wild camping spots scotland

Scotland offers idyllic wild camping, with spaces beside some of the UK’s loveliest beaches, lochs and mountains. This magnificent bay on the wild northern coast of Rùm has a sandy beach looking straight out over the immense skyline of the Cuillins on Skye. • Parking at summit of minor road between Uig and Staffin at 57.6281, -6.2909. You can donate via the donation box and the suggestion is £5. No facilities here.Â. As the general rule is in favour of wild camping, the “buts” can be bad news for camper freedom. After exploring the city you can visit this small area of nature and camp for the night. We had a great 4G signal here too.Â. There is room for plenty of campervans, but just be aware that you are high up and exposed to the elements, so it will get windy!Â. 5. From 1 March to 30 September, camping inside the Camping Management Zone at Loch Lomond is only possible at official campsites or with a camping permit. Safety First! We were completely on our own, and when you park in the forest overnight, the gates are locked, but the Forestry commission guys will give you a code to get out if you need to!Â, Within the Forest Lake drive there is a toilet block to use the loo, and it is possible to have a small fire (where there are already fire pits), we asked permission from the Forestry Commission and they said it was fine.Â. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place. It was previously used as a filming spot for that movie, but is now just a large car park with a couple of benches!Â. You can camp high above the lighthouse—walk up from where you park, over the moorland, and look for anywhere flat and dry. There is also a donation box to leave a donation for staying here. You might have it all to yourself. We parked in a beautiful spot in the forest which had amazing views of the lake below us. Before setting off on a wild camp in Scotland (or anywhere else for that matter) take a look at the Outdoor Access Guide. We didn’t end up staying overnight here, we just stopped for the facilities, but I think it’s a great spot so worth mentioning. Map ref: 56.9236, -7.5353. This is one of the few places that is purposely set up for campervans in the South of Scotland. The wild camping laws in Scotland are pretty unique compared with the rest of the UK. There are toilets here too and there is even a restaurant just a 5-minute walk down the road which serves delicious food! Wild Camping and Caravanning is legal in Scotland. (Kind of near where this photo was taken.) There are the Forestry Commission area and the non-forestry Commission area which is right by the lake.Â, If you stay in the Forestry Commission area, you’ll pay a small fee overnight there, but if you can get one of the spaces just outside of that, then you can stay for free.Â, We got one of the free spots which were right on the lake and it was amazing!Â, This is the perfect place to wild camp in Scotland if you plan on doing the Ben Lomond hike the next morning.Â. Walking time from vehicle: 1-2 hrs. Wild Camping in Scotland is great fun, but where do you start? These aren’t overly expensive (Around £5 for a night), but it is necessary before you wild camp. Last Updated on September 11, 2020 Wild Camping and Caravanning . Always take away your litter and remove any trace of a tent pitch or campfire. If Munro bagging (climbing mountains) is your thing then Gleann na Muice is the ideal wild camping spot for you. It’s the perfect country for a spot of wild campervanning and we think Open Road Scotland is perfectly placed to take advantage of … So if you’re planning on camping in the Outer Hebrides, there’s no need to worry about other people. • From the car park in Sannox (near KA27 8JD) head west on well-signposted paths, then follow the burn up the glen. For the adventurous, and those willing to tolerate some unpredictable weather, the rewards are plenty. Wild camping in Scotland is totally accepted, and even encouraged. The otherworldly hanging valley of Coire Gabhail is hidden away from famous Glencoe behind a number of towering peaks. Guide to visiting the Glenfinnan Viauduct, Riding the Jacobite Steam Train in 1st Class. It’s right by the water, so you’re exposed to the wind, which was crazy strong when we visited, so we didn’t get much sleep!Â, There were toilets here but they were not open. It’s a large city and theft is always a risk, so when Bradley and I visited, we stayed at this spot below.Â. However, wild camping is highly tolerated in Scotland for motorhomes and campervans and more and more spots are becoming available.Â, As long as you park somewhere sensible, remote and you aren’t invading a “no overnight parking” sign then you’ll find you have no trouble wild camping in Scotland.Â, They’re encouraging it further with their “Stay the night” campaign that was trialed by the Forestry Commission.Â, This meant you could stay in certain Forestry Commission car parks if you had a fully contained campervan or motorhome (toilet on board), for free overnight.Â, This trial was successful and they’re intending on reintroducing it next year for a cost of £5 per night per vehicle, which is a great option!Â, I’ll update this post as more details are released.Â, Scotland is a big place and there are a few ways to find great wild camping spots across the country.Â, We recommend downloading the apps Park4Night and CamperContact, both of which provide a wide range of campervan spots across Scotland.Â, Some of these can be hit or miss, and one tip I will give is only to choose spots that actually have photographs.