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If you're looking to make a reservation, you do so directly online, just click the book now button. Most information is available in our Blog or FAQ's, but if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.

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Frequently Asked questions

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Can I book online?

Yes of course! You can check available dates here, and book your Highland Defenders experience online. If you are looking to book a Lodge & Landy combination deal, please get in touch with us to book on your behalf, since this involves two calendars.

Can I go off-road?

You may have read that off-roading/greenlaning isn’t legal here in Scotland as it is in England. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code allows the “right to roam” which allows you to access land by foot for recreation.

Highland Defenders is not an off-roading company, what we offer is an alternative to a traditional campervan, with 4×4 driving capability that allows you to tackle conditions, weather and routes that campers and motorhomes can’t. Therefore, recreational off-roading is strictly prohibited.

The Road Traffic Act 1988 states that you can drive a vehicle off-road – away from a public road – for the purpose of parking and within 15 yards of a public road, though landowner permission does need to be sought for private land and this does not apply to camping.

Please always use care and caution when driving on uneven surfaces, especially where boggy. Even the best 4×4’s can sink on the wrong terrain!

Our vehicles are fitted with trackers, and off-road driving outside of these guidelines will result in a forfeit of the security deposit.

I can’t see my dates, are they available?

Our online booking system shows you the live availability for each vehicle, however if you are unsure, or you would like to discuss availability over the phone, then give us a call or drop us an email. Sometimes a day will be marked as unavailable due to a later than normal return or early pick up, so we might be able to work out a plan to accommodate your trip with amended times.

What is your minimum number of nights?

3 nights is our standard minimum number of nights, however we can sometimes accommodate special requests if we have gaps in the calendar so do get in touch.

Can I rent for longer than 3 nights

Sure, subject to availability there is no maximum to the amount of nights you hire for. What’s more, we offer progressive discounts for longer stays – 5% per week.
• 7+ days = 5% Off – use code STAY5 at checkout
• 14+ days = 10% Off – use Code STAY10 at checkout

Do I have to park overnight in campsites?

Access rights enjoyed in Scotland, such as Wild Camping, do not include motor vehicles and there is no specific guidance on camper vans and motorhomes in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. There is no legal right to park beside the road overnight, but there may be no objection to this in some instances – so extra care is needed. Campsites will welcome you if you fancy some creature comforts, and there are plenty of beautiful campsites in The Highlands that already enjoy the most incredible coastal, lochside or scenic views. We would encourage visitors to use official campsites or designated overnight parking areas if possible. These sites also support the local economy and they are a great base to explore the vast, rich and varied natural beauty of Scotland.

See also: “can I go off-road”.
Check out our Journal for ideas & recommendations.

Can I take a vehicle out in exchange for my photography, videography or influencer status?

We do work with selected media partners – get in touch to find out more.

Can I drive to you and park at Highland Defenders HQ?

Yes absolutely, we have ample parking here at HQ and you can leave your car here for the duration of our stay free of charge.

Are the vehicles automatic or manual?

The Discovery 4 and New Defender 110 are automatic with a manual option, and all of the other Defenders are manual.

Do you sell your tents to the public?

Yes absolutely, we work with a number of suppliers. If you want to purchase one, please check out our shop.

Are you open all year round?

From March – October we hire our vehicles out as Expedition Hire (with rooftop tent & camping kit). In November, December, January and February due to the cold weather and the increased chance of snow which can come with treacherous driving conditions we find this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of our Lodge and Landy combo deal, offering hire of the Land Rover simply as a vehicle (not with camping kit) combined with a stay in our lodges. All the fun of the car but with a cosy log fire, comfy bed and warm shower! For the “die-hard” camper we do have the option of winter camping or we offer our vehicles as Car Hire Only.

Can I rent your lodges at the same time and camp too?

Absolutely. Subject to availability, you can rent the Highland Defenders Land Rovers and one of our Lodges above Loch Ness for even more comfort. Most guests find the best way is to finish their trip with a few nights in a cosy lodge after a few nights in the wilds. Get in touch to find out more or visit Ancarraig Lodges to book directly.

What’s the maximum age for driving the Land Rovers?

Our standard maximum age in line with our insurance policy is 70, however are happy to accept drivers up to 79 with an increased excess of £2000.

Is there a mileage limit?

Where's the fun in mileage limits?  We are proud to be a rare exception to the norm and offer our adventurers an unlimited experience in their travels.

Where are you based, can I pick up the car from somewhere else?

