Discovering Golspie by Camper Van: Complete Guide

Scotland & UK VanTour Team 13 min

Introduction

Welcome to our ultimate travel guide for an incredible road trip to Golspie, Scotland! Get ready to be transported back in time as you discover the fascinating history of this charming town.

We will give you all the tips and tricks to get to Golspie, the best time of year to explore its hidden treasures, where to taste the local culinary specialties and how to manage your travel budget. Buckle up and embark on this unique vanlife adventure in Golspie!

Don’t like to read? A video is available further down in the article or by clicking here.

What is Golspie – Scotland?

History of Golspie

The town of Golspie is located in the Scottish Highlands, this place full of mystery that we definitely want to see when visiting this country. And speaking of mystery, the town of Golspie has plenty of it, with its rich and captivating history that dates back centuries, particularly since the 13th century when it was founded.

One of Golspie’s most famous features is undoubtedly Dunrobin Castle, which towers over the town. This castle is one of the oldest in Scotland and has been the home of the Sutherland family for centuries. With its magnificent gardens and beautifully decorated rooms, a visit to Dunrobin Castle (a must-do) is a true journey back in time.

Golspie was an interesting stop on our trip because we discovered a very special, even mystical forest there. But if you’re interested in history, nature or just looking for an authentic Scottish experience, Golspie offers a unique blend of charm, adventure and history that is sure to captivate you.

Geographical location

The town of Golspie is located on the Sutherland Bay, which is part of the North Sea, while being not far from the heart of the Highlands. It is located 80 kilometers from the last somewhat important city in the country, namely the city of Inverness.

How to get to Golspie?

To get to Golspie by plane, you can use the national and international airports closest to the major surrounding cities.

The nearest national airport is Inverness Airport, located about 115 kilometers from Golspie. You can take a flight to Inverness from different major cities in the UK.

If you prefer an international airport, the nearest airport is Aberdeen Airport, which is about 230 kilometers from Golspie. Many international flights arrive in Aberdeen from various destinations in Europe.

Once you arrive at Inverness or Aberdeen airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to get to Golspie. Both cities are well connected by road to Golspie, and the journey will take about 1.5 hours from Inverness and about 3 hours from Aberdeen.

To access the United Kingdom, we did not go through the Tunnel or take the Ferry from Calais, we started from the Netherlands! From Rotterdam, it is quite possible to quickly reach the UK. So you just have to follow the East coast of the country to reach the wonderful world that is Scotland!

Climate: When to visit Golspie by Camper Van?

Month Average temperature (°C) Rainfall (mm) Weather Opinion
January 4°/8° 64mm 🌧️ Unfavorable
February 4°/8° 53mm 🌧️ Unfavorable
March 5°/10° 51mm 🌧️ Unfavorable
April 7°/12° 48mm 🌧️ Unfavorable
May 9°/14° 51mm 🌧️ Unfavorable
June 12°/17° 52mm 🌦️ Less favorable
July 14°/18° 61mm 🌧️ Less favorable
August 13°/18° 65mm 🌧️ Less favorable
September 11°/16° 60mm 🌧️ Less favorable
October 9°/13° 65mm 🌧️ Less favorable
November 6°/10° 61mm 🌧️ Very unfavorable
December 4°/7° 56mm 🌨️ Very unfavorable

We can only advise you to visit Golspie during the summer, when the temperatures are mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring the picturesque landscapes and beautiful beaches of the region. You can enjoy the local festival, take a stroll in the green gardens and even try your hand at golf. Go ahead and enjoy everything Golspie has to offer!

Parking and camper van service areas in Golspie

  • 📍🥇 Brora Caravan Club Site: Brora camping site (in Dalchalm Town) offers a peaceful location with breathtaking views of the coast and Sutherland Bay
  • 📍🥈 Camping@Golspie : A small service area perfect for campervans where all the basic services are provided.
  • 📍🥉Golspie Campsite: As the name suggests, this is the town’s camping site, with well-defined spaces and quick access to the sea. Comfort assured.

Our choice was the camper van! Yes, we didn’t stop at a restaurant in Golspie because we were captivated by the beauty of the forest, and when we got back to the camper van, the rain had decided to make an appearance. So we moved on!

Where and what to eat in Golspie?