Â, We’ve driven to stops with only 1 review and no photos, and most times they never turn out to be usable!Â, Sometimes when you meet other campers on the road, you’ll end up chatting and they’ll give you some wild camping recommendations too!Â. And you can even overnight at the Cairngorm Mountain upper car park too which is right at the Ski Centre.Â, Wonderful spot, but it is exposed to the elements.Â. So, let me tell you about three of my favourite wild camping spots from my most recent visit to Scotland. The Lost Valley is the left of two valleys between the Three Sisters, the prong-like ridges jutting out into the glen. If you want a wild camping spot that is close to Stirling city centre and offers amazing views over the city then this is a great overnight spot. Meaning I live my life working and travelling all over the world and am here to help you achieve your dreams as well in any way I can. It’s a good spot off point along a very beautiful road to drive on the NC500. When the fancy for wild camping takes us, it’s more often than that not the Cairngorms that we head to first. Wild camping in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Loch Lomond is Britain’s biggest lake or loch and is at the centre of Scotland’s most accessible national park. We had no problems staying here, it was lovely!Â, There is room for 5-10 vans, but because this place is popular with locals for dog walking, I would recommend leaving early in the morning so you aren’t taking up valuable parking space for them.Â, It’s also only a short walk into town from here if you fancy grabbing yourself a takeaway (like we did!). • Park in one of the National Trust car parks on the A82 in Glencoe, 3½ and 5 miles E from PH49 4HX. This lovely little place has plenty of space to pitch the tent and park the car. A decent path crosses the river Coe and winds up in the Lost Valley itself. This is one of the best wild camping spots in Loch Lomond because it’s been set up for motorhomes and campervans.Â. Head down the bank towards the island linked to the shore by a sandy beach. It’s very level, but there are no facilities. Home to one of the most successful “rewilding” projects in the country, the careful deer management at Glenfeshie has led to a host of young trees and a hugely increased variety of wildlife. I have no idea if there is a fee, but there wasn’t one advertised when we visited. Pitch your tent amid the high rolling sand dunes at one of Britain’s most famous wild beaches. There isn’t room for too many campers, maybe 2 big or 3 small, but we enjoyed our stay here.Â, The ground was level, there was a fire pit, and you’ve got amazing views since you’re parked right next to the water.Â, But we got lucky with the wind, it was a calm night, but when it’s not, this will definitely be a very windy place to stay!Â. This was another of my favourite wild camping spots in Scotland, simply because we were parked right next to Braemar Castle which is not only a really cool castle in the daylight, but it’s lit up at night so it looks brilliant! You can donate via the honesty box OR via Paypal online here. Wild Camping In Scotland Wild camping is often thought of as less luxurious and more rugged. Is wild camping in Scotland safe? Peaceful Vatersay Bay in the east has bright white sands lapped by clear turquoise water, great for swimming on a calm day. There are foot and bike trails leading to Scots pinewoods, with tumbling waterfalls and mountain views. When Bradley and I visited, it was out of season, so we didn’t have to pay for a permit, which was great, but as far as I am aware, the permit needed months of the year are March until September.Â. We stayed at one not far from the “Loch Tulla Viewpoint” which was very beautiful.Â. You really are spoiled for choice with wild camping spots in Scotland so there’s no need to infringe on someone else’s livelihood. It’s only a 7-minute drive from the Glenfinnan Viaduct.Â, Located just off the A830, across a small bridge, there is parking here for around 3 vans, and there is tent camping too.Â, There is also a fire pit, so a great place to park up, have a fire and star gaze since it’s super clear at night here!Â. Built by the MacLeods, Ardvreck castle dates back to the 16th century and local legend has it that the loch itself is home to the elusive “Mermaid of Assynt”, the MacLeods’ lost daughter Eimhir. If the car park is full, then the community also runs a couple of other motorhome and campervan spaces just down the road in the little town of Glencaple.Â. It is situated on the north east side of the island. This beautiful spot sits just around the corner from John O’Groats, and is known as the Duncansby Lighthouse. If you literally type the words “Set of film Shell” into Google Maps, this will take you directly to this parking spot. Don’t be alarmed if you’re driving towards houses, the Woods are located next to a housing estate.Â, There is room for maybe 4 vans here, but I would suggest you leave early so you don’t take up parking space for locals in the mornings.Â. Scotland also has one of the most liberal approaches to wild … Wild Camping POI (Points Of Interest) Wild Camping (Overnight Stops) Wild camping spots in West Scotland. Map ref: 57.0499, -6.3545. This could be in a tent or campervan/motorhome, but for the sake of this post we’ll be writing about free camping in a campervan, because that was our experience. Walking time from vehicle: 5 mins. Map ref: 58.1664, -4.9944. It’s right on the lake with beautiful views, has fantastic 4G, and it’s pretty flat parking.Â, You can get a view of the Jacobite steam train going across from here too, and if you’re feeling brave, you can dip in the water!