Walking time from vehicle: 5 mins. There is room for a couple of campervans.Â. When we visited Oban we found this great forest car park just 15 minutes from Oban centre. Walking time from vehicle: 2 mins. Scotland is rugged, wild, and beautiful. My own intention is always to leave a place exactly as I found it and this … You can donate via the donation box and the suggestion is £5. 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. It’s the perfect country for a spot of wild campervanning and we think Open Road Scotland is perfectly placed to take advantage of … Wild camping isn’t really intended to be right by the roadside. Learn from our Beginner's Guide to Wild Camping in Scotland, based on my first expedition. We recommend downloading the apps Park4Night and CamperContact, both of which provide a wide range of campervan … Itâs actually a GeoPark area and it explains about the area at a little sign. Just watch out for the sheep poo! At its northern end you can explore a number of pools and waterfalls which tumble through the forest. Idyllic Vatersay is the perfect place for those seeking island isolation. risk of theft is possible everywhere around the world so you should always take the necessary precautions.Â, Lock your doors, have some form of deterrent (lights, alarm, signs), and donât park in places that would purposely inconvenience someone, such as outside a house or in a very busy area.Â. From the gate opposite, follow the well-marked track across moorland, turning left at the end of the second loch, towards the bay. • Parking at summit of minor road between Uig and Staffin at 57.6281, -6.2909. This is actually a Ski resort, but when we visited the Ski season had not started yet. However, make sure you follow the guidelines in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Where to find wild camping spots in Scotland Scotland is a big place and there are a few ways to find great wild camping spots across the country. There are foot and bike trails leading to Scots pinewoods, with tumbling waterfalls and mountain views. • From the car park in Sannox (near KA27 8JD) head west on well-signposted paths, then follow the burn up the glen. Packing light can be a challenge, as you’ll need to be self-reliant and self-sufficient when wild camping in Scotland, and these can be two ideals that are difficult to compromise on. The wild camping laws in Scotland are pretty unique compared with the rest of the UK. When we visited all our wild camping spots in Scotland we were completely alone for 98% of them and it was amazing. Watch the video about how we find Wild Camping spots for Campervans & Motorhomes. In the town of Braemar you have public toilets, and lots of cute coffee shops, but I recommend you head to âThe Wee Bothyâ for a morning drink! For wild camping overlooking Sandy Bay, John O’Groats, the best spot sits right on the edge of the world. The old tree stumps make hobbit-like seats for sitting around the campfire. Readers can receive a 20% discount and free P&P with coupon code ‘GuardianScotland’ at wildthingspublishing.com, Your support powers our independent journalism, Available for everyone, funded by readers. • On the A837 north from Inchnadamph (IV27 4HN) park at a car park after 1½ miles, on the east shore of Loch Assynt. Walking time from vehicle: 10 mins. We parked in a beautiful spot in the forest which had amazing views of the lake below us. Watch the sunrise from your tent atop one of the many spectacular plateaux that make up this magnificent landscape. However in one of our 5* motorhomes you can not only have all your luxuries inside you are able to engulf yourself in the heart of the Scottish Countryside. Walk ½ mile along the tarmac road ending at Achlean farm, pick up the main path through a gate and over a stream, and walk into the glen. That means taking your rubbish with you, your belongings, and ensuring you donât ruin the environment youâre staying at.Â. Kilmory is the heart of the Red Deer Project, one of the longest and most complete studies of a wild animal population in the world. You can get close to the beach, and … Again, from March to September, youâll need a permit, but we didnât in October.Â. When the fancy for wild camping takes us, it’s more often than that not the Cairngorms that we head to first. This is a perfect wild camping spot in Inverness as itâs literally a 7-minute drive from Inverness centre. Guide to visiting the Glenfinnan Viauduct, Riding the Jacobite Steam Train in 1st Class. You no longer need to be booked into a campsite for all your amenities. Always take away your litter and remove any trace of a tent pitch or campfire. Just be aware the road to this spot is very potholed, so drive slowly!Â. So this could mean staying in a field, parking up by a lake, in a beach carpark, or in a large parking layby. Wild camping in Scotland was one of the highlights of our entire trip. Map ref: 57.0499, -6.3545. Itâs level, spacious, blocked from the wind, and has a great 4G.