The area around Loch Tay and Kenmore in particular, is a paradise for lovers of the outdoors.  With Munros to climb, forests to explore and just about every water-based activity you can think of available on Loch Tay itself, you are guaranteed to never be bored.  The region is a big draw to those looking for an active holiday in Scotland.  If you are going to be playing hard during the day, you probably want an accommodation base that also provides facilities to help you fully relax in your downtime.  This is the full package that Taymouth Marina is aiming to provide.

I go tent camping in Scotland every year as it allows me to travel on a budget when I want to save my pennies but it also allows me to stay in some of the most beautiful spots in the country for free.  There are some great campsites out there and they are especially handy if you need to freshen up with a proper shower, but personally, I enjoy the freedom of wild camping and choosing the view from my 'room'.

I often get asked about places to camp and particularly the rules about wild camping in Scotland so I thought I would put together this guide based on my own experiences.  It covers all the basics for beginners or those planning a holiday in Scotland with their tent for the first time.

I've just returned from my latest wild camping trip to try out my new Vango tent and this time I went to Shapinsay, which is one of the Orkney islands.  After a day exploring, I found the perfect (albeit windy) spot by the beach and this was my view.  I think you'll agree it's a pretty good one considering it cost me nothing.  If I was staying in a hotel, I'd be charged a premium for a sea view like this.  I realise how lucky I am living in Scotland and having all this outdoor freedom.

If you are travelling on a budget or just want the flexibility that travelling with a tent brings, then Scotland is one of the best countries in the world for a camping excursion.  In my book, spending the night under canvas is the ultimate accommodation experience when it comes to truly immersing yourself in the spectacular Scottish landscape.

With our extensive roaming and camping rights, there are many options when it comes to enjoying a tent holiday.  If you're not sure where to start or where you can go with your tent, my guide covers advice on the following topics -

The most important thing for your camping trip is choosing the right tent.  Forget supermarket bargains or cheap festival pop-ups, they are a false economy.  Your tent is your accommodation, and ultimately, all that is protecting you from the Scottish elements is some material so it needs to be up to the job.
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If you want a comfortable night's sleep it is worth buying the best quality you can afford which is suitable for your purposes.  Not only will it last a long time, keep you dry and cosy, it will also make your life far less stressful when it comes to transporting, setting up and breaking down.

​Some basic things you need to think about when buying your tent -

• The size - Tents come in all shapes and sizes but there is no point buying a 5 man tent if you are travelling solo, or if like me, your dog is going to be joining you, it is a good idea to get something a little bigger. If you want space to sit up inside your tent, also check the height.  If it is a family holiday on a campsite that you're planning, you probably want a tent you can stand up in.   The choice can seem overwhelming at first but narrow it down by the maximum number of people who will be sleeping inside and then think about how much height you really need.

 

• Weather/time of year - What kind of weather and what time of year will you be staying outside?  For Scotland you will need a tent that is at least going to stand up to the wind and rain, even in the summer!  Make sure it also has good ventilation for the warmer days that we have been known to get from time to time!

 

• How easy is it to build - In general the less poles and bits you have, the quicker you will be able to set things up.  There are also now inflatable tent options that are ideal for fuss-free family adventures.

 

• Weight - If you're trekking you want something lightweight, if you're travelling by vehicle to a campsite then weight won't be as much of an issue.  

There are all sorts of extras that might be important to you like storage, doors, separate compartments etc so think carefully about what kind of trip you are planning before buying a tent and if possible visit an outdoor shop to get professional advice.

My latest tent is a Vango F10 Erebus 3 which was gifted to me to review (you can read what I think about it at the bottom of this article).  I chose this particular model as is very compact and lightweight which is ideal for future bike-packing trips that I'm planning in Scotland.

I have bought tents from Vango before and have always been impressed with the quality and this was no exception.  The company was established in Scotland in 1966 and have a long history of designing and manufacturing outdoor equipment.  Needless to say their tents have been thoroughly tested in the Scottish outdoors and around the world so I have confidence in their products.

They have a wide range of tents for every style of camper so I recommend checking the Vango website out to see what options are available.

Last week I spent 2 nights at The Lovat Loch Ness Hotel which sits near to the shores of Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal in the village of Fort Augustus. I have stopped off at Fort Augustus fairly regularly to stretch my legs on journeys from Fort William to Inverness but never really stayed long enough to explore properly.

Through my itinerary planning service I also get asked a lot about this area as it is a popular tourist route so I felt it was time to get much better acquainted.  It is also important to me that I can personally endorse accommodation based on my own experience whenever possible.
 - spoiler - I will definitely be recommending The Lovat Loch Ness!

On my most recent visit to Aberdeen I stayed at the recently opened Sandman Signature Aberdeen Hotel for 2 nights and it is the kind of accommodation the modern traveller to Scotland expects and that the city has been crying out for.  

Sitting in the heart of the city centre it is conveniently located for visiting most of the main city attractions and I found exploring on foot really easy with the occasional bus ride to reach places of interest outwith the centre.  
If you have a car, you can use the hotel car park although it is on a first come, first served basis.  Having your own transport means you can venture further afield in the region, personally I love the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail and exploring the outdoor scenery and castles of Royal Deeside. 

I've stayed in a few places locally and this is by far the best which is why I just had to write this review.  From the Instagrammable interior (yes, I really did just say Instagrammable, what has my life become!) to the quirky nods to Scotland in the decor, not to mention the superb service, hopefully you will love this place as much as I did.

From the outside, the hotel is a sprawling granite building, very in keeping with Aberdeen's grand architectural style.  Previously it was part of the Robert Gordon University campus and I can't imagine many businesses would be able to take on a structure this size so I'm glad it has been preserved and given a new lease of life.

When I first walked through the entrance I was wowed by the interior, a mix of grand, colourful, funky and Scottish.  Did I also mention that it is very Instagrammable!  The seating area is super comfy and conveniently has wireless phone charging pads on the tables.

My check-in was super easy and friendly.  I arrived quite early so I could drop off my suitcase at reception while I explored Aberdeen.  When I returned later in the day to check in properly I was impressed to find that my suitcase had already been taken to my room for me.

As I made my way across the thistle carpet to my room I realised just how big the hotel is on the inside as the corridors seemed to go on forever.  There are 218 guest rooms in total of various styles and I was booked in to Corporate King Room with a sofa bed.

The room was a good size and the decor had an industrial warehouse feel thanks to the copper lights, old school radiators and exposed brickwork in the bathroom.  However, there was no mistaking I was in a Scottish hotel thanks to the tartan throw and funky Highland Coo and stag cushions.  Photographs of local Aberdeenshire landmarks also added a regional touch.

​From a smart tv to a microwave, the room was well equipped and most importantly the bed was super comfy.  At my age a good night's sleep is essential so I'm becoming increasingly fussy about my hotel bed standards and I'm pleased to say this one rated highly.