead. If you’re travelling from Inverness, the drive takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, offering spectacular views along the way. Due to the remote nature of the area, it’s advisable to plan your trip carefully, ensuring you have adequate supplies and appropriate gear for the conditions.
Big Sky Campers Campervans for Hire
Scotland
We hope you are inspired by our selection of things to do in the Northern Highlands and Northern Isles of Scotland. If you are looking for a campervan to hire to explore Scotland we have a fleet of luxury VW campervans for hire. All our campervans for hire come fully equipped with everything you will need for your road trip in Scotland. Everything is included in the price, including extra sets of bedding if requested.
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Reviews
Excellent service and interaction from Rob and team. Painless pick up and drop off. The instructions on the vehicle were clear and easy to understand. Will definitely be using them again.
Great campervans and lovely people who really want you to enjoy the experience. Highly recommend.
My boyfriend and I hired Flora for 8 nights back in october. We promised ourselves to leave a review because our experience was wonderful. The staff was very helpful and very kind. Special mention to Rob who really took time to give us tips & tricks for travelling around Scotland! We had a great time with Flora and I think Big Sky Campers is a trustworthy campervan hire company: the service is good, the price are affordable, the campers are beautiful and well-equiped. Thank you for the wonderful experience! We had a great time.
We rented Rowan for 4 days at the beginning of October. Our first experience in a van! Our rental with big sky campers was perfect. The welcome, the Vanlife course, the van like new, the sleeping equipment and finally the kindness and sense of service of our rental company from our check in to our check out. And Scotland in a van is freedom in magnificent landscapes and campsites reserved for vans and motorhomes. Experience it after Edinburgh and do it with Big Sky Camper.
Excellent company, friendly, helpful and professional. The vans are modern, well fitted and have everything you need for a road trip. Will certainly use again and you definitely should too!
We rented the Bonnie camper for three weeks in August. Everything went really well, the vehicle was in very good condition and we had no problems at all. The personal contact and service was also very friendly and helpful. Any time again.
We traveled from London and picked up our camper Freya for a trip around Scotland. From start to finish the whole experience with Big Sky Campers was absolutely incredible. We did look at other companies but Big Sky is family run and make the process so easy. Such lovely people and really care about their customers. Thank you Rob, Alex and George we will see you very soon. Already planning our next trip with you guy's. If you're looking to hire a camper and see Scotland go with Big Sky Campers, you won't regret it. Highly recommended.
Rented a van for 3 nights and had the most lovely time. The team was very accommodating with all the information we needed ahead of taking off and even shuttled us back and forth to the local train station. Their website is incredibly helpful with lots of excellent campsite and route recommendations and the vans themselves were top of the line, clean, and very comfortable for two people. We were also grateful for the automatic transmissions.Highlight of our trip for sure!!
We rented freya the van for 12 days, she drivers so easy, easier to drive than a car or truck surprisingly. We were able to drive all over Scotland 🏴 it was amazing, if I ever come back I would rent through this company again, the owner was excellent and sweet.
We recently hired "Magnus," a VW camper from Big Sky Campers, and our experience was fantastic from start to finish. The pickup process was smooth and straightforward. The staff took the time to show us all the functions of the camper, which was clean, comfortable, and spacious—perfect for our family of four.We spent a week traveling around Scotland, and the camper was easy to set up at our overnight stops. Its size was ideal for navigating some of the tighter roads, and driving it was a breeze—especially since we opted for the automatic transmission. One tip: remember to bring a USBC cable for the CarPlay satnav! We forgot ours, but George kindly loaned us one.Dropping off the camper was just as easy as picking it up, and the location of Big Sky Campers is very accessible. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly throughout our rental experience. We’re already looking forward to hiring from Big Sky Campers again in the future!
Amazing campervan, very comfortable to drive and stay in. The facilities in the van are great, easy to use and it was dog friendly too. We had a fantastic holiday thanks to big sky campers.
We rented Oona for a week.The stay was fantastic! The van was ideal for this road trip in Scotland, it is super well equipped, you don't have to plan anything. Big Sky Camper remains available quickly if you have the slightest problem with the van.We recommend with your eyes closed!