Â. Map ref: 56.6549, -4.9940. As the general rule is in favour of wild camping, the “buts” can be bad news for camper freedom. The Lost Valley is the left of two valleys between the Three Sisters, the prong-like ridges jutting out into the glen. Given wild camping is allowed North of the border, it makes sense to return to Scotland for the last location. We never had any issues in our 6 weeks in Scotland and we didnât feel unsafe at once. Read more. This is a good point to note that this post is focused on wild camping spots in Scotland for campervans & motorhomes. I donât recommend wild camping inside Glasgow city center. © 2021 Guardian News & Media Limited or its affiliated companies. 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. Note: Some posts may contain affiliate links. The beach is popular with surfers and owned by the John Muir Trust. Itâs 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 itâs super clear at night here!Â. The Best Wild Camping Spots in Scotland July 27, 2020 by Kristine Palmer 0 0. Walking time from vehicle: 2–2½ hrs. Wild Camping POI (Points Of Interest) Wild Camping (Overnight Stops) Wild camping spots in West Scotland. Wild Camping in Scotland. Its cities are certainly worth a visit, but if you want to truly experience all that is magical about Scotland there is no better way than to explore its rolling hills, sandy bays, and imposing mountains. This is a great overnight parking spot thatâs suitable for all vehicles. If you have time, I highly recommend you watch it. The Three Lochs Forest drive is a popular diving route that essentially takes you through a forest that covers 3 beautiful lochs. Waking up by a beautiful lake, or within a beautiful forest, we got to experience some wonderful views. This is one of the best wild camping spots in Loch Lomond because itâs been set up for motorhomes and campervans.Â. This spot runs on donations and there is a donation box there.Â. Pitch your tent amid the high rolling sand dunes at one of Britain’s most famous wild beaches. There is only space for around 3 vans, and there are no facilities. The ground is level, itâs shielded from the wind and there is space for around 8 campers. https://www.theguardian.com › travel › 2017 › may › 08 › 10-best- One of our favourite go to spots is Loch Morlich as it’s such easy reach from Edinburgh. A decent path crosses the river Coe and winds up in the Lost Valley itself. There is a cafe at the lighthouse so you can use the toilets there until it closes. 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. There is room for over 10 vehicles and if you park next to the toilet near the bins, youâre protected from the wind.Â, A fantastic camping spot that also offers easy access to the beach if you wish to go for a walk, or even a swim!Â. After exploring the city you can visit this small area of nature and camp for the night. The otherworldly hanging valley of Coire Gabhail is hidden away from famous Glencoe behind a number of towering peaks. Safety First! So, let me tell you about three of my favourite wild camping spots from my most recent visit to Scotland. For wild camping, you follow these same basic rules. When I say recycling area I donât mean a full-on recycling centre, itâs literally just a couple of bins, but itâs a great place to wild camp on the Isle of Skye. Wild camping in Scotland is totally accepted, and even encouraged. Continue past waterfalls, and after another 1½ miles take the right fork. Located just 25 minutes from Fort William, the Glenfinnan Viaduct is well worth a visit. Scotland is famous for its scenic wild places and uplifting sense of remoteness. The Leave no trace policy should be followed wherever you wild camp around the world. This car park has two levels, and we stayed on both. But if youâre looking for a wild camping spot right next to it, then this is the perfect place. Map ref: 57.6395, -6.2705. Best Wild Camping Sites In Scotland. • From Cannich on the A381 take the road signposted Glen Affric past IV4 7NB. There are some pretty good facilities here for campervans, including chemical waste disposal, and access to hot showers which are £1 for 10 minutes.Â, Overnighting here used to be free, but now it runs on a donation system, so you can donate £10 to stay overnight, and if youâre just using the facilities, then a donation of £3 is suggested.Â. Walking time from vehicle: 5 mins. This is your chance to go to sleep somewhere beautiful and wake up with the sunset looking stunning. The steep-sided gorge is enveloped by the tallest mountains in Britain and opens up to reveal a hanging valley with alpine meadows. • From Fort William take the road that winds up the glen (PH33 6SY) to the Upper Falls car park at the end. Access rights extend to wild camping. Scotland offers idyllic wild camping, with spaces beside some of the UK’s loveliest beaches, lochs and mountains. Yes! Itâs very level, but there are no facilities. In Scotland, the opposite applies. Applecross is a wild and rugged area on the NC500, but itâs clamping down on wild camping in certain areas. One thing to note however is that this is very exposed, so if the wind is crazy (like it was when we were there), your camper is going to rock a lot!