MINI ROAD TRIP IN MY CAMPERVAN - Solo Female Van Life in the Scottish Borders (pt2) - Visit Scotland
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- MINI ROAD TRIP IN MY CAMPERVAN - Solo Female Van Life in the Scottish Borders (pt2) - Visit Scotland
This video shows the day after my amazing stopover at Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve, near Moffat. I had paid a £3 parking fee for 24 hours there and the Ranger had permitted me to stay overnight.
Here's the link to that video - • OFF GRID WILD CAMPING ...
I leave the Grey Mare's Tail and head east along the A708 towards the Loch of the Lowes & St Mary's Loch. I take a look at the monument there remembering the Scottish Poet, James Hogg and drive up to the Tibbie Shiels Inn, sadly no longer a pub but there's a basic campsite there. From there I drive a little further on to St Mary's Kirkyard. It's only a short walk up but it is quite steep! Worth the effort though with such views and the tranquility there made it somewhere I wanted to stop a while. I then drove on, stopping at the Philliphaugh Estate, Selkirk for some lunch before reaching my home for the next 2 nights (Melrose Gibson C&MC Site) where I planned to stay while Storm Claudio was due to visit for that night and the following day.
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#roadtrip #solofemalevanlife #visitscotland
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Music: Epidemic Sound
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My van is a 2021 VW T6.1 Transporter Camper Conversion by The Custom Shop, Liverpool - www.thecustoms...
If you contact them, tell Ben I say "Hi!"
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Hi, I’m Sue from Lancashire, UK.
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 began vlogging my solo travels in ‘Vanya’, to help me re-engage with life following the sudden, tragic loss of my husband nearly 3 years ago now. Working through a very complex grief has been the hardest & loneliest challenge imaginable. Some days it still knocks me completely sideways and probably always will. I really don't know. All I do know is that life can change forever and irreversibly in an instant.
By returning to the vanlife we had enjoyed so much together & embracing a new found love of video creation and vlogging, I’m continuing to build strength and balance to move forward through this completely unforeseen and unwanted next chapter of life.
Thanks for joining me. The company is nice.
Sue x
Hari OM
Sue, I have been following you for about a year now, but have remained a silent observer till now. This one I could not let pass... for you, see, that is family territory. My Grandather (and two generations before him) were shepherds in the Meggat Valley - now flooded for the Meggat Water Reservoir. That twice great grandad was a contemporary and acquaintance of James Hogg... until he started 'gang alang streets aboon us...' The family name was Shiel and they are to be found buried in Caddonfoot yard. I was born in Galashiels.My grandad had to relocate his family and farm up into the hills above Gala.
Your video, with your gentle and appreciative style, brought a huge flood of nostalgia! I have spent a lifetime globetrotting and settled in OZ - life circled as it inevitably does and I landed back in the Bonny Land nine years back - but in Dunoon (Argyll). After three years of almost total incarceration, I am starting to get antsy and am dreaming of a van ... meanwhile, I stow away on a fair few other's trips, like yours!!! Safe and happy driving dear lady. YAM xx
Hello Yam!
Thanks so much for leaving your lovely comment. Not only is it always nice to hear from whoever is watching the videos, but your story is fascinating after having visited this area.
What an upsetting moment it must’ve been for your Grandfather and the family when the valley they had farmed for generations was flooded to create Megget Reservoir. If the weather hadn’t changed I was going to spend a night at that point in the van. Maybe next time.
A connection to James Hogg too! So the family name of Shiel, are you a relation of Tibbie Shiel? I read up a little on her too which I didn’t fit into the video. An interesting lady, a survivor.
Your life has taken you far but it doesn’t surprise me that you’d return to Scotland. I would consider relocating there myself!
I hope you fulfil your dream of van travel. There’s nothing quite like it.