We had a great time with "Brody". The vans contain everything you need! Reliable and quick rental responses.
We rented Freya for a three night road trip to the Isle of Skye. I cannot recommend Big Sky Campers enough. The vans were terrific to drive and well-equipped - luxury on wheels. But the customer service is what really sets Big Sky apart. We had a hiccup with the required documentation on arrival (an error on my part) and Big Sky were incredibly helpful and patient with trouble shooting and resolving the issue. They saved our holiday and we were so grateful! I would recommend them in a heartbeat.
A perfect stop. We looked for English Gas including English Adapter for German System and asked them. They could help us with the advice to go to the big shop of Russell Gas & Lawnmower Centre in Edinburgh, 5 Bankhead Crossway N, Edinburgh EH11 4BZ, Vereinigtes Königreich. Here we found we looked for perfect andca food price. 129£ for 11 kg Gas including the Adapter with hose.
We recently hired Flora for 5 nights from Big Sky Campers. They are a first class company to deal with. In terms of service it was brilliant. We pitched up at their base to have a look at the vans available for hire and George was more than happy to help two 54 year old newbies about to set off in a campervan for the first time. George was extremely friendly , helpful and explained how the rental process worked and showed us around the vans.A super first impression.The communications leading up to the hire day were very good and detailed.On the day we picked up the van we got a full demo of how the van operated etc I’m aware of other companies who just send you a video. We thought this was very important. The van was immaculate when we picked it up.The van itself had everything you needed for a trip. Cooking facilities, fridge, charging points, bedding, towels.The van is easy to drive and can be parked in a standard parking space.We asked a few questions prior to picking the van and always got a prompt response. I got the impression that Rob would try and do whatever he could to ensure his clients had everything they needed to have the best time on their travels,This was also quite key for us they love dogs and had vans for hire catering for dogs.All in we had a superb 5 nights and would highly recommend Big Sky Campers,Paul, Susan and Frankie.
We rented a van for 6 days. It was one of our best vacation experiences ever. The vans are in a good technical condition and really well made. The layout is very practical. It is well isolated. We didn't need to use the heating at all. Rob supplies all the necessary equipment - bedding, cutlery etc. There was exactly everything we needed. We didn't need to bring any of our camping equipment. We used almost everything and we didn't miss anything. For example there was beer opener and can opener. It's surprising in how many Airbnbs these are missing, but here they were. It's clear that these vans are build and equipped based on a strong experience. We also appreciate no ads or commercial labels on the van. The communication with Rob was clear and efficient. Train station pickup and drop was really convenient.From time to time I encounter exceptional companies. And this is one of them. This is how you do the business. Rob goes beyond and tries to provide great holiday experience for his customers. We didn't need to be afraid of being ripped off or charged extra because of made up damages, strange insurance, extra equipment etc. Which is a common case in rental companies. Instead there is very human approach. The desire is provide a great experience for the customer. Money is not the strongest and the only motivation here. And that we really appreciate.We wish all the best in the upcoming years! Keep it up :)
We rented two camper vans from Rob at BigSkyCampers and spent 4 days of our 2 week UK vacation hiking Isle of Skye and Glencoe. The vans had everything we needed, we were blessed with great weather, and the hikes and campsites were all epic. All of the Scots we met along the way were so friendly. Wish we allocated more time to this leg of the trip. A good reason to return!
We rented Flora for a week and had a great experience! Everything we needed was included in the van, and all equipment ran smoothly. The van was plesantly easy to drive along the small roads of the Highlands, and quick to set up at campsites.Thanks to Rob & Alex for being so helpful during the whole process! Highly recommend :)
We had a great time with our baby blue Mac! Easy to operate camper van, a good drive and lots of adventure. ????
We hired Ruby last week for a visit to the NW coast. Very confortable and drove beautifully. Super efficient pick up and hand over. Rob and his team are very friendly and go the extra mile.
