THE KELPIES £5 OFF GRID PARK UP - Solo Female Van Life. Scotland Road Trip
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- Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
- The Kelpies £5 off grid park up - Solo Female Van Life. Scotland Road Trip
In this video I set off on a 10-day solo tour of Scotland taking a 3.5 hour, 203 miles journey up to spend the first day at The Kelpies and staying at their official park up overnight (£5). There's an alternative park up at The Falkirk Wheel (£15).
I head out on my new Dawes Curve foldable electric bike to cycle approx, 7.5 miles along the Forth & Clyde Canal to the Falkirk Wheel in the pouring rain. I also take a good look at the stunning Kelpies during the day and in the evening when they're fully lit up. It was a full first day and a great start to my Scotland Adventure.
Helix Park, Falkirk - www.thehelix.c...
Falkirk Wheel - www.scottishca...
My van is a 2021 VW T6.1 Transporter Camper Conversion by The Custom Shop, Liverpool - www.thecustoms...
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Hi, I’m Sue from Lancashire in England.
This channel is just me getting out and about in a converted VW Campervan, occasionally with friends but mostly solo. Fun, laughs, moans, groans, mistakes, and successes. It’ll all be in here!
I’ll share new places, hints, tips, any info I discover and whatever else I think you might find useful.
I’ve begun vlogging my solo travels in ‘Vanya’, to help me re-engage with life after losing my husband 2 years ago. The world changed forever and working through my grief has been the hardest & loneliest challenge imaginable. Some days it still knocks me completely sideways, maybe it always will? I really don't know, but I'm coping a little better all the time.
By returning to the vanlife we enjoyed so much together, revisiting a love of photography, and immersing myself in nature, I’m regaining strength, balance, and hope to move forward through this completely unforeseen next chapter of life.
PLEASE consider SUBSCRIBING - it costs nothing but makes a huge difference to the channel and shows valued support in joining me on many future adventures in my little van.
#thekelpies #scotland #solofemalevanlife
Just wanted to say how much I enjoy your vlog, and your husband must be looking down on your trips and smiling.
Wow, thanks Anne that means a lot. I hope that he is and is with me along the way x
Really enjoying your videos. Did a mother/daughter trip to Ireland and the UK in 2019, and Scotland was my favorite part of the whole 3 weeks. It was late when we made it to the Kelpies, and my feet were so sore, but I had been wanting to see those for such a long time, so I limped on over and got a few photos in the drizzling rain. Loved it. Reliving our trip thru watching yours. Thanks for sharing!!
Hi Karen. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. That sounds like a great mother/daughter trip & I’m glad I’m helping you relive it. My husband and I were in Northern Ireland & Scotland in our moho in 2019. Great memories. This is the first time I’ve visited The Kelpies though. They’re fabulous! 😊
Life isn’t about waiting for the rain to pass it’s about cycling in the rain and feeling alive 😊
Exactly that! I love being out in the rain 😁
What an amazing start to your 10 day adventure - it's a gorgeous area! We look forward to the rest of this journey! Take care, Sue. -Jody
It was a fantastic start and a great 10 days thanks 👍
The Kelpies shape changing spirits that wander the rivers and loch's of Soctland usualy in the shape of a horse...not sure about all that ,but those statues are really quite beautiful :)
I am 100% with you on both counts 😄👍🏻
Good to see your getting some use out of your bike. Looks like you had a full on day site seeing, and the Kelpies always look amazing, but especially at night. Thanks for sharing.👌👌
Hi, yes quite a full on day, it was a good job I got there early to fit it all in 🙂
The Kelpie photography was great. Thanks for sharing Sue.
All the best,
Paul.
Thanks for watching and for your comment Paul, much appreciated 😊
What a great start to your adventures! (We love a good adventure 😉) The Kelpies are magnificent. Seeing them with people for perspective is mind blowing! Your on-the-road editing is brilliant! Well done and thanks for taking us with you. Much love, Mrs Slaw xx
It was the perfect start. Thanks for following. I'm thoroughly enjoying your latest French adventure, the footage is just brilliant! I'm getting through it slowly though because I like to relax and watch the episodes with a glass of wine and a wedge of cheese! 😃😋 xx
Loved the night footage driving. When travelling from further south you spend 3 hours on the M6 only to see that sign; “Glasgow 98, Edinburgh 101!” We watched a programme about the Falkirk Wheel. Amazing engineering. Would love to see it. At 5m 54s I got all excited seeing another Roller Team 590 T-Line 😊 All the best for the remaining trip.