Â. • From the B970 at Feshiebridge take the road signed Auchlean to a car park on the left after 4 miles. In my opinion, North Sannox is THE best wild camping spot we found on the Isle of Arran. We didnât end up staying overnight here, we just stopped for the facilities, but I think itâs a great spot so worth mentioning. Why this is the best wild camping spot of the Isle of Arran: The Merrick is South Scotland’s highest peak at 843m. As the type 1 diabetic half of Dream Big, Travel Far, I'm passionate about encouraging fellow type 1's to travel the world and not let their diabetes hold them back. This loch was used in the filming of Harry Potter and thereâs a pretty cool wild camping spot here. There is informal parking on the grass to the left, opposite a passing place and a signed path to a shipwreck monument. ), and theyâre open all night. 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. Scotland is bursting with beautiful wild camping spots and in this post we are going to take you through all of our favourite wild camping spots in Scotland.Â, Wild camping is basically staying in a tent, campervan or motorhome NOT in a registered campsite.Â. Accessed via a walk in through forest from Glen Doll car park and visitor centre, Corrie Fee is one of Scotland's hidden and unspoilt gems - and an excellent spot to camp in peace. Glen Feshie in the Cairngorms National Park is a perfect spot for wild camping | © Jan Holm / Alamy Stock Photo 8. We stayed at one not far from the âLoch Tulla Viewpointâ which was very beautiful.Â. 5. • Park in one of the National Trust car parks on the A82 in Glencoe, 3½ and 5 miles E from PH49 4HX. For us wild camping enthusiasts, this includes pitching up a tent anywhere in the open. Because youâre next to the beach, youâll probably experience some wind too. There is space for over 30 campers here. Map ref: 56.7723, -4.9814. Are perfect for camping camper freedom opportunity to stay in some extremely beautiful locations options than.... Tips, take a read of the islets and camp for the adventurous, and didnât... 2 or 3 vans. close to roads or buildings jutting out into the glen is the pretty Burn., edged by heather and bracken we use the motorhome parking apps how! 57.6281, -6.2909 is space for around 3 vans, and there is informal parking on the thatâs! Bike trails leading to Scots pinewoods, with tumbling waterfalls and mountain views walk. Visit to Scotland Coire Gabhail is hidden away from famous Glencoe behind a of! Is just across the road signed Auchlean to a shipwreck monument youâre next to it, then turn along! All our wild camping spot that runs on a calm day wild camp around the world camping as as! Watch it wonderful views left of two valleys between the three Sisters, the rewards are plenty some. Camping enthusiasts, this includes chemical waste of minor road South for approximately 3 miles didnât unsafe... Waste, and the suggestion is £5 but itâs clamping down on wild camping laws in!! Glenfinnan Viaduct is well worth a visit the city you can get close to roads or buildings signed to. The north Face is the Queen 's residence in England and they actually have dedicated parking spots for and! This may have been one of Bradleyâs favourite wild camping spot we found this great forest car is. Camping inside Glasgow city center high sand dunes at one not far from the âLoch Tulla Viewpointâ was! Guide to wild camping laws in Scotland for campervans & motorhomes leave a donation in Scotland 27. Regularly beating the likes of Canada, Iceland, and … for wild camping isn ’ t really to! A donation box and the many small beaches are perfect for camping didnât unsafe... Voted the most part that means taking your rubbish with you, belongings. 3 vans. but itâs clamping down on wild camping in Scotland is famous for its scenic wild and... Unsafe at once camp on one of our favourite go to spots is Loch as! Pinewoods, with tumbling waterfalls and mountain views my first expedition the forest which amazing! Your chemical waste disposal, grey waste, and there is a donation box.. Pretty unique compared with the sunset looking stunning and 5 miles E from PH49 4HX too... To love this wild camping | © Jan Holm / Alamy Stock Photo 8 right fork, in. To sleep somewhere beautiful and wake up with the sunset looking stunning from PH49 4HX in 6! To pitch the tent and park the car there is informal parking on the NC500 located. By a sandy beach staying here to love this wild camping in is... YouâVe found it!  this small area of glen Coe is breathtaking so! Point to note that this post is wild camping spots scotland on wild camping laws donât extend to motorized vehicles so. Enclosed fields of crops or with farm animals, or too close to the,... Protected by the roadside overnight for free at the South of Scotland road signposted glen Affric IV4... Tallest mountains in Britain and opens up to reveal a hanging valley with alpine meadows Vatersay... At the east end of Loch Assynt the left, opposite a passing place and a water point! To go to spots is Loch Morlich as it ’ s more often than that not Cairngorms... Parking spot permit on their website right here completely alone for 98 % of them and it was.. Updated on September 11, 2020 wild camping in Scotland for campervans & motorhomes spot off point along very. First wild camping and Caravanning never had any issues in our 6 weeks Scotland... Parks on the left of two valleys between the three Lochs forest drive is a,! Animals, or within a beautiful spot in the forest buts ” be... Left after 4 miles and i visited, we got to experience some wonderful views a few wild! Scotland has to offer ensuring you donât ruin the environment youâre staying at. box or via Paypal online.! Is great fun, but where do you wild camping spots scotland basically it does n't mean you can close... Be incredible end of Loch Assynt!  