Amazing company, holiday quite literally of a lifetime. They supported us with everything throughout the trip, gave us so much information ahead of heading out and the van is amazing!! Our van was perfect for 2 people. Thank you Rob and team for making this such a trip to remember, we are already planning another trip and will definitely be booking with Big Sky Campers!
Sorry for the late review life is just too busy ! We had the most idyllic weekend in March ... the perfect way to see some amazing places travelling around in the lovely Mac ... Scotland is just so so beautiful!! Big Sky Campers are so friendly and helpful , without a doubt we will definitely be recommending them to everyone!!!
We had Freya for 10 days. Did the NC500. Thanks Rob and George for the seamless collection and hand back of the vehicle. New van and a wonderful road trip was had. Dorian and Annemarie
5 star experience from start to finish. The team at Big Sky Campers was fantastic to deal with, great customer service and was on hand to quickly respond to any questions. The van was amazing, we had magnus and couldn't have asked for much more. The van was clean and stocked with everything we could have needed. Would recommend to anyone who is thinking of hiring a campervan in scotland. We did the NC500 in the camper and couldn't have been happier.
We had an amazing holiday thanks to big sky campers. We rented the van for 6 nights in march. This gave us plenty of time to explore the Isle of Skye and some of the Mainland. The communication between us and big sky campers was seamless. The pick-up and the drop-off was easy, fast and friendly. The Van itself was also amazing, the bed was comfy, the stove and fridge great. Everything you could need was already in the van.Absolutely would rent there again! Warm recommendation for everyone who is looking for van for the holidays.
Overall the van was super clean and really well maintained. Issue from our side was around paying for an additional driver to be included and highlighting that an international driving license would be used we had been informed by Big Sky campers that we need to confirm that its valid for the UK, which it is. When collecting it was not accepted and we asked for a refund for the additional driver as it was not required it was simply refused.
We had an incredible trip exploring the Scottish Highlands! The van had everything we needed, the staff were incredibly helpful, accommodating, and kind. Highly recommend!
Friendly service, they'll pick you up from Inverkeithing train station. New VW Transporters with everything you need, power hookup, hob, gas heating the works.Great value(almost half price compared to big renting companies!), and they won't scam you out of your deposit!
Great experience with Betty, it was really great. Thanks to Rob for his advice and kindness. We highly recommend big sky ;) see you soon.
Rob and his team were very patient and assuring with my many questions (being the over-thinker that I am) even before we collected the van. We had the pleasure to drive Bonnie, the beautiful and reliable campervan with HEATED seats! This was such a life saver in winter. Also, everything we needed was all in the cost - no hidden fees!Despite my first time driving a van, it was super easy. Thank you again to George, who sent us from and to the station, saving us precious time and money. Definitely recommend Big Sky Campers!
We had an amazing 6 nights exploring Loch Lomond, Glencoe, Skye, Ness, and the Cairngorms in late November. Big Sky Campers in the best in the business and I have nothing bad to say about them or the vans. They include everything without extra charge and are very personable and understanding for what’s needed for this type of adventure. They are super fair and honest with security deposit and don’t rip you off like some other larger companies may attempt to. Well worth the cost for the service and all that’s included. 10/10, will come back again!
We had an absolutely magical trip with Big Sky Campers in October. The van was cosy and comfortable (even with two kids who insisted on sharing the bed with me), it was a pleasure to drive and we had everything we needed – including hot water bottles for those chilly nights. The team at Big Sky Campers was amazing from the very start, giving us suggestions of great campsites and places to go, and put me at ease about driving a much bigger vehicle than I'm used to. One of those trips that we'll be talking about for a long time – thank you!
I recommend Big Sky Campers. Individual approach to the client. Helpful owner who patiently answers every question.The cars are in very good condition.
Cant recommend Big Sky Campers enough. Excellent customer service throughout. We hired Bonnie and she was a dream to drive and stay in. Will definitely be using them again for our next adventure. Thank you Rob & Alex.