Highland Defenders HQ is a short 15min drive from Inverness airport. All collections and returns must take place here where we undertake the safety demonstration, show you around the vehicle, process the security deposit and complete the paperwork.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer collection or return at alternative locations.

What’s included in the price, are there any hidden extras?

Our nightly rates include hire of the vehicle, our full kit, the roof tent, unlimited mileage, up to 2 drivers, and fully comprehensive insurance. The only additional funds to pay are the refundable security deposit due on the day of hire.

More on this can be found on our terms and conditions.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes – dogs are welcome when hiring one of our Defender 110 Land Rovers.

Please read our Dog Policy for our terms & conditions and more information.

I have points on my licence – can I still hire from you?

Our insurance dictates that so long as you have a maximum of 3 points for either a speeding or parking offence, you can hire one of our vehicles. You must also not have been involved in more than one motoring accident or claim within the preceding three years. There is an added surcharge for points on licence stipulated by our insurers of £8 per day. For further T&Cs, please contact us.

How many people fit in one car?

The Defender 90’s and Utility each seat 2, and sleep 2 people in the double bed sized tent. The Defender 110, Discovery 4 and the New Defender seat 5 people if the hire is car only. As our camping kit and tents cater to 2 people this is the maximum occupancy for a camping hire unless you add an additional ground tent to your hire. Please also note that the boot space is required for the extensive kit provided, so luggage space will be minimal if the back seats are required for any form of seating. The Discovery 4 can seat 7 when booked as car hire only.

What’s the minimum age for driving the Land Rovers?

Our standard minimum age in line with our insurance policy is 25, however, we are happy to accept drivers under 21 with an amended surcharge term of £15 per day. We do have a requirement that all drivers must have held their licence for a minimum of 2 years. Full information on security deposits and surcharges can be found on our terms & conditions page. The security deposit is held on your card for the duration of the trip and released upon safe return of the vehicle and kit in the condition it was hired out in.

How do I get to you?

Inverness is well served by an airport, train station and bus station. We work closely with an affiliated driver who offers preferential transfer rates for WildTrax guests. The airport is 10 minutes away, and the bus and train stations are 25 minutes from HQ. Transfers can be arranged both to and from HQ.

What time can I collect the vehicle and when do I need to bring it back?

Pick up is from 12:30pm and return is by 11:30am in order that we can prepare the car for its next adventure. Subject to availability we can often extend these times if required, with a charge of £20 per additional hour (since we will likely not be able to rent the car the same day as a result). Please note that if a late return has not been agreed upon, the car MUST be back by 11:30am to allow us adequate time to prepare the car, and late returns will be chargeable. Please note our offices close at 16:30, if you will be arriving late, please let us know and we’ll be happy to stay till 17:00. Any arrivals later than this time will need to return the following morning.

Do you offer discounts to Armed Services, Police, Fire Services, Ambulance service and NHS staff?

Yes! We offer 10% discount to those with a Defence Privilege Card/Blue Light Card/Valid photo ID card. Get in touch to have your discount applied to your full price booking (this does not include our Lodge and Landy combination deals, which are already discounted) or work with any other discounts or promotions.

Can I rent a Defender and a Discovery at the same time?

Absolutely! Subject to availability, and both drivers meet the rental requirements, hiring multiple vehicles is a great way for groups to explore.

Frequently Asked questions

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What is your COVID Policy?

We want to assure our guests that you will not lose your money. If at the time of your booking there are government restrictions either on your side or ours that prohibit you from visiting we can either move your booking to another date free of charge or offer you a credit voucher which can be used for up to 2 years.

Can I book online?

Yes of course! You can check available dates here, and book your WildTrax experience online. If you are looking to book a Lodge & Landy combination deal, please get in touch with us to book on your behalf, since this involves two calendars.

I can’t see my dates, are they available?

Our online booking system shows you the live availability for each vehicle, however if you are unsure, or you would like to discuss availability over the phone, then give us a call or drop us an email. Sometimes a day will be marked as unavailable due to a later than normal return or early pick up, so we might be able to work out a plan to accommodate your trip with amended times.

What is your minimum number of nights?

3 nights is our standard minimum number of nights, however we can sometimes accommodate special requests if we have gaps in the calendar so do get in touch.

Can I rent for longer than 3 nights

Sure, subject to availability there is no maximum to the amount of nights you hire for. What’s more, we offer progressive discounts for longer stays – 5% per week.
• 7+ days = 5% Off – use code STAY5 at checkout
• 14+ days = 10% Off – use Code STAY10 at checkout

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