Thanks for the very kind wishes and best wishes to you too. Take care, Sue 😊 xx
Beautiful scenery! So peaceful. Thanks for sharing ❤
Thanks for watching. Glad you liked it 😊. X
Excellent share my friends ❤
😊👍🏻
Stunning scenery and fantastic drone shots. The quality of your videos is outstanding. You have come a long way from your very first vlog. Thank you for allowing us to journey with you. I look forward to seeing more of your travels
This was a lovely comment to wake to! Thanks Andrea, it’s been a steep learning curve and a journey of growth in many ways. Thanks for coming along with me and supporting the channel it’s appreciated. Best wishes to you 😊
Lovely trip. There is something about Scotland,for us it's the wild open spaces and the amazing wildlife. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you. I couldn’t agree more. It’s blissful exploring Scotland 🏴 ❤️
Don’t forget to stop and take it all in…never a truer statement apart from…don’t forget to stop and look behind you 😍
We would love to see salmon jumping, must be fascinating to watch 😊
And always watch where you’re going 🤣
Inspired by your part one of this Borders trip I went up there 2 weekends ago & stayed at the Grey Mares Tail waterfall car park overnight ( got chatting to friendly, helpful Martin the ranger too) and did the walk up to Loch Skeen on the Sunday. It was spectacular & I was blessed with great weather. What a fabulous area. I loved it 😊
That's brilliant to hear! I'm glad you had as good a time as I did. Martin is so welcoming and knowledgable. Definitely a great time of year to go 😊👍
Hat's out, it must be autumn.
Those toadstools were proper fairy glen style.
Lovely video with the history we love so much xx
Thanks for watching. A very interesting area xx
Loving the scenery looks a lovely trip .
Thanks Jenny it was a lovely few days of freedom just driving wherever I fancied. Bliss.
Thank you very much for posting these wonderful videos. I watched them heavily before heading over to Scotland myself, to rent a camper van. Your style of travel very much mimics my style of travel, and you helped me have the confidence to be successful when I went at the beginning of November. You continue to be an inspiration to us older female solo travelers. Diane, 55, USA
Hi Diane, thanks for watching and taking the time to leave such a lovely comment. It's great to know you see similarities and that I've helped with your own confidence. Mine's growing back a little more all the time too. Really pleased to hear you enjoyed the camper rental experience. Where did you get to in Scotland? Take care, Sue.
@@CamperVanya i went into the Highlands. Inverness, and Fort William. I was there for a music festival in Butterstone, near Dunkeld. The van was so comfortable, and I slept so well in it, which really suprised me.
@@dianesilas4243 That sounds a wonderful trip! Im looking forward to getting right up to the Highlands too. Only been as far as Loch Ness/Inverness so far. Roll on next year!
Hi Sue, loving watching your videos of the borders. I taught for many years at Philiphaugh Community school (primary) in Selkirk, I left to come up to Perth in 2005 so brought back some lovely memories. Looking forward to seeing where you go next!
Hiya, thanks for watching and leaving this comment. I'm glad that I was able to bring back some lovely memories for you. A beautiful area to live in. I can really see myself perhaps settling in Scotland at some point.
Gosh some of those roads were very narrow, yikes your having to turn round on them too! 😱Lovely climb to the historic graveyard, What incredible views over the Loch from there! Glad you have your hat on whilst waiting on that bench, it looked a magical spot! Sorry to hear about the underwhelming food at the Water Wheel. The campsite looks like a great place to bunker down from the storm! Great video as always 👍
Thanks guys, I’m off quiche for a while haha x
@@CamperVanya 😂😂
Hi Sue the scenery in this Vlog is just stunning thank you for sharing the history travel safe - Debs and Mark xx
Thank you for watching and commenting. Happy and safe travels to you both too 😊 x
Stunning Scotland. Thank you for the ride along. Xx
Hi, thanks for coming along! 😊 xx
Awesome video,thanks for braving the chilly weather and sharing your travels😍
Thanks for watching Maggie. It was worth the chill 😊
Awh lush! We loved Scotland! Looking forward to going back at some point! ❤
My favourite place in the van 😍👍🏻
Again a great and beautiful video Sue i enjoyed as always ..sooooo Onward ! ☺☺
Haha, thanks Rob much appreciated. ATB to you 😊
☺👍☺👍
Lots of really interesting information. I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Sylvia. Glad you enjoyed it. 😊
Another interesting and informative video, thanks Sue.
