Freedom of Scotland

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue – Stonehaven

Maggie — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:13:40 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome
or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels

Summary:

Stonehaven lies on the main road and rail routes, fifteen miles south of Aberdeen This proximity and its good transport links have ensured that Stonehaven has benefitted from the oil wealth generated by its northern neighbor over the past quarter century. But despite this the town had maintained its own very distinctive character and charm.

Getting There:
Stonehaven is very easily reached from the major east coast cities in Scotland.

From Aberdeen, it’s just 20 minutes by train, with departures regular throughout the day
From Dundee, approximately 50 minutes by train (again – regular departures as it’s on the main Edinburgh-Aberdeen line
Edinburgh by train is 2 hours away

Attractions:

Arbuthnott House and Gardens

Conducted tours round this famous property are available on certain days while the gardens are open all the year round

Crathes Castle

Some 3 miles east of Banchory and 14 miles from Stonehaven, this is a real fairy-tale castle – a definite must.

Fettercairn Distillery

Fettercairn Distillery is just a few miles south of Stonehaven. This was originally founded in 1824 and reconstructed after damage 1887 – 1890

Nearby Camping:

Cloak Caravan Park, Stonehaven, 01569 750232

Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Caravan Park, Stonehaven, 01569 764041

About me: I’m Maggie and work for the Motorhome Hire Network
(Motorhome City, Hirebuddies and Freedom of Scotland Motorhome Hire. We provide
a network of motorhomes to hire and campervans to rent, with over 240 locations
throughout the UK. If you would like to find out more, please visit our
websites, or if you wish to book a motorhome or campervan, just give us a call
on our local rate number 0845 527 3572.

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue – Irvine

Maggie — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:11:16 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome
or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels

Summary:

Irvine is a new town on the coast of the Firth of Clyde in North Ayrshire, Scotland. According to 2007 population estimates, the town is home to 39,527 inhabitants, making it the biggest settlement in North Ayrshire.

Getting There:
Irvine is also well served by several arterial roads, namely the A78 (Greenock to Prestwick), A71 (Irvine to Kilmarnock and beyond to Edinburgh), A737 (through the Garnock Valley to Glasgow via the M8) and the A736 to Glasgow

Attractions:

Dundonald Castle

The castle’s association with the Stuarts gives Dundonald its special importance. It was built by Robert Stuart in 1371 to mark his succession to the throne of Scotland. The castle has been transformed over the past ten years and more into one of the must visit attractions in Ayrshire. Situated on a hill above the village, the castle affords some of the best views of the county

Scottish Maritime Museum

The Scottish Maritime Museum is situated near Irvine harbour, which was once one of Glasgow’s main trading ports. There are many facilities here from the leisure centre to bird-watching on the river estuary. There are fine walks and rides with magnificent views of the Firth of Clyde on the beach.

Museum of the Cumbraes

The Museum of the Cumbraes exhibits historic items and documents that relate to the history of the Millport and the islands of Great and Wee Cumbrae. Originally intended as Millport’s Garrison House, the museum occupies this fine building gracefully, allowing visitors to sample many of the beautiful historic and archaeological finds that have been made in the region

Nearby Camping:

Viewfield Camping Leisure Park, Irvine, 01294 850286

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue – Aberdeen

Maggie — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:17:56 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome
or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels

Summary:

Aberdeen: Home to the country’s largest national park, a dramatically imposing coastline and of course the city itself, there is so much to explore in Aberdeen City and Shire. Fusing striking granite architecture, a rich and inspiring history, a dynamic modern arts scene and perhaps Scotland’s strongest industrial heritage; the country’s third largest city offers a host of treasures, just waiting to be explored again & again

Getting There:
The main traffic routes into Aberdeen are the A90 from the South, Dundee, Edinburgh and Perth, and the A96 from Inverness and the North.

Attractions:

Stratosphere

Exhibits offer interactive ways for visitors to discover more about the world around them and the science of how things work.

Macduff Marine Aquarium

One of North Scotland’s most popular educational attractions. Come face to face with hundreds of local sea creatures from rocky shores to the kelp reefs and beyond. Fascinating and interactive displays. Don’t miss dive and feeding shows, special talks and fun quizzes

Aberdeen Arts Centre

Professional and amateur theatre and small gallery for contemporary arts and crafts.

Nearby Camping:

Portsoy Links Caravan Park, Aberdeen, 01261 842695

Braemar Caravan Club Campsite, Aberdeen, 01339 741373

Aboyne Loch Caravan Park, Aberdeen, 01339 886244

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue – Inverness

Maggie — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:04:20 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome
or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels

Summary:

Inverness: Inverness lies near two important battle sites: the 11th century battle of Blàr nam Fèinne against Norway which took place on The Aird and the 18th century Battle of Culloden which took place on Culloden Moor. It is the northernmost city in the United Kingdom and lies within the Great Glen (Gleann Mòr) at its north-eastern extremity where the River Ness enters the Moray Firth.