Extraordinary experience lived aboard the Oona. The van was really comfortable, clean and very well equipped. We were able to discover the Highlands and the Isle of Skye. A very professional, accommodating and attentive team. We are already nostalgic. I highly recommend Big Sky Campers to discover the magnificent landscapes of Scotland ⭐️
We went on a great trip back in June, and everything was just great. Really professional communication and support from the team. But also a great car that was clean, well kitted, comfortable and just a blast to drive. I do really not have anything else to say! Highly recommend.
Fantastic weekend in Freja she had everything we needed for 2 adults and 2 fur baby's.The team at big sky campers were fantastic I can’t recommend this company highly enough if you are looking for all in with no hidden costs camper van hire give them a go
Just back from a week of the NC500. The van (Mac) was ace, everything we needed and more was included and it performed flawlessly. Unlimited mileage and dog friendliness made them an easy choice. The booking, collection and return process were a breeze, and Rob and George were both lovely guys and a pleasure to deal with. If you are thinking about a trip, then these are the guys to use.
We had Harry for our family holiday, he didn't disappoint.Thoroughly enjoyed our time away. Thank you.
OUTSTANDING!! - we hired a camper van from here, was incredibly easy process to collect, everything included, all needs catered for. The van was spotless, and drive was perfect. Very approachable staff, Rob and Alex there to help throughout our journey, collected and dropped us at the station. Very down to earth, and accommodating. If you are going to hire a camper van in the north of Scotland, this is the company you should use!!!
We had an absolutely lovely time spending 8 days exploring the Highlands in Brodie. The van was excellent, and Rob and George made the whole experience welcoming and easy. If only every vehicle renting experience was like this, the traveling world would be a much better place.
A huge thank you to Big Sky Campers for making the Scotland leg of our family UK & Europe trip so seamless. They communicated promptly and went out of their way to accommodate our needs at pick up and drop off. Our van Magnus was perfect, easy to operate and roomy enough for the 4 of us (2 adults, 2 teens). We loved our time in Scotland and the freedom that having a campervan gave us. We hope to come back one day!
Thanks to Big Sky Campers we were able to make our long-standing dream of travelling around Scotland come true in July 2023. It was a great adventure - Rob, Alex and George are simply the best team who care about their customers :) We received answers to all our questions and felt really 'looked after'. Campervan Magnus was our home on wheels for two weeks - perfectly equipped and comfortable for a family of 4. It met our expectations in every way:) We will definitely return to beautiful Scotland in the future (NC 500, Orkney Islands, Shetland Islands...and many other magical places) and we will hire a campervan from Big Sky Campers! Best greetings from Poland to the Team and see you in the future :)
Very good rental experience with Big Sky Campers.Quality vans, very good advice for the trip. Quick and efficient exchanges even during the rental and transfers from Inverkeithing or ferrytoll to go to the airport.Thanks Rob and Alex!!
We had an amazing holiday in early July with 'Duncan' from Big Sky Campers. The van is really spacious with everything needed for a home away from home and my husband said it was great to drive!Everyone at Big Sky Campers was really, really helpful, friendly and professional with excellent customer service and as a plus, their website gives you some great tips for places to visit and how to make the most of your holiday.Highly recommended, I am already looking to book my next break with Big Sky Campers and if you are looking to book a campervan break, you will not be disappointed!
Rob and his associates at Big Sky Campers are very kind and helpful.They picked us up from the train station to the warehouse and vice versa when we returned the van.Speaking of the van, it was delivered in excellent quality, with everything we needed, as promised.It made our journey in the Higlands so pleasant.Thank you so much for your excellent service. I definitely recommend Big Sky Campers for van rental.
Great service and friendly - we were cozy in Ruby fir our week awayPeterhead- Kinloss - Rothiemurchus,BraemarThank you
We rented Flora for a week to do the NC500 as our honeymoon.She was absolutely amazing and handled a few of the dodgy roads with absolute ease.The van was in amazing condition, was comfortable and really was just great fun!The team also were so helpful and nice to us when we picked the van, a pleasure to deal with.An all round excellent experience!
