Category: Places To Visit

Peak District Weekend Escapes in a Campervan

The Perfect 2–3 Night Road Trip

If you’re looking to explore the Northwest, the Peak District is one of the easiest and most rewarding campervan weekends you can do.

Less than two hours from Manchester or Liverpool, it delivers dramatic views, proper walking routes, cosy pubs, and peaceful overnight spots — without the long-haul driving.

Here’s how to make the most of a 2 – 3 night Peak District campervan escape.

🚐 Why the Peak District Works So Well for a Weekend

  • Short travel time
  • Incredible scenery packed into a small area
  • Great campsites with proper facilities
  • Ideal for first-time campervan hire

It’s the perfect Try Before You Buy trip if you’re new to van life.

🗺️ The Classic Hope Valley Loop (2 Nights)

Plugholes-at-Ladybower-Reservoir
Peak District
Sunset from Stanage Edge in the Hope Valley Peak District National Park Derbyshire East Midlands England

📍 Day 1 – Arrive & Sunset at Stanage Edge

Park up at a nearby campsite and walk up to Stanage Edge for sunset. The views across the Dark Peak are unreal. Cook inside the van or head to a local pub in Hathersage.

📍 Day 2 – Mam Tor & Winnats Pass

Early start for Mam Tor sunrise. It’s popular, but worth it. Then drive through Winnats Pass, one of the most scenic roads in the Peak District. Explore Castleton caves or enjoy a relaxed afternoon walk.

📍 Day 3 – Ladybower & Derwent Reservoir

Flat circular routes make this ideal for cycling or a gentle morning walk before heading home.

Not Sure Where to Park. Try Park4Night

🗺️ Bakewell to Dovedale Stepping Stones

Bakewell village
mosal trail cycleway
dovedale stepping stones

📍 Day 1 – Arrive Bakewell

This side of the Peaks feels softer, greener, and slightly less dramatic but perfect for a slower-paced weekend.

Park up on Coombs Road (DE45 1AQ) after 6pm and leave before 10am the next day for Free Parking.

Have a full day exploring Bakewll’s rich, charming heritage and tradition.

📍 Day 2 – Bakewell -> Monsal Trail

Explore the Monsal Trail scenic, 8.5-mile (13.7 km) traffic-free route in the Peak District National Park, perfect for walking, cycling, and horse riding. The trail includes six tunnels and the Headstone Viaduct. Plus’ stunning views of the limestone dales and the River Wye.

📍 Day 3 – Monsal Trail -> Chatworth Estate -> Dovedale Stepping Stones

Chatsworth House, often called the “Palace of the Peak,” is a Grade I listed stately home in the Derbyshire Dales. Take time to explore the, Painted Hall, State Rooms, Library and the 105 Acre Gardens.

One of the most iconic spots in the Peak District, the Dovedale Stepping Stones cross the River Dove at the southern end of Dovedale, near Thorpe. There is a short and gentle hike and a lomger Circular route. 

Relax and Enjoy.

Not Sure Where to Park. Try Park4Night

🔑 Ready to Explore the Peak District?

With Camper Camper Hire you get:

🚐 Unlimited Mileage
🛡️ Fully Comprehensive Insurance Included
🔧 Free Breakdown Cover
💷 Only £100 deposit to secure dates

👉 Secure your dates now at campercamperhire.co.uk

Scotland NC500 in a Campervan. A 7-Day Route Guide

If you’re thinking about hiring a campervan for the ultimate UK road trip, the NC500 (North Coast 500) is hard to beat.

Often described as Scotland’s Route 66, this 516-mile circular route takes you through dramatic mountain passes, white sandy beaches, remote fishing villages and some of the most breathtaking scenery in Europe.

Here’s a practical, realistic 7 day NC500 campervan itinerary, designed for comfort, scenery, and proper exploring, not rushing.

🚐 Why the NC500 Is Perfect in a Campervan

  • No daily hotel check-ins
  • Wake up to loch views and ocean sunrises
  • Stop whenever the view demands it
  • Total freedom (especially with unlimited mileage 😉)

The route officially starts and ends in Inverness, but you can join it from anywhere.

📍 Day 1 -> Inverness to Applecross (via Bealach na Bà)

Distance: ~80 miles

Highlights:

  • Lochcarron views
  • Bealach na Bà mountain pass (one of the UK’s best driving roads)
  • Applecross coastal sunsets

The climb over Bealach na Bà is narrow and dramatic but absolutely worth it. Take it steady and enjoy the switchbacks.

Overnight: Applecross Campsite or nearby coastal stop.

📍 Day 2 -> Applecross to Ullapool

Distance: ~85 miles

Highlights:

  • Torridon mountains
  • Shieldaig village
  • Gruinard Bay

This stretch feels wild and cinematic. Pull over often as you’ll want photos.

Ullapool is a great overnight stop with facilities, fuel, and food.

Strome-Castle

📍 Day 3 -> Ullapool to Durness

Distance: ~70 miles

Highlights:

  • Ardvreck Castle ruins
  • Kylesku Bridge
  • Sango Bay

White sand beaches up here feel almost tropical on a sunny day.

Overnight: Sango Sands campsite overlooking the cliffs.

📍 Day 4 -> Durness to Thurso

Distance: ~65 miles

Highlights:

  • Smoo Cave
  • Strathy Point Lighthouse
  • Dunnet Head (most northerly point of mainland Britain)

This section feels remote and peaceful.

📍 Day 5 -> Thurso to Wick

Distance: ~25 miles

Short driving day — more exploring.

Highlights:

  • Castle of Mey
  • John O’Groats
  • Coastal cliff walks

Perfect day to slow down and enjoy coastal stops.

Duness beach

📍 Day 6 -> Wick to Golspie / Dornoch

Distance: ~90 miles

Highlights:

  • Whaligoe Steps
  • Dunrobin Castle
  • Dornoch beach

The east coast feels calmer and more open.

📍 Day 7 -> Return to Inverness

Distance: ~50 miles

Final scenic drive along the Moray Firth. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins.

🗺️ Total Distance

Approx. 516 miles

This is where unlimited mileage matters. Some hire companies cap daily mileage which can make you constantly check your numbers.

With Camper Camper Hire, you just get in and drive.

🛑 Where To Stay?

Options include:

  • Campsites (best for facilities & electric hook-up)
  • Certified locations (CL sites)
  • Some permitted overnight stops

🎒 Essentials To Pack

  • Waterproofs (even in summer)
  • Midges spray (super essential!)
  • Walking boots
  • Camera

🔑 Ready to Drive the NC500?

With Camper Camper Hire you get:

🚐 Unlimited Mileage
🛡️ Fully Comprehensive Insurance Included
🔧 Free Breakdown Cover
💷 Only £100 deposit to secure dates

The NC500 isn’t just a road trip. It’s one of those journeys you’ll talk about for years.

👉 Secure your Scotland dates now at campercamperhire.co.uk

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