Quirky Approved by: Zoë
“I visited the West Highland Way Campsite in their busiest season. The Commonwealth Games, middle of summer and the Royals were in town. Still, the campsite owner Andrew was there to greet each and every Campervan, bike camper, walker and nomad that found it’s way to this extraordinary site.
Even more extrordinary was the campsite’s history. Andrew runs it alongside his mother, and proceeds are divided between the animal shelter they have in a nearby village, and a section of the campsite built specifically to house what he calls are ‘full time van-lifers’. Dwellers that find themselves with only the option of a campervan can stay here for longer stretches of time, either paying their way by volunteering around the campsite (cooking food, mowing the lawn etc.), or by paying a small weekly fee. We were told out booking would directly go to these causes and keep them running.
Andrew told us many stories in our short time at West Highland Way Campsite, from the extraordinary Scotsman that stayed in the shepherds hut, to his reason for devoting his life to helping travelling souls and nomads – having been a founder of Quartzsite, a small desert town in La Paz County, Arizona, famous as a massive winter gathering place for RVers, rockhounds, and outdoor hobbyists (this actually featured in the six-time Oscar-winning film Nomadsland).
So is it Quirky Approved? YES. The facilities were clean, the staff were really friendly and the views are next level. Be mindful to book in advance as it can get really busy.”
Right at the southern gateway to the West Highland Way, this dog-friendly hotel and campsite is where walkers, cyclists and campervanners come to swap boots and driving seats for a hot meal and a proper rest. Pitch your van under Scottish skies, book into a Shepherd’s Hut with its own log burner, or bed down in a furnished safari bell tent. Whichever you choose, you’re a few steps from a café serving fresh food all day and evening meals from 5pm.
Mornings start with a complimentary continental breakfast (hot rolls if you fancy them), and there’s a fire pit and BBQ for the evenings when nobody feels like going anywhere. Free Wi-Fi, hot showers, and washing and drying machines mean you can properly reset before the next stretch of trail or road, and your dog is just as welcome as you are.
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs are minutes away, Glengoyne Distillery is a short drive, and Glasgow Airport is about half an hour down the road, so it works whether you’re mid-way through the Way or just passing through.
Prices start from £20 per person.
