Did you know Scotland is home to more than 140 distilleries? From Talisker on the Isle of Skye in the Highlands to Glenkinchie in the Lowlands and everything in between, there are so many spots to discover Scotland’s most famous drink. However, what happens if you are touring Scotland in your campervan or caravan? You’ll need somewhere to park up for the evening to allow you to enjoy your whisky experience responsibly. We’ve rounded up some of the best locations to discover the beauty of whisky from your motorhome.
Clydeside
Right next to The SEC, The Clydeside Distillery is Glasgow's first dedicated Single Malt Scotch Whisky Distillery in over 100 years. Whisky distillery tours and guided whisky tasting sessions let you dive deep into The Clydeside Distillery experience. Their expert tour guides share the fascinating dockside story before you sit down and sample exquisite drams in a stylish tasting room. The Clydeside Café showcases a delicious selection of locally sourced produce including platters, sandwiches, and sweet treats, as well as whisky tasting flights, teas, coffee and much more. They also have a specialist whisky shop, that offers a selection of Clydeside Single Malts as well as a wonderful selection of single malt from all regions of Scotland.
Aberlour
Aberlour Gardens Caravan Park is right in the heart of malt whisky country and even on the official Whisky Trail. This five acre site is set within a Victorian walled garden where red squirrels and buzzards are regular occurrence. There are guest spots for motorhomes and caravans in simply the most stunning location. The Aberlour Distillery is around a two mile walk from the campsite where you can enjoy exquisite tastings of this famous malt whisky from just £20. Head in the other direction and you’ll reach the Speyside Whisky Cooperage in Craigellachie where you can savour the sight, smells and sounds of a working cooperage.
The Macallan
Staying in and around Aberlour is perhaps one of the most famous whisky experiences in the world, The Macallan Estate. Visit the shop for a host of special editions and unique merchandise or book one of the unforgettable experiences where an expert gives an insight into the dedication, craft and passion that goes into creating The Macallan. Speyside Camping is the ideal spot to base yourself for a trip to the The Macallan Estate and gives a real flavour of the Scottish Highlands. The site is run by the Camping and Caravanning Club, has excellent facilities and a breath-taking outlook.
Bunnahabhain
Take a ferry over to Islay and you’ll be surrounded by some of the most famous whisky distilleries in the world. Port Mor Centre and Campsite at Port Charlotte is the perfect basecamp to explore the island’s distilleries and with an excellent bus service you’ll be able to make your way around them safely and responsibly. Check out the nearby Bunnahabhain Distillery which sits right on the sea front and is just four miles from the campsite making it a great starting point. Enjoy an exclusive look at the warehouse or an expert tasting to see what your senses unlock.
Ben Nevis
Located in the Highland town of Fort William, the Ben Nevis Distillery is a must-visit. This single malt is crafted using brewer’s yeast and is the last distillery in Scotland to use this traditional method of fermentation. Silversands Caravan and Campsite is the ideal spot to park up to visit the Ben Nevis Distillery. Located on the golden sandy beaches of Arisaig with stunning views to the Isle of Skye, it’s perfectly placed for easy access around the whole of Fort William.
Royal Lochnagar
If you’d like to be near the company of royalty then look no further than Royal Lochnagar in the Cairngorms National Park, just a mile from Balmoral. This single malt, known for its outstanding flavour and incredible location, is high on every whisky lover’s wish list. There are multiple tour options including a warehouse tasting or a whisky and chocolate matching experience. Braemar Caravan Park is just outside the Highland village of Braemar and has plenty of motorhome pitches and facilities, plus is just a short bus or taxi journey from the distillery. The park is in a stunning location, surrounded by the beauty of the Cairngorm mountains and plenty of pubs, restaurants, and shops in the nearby village.
If touring Scotland’s distilleries from the comfort of a motorhome has given you some food for thought, then why not pay a visit to the show at the SEC from 1-4 February, where you can see all the latest models and innovations in the campervan world, helping you make those dreams a reality.
Get you tickets here