Restaurants in Golspie

  • 🍽️ “The Old School Golspie”: Enjoy a delicious meal in this renovated former school building.
  • 🍽️ “The Carnegie Lodge Restaurant”: Hotel and restaurant, you can eat typical dishes from the region.
  • 🍽️ “Coffee Bothy”: On-site and takeaway sales and perfect coffees to warm you up.
  • 🍽️ “The Trawler Fish & Chips”: Do we need to explain what you will eat at this restaurant? You guessed it, traditional Fish & Chips.

Specialties of Golspie

Golspie is not one of the largest cities in the country, so the restaurants are mostly hotels but also snack bars with take-out dishes. However, you can find well-known traditional dishes such as Haggis and Fish & Chips.

Among these restaurants, we chose the camper van! Yes, we didn’t stop at a restaurant in Golspie because we were captivated by the beauty of the forest, and when we got back to the camper van, the rain had decided to make an appearance. So we moved on!

Travel Budget for a Road Trip to Golspie

The currency used in Scotland is the British Pound (GBP). Plan on a budget of at least £92 (approx. $125) per day per person.


– Meal in a mid-range restaurant: £25 (approx. $34)
– Fast-food menu: £6 (approx. $8)
– Local beer (50 cl draft): £4 (approx. $5)

For Americans dreaming of a Scottish vacation, a daily budget of at least £92 (or roughly $125) is advisable.

You’ll spend around £25 ($34) for a mid-range dining experience and £2.5 ($3) for a single public transport fare.

Lodging starts at £58 ($79) for budget options and can go up to £148 ($201) for luxury hotels. Retail expenses, such as £58 ($79) for jeans and £62 ($84) for sports shoes, should also be factored in. Keep an eye on exchange rates and transaction fees.

Video of our city trip in this city

What activities to do in Golspie?

Here is a list of activities that we invite you to do in Golspie according to your tastes and preferences:

– Romantic stroll on Golspie Beach
– Dinner for two in a restaurant with a sea view
– Visit to the famous Dunrobin Castle, ideal for a romantic getaway

Conclusion: Why visit or return to Golspie?

In conclusion, Golspie is a stop in the Scottish Highlands. As you may have understood, it is the perfect stop if you want tranquility for a night in a camper van thanks to the parking lot near the forest that we have suggested. This parking lot, found by instinct at the entrance of a wonderful enchanted forest. And isn’t that what we’re looking for, enchantment when we go to Scotland? This place is probably known by locals, as Golspie is not a tourist destination like others!

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How to get to Golspie by plane?

To get to Golspie by plane, you can use the national and international airports closest to the major surrounding cities. The nearest national airport is Inverness Airport, located about 115 kilometers from Golspie.

You can take a flight to Inverness from different major cities in the UK. If you prefer an international airport, the nearest airport is Aberdeen Airport, which is about 230 kilometers from Golspie.

Many international flights arrive in Aberdeen from various destinations in Europe. Once you arrive at Inverness or Aberdeen airport, you can take a taxi or rent a car to get to Golspie. Both cities are well connected by road to Golspie, and the journey will take about 1.5 hours from Inverness and about 3 hours from Aberdeen.

How to get to Golspie by train?

To get to Golspie by train, you can take the nearest national and international train lines. The nearest main train line to Golspie is the Far North line, which connects Inverness to Thurso and Wick.

You can take a train from Inverness and get off at Golspie station. The journey takes about 2 hours from Inverness. If you want to come from further away, you can take an international train to Inverness from different cities in the UK, such as London or Edinburgh.

Once in Inverness, you can take a local train to Golspie. Once you arrive at Golspie station, you can take a taxi or walk to your destination, as the town is relatively small and easily accessible on foot.

How to get to Golspie by car or camper van?

To get to Golspie by car or camper van from the capital of Scotland, Edinburgh, you will need to take the main national and international roads. First, you will need to take the M90 motorway north from Edinburgh, then continue on the A9 motorway heading north.

This road will take you through the beautiful landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. Continue on the A9 motorway until the exit for Golspie, then follow the signs to the town. The drive from Edinburgh to Golspie will take about 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

If you prefer to travel by camper van, be sure to check the restrictions and regulations regarding parking and camper van areas in Golspie before your trip. Enjoy the journey on the scenic roads of Scotland and admire the spectacular landscapes on your way to Golspie.[/vc_tta_accordion]