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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To go on holiday in a campervan in Scotland in October?

108 replies

letspartytomorrow · 30/09/2023 19:11

We can never afford it in the summer and have found a good deal. I get that it will be slightly colder and dark at 5 pm. But that means we can have camp fires at a reasonable time for the kids! AIBU? Will it be terrible?

OP posts:
colouringindoors · 30/09/2023 21:35

Some totally bonkers answers on here! I'm a Southerner (who's been to Scotland few times and loves it) and I would definitely Go! Like others have said, layers and waterproofs, enjoy castles and cosy pubs 😊

User48364065 · 30/09/2023 21:40

Dabralor · 30/09/2023 21:28

I got pregnant in a campervan in South Lanarkshire one October.
Just sayin- be careful out there.

Not much else to do in S Lanarkshire tbf

IfYouDontAsk · 30/09/2023 21:44

I haven’t read all of the replies so I may be a lone voice but it sounds lovely to me. I’d take hot water bottles, fleecy throws, slippers, really nice hot chocolate, jigsaws and board games for if the weather’s not great.

Nc4001 · 30/09/2023 21:44

User48364065 · 30/09/2023 21:40

Not much else to do in S Lanarkshire tbf

Show quote history

There's loads, you have New Lanark and... yeah, you're right. 😁

KidwithADHD · 30/09/2023 21:49

It could be wonderful, or it could be awful.

that’s the problem with holidays in Scotland in any time of the year- always a gamble.

my worry would be if it’s wet- camper and are not much fun if it’s full of damp clothes and steamed up windows!

as pps have said- there might not be as many places open. Scotland is famed for its lack of hospitality at the best of times ( I can say that - I’m from there! )

renovationheavenandhell · 30/09/2023 21:53

where are you going? Last October and into November was absolutely lovely in lots of areas, lots of mild days and sunny weather, can often be like that. Friend was up Speyside end of Oct and it hit 20 degrees a couple of days - lovely.

2024815pm · 30/09/2023 21:55

letspartytomorrow · 30/09/2023 20:56

I've booked it,thanks for all the reassurances. We're based in Edinburgh. I don't want to travel too far maybe 1.5 hrs the first day stay a few nights, then move on to another place. Hopefully 3 - 4 hour journey back at the end. Any recommendations welcome.

I live in Stirlingshire and am just about to start a blog about the absolute beauty of Scotland. Today we visited Loch Fyne, Arrochar. Tarbet, Luss, and passed through Balloch, Drymen, Buchyive and had dinner at the Inn at Kippen. Practically on our doorstep and the scenery is breathtaking.. Absolutely amazing day out. Was pouring a lot but you have got to see the beautiful Scottish mountains when the mist is drifting. I'd actually prefer to go motorhoming in Scotland in Autumn. No midges lol

renovationheavenandhell · 30/09/2023 21:56

@HarpieDuJour last October was really lovely in the East I didn’t feel full on winter hit until the very end of Nov.

SkankingWombat · 30/09/2023 21:58

As long as you book a campsite that isn't too exposed and aren't totally dependent on being able to use the awning if the winds are bad, it will be fine. I would want to book a pitch with hard standing and EHU at that time of year though. I'd invest in onesies, Oodies, and fluffy socks if you haven't already too.

We are camping in a trailer tent in October half term. Much further south, but right on the coast (there is beach access from the campsite) so pretty exposed. It should be fine. Full-on storms would be a problem, but low temperatures, rain, or even light snow won't stop us. In a motorhome, you are far better protected from the elements than we will be. We have a built-in heater, teddy bear fleece bedding, and 2 to a bed, so will be toasty at night. I've booked hard standing, so we won't be stepping out into a quagmire if the week turns out to be really wet, and EHU so we're not eeking out the power from the leisure batteries and rationing fan heater use.

I suspect some of the doom mongers on this thread are not even fairweather campers!

Malarandras · 30/09/2023 21:59

I live in Scotland all year round and I wouldn’t be in campervan in October. It’s not the Artic Circle true, but chances are the weather won’t be great. It probably won’t be awful but it will be grey and miserable. Best if luck!

peppermintcrisp · 30/09/2023 22:00

I have camped in the October half term in England it was beautiful. You will be absolutely fine.

2024815pm · 30/09/2023 22:00

Malarandras · 30/09/2023 21:59

I live in Scotland all year round and I wouldn’t be in campervan in October. It’s not the Artic Circle true, but chances are the weather won’t be great. It probably won’t be awful but it will be grey and miserable. Best if luck!

Where are you in Scotland?

renovationheavenandhell · 30/09/2023 22:01

God if you’re in Edinburgh you can just come home if some crazy storm hits can’t you! Glad you booked it. I really hope we get a nice half term!

Pleaseme · 30/09/2023 22:02

I live in Scotland and own a camper van and will be sleeping lochside next month. Top tips, no matter how cold or blowy it I’d you need some ventilation in a van to avoid it feeling damp. Get a camping battery ( might be a leisure battery in a rental) and a plug in electric blanket, life is much nicer with an electric blanket. Lots of marshmallows for campfire. Plan B somewhere warm and dry. Also local leisure centres are great for a proper shower if you are wild camping.

Ashleysaidwhat · 30/09/2023 22:02

I did the nc500 in October. Hands down one of the worst holidays I have been on. It was cold, wet and grey. Never again and Im Scottish and stayed here all my life

Ashleysaidwhat · 30/09/2023 22:04

@Frabbits it's not kicking the arse of winter weather

2024815pm · 30/09/2023 22:10

Its actually better when it's rainy

To go on holiday in a campervan in Scotland in October?
To go on holiday in a campervan in Scotland in October?
romany4 · 30/09/2023 22:10

DH and I are doing a tour of the Highlands for our wedding anniversary next September.
As someone who raised my children in Scotland, I'm laughing at the people all saying the weather is terrible in October. I don't remember the October half term ever being that bad. Sometimes a bit damp, that's all
Our wedding day was glorious sunshine and blue skies ( late September)

2024815pm · 30/09/2023 22:20

Ashleysaidwhat · 30/09/2023 22:02

I did the nc500 in October. Hands down one of the worst holidays I have been on. It was cold, wet and grey. Never again and Im Scottish and stayed here all my life

Can i ask where you're from in Scotland? We're doing the same route

2024815pm · 30/09/2023 22:21

romany4 · 30/09/2023 22:10

DH and I are doing a tour of the Highlands for our wedding anniversary next September.
As someone who raised my children in Scotland, I'm laughing at the people all saying the weather is terrible in October. I don't remember the October half term ever being that bad. Sometimes a bit damp, that's all
Our wedding day was glorious sunshine and blue skies ( late September)

Agree x

spanishviola · 30/09/2023 22:29

It sounds wonderful and I’d go. The autumn colours will be glorious and there will be lots of wildlife to see.

Ashleysaidwhat · 30/09/2023 22:33

@2024815pm Edinburgh. My DH loved but I hated every second of it

2024815pm · 30/09/2023 22:36

Ashleysaidwhat · 30/09/2023 22:33

@2024815pm Edinburgh. My DH loved but I hated every second of it

HSLTB 😀

2024815pm · 30/09/2023 22:44

Edinburgh is the best city (well, after Glasgow) in the world. It's got everything. Restaurants, history,castle, dungeons hills, gardens, Dobbies garden centre, Hollyrood Palace, beaches anything you want is in or near Edinburgh

BashfulClam · 30/09/2023 22:58

I remember some friends getting married on 31st October. We dressed warmly and it was 22c. Right now where I am it’s been wet, sunny, windy etc.