First trip tomorrow! Any must-have advice???

I don't want to put a damper on your first trip, but it might be a good idea to phone the site tomorrow  as there has been quite a lot of snow in Scotland today , even at low levels I don't know if they have cameras after you leave the M74 that you can check for snow. Kellysmum

I keep hot water bottles in the caravan and they do come in handy on chilly nights.   Just be careful your water does not freeze in the cold weather we having just now.   We looking to go to Loch Lomond in the summer been 20 + years since we were there.   Write a list of what you think you might need and go over it a couple of time and I am sure you will still forget something - we did out first couple of trips - enjoy 

Never thought of hot water bottles - great idea - I've not had one of those for years!

I hope you make it up to Loch Lomond soon - it is a truly stunning place. I've been going there for over 40 years, since I was a boy, and it never fails to give me a feeling of peace and relaxation. Years ago we could go wild camping on the islands, but sadly the vast overuse - and abuse - has led to so many rules being imposed by the National Park Authority (I think rightly so given the appalling behaviour of a minority) that the islands have lost that feeling of freedom. 

IMO, there is nowhere in the world to beat Scotland on a bright, clear day - the scenery is stunning. As far as I know there are four (possibly five) touring caravan sites around the Loch - at Cashel, Millarochy, Luss and Ardlui - maybe at Inverbeg too. We're planning to try them out and find a favourite, then we have a perfect getaway just an hour's drive from home right at the gateway to the highlands.

packed the bottle opener and cockscrew?

I don't want to put a damper on your first trip, but it might be a good idea to phone the site tomorrow  as there has been quite a lot of snow in Scotland today , even at low levels I don't know if they have cameras after you leave the M74 that you can check for snow. Kellysmum

Thanks Kellysmum - forecast is looking good - it just an hour or so up the road from where we are and no snow here so far! but who knows it is Scotland in March anything can happen, and don't get me started on the Met Office

Lots of extra bedding, more than you think you need, there is nothing worse than being cold at night. And, most importantly when towing, "don't try to rush"

Sound advice - am going for light quilt and mattress protector underneath, good heavy quilt on top, and if that's not enough maybe a couple of spaniels might end up on top of all that

Good thing about not going to far is no pressure of time, so yes slow and easy does it!

If the forecast is for frost at night take out your water pump and switch it off inside the van, first. If you have some way of covering/insulating your water barrels use it. If really cold empty your waste water container before going to bed. 

packed the bottle opener and cockscrew?

Sounds painful!!!!! but actually, now you mention it NO!

packed the bottle opener and cockscrew?

Sounds painful!!!!! but actually, now you mention it NO!

we learnt the hard way! Nothing worse than thinking mmm its time for that bottle of wine, your mouth starts watering, you get the glasses out, pick up the bottle and see it has a cork...  Ahhhhhhh

Tip, when caravaning always buy screw top wine bottles.

I use an old quilted Puffa jacket for the aqua roll one sleeve for the pump - but I also bring that inside if its really cold - or if I forget just don't run the taps.  I broke one pump as the container was nearly empty and the ice got into the pump. 

Carry some spares.....fuses, bulbs, even a water pump.  Things always break down when the shops are shut and/or you are miles from anywhere.

A small toolkit too is handy.

Have you got propane gas?