By the time Easter 2023 came around we were so ready for a getaway. Skye had been on our radar, as part of the Inner Hebrides which we have not explored and, because we were so impressed by the Outer Hebrides.

It’s a long drive though, from the South Yorkshire Technology Corridor, so a stop off was required along the way.

99 quisdworth of diesel in the tank and we were away.

We had sunny skies and a clear run, so got as far as our favourite roadside farm shop with added camels Mainsgill Farm Shop, in time for a picnic. No camels on show though this time!

The smalls discovered the play area, with zip wire, round the back:

From Mainsgill we moved steadily north until we reached our destination of Luss Campsite right on the shores of Loch Lomond.

We’ve always passed straight through Loch Lomond, so discovering a little site right by the water was a treat. It cost us 38 quid for the night with EHU. Technically, it wasn’t a lochside pitch, they were more expensive, but the walk to the shoreline was all of about 20 metres. Mother would be satisfied with the sanitary arrangements too.

Beerz were dispensed and the smalls descended to scuft about for sticks and rocks by the water’s edge. The boy child is doing a spot of Geology at school, so is up for collecting all sorts of pebbles – great!

We enjoyed a quick tea of fresh pasta and sauce, the anklebiterz exhausted the play area and we settled down to a clear night…

…which gave way to a top sunrise 🌅

From Loch Lomond to Skye it was still a way to go, so we planned to be away fairly early and enjoy a couple of stops en route.

The first hour or so was fine, but the last 20 miles or so before hitting Fort William was inexplicably gridlocked, which meant our intended plan of a late lunch at Invermoriston became a late lunch at Fort William and an even later arrival at Tuesday night’s camp.

We parked up at the car park just short of the town centre and had a picnic and a wander. Cost a couple of quid, there were a number of dedicated MH spaces at the far end.

We took the opportunity to refuel at the supermarket before leaving town and headed off, bypassing some gorgeous scenery, including Eilean Donan Castle and pulled up at Reraig Camping in time for tea.

On polling the family, we decided that Reraig was one of our favourite stops on this trip.

Cute horsebox reception, illuminated shrubbery, very fancy conweniences, a Spar next door, a beach opposite, all v.good. 36 quid a night with EHU.

And there was a Scullery. What’s not to like?

I took the girl child for an evening stroll, mainly to the Spar in search of bacon, and we spotted the actual Skye Bridge when the mist cleared.

Wednesday was damp and grey and we crossed the bridge to Skye after breakfast. Almost immediately lost data and mobile signal and gained serious scenery.

We drove through Broadford, and decided to continue so headed to Portree. The long stay car park just as you enter town had plenty of spaces, some dedicated for MHs and was right by the water. Thus far the driving, and road quality was easy and smooth. But not for much longer!

Steep steps out of the car park led us past a Batik shop (?!) and round the main street to the harbour.

10 mins in the rain exhausted the delights of Portree. We had fish and chips and made the decision to head back south to the campsite opposite the Sligachan Hotel which we passed on the way up.

The little mester at Sligachan Campsite was v.jovial and despite being early for his stint on the reception, sorted us out for 2 nights. It was 40 nicker a night including EHU and despite the fact that the Elsan point was knackered. Quite steep.

The views were gorgeous, it was very quiet and clear and starry the first night, but the facilities were very cold, damp, municipal and uninviting. And cost 40 quid a night.

We spent a stupidly long time looking for a level spot, but eventually admitted defeat and got the chocks out.

At this point it’s worth mentioning that campsites on Skye, and further afield are getting very expensive for what you get. The price per night of all the campsites we looked at (bar Lettershaws) were over 30 and in most cases over 40 quid a night.

Whilst planning the trip, I looked at the C&CC club site on Skye, who actually want members to pay 73.50 a night 🫨🫨🫨

We drove past it whilst we were up the top end of the island and it looked exactly like any other – no sign of gold plated facilities or butler service, so I can’t see how charging more than 30 quid above already inflated prices is justified.

It has been reported in the news recently that camping is no longer an ‘affordable’ holiday option due to rises in the cost of living, and especially due to energy prices. Even if you were able to chew through a tenners worth of electricity a day in your van there’s still an awful lot of ramping up going on, and as we found on Skye, paying through the nose is no guarantee of quality facilities.

All in all, a pricey start to the adventure, and still a week to go.

#CampervanCapers