Scottish Endeavour

I must admit, despite being an experienced Bailey employee, I had never travelled in a panel van before. However, I was far from nervous about the experience. The road ahead promised to test the new Endeavour B62 in the rugged terrain of Scotland, and I was eager to see how it would handle. My initial impression was that the van was a sleek and well-designed vehicle, and I couldn’t wait to see if the inside would match the exterior. To my delight, it did.

With the Endeavour B62 packed with the essentials – chairs, food, drink, and a sleeping bag – Emma and I set off on our Scottish adventure. We chose the NC500 route but left our campsites unplanned to experience both wild camping and campsites along the way. The flexibility to choose our accommodations allowed for a true sense of adventure.

We explored several remarkable locations in Scotland, from the Black Isle to Caithness, Easter Ross, Inverness-Shire, Sutherland, and Wester Ross. Highlights included visits to Loch Ness, where we enjoyed wild camping, Dunrobin Castle, Smoo Cave, John O’Groats, Ardvreck Castle, Charnory Point, Puffin Cove, Sango Sands, and the beautiful Coldbackie Beach. We even ventured to Applecross, taking on the famous Bealach, the highest mountain pass road in Scotland.

Our favourite destinations included Achmelvich Beach, with its stunning sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, which became an instant favourite. Sango Sands campsite, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea and close to Smoo Caves, provided breathtaking views. Dunrobin Castle left us awestruck with its incredible architecture, while Charnory Point allowed us to witness seals and a whale. The Bealach Na Ba road, though challenging, was great fun and rewarded us with breath-taking views from the top. And, of course, Annie’s Bakery in the middle of Caithness was a delightful culinary surprise.

Sango Sands emerged as our top campsite. Located right on the cliff’s edge, the campsite offered unparalleled views of the sea and a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

During our journey, we engaged in hiking and cold-water swimming, fully immersing ourselves in the natural beauty of Scotland. These activities allowed us to make the most of our journey, staying active and exploring the great outdoors.

For first-time travellers, I would recommend planning a route and booking campsites in advance to avoid disappointment. Additionally, planning fuel stops in advance can ensure a smooth journey. Other than that, my advice is simple: pack and go, embracing the spontaneity and adventure of the road.

My impression of the Bailey Endeavour B62 was thoroughly positive. While the Endeavour offers a slimline exterior design, you would imagine the inside to match. However, my concerns about its size were quickly disproved. The van provided more space than expected, and I found it easy to drive. The interior space, efficient layout, and overall driving experience earned the Endeavour B62 a 10 out of 10 rating from both Emma and me.

We loved the awning, included as a standard feature, as it allowed us to sit outside in the evenings and enjoy the surroundings. The rear door opening provided a unique view from the comfort of our bed. The drive was smooth, the control panel was user-friendly, the fridge was spacious, and there was plenty of interior storage. In short, the Endeavour B62 had everything we needed for a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Our overall experience was nothing short of amazing, and we were delighted to have been one of the first to try the first-ever Bailey panel van conversion.