Thank you 🙏🏻. Haha I actually thought of you guys when I saw the Roller Team parked up! I’m sure you’d enjoy a stop off here. Ideal when travelling further North.
@@CamperVanya one to definitely add to wish list.
Oh this is brilliant Sue, thank. I’ve never been to Scotland but it’s on the list for my van adventures, so you’re my virtual tour guide! You look so excited, so glad you’re enjoying it. Lovely pics of the horses, stunning.
Hi Jane. Thanks. Scotland is amazing. I have so much of it to see over the next few years. This is just the start. You’ll love it x
@@CamperVanya I think you’re right, less peopley!
Day 1 was a great start, I felt excited to be heading out in the van and couldn't get away early enough! x
What a great first day Sue and you look so happy which is wonderful. So excited to see the rest of your tour.
Hi Claire. Thanks, it felt good to get out properly in the van. Very good for the spirit x
The bike seems to be working well …. Exciting setting off on a new adventure it’s a great feeling …
It certainly is! Thanks for watching. Have you any big trips planned?
Stunning shots of the Kelpies Sue. They are on our bucket list for sure. Great the way you took your bike to the other locations as well. Would have loved to see the incredible boat lift in action. Nice night time driving shots. Reminded us of the excitement of setting off for holidays with our children still in their night clothes all wrapped up in sleeping bags! Looking forward to the next one. Take care 🧙♂️😊xx
Hello G&E, yes its one I ticked off my bucket list and well worth the visit. Ideal stopover point too. You can walk from the kelpies to the boat lift but it's a bit far for me (dicky hips) so the bike is a godsend. Driving at night is the best I love it just driving into the sunrise. Aaaah, bliss. Take care, Sue x
Thanks for posting Sue. I've only seen the Kelpies in a documentary taken in daytime . Your night photographer is great.
Thanks Ian I’m glad you liked the photos 😊
Nice tour and vlog! Great to watch that Falkirk Wheel, something I am always wanted to visit but couldn't manage yet. Now you added the Kelpies too :-), like those lit-up views at night.
I was so impressed with the kelpies. Sat and watched them for quite a while just changing colours. Very relaxing! 😊
The Kelpies looked amazing. Great vid..looking forward to the next one!!
Thank you! 🙏🏻👍🏻
Great Vlog Sue. After watching I was inspired to take myself off to Falkirk to see the Kelpies and wow! They didn’t disappoint. Also, the following day I visited the Falkirk Wheel, what an amazing piece of engineering. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to the next part of your journey.
Hi Val, thanks for watching and for your lovely comment. I’m glad that you enjoyed the vlog, especially as it inspired you to visit and enjoy the place for yourself. Amazing isn’t it. ATB, Sue 😊
Awesome sue .. lovley place .. glad you got bike with your.. enjoy your trip cheers Chris & Sam xx
Cheers! I loved cycling in the rain. Got absolutely drenched! x
How absolutely gorgeous, fantastic start to your trip 👍
The Kelpies are stunning and at £5 for the night park up it’s a great stop if heading further North 👍🏻
Hi there. What a fantastic start to your trip - think you will have a great time! Looking forward to the next vlog.Garry & Caroline
Hiya, yes it was a great start. Very impressive sights to see! ATB, Sue.
Great footage of the Kelpies. Take care
Thanks very much and I will 👍🏻
Looking good Su, fab footage as always. Great to see you so excited and enjoying your first big trip. Hopefully meet up and see you soon xxx
I couldn’t wait to get going Trace. See you soon. I can come and park on your drive anytime 😂 xx
Oh wow! That was amazing. Don't know Scotland well at all... apart from Edinburgh and the Uists... and never even heard of the Kelpies. A real eye opener... and beautifully filmed!
It’s a must visit if Falkirk way. I thinking the overnight parking fee has increased in just the last year but then it has most places. A beautiful sight 👍🏻
@@CamperVanya The sculptures look stunning, especially at night. If I ever get to doing Scotland, which is my plan, I'll definitely visit.
Great video liked all the prices and info, very informative! Have never heard of the Kelpies but definitely somewhere we'll visit now 👍
Hiya, thanks and I’m glad it was useful. Definitely one to fit in sometime. Gorgeous sight 😊
Just caught up, excellent 👍 Kelpies are wonderful we’ve been twice now and will go again enjoy the rest of the trip! 🏴☠️
Hiya, thank you! Great and convenient stop over. I think I first saw it on your vlog. Trip going well, but too fast!