Thanks very much 😊👍🏻
Loved the atmospheric places you visited Sue. Shame about the food xx
It was so beautiful there Anne xx
Great video Sue - loved how the birds flew past the drone … no camping signs always confuse us …. Looks a great trip with all the autumn colours
I know I'd have been fine there if I'd wanted to stay after speaking with the Ranger the day before but in general signage is just so confusing in parking areas. Better to stick to out in the wild I think. The Autumn colours were pretty stunning. Hope you're both well 😊
Hi Sue this was another lovely trip and it's getting time for hats I agree ! The monument to the poet was interesting, he did really well and his book does sound good. The Loch of the Lowes I think you said and St Mary's Loch are just separated by that bridge you crossed, that is a stunning area and so was the William Wallace place that you stood at . That goat with horns was best kept away from hehe and maybe so was that cafe that was nice but the food wasn't :) Thanks for another lovely tour 👍 :) ~ Anna
Hi Anna thanks for watching. I’m steering clear of quiche for a while 😉
Another great video very good. Keep them coming!
Thanks for watching and I will do 🙂👍
Well done on getting out in that weather. It looked very cold but it also looked well worth it
I love getting wrapped up and exploring in all weathers. It was a chilly one! 🥶
Thanks for sharing your travels. We always appreciate an honest restaurant review ☺️ Abbotsford is on Carol’s to do list so looking forward to the next episode 🙂👍
I held back with my food review - overpriced, minimal portions, soggy quiche, dripping wet 'salad', undercooked potato wedges, but a reasonable enough coleslaw! Carol, I think you will enjoy Abbotsford, there's an interesting audio tour and going at a quiet time of year meant no crowds so I got a real feel of the place. The gardens obviously didn't have anything in bloom but the house, grounds and private chapel were enough. Oh, and the food in the visitor centre cafe was excellent! Take care both 😊
@@CamperVanya thanks for the details, much appreciated 😂 Abbotsford sounds good. Hope we get to go there one day 🙂👍
Enjoyable video sue , loved the beautiful scenery , no camping signs are always open to personal interpretation 😊❤🙏😊stay warm stay safe
That's what worries me a bit. I always think signage is so unclear it's easy to come a cropper. Stay well guys 😊❤🚐
Hi Sue , as ever, another lovely video…..them mushrooms looked colourful! Ani I loved the “gagging for a pint” comment. Did you hear the cry of Freeeedommm when you were pondering by the bench! Or bump into that famous Scotsman…..Mel Gibson!
Thanks for watching Lee. I heard nothing while on that bench but the wind it was quite a meditative place where I stayed a while (I edited a lot out!). Mel Gibson would’ve really ruined such a moment 😆 x
Hi Sue, another great watch, lovely filming, the colours of Autumn, beautiful, you were lucky with the weather.
I can tell you love driving Vanya, its written all over your face.