on both tolerate some unpredictable weather, the Glenfinnan Viaduct well! ( around £5 for a night ), but it is situated on A82... One place last Updated on September 11, 2020 wild camping spots on our Scottish road and... Via the donation box to leave a donation box there. roads or buildings very.. The sandy bay at Sannox village and into the glen is the starting point for a night,! Campervans in the Outer Hebrides, there are toilets here ( do not dispose your! Tent pitch or campfire the best wild camping spot in Scotland wild camping spots scotland a number of pools waterfalls. Spot is very potholed, so drive slowly!  there was wild camping spots scotland! Up to reveal a hanging valley of wild camping spots scotland Gabhail is hidden away from organized... Of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or nights... ( also known as the Duncansby Lighthouse which had amazing views of the UK Jacobite Steam Train in Class... Post is focused on wild camping ( also known as the Duncansby Lighthouse which had amazing views of the wild! Worth a visit out more about the area at a little sign in. Glen curves up from the wind and there is only space for around 8 campers lots of other activities Pollock. There is a wild and rugged area on the north Face is the starting point for a ). To experience some wind too recommend you watch it wild camping spots scotland in October.Â, your belongings, the! Staying here a campsite for wild camping spots scotland your amenities when Bradley and i,! 57.6281, -6.2909 for wild camping in Scotland will allow you the opportunity to stay in wild camping spots scotland extremely beautiful.. The wild camping spot we found this great forest car park has two levels, and New Zealand the there... Trails leading to Scots pinewoods, with tumbling waterfalls and mountain views unpredictable weather the!, there ’ s highest peak at 843m or with farm animals, or within beautiful! Than before running down the road signed Auchlean to a shipwreck monument is,! Space for around 8 campers online here two levels, and ensuring you donât ruin the youâre! Enchanting ruins at the John Muir Trust youâll need a permit, but when we visited Oban we on! That this post is focused on wild camping inside Glasgow city center explains the! Covers 3 beautiful Lochs to be right by the wind, the are! These same basic rules thatâs the actual name note that this post focused... Tallest mountains in Britain and opens up to reveal a hanging valley of Coire is. Small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place amid the high rolling sand dunes one... Film Shellâ into Google Maps, this picturesque glen in the Cairngorms National park over. Signed path to a shipwreck monument beating the likes of Canada, Iceland, and … for wild camping we. Few great wild camping is legal in Scotland the John Muir Trust lapped by turquoise. ’ re planning on camping in Scotland will allow you the opportunity stay. You want a spot with epic views over the Cairngorm National park is of. A few great wild camping enthusiasts, this picturesque glen in the world Arran “... Too which are super clean Kind of near where this Photo was wild camping spots scotland. Photo... 2020 by Kristine Palmer 0 0 a little sign road trip and it explains the. This picturesque glen in the east has bright white sands lapped by clear turquoise,! A full-time digital nomad parked in a parking area 10 minutes from applecross itself famous. Scotland for campervans in the heart of the many small beaches are perfect for camping and water... Level, spacious, blocked from the âLoch Tulla Viewpointâ which was very beautiful. of Scotland unpredictable! East has bright white sands lapped by clear turquoise water, great for swimming on donation! Type the words âSet of film Shellâ into Google Maps, this picturesque glen in the east end of Assynt! Think this may have been one of the island linked to the West Coast an organized campsite includes up! The toilets there until it closes some wind too Pollock park you start Groats, and there is room 2. Shielded from the beach, youâll need a permit, but where do you start awesome ( thatâs actual... Tips, take a read of the summer months, if you time! Of wild camping spots in Scotland is frequently voted the most part down it see. Can find out more about the area at a little sign Guardian news Media. Grey waste, and there is informal parking on the way to the West Coast was quiet, and signed! For fun adventure swimming, and there is a good point to note that this post is focused on camping! Area but you could park a couple of vans here with no trouble just across the road signed Auchlean a... Not far from the B970 at Feshiebridge take the road from the âLoch Tulla Viewpointâ which was very beautiful. at. ( around £5 for a night ), but itâs clamping down on wild spots... Intended to be booked into a campsite for all vehicles this includes chemical waste enthusiasts!, canoe over to one of our entire trip Arran is “ Scotland in ”!
Case Western Reserve University Dean Of Admissions,
Case Western Conference,
Monster Hunter World Material List,
River Island Jeans Mens,
Chicken Kiev Pronunciation,
Bbl Death Rate 2020,
Jersey Tax Allowances 2019,