Campervan and Motorhome Stopovers in Perth And Kinross
Motorhome Touring in Perth and Kinross
Perth and Kinross is a captivating gateway to the Scottish Highlands, offering motorhome travellers an irresistible blend of historic cities, dramatic mountain scenery, and serene lochs. This central Scottish county stretches from the rolling Perthshire countryside to the wild peaks of Ben Lawers and beyond. Whether you're exploring the charming streets of Perth itself, cruising the scenic A9 corridor, or discovering hidden valleys like Strathtay, you'll find that Perth and Kinross rewards independent touring with remarkable variety. The region combines excellent facilities, manageable road networks for larger motorhomes, and unforgettable landscapes that make it a natural hub for Highland adventures.
Top Stopovers & Campsites in Perth and Kinross
Pitlochry Area: This Victorian village on the River Tummel is a natural stopping point with excellent visitor facilities. The main street offers shops, restaurants, and a genuine Highland atmosphere. Several stopover locations provide convenient access to local attractions including Pitlochry Theatre and walks to neighbouring Killiecrankie.
Loch Tay Region: One of Scotland's most beautiful freshwater lochs, Loch Tay stretches 14 miles into the mountains. Stopover facilities cluster around Kenmore (at the eastern end) and near Lawers village, offering sublime views and proximity to hillwalking routes. The loch's calm waters and surrounding peaks create a dramatic backdrop for motorhome parking.
Perth City Centre: Scotland's historic fair city provides urban infrastructure with a relaxed Highland feel. Stopover locations near the city centre grant access to museums, shopping, dining, and the River Tay's scenic walks—ideal for a slower-paced stopover combining culture and nature.
Strathtay Valley: The Tay Valley offers a quieter alternative with scattered stopovers near villages like Grandtully and Ballinluig. This rural setting suits motorhomers seeking peaceful locales whilst remaining close to major touring routes.
Cairngorms Foothills: Around Braemar and beyond, stopover facilities sit at the threshold of the high plateaus. These locations appeal to serious outdoor enthusiasts and hikers aiming for Ben Macdui or the Lairig Ghru mountain pass.
Suggested Touring Routes in Perth and Kinross
Route One: The Tay Valley Explorer (3 Days, 140 Miles)
Begin at a Pitlochry stopover and head north-west on the scenic A924 towards Aberfeldy (12 miles). This gentle, well-surfaced road suits all motorhome sizes. From Aberfeldy, continue west on the A826 skirting Loch Tay's northern shore—one of Scotland's most photographed drives. Stop at Kenmore (30 miles from Pitlochry) for a riverside pause. On day two, backtrack slightly and take the A827 north towards Glen Lyon, a narrow but passable valley for motorhomes under 8m long. Return via Fortingall (famous for its ancient yew tree) and the scenic A85 eastbound, passing Crieff. Day three explores the Strathtay Valley south, visiting Grandtully and Ballinluig before returning to Pitlochry. Total: manageable speeds, spectacular loch and mountain vistas, minimal steep gradients.
Motorhome Notes: Height barriers rare on this circuit. Service points available in Pitlochry, Kenmore, and Aberfeldy. The A827 Glen Lyon approach is narrow (3.5m advised maximum width); alternative routes always available.
Route Two: The Cairngorms Gateway (2-3 Days, 180 Miles)
Depart from a Pitlochry or Braemar-area stopover and drive south-west on the A9 towards Blair Atholl (12 miles south of Pitlochry). Blair Atholl is a natural hub with castle heritage and outdoor access. From Blair, head north-east on the A93 past Braemar (35 miles), climbing through the Cairngorms foothills—the road is modern and well-maintained even in winter, though weather can close it seasonally. Braemar sits at 339m elevation, surrounded by Britain's highest mountains. Spend a day here exploring Glen Coe's southern approaches or hillwalking trails. Return via the same A93 or alternative A95 loop through Aviemore (not in Perth and Kinross but a natural detour). This route is suitable for motorhomes up to 10m; note that the A93 can be closed by snow December to March.
Motorhome Notes: Excellent passing places and lay-bys. A93 is a National Scenic Route with stunning views. Height clearance not an issue. Winter travel requires caution; check weather and road conditions before departure.
