Five great campervan spots for mountain biking families
1) Laggan Wolftrax, Laggan, near Kingussie and Spean Bridge, Scottish Highlands
What's here?: A superb network of great trails. The fab green (easy) route offers lots of fun for children and novice bikers and at 4.8km long it can be ridden repeatedly... until you tire! The red (intermediate) route is 15km in total and well worth the pedal power. For families with adrenaline junkies there is the bonkers black route that will offer a huge challenge on natural rock. There is also a good cafe on site.
Top campervan spots: The wonderful folk who run the Wolftrax centre have been known to let the occasional campervan (rather than big motorhomes) use the car park for a quick one-nighter, especially if you buy some of their lovely soup in the cafe.
Alternatively, the minor road up the Upper Spey past Laggan and Crathes is tempting. There are a couple of good wild camping spots up this road, but care needs to be taken with regards to field access. Please remember that if in doubt always ask permission and it's vital that you treat wild camp spots with sensitivity and high regard.
There are two good campsites in nearby Newtonmore. Spey Bridge Caravan site which is lovely and quaintly old-fashioned, and the lovely Invernahavon Caravan Site, which has great views and is ideal for letting the kids run around and burn off energy.
2) Rothiemurchus, near Aviemore, Scottish Highlands
What's here?: Miles of wonderful off-road cycling roads that weave a scenic network across the beautiful estate. There's even a bike map including three fantastic family routes that can be purchased from bike shop Bothy Bikes at Rothiemurchus. If you've not brought your bikes then why not hire from Bothy Bikes?
Top campervan spots:· It's possible to very, very discreetly wild camp in the lower car park up at the Coire Cas ski area. But if you are asked not to do so then please respect this wish. Wild campervanning is wonderful where appropriate but we are keen that campervan overnighters do not get a bad name.
A great alternative is the Forest Holidays Site at Glenmore on Loch Morlich. You'll need to book ahead though for the best pitches, which are at the "bottom end" of the site on the small road. The site is located next to a beautiful sandy beach and has lovely views.
Rothiemurchus Camping & Caravan Park is also a good bet and is located closer to the vibrant outdoors town of Aviemore. You will need to book ahead for this gorgeous site, too, as it's become really popular since it was featured in the Cool Camping Guide: Scotland.
3) Glentress, near Peebles, Scottish Borders
What's here?: This is the Mecca of mountain biking centres in Scotland, the UK, Europe and arguably the world. You could spend days at this centre and never tire of the trails and parks on offer. There is even a dedicated children's skills area and an orange-graded skills park for more adventurous riders. The centre has green, blue, red and black-graded routes to suit all levels of ability. And the cakes at the cafe are legendary. Bike hire and a bike shop are also on site.
Top campervan spots: There are a few wild camping spots along the B709, north from Innerleithen towards the Moorfoot Hills. These are mostly by the side of the road, but it’s a very quiet road and a very tranquil glen. There is a wonderful bubbling burn running alongside the road.
For good campsites try Tweedside Caravan Park in Innerleithen, or Crossburn Caravan Site in Peebles, as well as Rosetta Caravan and Camping Park, also in Peebles.
4) Learnie Redrock, near Rosemarkie, Black Isle, Scottish Highlands
What's here?: There are lots of blue routes to keep families and less experienced riders happy. A short black trail and an orange-graded bike park keeps more experienced cyclists busy, too.
Bike hire is available at Square Wheels, in nearby Strathpeffer.
Top campervan spots: Wild camping is difficult on the Black Isle, and we’ve not really come across any spots to recommend but this doesn't mean there aren't any out there. You'll just need to hunt for yourself. Always ask permission to stay overnight if in doubt and please respect your environment.
The "proper" campsites in this area are well worth visiting though.There's a great campsite at Rosemarkie Bay. The Rosemarkie Camping and Caravan Site is a small but delightful site with great views out over the Moray Forth and across to Fort George. We'd also recommend a stroll along the shore to a Crofters Bistro where you'll find good food and great service.
5) Loch Ard, near Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire.
What's here?: A new entrant in this year's VisitScotland Mountain Bike Guide is Loch Ard (pick these up in local TICs). There are five routes, ranging from 2 miles to 10 miles. They are not officially graded by the Forestry Commission but they are all perfect for families, even those with young children. There are games to play en route, too, to keep your little ones happy.
Top campervan spots: There are a couple of good roadside wild camping spots along the B829 towards Loch Katrine. But please respect your surroundings and other people.
We'd recommend that you head to the fantastic Cobleland Caravan & Camping Site in Gartmore, near Aberfoyle. It's a superb site located by the river and has great facilities. Don't forget your Avon Skin So Soft, however, as the midges can be fierce here in the summer months. Big Tree Campervans can sell you this magical midge-beating moisturiser!
So have you chosen where you'll be campervanning and mountain biking this sumer?
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