Now, no camping signs, I think we should read it as it says "no camping"
I'm not camping, not a tent peg in sight 🤣. Looking forward to your next episode Sue. Take care and stay safe x
I sometimes think I look miserable in the driving shots but that's because I'm usually lost in thought haha, but you're right there's nothing I love more than being behind that wheel in the van. Yes I agree camping is tents pitched on grass with TENT PEGS 😂👍
Beautiful video Sue. Scotland is such a special place 💜x
Thanks. Definitely my fave go to location. Take care both xx
Shame there was no overnight camping. Such a lovely poem -very evocative. Breathtaking scenery from the churchyard shame about your lunch 😝
Hi both I’ll never get my head around all the different signages! The churchyard was very interesting with stunning views. You know the beauty of Scotland ❤️🏴 x
ps I’m off quiche for a while 😂
@@CamperVanya yes. It’s a beautiful place 😊
Went to the grey mares tail in June 2022 last saw it 25 years ago on honeymoon
Saw the AA box up the road from there too
Another great blog from you again
Cheers Steve. I think I passed the AA box! 👍
Hi Sue, lovely new video 😊 The Kirk yard you visited looked very interesting 😊 a lot of old churches in Scotland have vanished or lay in ruins 😊 I love exploring places like that myself 😊 beautiful views along the way too ❤️😊 very lovely video
Hi Stephen hope all is good with you. If you’re ever in the area it’s worth taking some time to visit this ancient little Kirkyard. It’s easily missed. There’s a link to quite a bloody family feud to it too! Sitting there taking in the views while surrounded by such peace was wonderful though. Glad you enjoyed the video. Take care 😊❤️🏴
Nice wee trip .my hometown Selkirk
Lucky you Rob to live in this area. Can’t wait to explore more of the Borders.
Looks such a beautiful place even if you didn’t get the weather. Shame the pub was closed but some really interesting history around there. I reckon the book would be interesting!! Hope you’re having a good week Sue
Hiya, all fine here thanks hope you're ok. I loved the book's title! It's always great learning about the history of people and places visited. No shortage of that around there 😊👍
Wonderful video Sue. Colours are so magical this time of year. Some lovely places to explore in the D&G area. Keep up the wonderful adventures
Hi, thank you, I will. Autumn and Spring are the most magical seasons 😍
Hi Sue. A very atmospheric vlog. The kirkyard especially seemed quite special with an amazing view. The border abbeys and Walter Scott’s house are amazing and I’m looking forward to the next vlog. There are some great, remote wild camping spots to be found in the area too. Thanks for the vlog, really enjoyable.
Hi Alan, thanks very much. I would love to revisit soon and try out other wild camping spots. The change in weather and power shortage meant a couple of nights on site made sense but I much prefer the peace and tranquility of off grid these days. Take care. 😊
Thanks Sue for helping relive our memories from this area. Agree with you about the watermill. We stopped off there in May. Same thoughts, staff were friendly but, pricey and disappointing. 🙂🐕🚙
Beautiful around there isn't it. Like a hidden gem 😊👍
Hi there.Lovely video great scenery. We stayed at Melrose , we really liked the town and Abbotsford is a unique place to visit. Thanks for sharing. 👍😀
Hi hope you're both well. The site's well located isn't it. I really enjoyed Abbotsford on a rainy day 😊. Take care.
I intend to do a Scotish trip some time, just hope my VW is up to it, it looks like a challenge, which I'm looking forward to, some time,maybe in summer, but then, autumn would be more likely.
Hope you get there it’s worth the journey whatever the season and whatever the weather 🏴👍🏻
Hi Sur, really enjoyed hour video, you visited some lovely locations, very interesting, looking forward to your next video x
Hiya thanks very much, the Scottish Borders are well worth a visit x 👍
brother- super video-work- see ya!.✨
I'm a laydeee
Lovely video, easier to explain No Parking signs and no camping signs than what a cats wants but only just
Maybe do a Wednesday Waffle Special and explain it for me 🤪
@@CamperVanya I did one years ago, people don't like being told. 😂
@@DesmondsDonders oh yes, good point! 😂
Lovely colours.
Just added the kirkyard to my map list!
We stayed at Melrose CAMC Site.
Thanks for sharing
Ju
Xx
Thanks Ju, yes pay it a visit next time you're there. The atmosphere is really calming and the views well worth it x
Thanks for taking us on another journey with you Sue! Everyone else has said what I wanted to say! After a few months being less mobile due to sciatica, thankfully I am a lot better so you’ve given me lots of ideas on where to go in the New Year! Hope you are well? Take care Sue!