Day one amazing thanks for introducing me to the kelpeis never knew about them x
You must visit some time Julie they’re fabulous to see day and especially night 😊 x
We loved the Kelpies but we did them in the daytime, we will surely do it again soon at the night to experience them. We only drove into the Falkirk wheel maybe next time spend a bit more time there. Thanks for sharing
Definitely worth a re-visit for the evening. Very impressive lit up. I didn’t spend a long time at the wheel either really. Would’ve been good to ride it in one of the boats. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed yourself, we love the Kelpies and the Falkirk Wheel, amazing structures and so easy to visit.
Two places I was wanting to tick off my list and really enjoyed them 👍🏻
Wow that was a pretty amazing first day!!! Can’t wait to see the rest of your trip. Loved the Kelpies. I’ve got a feeling you’ll be seeing a lot of very interesting, as well as very beautiful, places…..and as I’ve done very little of Scotland as yet I’m looking forward to it.
Enjoy Sue x
Oh Mo, Scotland has so much variety and is stunning! 😍 xx
Excellent video Sue , be careful of the monster 😊
Thank you. I’d love to meet Nessie! 😁
Lovely vlog Sue Great to see you enjoying Vanya x Travel Safe 🚐🏴 Stephen x
Thanks Stephen it’s great to be out and about for more than just a night. Hope you enjoy Skye with Skye 😁 x
Great vid Sue. Loved the footage of the Kelpies. I really want to go and see them sometime soon. Looking forward to Loch Ness xx
Thanks Annie. It’s a great stop-off point on the way further north 👍🏻 xx
Brilliant... Hats off to you (and I don't mean your cycle helmet...tut tut), that looked amazing. Looking forward to episode 2
So naughty, I always wear one, don’t know why I forgot must’ve been the excitement! I’d cycled quite a way before noticing. Fab day! 👍🏻
Catching up. it was great to meet up at Burghead. Hope you get some better weather on the rest of your journey,
Thanks for a great meet up. I loved the park up and am enjoying tonight’s also. The weather is brighter and the views amazing 😍👍🏻
You were excited weren't you 😂😂😂. We love canals one set of parents dropped out at 50 and lived happily ever after on a canal boat. The Kelpies look amazing we decided not to try and fit them in this time , too much of a rush , but you have committed us to going now in the future. Smashing VLOG , thanks for sharing Helen and Martin
Thanks very much. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your latest offerings. Absolutely stunning! Take care x
Oh wow! Sue. Fantastic. I have the Kelpies on my list for next year. I’m so pleased you’re getting out there with Vanya. You are an inspiration. Xx
Thanks Jenny! It’s just great to be out on a longer journey. It feels right. I hope you get
to the kelpies soon too in your own van 😁 xx
Kelpies look stunning. You look like you’re having the best time x
I’m feeling pretty good, hard not to in such beautiful surroundings. Just being out and about in the van feels great ❤️ xx
That was a great start to your holiday and some of the best photos I’ve seen of the Kelpies. I’m looking forward to watching your visit to Loch Ness.
Thanks Sylvia! Fortunately had some better weather at Loch Ness - stunning scenery too 😊
Looks.like a great start to your trip. Really like your bike.l, looks like you enjoying it. Regards Roger.
Thanks Roger. It's proving a great trip. The bike really is fab!
Amazing bit of engineering, think we stopped off after visiting a brewery, strangely! Looking forward to the rest.
We'd have done exactly that. We loved our brewery visits! Take care, Sue x
Kelpies are on my “go to “ list…😁
They’re a must if you’re in the area. Especially at night 😊
Wow Sue , the Kelpies look amazing, it’s on my list. I hope I am gonna be as brave as you are being. You look like your havin an amazing time and it’s only day 1 x
It just feels so good to be out properly for the first time in the van. I miss Bri dreadfully every single day but being in beautiful surroundings makes it that bit easier than the 4 walls of home x
@@CamperVanya that’s one of the main reasons that I want the van, I refuse to sit at home and waste the rest of my life, we both know how time is so short and they wouldn’t want us to sit at home. Kev and I went to some really special places but I want to find more. Keep going you are being amazing x
Always wanted to see the Kelpies, truly beautiful, but then I have a ‘thing’ about sculpture.