Route Three: The Historic Highland Fringe (2 Days, 110 Miles)
Start at Perth city centre or a nearby stopover. Head north-west via the A85 to Crieff (20 miles), passing rolling Perthshire farmland and the Ochil Hills. From Crieff, take the scenic A822 north towards Muthill and Comrie (10 miles), enjoying gentle hills and woodland. Continue on the A85 west to Lochearnhead (15 miles), a loch-side village with mountain views. Return eastbound on the A84, passing Callander and rejoining the A85 at Crianlarich—a quiet alternative avoiding the busy A9. This loop suits first-time Highland visitors and drivers of larger motorhomes. Total distance is modest, allowing leisurely exploration and multiple stops for walks or photographs.
Motorhome Notes: All roads are A-class dual or single carriageways, well-maintained and easy to navigate. No height barriers or steep gradients. Ample parking at layby points and village car parks throughout.
Motorhome Waste Disposal
Grandtully Station Campsite Motorhome Waste Disposal
Aberfeldy, Perth And Kinross, United Kingdom
Pub stopover
The Anglers Inn Pub stopover
Perth, Perth and Kinross, United Kingdom
Overnight parking
Ferry Road Car Park Overnight parking
Pitlochry, Perth and Kinross, United KingdomThings to Do in Perth and Kinross
Outdoor Adventures: Hillwalking dominates the activity calendar. Ben Lawers (1,214m) is Scotland's most-climbed mountain, accessed from the A827 south of Loch Tay. Less demanding walks include the riverside paths near Pitlochry, the Hermitage woodland walk near Dunkeld, and numerous trails around the Cairngorms foothills. In winter, ski resorts at Glenshee (A93 corridor) and Nevis Range (south of the county) attract snow sports enthusiasts. Water sports on Loch Tay include fishing, kayaking, and sailing; hire facilities operate year-round.
Historic Sites & Castles: Blair Castle (near Blair Atholl) is one of Scotland's most visited castles, with 30 rooms and parkland walks. Scone Palace (Perth) holds ancient royal significance and houses decorative arts. Stirling Castle (just south of the county boundary) is another UNESCO site within easy reach. Fortingall village hosts Scotland's oldest yew tree, estimated at 5,000 years old and worth a photo stop.
Cultural Highlights: Pitlochry Theatre hosts performances year-round, drawing visitors to see contemporary drama and musicals. The Scottish Crannog Centre (Loch Tay) reconstructs Iron Age life with archaeological authenticity. Perth Museum and Art Gallery offers Scottish art and natural history. Whisky heritage is celebrated at local distilleries; several offer tours and tastings within easy driving distance.
Festivals & Events: The Pitlochry Festival Theatre season runs April to October. Highland Games occur throughout summer in villages like Aberfeldy, Braemar, and Crieff—traditional Scottish athletics, pipe bands, and cultural celebrations. The Loch Tay Trail cycling route and annual endurance events attract active visitors.
Scenic Viewpoints: Queen's View (near Pitlochry on the A822) offers postcard Highland vistas across Loch Tummel. The Cairngorms National Park boundary runs through the north, providing access to high plateaus and rare alpine habitats. Sunset viewing at Loch Tay's western end (near Killin) is particularly atmospheric.
Practical Information for Motorhomers in Perth and Kinross
Service Points & Facilities: Major service points exist in Pitlochry, Perth city centre, Kenmore, and Aberfeldy. Most offer fresh water, grey-water disposal, and waste pumping. Mobile service providers visit smaller villages weekly or by arrangement. Supermarkets (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-op) are common in towns; smaller Co-op and convenience stores serve rural areas. Fuel stations are frequent along the A9 and major A-roads; less common in Glen Lyon or remote valleys.
Parking & Stopovers: Height barriers are rare; most village car parks accommodate motorhomes up to 3.8m high and 12m long. The A9 has designated lay-bys with motorhome symbols. Winter weather (December to March) can make some high-altitude passes impassable; the A93 Cairngorms route closes during heavy snow.
Driving Conditions: Roads are generally excellent on A-class routes (A9, A85, A93). Single-track roads in glens require care and courtesy; use passing places when meeting oncoming traffic. Mobile signal can be poor in remote valleys; download offline maps. Weather changes rapidly in mountains; bring appropriate clothing and check forecasts before high passes.
Local Services: Post offices, laundries, and internet cafés exist in most towns. Hospital facilities are in Perth and Pitlochry. Tourist information centres (staffed and unmanned) are common; most remain open April to October with reduced hours in winter.