Hi Linda good to read your comment but I'm sorry you've been restricted by sciatica. Not nice. Hope you get back out there soon and enjoy yourself. Take good care too! x
Hi Sue. A beautiful drive, and plenty of interest along the way👍 Shame about lunch ☹ Were those things chips on the side of the plate? 😂 Mind you, so many places struggling to get staff these days, so at least it was open! All the best and take care 👍😊
Hi Des hope you’re well. They were described as potato wedges haha. 😉
@@CamperVanya 😂 A get out of jail free card!
Great video, thank you
Thanks Victoria 😊
Loved it, thanks.
The no overnight camping belongs to campervans / motorhomes. Its all over Scotland. Way I see it is wheres the no overnight camping police ?? 🤣
Just my luck I'll bump into them 😂
Thanks John 🙂
I'm noticing how well you edit the video to be beats of the music! 👏
Takes me ages Andy 😂
@@CamperVanya Just out of interest, how long does it take to edit a high quality video like this one Sue?
@@ianm5249 Thanks for that Ian. I’m a slow editor but getting quicker as I learn more. I take my time though and enjoy the creative process & ‘occupational flow’ (google it) I experience while editing. It’s very therapeutic 😊
So I can’t say exactly but it’s a few days overall.
Nice part of the country know it quite well having stayed a few days in Hawick and walked around St Marys Loch have the distinction of sabotaging the Gents at that Cafe by putting the wrong coinage in the slot and after the walk we had to use the disabled Oops also my nephew lives not far away at Kelso
So much I still want to see of the area. That's a nice St Mary's Loch memory for you, the toilet sabotage 😂
nice one 👍🙏💯
Cheers 😊👍🏻
Wow look at those colours! Such a great trip! It must be a little hard being alone but I’m sure that all this beauty just balances any negative things!
Love to see Scotland! One of my favourite places and high up on my bucket list!
Doing all this without Bri is still weird, it still feels lonely but in a more and more familiar way that it is becoming the norm (whether I wanted it or not) if you will. I will always miss Bri being by my side in this world and will always crave his company, it just gets easier to deal with now as I'm accepting he's gone. As a result, I'm learning a lot more about myself and finding out who I am now after having had Bri in my life. It's a strange experience in your 50s to not really know who you are anymore. If that sounds odd, sorry! I hope you achieve your dream and get to visit Scotland! ATB, Sue.
@@CamperVanya sending you hugs and love! you are strong!
My gosh you're inspiring mate.
Wow thank you 😊
Thanks Sue. More inspirational locations. I like my mushrooms and that looked like great mushroom habitat. Well worth an autumn visit I reckon.
Oh yes mushrooms galore up there and
definitely worth a visit in Autumn 😊👍🏻
How do Sue. I've really loved you Scotland trip so far. I always found when I travelled through Scotland that if had a very etherial spiritual vibe to it.The countryside always gave me a massive feeling of freedom and joy and your videos have captured that feeling beautifully. Its a joy to watch your channel and if I ever manage to do half as good a job on mine I'd be very very happy. I hope one day our paths cross and I can tell you in person. This was a wonderfully uplifting video which I enjoyed very much. respect and best regards as always- Kenny
Ah thanks very much Kenny. Scotland definitely lifts me spiritually. Good luck with your channel too it’s an interesting learning process but the most important thing I’ve found is to make sure you just enjoy it 😊👍🏻
Thanks for another lovely vlog. I am reminded, watching you drive around the Scottish Borders of all the lovely drives I used to go on around Wales. I've only ever been to Edinburgh on a train from London and then as a passenger in the van (driven by a friend) I hired to move me and my dog to Belfast in 2008. I'm hoping to see more eventually, but for now your vlogs will suffice. Thank you for the reminder to just slow down and take in the view - something we could all benefit fro doing. I hope you have a good weekend. C. x
Thanks Colin. You can make up for all that when you have your own van. Taking time to just stop is sooo important. Have a lovely weekend too. Take care x
@@CamperVanya definitely will - if ever I can pin a van down long enough to buy the blighter!! Hope your weekend goes well 🙂❤️
Brilliant video well done 👏
Many thanks 👍
@@CamperVanya your more than welcome great video as allways
Another great video. Really enjoyed this , thanks for sharing
Hi both thank you for watching. Glad you liked it.