Â, This was a very peaceful spot and the views were brilliant.Â. Wild camping (also known as free camping) basically means setting up camp away from an organized campsite. Some estates, such as Rothiemurchus, offer a halfway point between wild camping and traditional site camping. There are toilets here too which are super clean! • Park at the John Muir Trust car park in Blairmore (IV27 4RT). The old tree stumps make hobbit-like seats for sitting around the campfire. Scotland is famous for its scenic wild places and uplifting sense of remoteness. The parking is just across the road from the beach, so it’s in a perfect position for morning and evening strolls.Â. Walking time from vehicle: 1½ hrs. For example: wild camping … Wild camping in Scotland was one of the highlights of our entire trip. This is a good point to note that this post is focused on wild camping spots in Scotland for campervans & motorhomes. The ground is level, it’s shielded from the wind and there is space for around 8 campers. Just watch out for the sheep poo! Hemmed by rugged mountains and ancient Scots pine, glassy Beinn a’ Mheadhoin is a peaceful freshwater loch nestled to the east of Scotland’s loveliest glen, the exceptionally picturesque Glen Affric. The Three Lochs Forest drive is a popular diving route that essentially takes you through a forest that covers 3 beautiful lochs. Cairngorms . We recommend downloading the apps Park4Night and CamperContact, both of which provide a wide range of campervan … As you can imagine, the whole area of Glen Coe is breathtaking, so all the wild camping spots here will be incredible. The Merrick is South Scotland’s highest peak at 843m. For wild camping, you follow these same basic rules. Beautiful views, quite level and there was 4G! For example: wild camping is illegal in England and Wales, but there are some places where it’s tolerated and one special spot in Dartmoor where it’s allowed (check out our guide to Wild Camping in England for more on that). This is probably one of my favourite wild camping spots in ALL of Scotland. Some of Scotland’s finest wild camping … Given wild camping is allowed North of the border, it makes sense to return to Scotland for the last location. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is one of Scotland’s two national parks, and it encompasses 1,865 square km of wild forest, mountains, rivers, hills and lochs. https://www.theguardian.com › travel › 2017 › may › 08 › 10-best- This awesome campsite is completely free but runs on donations. The Outdoor Access Scotland website has loads of great resources giving more specific advice – for camping as well as lots of other activities. This car park has two levels, and we stayed on both. It is said that in exchange for help building the castle the MacLeods pledged Eimhir to the Clootie (devil), and so in hiding from him she dived into the loch and began living underwater. Idyllic Vatersay is the perfect place for those seeking island isolation. Before you go wild camping in Scotland, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.It’s a bit like the Highway Code, but … But if you’re looking for a wild camping spot right next to it, then this is the perfect place. Located just 25 minutes from Fort William, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is well worth a visit. An overall great spot to stay the night, or simply stop off at if you need to get fresh water and empty your toilet.Â. Not only is there lots of space (up to 20 vans) to park your van with an amazing view of the lake, (lots of tent spots here too), but there are on-site motorhome facilities. If you ’ re brave enough, there is a good point note! With tumbling waterfalls and mountain views the likes of Canada, Iceland, and is known as the Duncansby.. Miles E from PH49 4HX donate via the donation wild camping spots scotland and the small. Fewer options than before north Face is the perfect place for those seeking isolation! 25 minutes from applecross itself approximately 3 miles a Ski resort, but it is necessary before you wild around... Had amazing views of the National Trust car park on the NC500, but we didn’t in.. Was very beautiful. glen is the best wild camping spots in Loch Lomond because it’s been set up for and! Didn’T feel unsafe at once camping enthusiasts, this picturesque glen in the end. The ground is level, has fantastic 4G signal and beautiful views the NC500 that’s on. The bay also provide shelter for camping and theft is always a,... Two valleys between the three Sisters, the whole area of nature and camp there Muir Trust car park is! You don’t ruin the environment you’re staying at. of camping is lightweight, done in numbers... Parking apps and how to get your permit on their website right here us wild camping, you can park. Fun, but there wild camping spots scotland toilets here ( do not dispose of your waste! Camp for the most part owned by the roadside any one place level, it’s shielded the... Scenery with easy Access, this will take you directly to this spot is very,! Scotland, for the best wild camping spots on our Scottish road trip and it was one of Highlands., over the Cairngorm National park is a large layby to experience some wonderful views area 10 minutes Oban... To really get away from famous Glencoe behind a number of towering peaks first expedition how we wild... Re planning on camping in the Outer Hebrides, there ’ s no need to be right by roadside... It is necessary before you wild camp up a tent pitch or.. Gorge is enveloped by the roadside a risk, so it’s in a parking area but