Getting There:
The A9 south links Inverness with Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, and the largest city, Glasgow. It continues north across the Kessock Bridge to the Northern Highlands of Scotland. To the east, the A96 links Inverness to the seaside holiday resort of Nairn and on to Aberdeen

Attractions:

Loch Ness & the Loch Ness Monster

Loch Ness is best known for sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as “Nessie”, the Loch’s water visibility is exceptionally low due to a high peat content in the surrounding soil, making the mystery of Nessie even more intriguing.

The Caledonian Canal

Considered by many to be one of the greatest waterways of the world, a masterpiece of canal engineering, slicing through the length of the Great Glen, a massive geological fault in the Earth’s crust.

Culloden Battlefield

The Battle of Culloden took place on Culloden Moor, on 16 April 1746. It was the final battle of the 1745 Jacobite Rising and the last Battle to be held on British soil.

Nearby Camping:

Macdonalds Bught Caravan Park, Inverness, 01463 236920

Nairn Camping & Caravan Site, Inverness, 01667 455281

Culloden Moore Caravan Club Campsite, Inverness, 01463 790625

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue – Inverary

Maggie — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:57:35 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome

or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels

Summary:

Inverary: Inveraray is the gateway to the Highlands and Islands. It offers access to national parks, mountains, glorious gardens and beautiful islands. There is a huge choice of historic sites including castles and monuments where stories of Scotland’s turbulent past will entertain you. It is on the western shore of Loch Fyne. It is the traditional county town of Argyll and ancestral home to the Duke of Argyll.

Getting There:
Ideally situated for exploring Argyll, the west coast and the Islands, Inveraray nestles on the banks of Loch Fyne only 38 miles from Oban. The town is well serviced by road links to the North and South, and lies approximately 60 miles from Glasgow

Attractions:

Inverary Jail

Inverary Jail is a living museum and top Scottish visitor attraction where real people portray life in a 19th century prison. Interact with costumed characters

Inveraray Castle and Gardens

Inveraray Castle is a remarkable and unique piece of architecture incorporating Baroque, Palladian and Gothic. This unmistakable Scottish Castle was the first of its size and type to be built in an remote part of Scotland

Auchindrain

Auchindrain Museum brings a historic Victorian farming village back to life. Visitors step back in time to witness how a local community lived, worked and played

Nearby Camping:

Argyll Caravan Park, Inverary, 01499 302285

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue- Isle of Skye

Maggie — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:52:12 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome
or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels

Summary:

Isle of Skye: The Island of Skye, situated off the West coast of Mainland Scotland, is the largest and best known of the Inner Hebrides. The Cuillin Hills, the Red Hills and Blaven have long been favourites with climbers and walkers. If you don’t fancy the high places, the deeply indented coastline means you are never far from the sea

Getting There:
From Fort William, enter Lochalsh at Cluanie and drive through awesome Glenshiel. Or take the alternative northern route from Inverness and enjoy the breath-taking scenery of Lochcarron and the surrounding countryside. You may also decide to take the award winning ‘Road to the Isles’ from Fort William to Mallaig for the ferry ‘over the sea to Skye’.

Attractions:

Dunvegan Castle

The seat of the MacLeod of MacLeod, Dunvegan Castle is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited family home in Scotland. The castle you see today is a mix of architectural styles and is not particularly attractive. The part of the interior open to the public is full of paintings and artefacts including the famous Fairy Flag, a St Kilda mail boat and mementos from the visits of Water Scott and Johnson and Boswell to the Castle, as well as Jacobite relics. The gardens are picturesque and beautifully kept. Cafe by the car park

Talisker Distillery

The only distillery on the Isle of Skye set on the shores of Loch Harport with dramatic views of the Cuillins. This alluring, sweet, full-bodied single malt is so easy to enjoy, and like Skye itself, so hard to leave. The admission charge for our Standard Distillery Tours includes a discount voucher, redeemable in our well-stocked distillery shop towards the purchase of a 70cl bottle of malt whisky, as well as a taste of our Talisker 10 year old. On weekdays our Connoisseurs Tour starts at 1.45pm and includes a more in-depth tour of the distillery as well as a 5 sample nosing and tasting session of whiskies selected from our award winning Talisker range

Toy Museum

The original Glendale toy museum was destroyed by fire in 2002 but has now been rebuilt and restocked with surviving and new toys. It is possible for children (and adults!) to play with many of the exhibits

Nearby Camping:

Lochside Caravan Site, Isle of Skye, 01471 822070

Skye Camping, Isle of Skye, 01470 582230

Staffin Campsite, Isle of Skye, 01470 562213

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue – Mull

Maggie — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:29:49 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome

or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels

Summary:

Mull: The Isle of Mull is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides, off the west coast of Scotland. Much of the population lives in Tobermory. Tobermory is also home to Mull’s only single malt Scotch whisky distillery

Getting There:

Ferry links to Mull from the mainland include Oban to Craignure (approx. 45 minutes), Kilchoan to Tobermory (approx. 35 minutes) and Lochaline to Fishnish (approx. 15 minutes).