We booked Bonnie for a week and absolutely LOVED our time! We had 4 adults in one van and it worked out just fine if you are okay being a little close. We never had to book a campsite. We were able to wild-camp each night and finding water to refill was our only difficulty. Your camper van has everything you would need— there are chairs, tables, cooking ware, bedding, etc. The team was very accommodating, friendly, and helpful. They picked us up from the train station and dropped us off after we were done with our stay. It was a zero stress experience and would HIGHLY recommend Big Sky Campervans to other travelers! You will have a blast!
Absolutely recommended. We had a great experience with our van from Big Sky. The van drove wonderfully. The amenities of the van were great, including the expandable roof. The beds were very comfortable. The van was also very well insulated so it stayed a comfortable temperature all night. I would absolutely recommend Big Sky Campers, and I would not hesitate to hire their van again.
Had the best trip away with Big Sky Campers. From initial enquiry to drop off Rob and the team were responsive, reasonable, and a good laugh. We were picked up and dropped off to the station with no bother, which was ideal. Brodie was the ideal vehicle who handled all roads and weather's. The fact that everything is included is a real bonus. Already highly recommended to everyone, and hope to book again very soon.
Big Sky Campers was the perfect place to hire from, we hired flora and she was amazing. Clean, in very good condition and came with pretty much everything we needed. She was the perfect companion as we travelled through the North Coast of Scotland. I will 100% be using them and would recommend to anyone.
We had a lovely 2 week trip around the Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Skye in Harry! He is fully equipped and has unlimited mileage which for us was a must! Driving on the left was an adjustment at first but overall Harry was easy to adjust to and not too big which was perfect for the single track roads up north. Rob was very quick to reply and came to pick us up at the nearby train station which is an added bonus! Would book again without hesitation.
We had a wonderfull trip with Betty around Scottland and luckily had almost no rain :-).Pick-up, hand-over and return of the hire was well arranged and super professional. Thanks to Rob and the team, we always felt in good hands!Best, Martin and familiy
We rented Mac, the Jeep Wrangler with rooftop tent for the week and had an amazing roadtrip with it. The car was very well equipped with everything you need and communications with Big Sky campers went really well. Would highly recommend!
Flora was the best campervan we could have asked for! Extra cozy and worked perfectly. Owners are wonderful people too.
Me and my girlfriend had an excellent one week long trip with Wallace - the Landrover Defender. Booking the Landy on the website was very easy and handy. The pickup of the car and service as well as explanation provided by Rob and Alexa was perfect. The car itself is magnificent - very clever design, kitted with everything you need and for me as a Defender enthusiast one of the big highlights on my Scotland trip itself. ;)I can only recommend booking Wallace or one of the other camper vans with Big Sky Campers to explore Scotland! I especially liked the personal and individual style of the cars and service compared to the other car rentals!
We rented the VW California with integrated kitchen and bed. The car was as new, very roomy and comfortable.Rob is very helpful and you notice right away that he loves what he is doing :)Can only recommend - 5 stars :)
Rob was very kind and helpful. Picked us up from the train station and delivered back after the trip.Car was perfect and we enjoyed it. VW T2 gave us retro celebrity feeling 😀
We just got back from a 7 night trip driving Rowan around the NC500. We had the best time - we were travelling with our 2 year old daughter and Rob and Alex made it so easy for us, providing everything we could need for a comfortable stay. It was our first time driving and staying in a campervan and the whole process was so straightforward - Rob made sure we knew how everything worked before we drove off. I highly recommend Big Sky Campers for campervan rental!
My family rented Flora for me post-covid for the weekend as a multiple-missed-birthdays treat! She was an absolute pleasure to drive and has been maintained beautifully. We travelled to Mull and Iona and got lots of waves and smiles as we drove by, she certainly brought the sunshine when it was raining. Such an amazing experience, I've always wanted to drive and original VW T2 ???? BSC were super knowledgeable and helpful, so easy to communicate with and gave us lots of tips. Would definitely recommend Flora if you want a classic roadtrip experience!
I recently hired VW Brodie for a 2 week trip around the NC500, Lewis & Harris and Skye and cannot fault the service received and Brodie himself! The van was the perfect way to drive around those twisty Highlands roads, the bed was comfy and everything you need was there for you. I can’t thank Rob enough for the friendly service and fantastic van!