FAQs: Motorhome Touring in Perth and Kinross
What's the best time to visit Perth and Kinross in a motorhome?
April to October offers the most reliable weather, longest daylight, and fully-staffed facilities. Summer (June to August) is busiest; shoulder months (April-May, September-October) provide fewer crowds and excellent conditions. Winter (November to March) brings snow risks on high passes like the A93, though low-altitude routes remain passable. Spring (April-May) showcases wildflowers and lambing season; autumn (September-October) features changing foliage and Highland Games events.
Are there height or width restrictions on Perth and Kinross roads?
Most A-class roads (A9, A85, A93) accommodate motorhomes up to 4.0m high and 2.5m wide with no difficulty. Narrower single-track roads (like the A827 through Glen Lyon) suit vehicles under 8m long but have passing places for safety. Check your motorhome dimensions and plan routes accordingly. Height barriers are rare in Perth and Kinross; if encountered in small villages, alternative routes usually exist nearby. Always verify dimensions if attempting unfamiliar roads or passes.
Where can I find service points and waste disposal facilities?
Pitlochry, Aberfeldy, Kenmore, and Perth city centre have dedicated or accessible service points. Most market towns and larger villages offer fresh water, grey-water disposal, or chemical toilet pumping; ask at local tourist information centres or motorhome apps like AllStays or iKamp. Wild camping is possible on many Scottish roads, though expect limited facilities. Some stopover locations are designated council car parks with seasonal opening; verify opening dates before winter travel.
Is the A93 Cairngorms pass safe for motorhomes in winter?
The A93 is a major route and is salted and maintained, but it closes during heavy snow (typically December to March) without warning. Check Traffic Scotland or the local authority website before travel. If open, the road is suitable for motorhomes up to 10m long, though ice and high winds (exposed plateau sections at 300m+) demand caution. Winter tyres are strongly recommended. Alternative lower routes via Braemar or Aviemore exist; plan flexibility into your itinerary during cold months.
What are the main attractions for non-hillwalkers?
Historic castles (Blair, Scone, nearby Stirling), museums, and cultural venues like Pitlochry Theatre appeal to visitors with varying mobility. Scenic drives (Queen's View, Loch Tay loop) require only short walks to viewpoints. The Scottish Crannog Centre and local whisky distilleries offer seated tours. Summer season brings outdoor events—Highland Games (cultural athletics and music), garden festivals, and food markets. Flat riverside walks near Perth and Pitlochry suit all abilities. Villages like Callander and Crieff provide shopping and dining without demanding strenuous activity.
Can I wild camp in Perth and Kinross?
Scotland's Land Reform Act (2003) permits wild camping on unenclosed land for short periods (usually two nights maximum), provided you cause no damage and leave no trace. However, most motorhomers use designated stopover sites, council car parks, or private facilities for convenience and services. Always seek landowner permission if approaching private land, and respect 'No Wild Camping' signs. Tourist information centres and motorhome apps identify legal overnight spots throughout the county.
What's the driving time from Perth and Kinross to other Scottish regions?
From Pitlochry: Edinburgh (90 minutes via A9 south), Glasgow (2 hours via A9/M80), Loch Lomond (1.5 hours via A84), Fort William (2.5 hours via A82), and Inverness (2 hours via A9 north). The A9 is the main corridor, well-maintained and motorhome-friendly, though busy during peak holiday seasons. Side roads to Glen Lyon, Loch Tay, and Cairngorms add scenic variety but slower speeds. Plan 60-90 minutes per journey as safe estimates, allowing for viewpoint stops and occasional traffic.
Are there activities suitable for families with young children?
Yes. Playground facilities exist in most villages and towns. The Scottish Crannog Centre offers interactive exhibits. Loch-side walks and riverside strolls (Hermitage near Dunkeld, River Tay paths near Perth) are suitable for pushchairs and smaller legs. Pitlochry Theatre has family performances and matinees. Blair Castle grounds provide open space for play and short walks. Visitor centres often have children's activities during peak season. Splash parks and swimming pools operate in larger towns. Wildlife spotting (red squirrels, golden eagles, red deer) excites many young visitors; combine short motorhome journeys with frequent stops and outdoor exploration.
Discover more Scottish motorhome stopovers by exploring motorhome stopovers across Scotland. Neighbouring counties offer equally rewarding touring: visit Stirling to the south, Angus to the east, Fife on the coast, or Highland to the north for connected journeys through the central belt and mountains.