West Highland Way Parking for Vans
The West Highland Way is Scotland's most famous long-distance walk (154km, Milngavie to Fort William). Campervans make excellent base camps for walking sections.
Section Parking
- Milngavie (start): Milngavie station car park. £6/day. Train into Glasgow.
- Drymen: Main street parking. Free. Campsite: Drymen Camping (£20).
- Rowardennan: Large car park at Loch Lomond. £5/day. Toilet block.
- Inverarnan: Beinglas Campsite. Parking for campers. £15/night.
- Tyndrum: Tyndrum Camping. £18/night. Village shop and pub nearby.
- Kingshouse: Kingshouse Hotel car park. Free for walkers. Wild camping nearby.
- Kinlochleven: Village car park. £5/day. Campsite: MacDonald Hotel.
- Fort William (end): Fort William Park & Ride. £4/day. Bus into town.
Suggested Itinerary
Park at Tyndrum, walk north to Kingshouse (22km, 7-8 hours), stay overnight, walk back the next day. Or use the campsite-to-campsite method moving your van every 2-3 days.
Best Time
May-June for long days and decent weather. September is quieter.
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Getting Started
If you're new to this topic, start with the basics:
- Understand the key concepts
- Research your specific needs
- Set a realistic budget
- Plan your approach before buying
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying the cheapest option (often costs more long-term)
- Skipping research on UK-specific requirements
- Not reading reviews from other UK van lifers
- Forgetting about ongoing costs and maintenance
UK-Specific Considerations
Living in the UK means dealing with:
- Variable weather conditions
- UK regulations and standards
- British suppliers and support
- Right-hand drive vehicle considerations
Budget Planning
For most van lifers, we recommend:
- Budget option: £50-100 (basic but functional)
- Mid-range: £100-200 (good quality, lasting)
- Premium: £200+ (best quality, longest lasting)
Maintenance Tips
Keep your equipment working well:
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Clean according to manufacturer instructions
- Store properly when not in use
- Replace parts before they fail
Community Recommendations
The van life community consistently recommends:
- Starting simple and upgrading as needed
- Buying from established UK suppliers
- Reading forums and Facebook groups for real-world advice
- Watching YouTube tutorials before attempting installations
Route Planning Tips
- Use OS Maps for detailed UK mapping
- Download offline maps before heading out
- Check road conditions and closures
- Plan fuel stops in remote areas
- Book campsites in advance during summer
- Have a backup plan for bad weather
