Whisky Forum - Scotland July camping trip

Scotchnthings · Double Malt Member Joined: 11 Feb 2019 Posts: 144

Hey,

Im planning a (wild) camping trip to scotland with two friends half July this year. I very much like a dram, my friends wouldnt say no when they are offered but arent really enthousiasts either, so I dont want to plan the whole trip around distilleries either. Well be driving around. I have done a trip a few years ago where I drove from Glasgow onto Islay and then the West coast up to inverness and back, and I absolutely loved it (excerpt for the midges). What would the experts recommend.

I would absolutely love to go to Campbeltown for example (mainly for the whisky) but would it have much to offer for the lesser whisky enthousiast?

Thanks

BigShing · Master Of Malts Joined: 21 Feb 2019 Posts: 281

Not sure Campbeltown would be the best destination for a camping trip as it's more of a coastal town. Obviously great place to go for the whisky though!

The Mantis · Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2020 12:09 pm Post subject:

I disagree about the coastal town thing as you are driving. Campbeltown is surrounded by wonderful places to camp like Machrihanish which has beaches like the Hebrides, and Southend. Also Carradale nearby is very nice.

The worst thing about Campeltown is it's absolutely miles from anywhere. If you're determined to go there you could combine it with trips to Arran and Gigha. Or Islay depending on how long you've got. Kennacraig where you depart for Islay is not far from Campbeltown.

You also don't mention how mobile you and your mates are. Campbeltown has Davaar Island (with an impressive crucifixion cave painting), which is tidal and a 2km walk. Also the Mull of Kintyre lighthouse which is good if you're mobile. There is an excellent whisky trail in Campbeltown but don't go on a Sunday.

Scotchnthings · Double Malt Member Joined: 11 Feb 2019 Posts: 144

Yep were all pretty mobile (depending on the level of alcohol that went through us Top Malt

). For me Campbeltown would definitely be top of the List, but as you say its quite of a detour. So it would probably be best planning it in at the beginning or end of the trip. The beaches do look lovely though. Has anyone taken the Androssan - Campbeltown ferry at all?

BigShing · Master Of Malts Joined: 21 Feb 2019 Posts: 281

Scotchnthings · Double Malt Member Joined: 11 Feb 2019 Posts: 144

Whisky Rogue · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Mar 2017 Posts: 628

Have you walked the West Highland Way, you can take in Glengoyne near the start of it and you will find Ben Nevis near the end of it. You can break it up into legs and just do a part you want https://www.westhighlandway.org/

BigShing · Master Of Malts Joined: 21 Feb 2019 Posts: 281

The Mantis · Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2020 10:31 am Post subject:

Been to Campbeltown 2 or 3 times. I wouldn't exactly say it was a dump, but it's a bit run down in places. Some of the buildings were obviously very grand in their day and many still are. Plenty of sandstone and granite about.