Just another great video Sue. I've not ever been to Scotland in my travels out your way. Someday...maybe. Until then, I'll take in the sights through your videos. Hope all is well?! Cheers!
Cheers Micky. All fine. To me, Scotland is the best part of the UK and luckily with living in Lancashire it’s quite easily accessible. Hope you get there at some point 🏴👍🏻
@@CamperVanya Some day we'll make it over to Scotland. In the meantime, I'll live it through your videos. Cheers!
I always enjoy your videos Sue 👍
I’ve been to St Mary’s loch a few times on my motorbike, it’s a beautiful area.
Cheers Stuart. Much appreciated. I bet the A708 is a dream to ride on a motorbike!
@@CamperVanya It is, I normally ride up from Sunderland to Carter Bar, then over to Hawick, turn off towards Roberton. All nice quiet roads.
They say every day's a school day. I've been to St Mary's Loch loads of times but never knew that church yard was up there. 🤷♂️
Oh you must go, it’s a very peaceful, reflective place and the views of the loch are stunning.
@@CamperVanya it's on my list!
Lovely video once again I do enjoy xx
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment Sharon. I’m glad you enjoy the content. Have a good weekend xx
Scotland - you are supposed to sit a while and let it do its magic…. Not just that place ❤
Very true ❤️🏴👍🏻
And talking of shepherds... when you mentioned that he was both a poet and a shepherd I was put in mind of John Clare (1793 - 1864) (I had to go and double-check that I wasn't in fact confusing Clare with Hogg) who wrote perhaps the best love poem for a love never actually declared:
I loved thee, though I told thee not,
Right earlily and long,
Thou wert my joy in every spot,
My theme in every song.
And when I saw a stranger face
Where beauty held the claim,
I gave it like a secret grace
The being of thy name.
And all the charms of face or voice
Which I in others see
Are but the recollected choice
Of what I felt for thee.
A sad little verse I think. ❤.
Beautiful. Sad but beautiful 😊
I am very skeptical about some of these food revues. We have been to some very sketchy places that have good revues and we are very far from food snobs. As for no camping I have always regarded camping as pitching a tent not parking up in a van.
Same here on both counts, I'm not a food snob but the reviews didnt match my experience. Also camping to me has alway been tents but I wasn't sure. Hope you're both well. Take care.
William Wallace was made Guardian of Scotland in Selkirk old grave yard i too travel around in my camper solo too
Great area for travelling in a van solo 👍
Poets and their work fascinates me although I don't always understand it. This by William Wordsworth is easy enough to decipher though:
No more of old romantic sorrows,
For slaughtered Youth or love-lorn Maid!
With sharper grief is Yarrow smitten,
And Ettrick mourns with her their Poet dead.
I read that when I was reading up. Apparently their friendship had waned towards the end but Wordsworth was quite affected by his death and wrote the poem for “the Border Minstrel”
@@CamperVanya every day is indeed a school day!!
lovely video Sue, shame about the quality of the food but your footage more than made up for that... you will know not to go back there when you come back. Hope you manage to stay warmer the next time you are out in Vanya.. take care xx
Hi Lindsay, the cold in the van hadn't hit me yet and the site hook up gave me creature comforts 😁. Take care both xx ❤
Hi i stay in selkirk and st marys loch you can park over night for £15 at the other end of the loch you can stay for free
Hi, thanks that's great to know. I'd spoken to the Ranger the day before and he was really helpful re parking too. Safe travels 👍
Another great video Sue. Stunning views. Shame about the poor quality food. Looking forward to the next video as always. Cheers 😊
Hi Gaz hope you're good. Put me off quiche for a while 😂
@@CamperVanya 🤢🤢😆😆
Loved it so relaxing and great scenery.
Looking forward to next video 👍😊🇬🇧
Thanks very much Janine for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Much appreciated. Take care 😊