I did a LOT of research when looking to hire a campervan to do the NC500. I’m so glad I went with Big Sky Campers! They were very transparent about costs, were flexible and clearly take huge pride and care with their fleet. Rob made us feel that the van was there to be enjoyed. We had Rowan and she was clean, comfortable and had everything we needed. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Blue Sky Camiers and I’ll definitely go back to them when planning our next adventure!
I had the most fantastic long weekend driving Dougal, the vintage VW around the beautiful roads of the Highlands. He is a true dream to drive and super spacious for two people!I can’t thank Big Sky Campers enough for making the whole experience so wonderful. They did a fantastic job in helping us plan our route and we got to see so many incredible sights as a result.Alex and Rob were extremely accommodating, they answered any questions we had and gave us a thorough tour of the van before setting off. They were also super reassuring as I hadn’t driven a vintage van before and this extra level of care made the journey that much more rewarding ????Thank you both for such an incredible experience, I will be recommending you to all of my family & friends!!
Had a wonderful trip with Dougal over a long weekend - the van was everything we needed! Really comfortable and cozy. We weren’t completely set on a route but the Big Sky team helped us out with some suggestions of destinations, scenic roads, camper van parks and places to eat and drink. The van was easy to drive and if a hiccup ever came up Rob was always on call. Looking forward to another Big Sky adventure soon!
Had an absolutely amazing 2 week escape with my partner in Duncan. Could not recommend Big Sky enough. Rob & Alex are incredibly friendly and responded to any questions we had over our trip. Definitely the best way to explore Scotland.
We had a lovely 4 night stay in Magnus. Very easy to book, the van comes with everything you need and it’s an easy train ride from Edinburgh to pick up the van with the owners coming to meet you at the station! Have recommended to all our friends and we would definitely book again to see more of picturesque Scotland. Thanks Rob and Alex :)
Brilliant company and lovely people. The van was top and Rob and Alex couldn't have been more helpful. Plus they have dog friendly vans so you don't have to leave the pup at home! Will definitely use again!
Absolutely amazing service from Rob..Camper-van was immaculate and booking process was so easy. The van itself was amazing, easy to drive and soooo comfortable - what a weekend we had with Ruby (van) climbing Ben Nevis. No hesitation in recommending this company. I will absolutely be booking again and again and again! Rob - thank you, fantastic service! Can’t thank you enough!
We have just given back ‘Harry’ who we hired from Rob at Big Sky Campers. We have had a lovely holiday and couldn’t recommend a camper van holiday enough…if you’re looking for campervan hire in Scotland, then Rob is your guy. He was accommodating and friendly from start to finish throughout the whole experience which really made a difference. The campers come equipped with everything you would need which means you can just rock up with your personal belongings and head off without having to worry. Another thing we agreed was lovely was the lack of branding on the campers, travelling around we saw some with lots of massive garish logos all over them, we loved that the camper didn’t bring attention to himself and as novice campers, made us feel more at ease and inconspicuous in situations which were new for us. All in all I would recommend them to anyone and Robs service and kindness certainly makes the business extra special.
Everything was included, no hidden extra costs. Genuine, helpful people who are at the end of a phone if you have any questions about the van whilst you're away. Quick replies to emails. Van was lovely and surpassed my expectations.
My friend and I recently returned from a fantastic roadtrip to Skye, and we hired "Magnus" from Big Sky Campers for the 4 days.Right from the start we could not fault the service in any way, from the initial communications sent, the subsequent follow up's, through to the pick up (having never driven a campervan - Rob explained / demonstrated very thoroughly how everything worked), and finally the hand back....there was not a single hitch along the way.Magnus was brand new and a dream to drive - totally immaculate throughout and very comfortable to sleep in.Rob and Alex could not have been more helpful and just generally absolutely lovely people - and I really appreciated that they have a secure facility to keep your own car in while you are away.I wouldn't think twice about recommending Big Sky Campers to anyone thinking about a roadtrip, we'll definitely be back and already planning our next trip away.
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