Have you been in the van in a thunder storm? We were in the Lakes this weekend and had thunder Sunday night, almost got up and lowered the pop-top because I want sure how safe it was 😉then managed to convince myself it would be safe because I had never heard of a campervan being struck by lightening 😂. Great video 💕
Haha I would probably be the same re the pop top! I haven’t done a thunderstorm in this van but I slept through an overhead storm in our motorhome and a Bri couldn’t believe it. The Kelpies are a must see, and stick around the evening when they’re lit up 😊
Really looking forward to watching your Scottish adventures. The Kelpies are stunning and are on our list for our next trip to Scotland.
How do you charge Luke's battery when you are on an extended trip Sue?
Can't wait for the next installment. You even included coffee😁☕
Love mi coffee I do! So far I've been out on Luke twice this trip and have him out again ready for tonight/tomorrow. I only use the battery for hilly areas so try to preserve as much power as I can. After the kelpies i recharged it at Loch Ness site. I recharge it any time I'm on hook up to make up for when I'm not. So far it has lasted me fine. If I was doing 10 days with no ehu I'd struggle. Looking at getting solar panel over this next year don't know whether that would recharge it? Need one anyway. Hope you're both well. Take care, Sue x
DOn't know if you can park up and overnight but last time I went exploring up there a trip through the highland national park was fantastic, saw stags, owls, all sorts and it was *so* quiet.
That sounds awesome! Would love that. This trip’s been great so far but far from quiet.
Hi sue ,Fantastic filming as always 👌 I didn't know the kelpie were so well illuminated,
Your videos have helped me to decide to buy a van and go travelling, its a mobility vivaro as I suffer with arthritis all over, I also have a bike like yours and about the same age as you , you have inspired me to do more travelling, I'm from Cheshire so only an hour or so from your start points so very inspiring ,thank you keep them coming ,I'm going north this end Sept for 4/5 /6 weeks so any advice greatly appreciated, I'm a seasoned camper and caravaner but not wild pitched before? Thank you 😊
Hi Barry thanks for such a positive comment I’m glad to hear that my videos have helped inspire you. It’s been the best thing I personally could have done. Have a fantastic trip and if I can help you with anything in particular feel free to drop me an email - solow2solo@btinternet.com. Forgive me if I don’t respond straight away. All the best to you, Sue 👍🏻🚐
Good idea to get up there early to make the most of the day. Love the Kelpies and they looked spectacular at night. Looking forward to Loch Ness. Stay safe, all the best Carol & Ken xx
I think it’s lovely driving through the night and as the daylight appears. The Kelpies really were a special sight. I’ve had some better weather at Loch Ness fortunately! Look forward to seeing where you two are off to next. ATB ❤️ x
Your like me Sue itching to get going 😂 Great effort travelling early 👏The kelpies are stunning especially when the light is diminishing. Falkirk is a gorgeous place, great choice.
Great effort on the bike too. Fantastic Vlog 😊👌
Thanks John. Really appreciate your positive comments. The bike is fab! I’m currently out on the east coast wild camping. It’s just brilliant here!! 👍🏻
@@CamperVanya fabulous Sue 😁 Enjoy 👍
@@MrDods26 Hi John, I was notified of a message from you on my Loch Ness Video but it has disappeared (it happens sometimes) so I couldn't read or reply. Thanks anyway whatever it said!! Didn't want you to think I was ignoring it!
@@CamperVanya Oh
that's strange Sue 😳
I'm trying to think what I said now 🤣 but it was a fabulous Vlog and looking forward to the 3rd. Safe travels 😊 x
@@MrDods26 Haha, well thanks again! 😊😊
Would've loved to have stayed to see them light up at night. Perhaps another time! They are beautiful though.
We were there at the beginning of August I think!
