Camping in Scotland: Try Wild Camping!

Thinking about camping in Scotland - how about wild camping?

Not to get all technical, but thanks to The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 , it is perfectly legal to 'wild camp' in Scotland, providing that you do not camp in the same spot for more than three nights, and leave no trace behind.

However, there are restrictions in one area in Scotland, you cannot wild camp inside the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park from 1st March through until 30th September. Camping itself is permitted, but it must be at one of their official campsites. It should also be noted that you cannot camp inside enclosed fields or near farmland crops and farm animals.
 
Here are our Top 5 recommendations for Best Wild Camping Areas in Scotland.

1.Quiraing, Isle of Skye

Situated in the North of Skye, this area is a full circuit hill walk which is 4 miles in length and features stunning views over “The Needle “– a 120-foot tall rock pinnacle. This area in Skye is one of the most well known views in all of Scotland and for good reason! High up near the summit there is a car park at the Quiraing onto the Trotternish Ridge where you can leave the car overnight. This is a popular destination in the summertime, but if you take the time to walk ten minutes extra away from the path you will be rewarded by a sunrise view across Skye.

2.Findhorn Beach, Moray

Anywhere along the Moray Coast is beautiful, however Findhorn Beach has a long stretch of sandy coastline and a pebbled area further inland from the sea. You will spot cute pastel shaded beach huts along the coast line - if you choose to head out for a long walk, head along the Moray Coastal trail to the next seaside village of Burghead (6 miles/ 10 km away) An overnight car park area and public toilets make for the perfect stop over. If you are lucky you may spot some dolphins or seals nearby. Your best chance of seeing seals is when the tide is low. Remember to take your binoculars!

3. West Beach Berneray, North Uist

Situated on the Outer Hebridean island of North Uist, the 3 mile stretch of beach is outstanding. The best part is that it is often free from crowds of people. The clean white sand beach was once mistaken for a Thai Beach in photographs. The nearest car park is near the Berneray community hall. If you are island hopping in the Outer Hebrides, the coastal areas of South Harris are also a good option.

4. West Highland Way Route

The West Highland Way (WHW) is a 94-mile (151 km) trek starting from Glasgow. Travelling north it passes along the shores of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National park. Continuing north through increasingly rugged scenery, it crosses the vast wilderness of Rannoch Moor, where it passes Glen Coe and reaches the large town of Fort William at the foot of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis. This zig-zag climb will take you up to the highest point of the West Highland Way at 550m above sea level, but you will be rewarded with breathtaking views back to ‘The Buachaille’ and northwards towards the Mamores mountain range. It is recommended that you take at least 7 days to complete this route and most people start from South to North in order to get accustomed to the harder terrain and weather.

5.Pentland Hills, near Edinburgh

5 rules worth noting

Here are few things you should know before heading out into the great wilderness

1.Do not litter (obviously) and respect our beautiful landscape. One of the reasons we can legally wild camp in Scotland is because these rules have been abided by and we want to keep it that way.

2.You must not destroy or cut down trees to make fire or firewood.

3.Do not use camping stoves or light a fire on grass or peaty landscapes. The west coast Highlands in particular are covered in peat bogs, although they may seem damp and wet they are high risk areas for starting fires. So be mindful of where you set up your camping stove, best set your disposable BBQ’s on rocks to be safe.

4.Do not drain your chemical toilet tank in nature

5. On the delightful topic of human waste: If public toilets are not available, carry a trowel and bury your own waste and urinate well away from open water & rivers.

Acquaint yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, it will detail the ins and outs of good camping practice here in Scotland.