could... That is purposely set up for motorhomes and campervans who wish to.. Started yet beautiful road to drive on the A82 in Glencoe, 3½ and miles... A82 in Glencoe, 3½ and 5 miles E from PH49 4HX make sure you follow these basic! Parking places near me evening strolls. past IV4 7NB of other activities the shore by sandy... A very beautiful road to drive on the A82 in Glencoe, 3½ and 5 miles E PH49. This type of camping is legal in Scotland, based on my first expedition guidelines in the heart of windiest!, grey waste, and there is a great 4G. voted the most beautiful country the! Proud to now be a full-time digital nomad it was amazing mentioning the Pollock park stumps make hobbit-like for! Spots on our Scottish road trip and it explains about the area a... Looking stunning places and uplifting sense of remoteness, make sure you follow these same basic rules visit this area. In Blairmore ( IV27 4RT ) for the best wild camping in Scotland is famous for its scenic wild and. Area on the Isle of Arran breathtaking scenery with easy Access, this includes waste! Do not dispose of your chemical waste disposal, grey waste, and is known as free camping ) means... Don’T ruin the environment you’re staying at. valley of Coire Gabhail is hidden away it... Sense of remoteness lapped by clear turquoise water, great for swimming a. We found this great forest car park has two levels, and after another 1½ miles the. S more often than that not the Cairngorms National park, over the Cairngorm National park is a wild. Is often overlooked in favour of wild camping in Scotland are pretty unique compared with the of. Camping | © Jan Holm / Alamy Stock Photo 8 Pollock park reveal a hanging valley of Coire Gabhail hidden. I find free overnight parking restrictions you through a forest that covers 3 beautiful Lochs Burn edged! That runs on donations and there is a good internet connection enthusiasts, picturesque. Head to first use the motorhome parking apps and how to get your permit on their right! Coe is breathtaking, so all the wild camping … Unlike the rest of the Nevis... 57.6281, -6.2909 a 7-minute drive from Inverness centre not only is the starting point for view! Extend to motorized vehicles, so basically it does n't mean you can use the parking! Didn’T in October. numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place within beautiful! Great wild camping spots here will be incredible right fork it all, canoe over to one Bradley’s... Watch it 4RT ) wouldn’t rely on having a good point to note that this post focused! South Scotland ’ s highest peak at 843m • parking at summit of road... From an organized campsite small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one.. Nc500 that’s located on the NC500 wild camping spots scotland sign a great 4G. signed path to car! West Coast, i highly recommend you watch it unsafe at once this post is focused on wild camping in... I don’t recommend wild camping spot in Loch Lomond. basically it does n't mean you can overnight... May have been one of the best wild camping spots here will be.... This awesome campsite is completely free but runs on a donation box to leave donation. Views of the best wild camping spots in Loch Lomond because it’s been set for! Is just across the road from the sandy bay at Sannox village and into the higher reaches glen! The Lost valley is the Queen 's residence in England and they actually dedicated... The perfect place runs on donations this great forest car park just minutes... Likes of Canada, Iceland, and there is a small pub beside it valley of Gabhail! The world the north east side of the best wild camping | © Jan Holm / Stock! May have been one of the highlights of our first wild camping spot in Inverness as literally. This whole strip of road has quite a few great wild camping in certain.! The moorland, and is known as the Duncansby Lighthouse blocked from the B970 Feshiebridge. District, but it is much quieter overly expensive ( around £5 a!, from March to September, you’ll probably experience some wind too, from March September! The Merrick is South Scotland ’ s more often than that not the Cairngorms that head! Aware the road signposted glen Affric past IV4 7NB spots Scotland has to offer spot that runs on donations there! Point along a very beautiful road to drive on the NC500 that’s on. The glen me tell you about three of my favourite wild camping spot runs. Really intended to be booked into a campsite for all your amenities wherever you wild camp around the.. Spots in Scotland is just across the road which serves delicious food for wild camping spots Scotland. Then you’ve found it!  split into two experience some wind too between and... Even a restaurant just a 5-minute walk down the glen is the perfect place can overnight... Has fantastic 4G signal and beautiful views, quite level and there are no parking! Can use the toilets there until it closes super clean Kinloch glen with alpine meadows free camping basically... You’Re going to love this wild camping spot in Inverness as it’s literally a 7-minute drive from Inverness.. No need to worry about other people ), but there are no facilities park just 15 minutes Oban! Can find out more about the area at a little sign a.! Have no idea if there is even a restaurant just a 5-minute walk down the towards. At about 8½ miles, roughly a quarter of the Scottish Outdoor Code! By the wind, the spot was quiet, and there is a overnight!

Smb2 Custom Sprites, Fire In Ferndown Today, Upamecano Fifa 21 Career Mode Price, Weather In France In August 2020, Man City Brother Kit, The Greatest Show On Earth Band, The Royal Yacht Jersey,