Take care
Xx
I’m sure you’ll catch them at night some other time. It’s a great stop off point when travelling further North. ATB x
Hi Sue 👋 Very busy first day😄 Loved seeing the Falkirk wheel, it's on my to do list, my sister and husband take their boat there regularly but weather or covid has stopped us going with them so far, sure one day soon 😀 The Kelpies are stunning, never seen them lit up at night so again another to do added to the list.😍 Hubby is a big cyclist, concerned you forgot your helmet, he says please remember next time 🙀 hope your trip continues to be amazing, looking forward to more videos 🌞stay safe 🌞CMW🚶🚶🚶
Absolutely, I always wear a helmet. Only realised when I started filming that I’d forgotten. Very bad I know. Hope you get to see them soon. Worth the visit. Thanks for watching. ATB, Sue 😊
@@CamperVanya he'll be pleased to hear it 😂 looking to more of your holiday trip videos ,take care 🚶♀️🚶♂️🚶♀️
@@CountryMouseWalks 😇😃
Great vid so much to see loads vans there too look foward to the next vid all the best Donny
There are vans everywhere at the moment Donny!! 😁👍🏻
@@CamperVanya stay safe vanlife rules
Just started catching up with your Scotland trip. The Kelpies look nice but the Falkirk Wheel is what I like and is on our wish list (even Nicole wants a ride on that). The car park looks a good safe (with all the other campervans) spot for an overnighter. Looking forward to watching the rest of your trip. 👍🏴
Hiya and thanks for watching and commenting. For me the Kelpies was the highlight but I know for my hubbie it would’ve been the Falkirk Wheel. Glad to have seen them both. I have to admit I was happy so many other vans were around for my first night and I felt completely safe in that park up 👍
Brilliant Sue. I adored the kelpies, they're absolutely incredible aren't they. We manged to get on a tour so there's some footage of inside on my channel (April 2019 I think - part of our lowlands/highlands and Skye trip!). Didn't get chance to visit the wheel that trip but an excellent excuse to come back :)
Hi there, thanks for watching. I saw that you could go inside which would be interesting I’m sure. The Falkirk Wheel is a must next time you return. ATB, Sue x
Lol, what time did you get up! Don't blame you though, avoid the crowds like we so much like to do 😁 We didn't pay when we went as we got there late and no-one to take our money. Love a canal, as you'll see when you watch our new vid lol. Not been to the Falkirk Wheel. They are magnificent aren't they. We will be going again on the way home. Shame it wasn't sunny as the reflection in the water is amazing. I have some photos on Instagram I think. Day and night reflections. I just love the Kelpies.❤️
It was more a case of not really going to bed so I just jumped in the van and went early. Glad I’ve ticked these two off my list. Really enjoyed the day 😁
@@CamperVanya I bet you did. It's a lovely place to stay. Even with the road nearby, it's still a nice place to park up and have a canalside stroll, or a cycle ride on Luke in your case.😁 Glad to see you are enjoying your trip so far.😊
@@roaminginraymond ps I think I set off about 5:30 😂
@@CamperVanya 🤣🤣 I'm laughing but we've done that in the past!
@@roaminginraymond well I wanted to avoid rush hour 😂🤣
Very nice place
Yes, really lovely 😊
@@CamperVanya 😊
Hopefully doing them in July 🤞 looks amazing.
They’re incredible by day and especially by night. A good little overnight park up for £5 too. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did 👍🏻
Hi Sue.You certainly got off to a flying start! That Falkirk Wheel is an amazing piece of engineering and the Kelpies looked superb at night! Editing on the road seems to have gone well also! What app are you using? All the best👍😊
Hi Des, it's been great. Just 2 days left. Editing on the road needs some work tbh. I used PremPro which I use at home and it's always crashing but I kind of get used to it(!). On the road the wifi has been hit and miss so I need to look into it all, mobile wifi, etc. I'm a newbie to it all. I'm sure there are more reliable editing apps to use, if you find a good one let me know! I've heard Filmora and Lumafusion might be worth a look 👍
@@CamperVanya I'm a cheapskate so use Shotcut on the laptop (very good once you get your head around it) Never tried really on the phone or tablet, but will probably have to at some point. Great to hear your trip is going well👍 We"re enjoying our week in Wales 👍🙂
@@DesGreene Fab, look forward to catching up on your vids 👍🏻
Looks lovely. Do you have any information on your bike, it looks just what I need.
Hi Helen, this link tells you about the bike but I bought mine from a local shop. I think you get better aftercare if needed.
www.tredz.co.uk/.Dawes-Curve-36V-10Ah-2021-Electric-Folding-Bike_235871.htm?sku=782643&gclid=CjwKCAjwp_GJBhBmEiwALWBQk-uz4JLsTjJNFlqiGfKwQZB1QDRHNlri3B89BLXSKtTh4mHE1FJwqxoCizcQAvD_BwE
@@CamperVanya oh thank you for the link. It’s so hard to choose one but yours looks great.
@@helenmadner9569 all I would say is ride a few. I went with one in mind but found this one more suited to me. Good luck in your search x
👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏 excelente video!!!
Thank you! 😊👍
Wow you were an Early bird that day... but I can see why you were excited... the Kelpies look amazing..!!
I couldn’t sleep Gaz too excited 😆. The Kelpies are amazing to see. Thanks for watching. Sue