Roadtrip through Scotland: South West Coastal 300!

Looking for a motorhome route through beautiful Scotland? Look no further! Get in your motorhome and drive along the South West Coastal 300! Though the North Coast 500-route is much more popular, you should not underestimate the SWC 300. Be ready to embark on a journey full of impressive mountains, fantastic views and rich culture.

Travelling in winter? Don't forget to bring your snow chains. These can come in handy when in Scotland. The chance of rain is high as well, so don't forget to bring your rainboots along in your motorhome. Should you unexpectedly find yourself in a rainstorm that lasts all day, then make sure to have a good book or some fun board games with you. The nice thing about Scotland is that you are allowed to camp freely, this is because of the Right To Roam.

We start our motorhome trip in Ayr. This is not a must as the SWC 300 is a circular route, so you can start your Scottish adventure at any place you'd like. Ayr has many attractions and is also Scotland's national heritage site. Consider visiting Burns Cottage, the family home of Scottish poet Robert Burns. You can also find a monument of the poet here. Also consider a small visit to the coast, it is worth it!

Make your road trip a little longer and catch the ferry to the Isle of Arran. The beautiful island has everything you would expect from a Scottish island: a wild coast, picturesque mountains, green forests and lots of tasty food. Leave behind the busy city existence and unwind completely here. One tip: bring binoculars, since there are many species of animals to see here, such as deer, seals, basking sharks and eagles.

- Enjoy the beautiful sights of the Isle of Arran!

Our next stop is the picturesque town of Sanquhar. This village is about a ninety-minute drive from Ayr. What draws tourists in is the Tolbooth museum; here you will learn all about the village's history. Learn about how the town used to be a mining village and had a prison. Another special building here is the post office. This office has been open since 1712, which makes it the oldest post office in the world. In addition, you could visit the 13th-century Sanquhar Castle. If you're not done yet, visit Crawick Multiverse straight after, an impressive project by landscape architect and designer Charles Jencks.

Between Sanquhar and Dumfries lies the high village of Wanlockhead. This is the highest village in Scotland, as much as 450 metres above sea level. It is known for its mining heritage and therefore has the Museum of Lead Mining. As the name suggests, you can learn all about mining here. Next up, drive the motorhome on to Dumfries. Here you will find the River Nith with the stunning Old Bridge. If you want to stay overnight in Dumfries, you can park your motorhome at motorhome stopover P Long Stay.

- The river Nith with the Old Bridge shining above

Twenty minutes removed from Dumfries lies New Abbey. Are you travelling with kids? You could make a pit-stop at Mabie Farm Park. New Abbey has lots of stunning history to offer. A mill from the 1800's or ruins from a 13th century cathedral, for example. You will also find lots of culinary goods at the Abbey Cottage Tearoom, with delicacies such as fresh bread and a delicious bowl of soup. Stay at Parking Sweetheart Abbey.

- Visit the ruins of the age-old cathedral!

Right next to New Abbey you will find the picturesque town of Kippford, here you can make a four-kilometre long beach walk! Continue on to Sandyhills, a village with a mesmerizing coastline. Definitely worth visiting with your motorhome! We carry on to the town of Dundrennnan, which is known for its abbey. The abbey is built in the 12th century and is known for being the hiding spot Mary, the queen of Scots, in her last hours in Scotland. Do you like art? Take a little trip to Kirkcudbright, the art capital of Schotland with numerous galleries. This sounds like a busy day, right? End your day at Galloway Forest Park to get some rest.

Whether you want to hike, bike or drive, there is something for everyone at Galloway Forest Park. Amazing mountain views galore! There are three visiting centres that allow you to choose the path you would like to explore! Take your motorhome out for a spin between the wild deers and goats, or take a stop at a picknick table next to a stunning river.

- Find yourself in the middle of nature at Galloway Forest Park.

Drive south from Galloway Forest Park, and you'll find numerous villages that are definitely worth visiting! For example, you'll come across Wigtown, which is known for its many bookshops and cafés. You could also visit Wigtown Bay and enjoy a gorgeous view. Continue on to Whithorn, where you can have lunch next to the stunning coast. If you want to know more about the Christian community in Whithorn, then have a look at the Whithorn Visitor Centre and Museum. A little while from Whithorn you will find the St. Ninian's cave, do you dare to ascend in the dark cave?

About 40 minutes from Whithorn you will find Sandhead Bay, where you can drive along the stunning coast. Perfect to finish of your fantastic motorhome trip! A little more south you will find the Mull of Galloway, the most southern point of Scotland. The view that you will get from here, is something you definitely do not want to miss! Continue to Dunskey Castle, a stunning ruin with a view over the bay. From here on, you can continue to the last stop on our route: Stranraer. Put on your hiking boots and get a nice hike in at Castle Kennedy Gardens, one of the more touristy spots of the city. Not done with castles? Then have a look at Castle Kennedy or Castle St. John. And if you want to enjoy the beach view once more? Then you should definitely have a look at Loch Ryan.

- Visit the southernmost point of Scotland!

Of course, this is only one of the many ways to drive the South West Coastal 300. Want to see more of Scotland? Have a look at our website to see more travel inspiration for this beautiful country!