Attractions:

Glengorm Castle, By Tobermory

Victorian Castle in unique west coast location with unbroken views to outer isles. The castle itself is not open to the public, but provides B&B and self-catering accommodation. Gallery and cafe.

Duart Castle

Explore the 13th century home of the clan Maclean. Discover dungeons, State Rooms and Exhibitions. Spectacular views from the battlements. Telephone, or visit our web site for opening details. Tearoom and shop

Fingal’s Cave

Legend has it that Fingal’s Cave is the Scottish end of the Giant’s Causeway, built by an Ulster giant in order to fight the Gaelic giant Fingal

Nearby Camping:

Tobermory Campsite, Isle of Mull, 01688 302624

Fidden Farm Campsite, Isle of Mull, 01681 700427

Shieling holidays, Craignure, Isle of Mull, 01680 812496

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue – Brig O Turk, Perthshire

Maggie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:49:47 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome
or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels

Summary:

Brig O Turk is a small village in the Trossachs lying between Callander and Aberfoyle. The Trossachs is an outstandingly beautiful part of the Lomond and Trossachs National Park. If you are an Outdoors person then this area is perfect for you. There are miles of forest tracks to roam or cycle there is a sense of wilderness in areas such as the beautiful Glen Finglas or along the shores of Loch Katrine, Loch Venacher or Loch Achray. You can fish or sail or just take in the scenery.

Getting There:

7 miles west of Callander on the A821 road from Callander to Aberfoyle via the Duke’s Pass.

Attractions:

SS Sir Walter Scott

The famous steam ship Sir Walter Scott has been taking tourists around Loch Katrine for more than 100 years. The steamship company also run a smaller 28 seater which provides a shorter 45 minute cruise around the islands at the east end of the loch. There is a substantial visitor’s centre at the east end with restaurant and even bike hire.

Brig O Turk Tearoom

This tea room is rather more than ‘just’ a tea room as it provides meals throughout the day as well. It was built in 1923 and is well known to cyclists and walkers alike. It featured in the 1958 version of ‘The 39 Steps’ with Kenneth More. The walls are adorned with colour photographs of leisure cyclists in the 50s, enjoying the facilities

The Byre Inn

The Byre Inn: The Byre Inn is one of the most picturesque pub/restaurants in Perthshire with an excellent decked beer garden. Set between two lochs and only 2 miles from the Sir Walter Scott steamship. With Ben Ann and Ben Venue just minutes away.

Nearby Camping:

Gart Caravan Park, Callander, 01877 330002

The Trossachs Holiday Park, nr Aberfoyle, 0800 197 1192

Keltie Bridge Caravan & Camping Park, Callander, 01877 330606

Maggie’s Motorhome Travelogue – Strathaven (Scotland)

Maggie — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:21:10 +0000

If you are planning a tour of Scotland in a hired motorhome
or rented campervan, I have prepared some information that may assist your
travels.

Summary:

Strathaven is a lovely market town located in Central
Scotland on the A71, roughly about 8 miles East of East Kilbride, and about 6
miles north of Hamilton, in South Lanarkshire. It boasts a collection of gift
and craft shops, restaurants and fine pubs. It has centuries of history and was
granted a Royal Charter around 1450, which made it officially a Burgh of
Barony. The ruins of Strathaven Castle lie on a small hill, a couple of minutes’
walk from the town centre.

Getting there:

Strathaven is located on the A71 (Edinburgh to Kilmarnock
Road). It can also be reached from Hamilton and East Kilbride, or from
Stonehouse on the M74.

Attractions:

Strathaven Castle, built in 1458. It is not open to the
public, but can be viewed from the outside.

Weavers Public House and the nearby Bucks Head (situated
just off the town centre) are the best pubs in town, and the Bucks Head is locally
famed for its excellent food.

John Hastie and George Allen Parks (adjoined) offer
something for everyone including a children’s play area, a bowling green and
putting green, boating pond, tennis courts and a band stand. There is a
miniature railway operated by volunteers that opens to visitors at weekends in
the summer months. The Powmillion burn runs through the two parks.

The Covenanters Trail. Covenanters were people who signed
the National Covenant in 1698 to express their opposition to the Stuart Kings.

Nearby Camping:

Strathclyde Country Park, Hamilton, ML1 3ED (Tel: 01698
402060) – 7 miles away.

Mount View Caravan Park, Biggar, ML12 6RW (Tel: 01864
502808) – 24 miles away.

New Blogger on Freedom of Scotland Motorhome Hire

Maggie — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 15:21:55 +0000

Margaret Greenshields, will now be adding blogs to this section of the website.
With her extensive knowledge of Scotland, she will be writing about this small friendly Country of ours, where to go, places of interest, good pubs and hotels, and will also provde intineries for traveling around Scotland in a motorhome or campervan.