Scotland / wild camp / camping sites?

Japan Black · Jun 26, 2018

Hello, we've previously hiked and done some wild camping in scotland (Knoydart and surrounds) but this time I'd like to take the defender. We usually stop overnight in the lake district (as we travel from SE).

We're looking to do some wild camping, coastal fishing and beginner level overlanding with the landy.

Any recommendations on spots to pitch a tent/camp would be very much appreciated.

MungoPark · Jun 26, 2018

Scotland is a fantastic place to pitch up where you like (within reason) There are some fantastic beach sites around Kenncraig. But most locations will provide somewhere pretty special. Just beware of the midges which will be at their peak around now.

Be sure to follow the wild camping rules, https://mpora.com/outdoors/camping/wild-camping-in-scotland/ to make sure that we can enjoy the freedom for years to come.

Enjoy !

Beneagles · Jun 26, 2018

Further to the above "rules"....please note that passing places are just that...they are not car parks, camp sites or picnic areas!

wattfield · Jun 26, 2018

Are you on Facebook? There's a group called "Wild camping in Scotland".

Iancorky · Jun 26, 2018

And if you are taking your time to enjoy the scenery (and why wouldn't you) and have a tailback of more than a few vehicles, pull in for a minute and let them by.
We may be trying to get to work

Japan Black · Jul 2, 2018

MungoPark said:
View attachment 152044 Scotland is a fantastic place to pitch up where you like (within reason) There are some fantastic beach sites around Kenncraig. But most locations will provide somewhere pretty special. Just beware of the midges which will be at their peak around now.

Be sure to follow the wild camping rules, https://mpora.com/outdoors/camping/wild-camping-in-scotland/ to make sure that we can enjoy the freedom for years to come.

Enjoy !

Thanks, much appreciated. Any advice on the best time / month to avoid the midges? I was thinking August/sept but don’t mind postponing for a more midge free experience haha

Thor1950 · Jul 3, 2018

Japan Black said:
Thanks, much appreciated. Any advice on the best time / month to avoid the midges? I was thinking August/sept but don’t mind postponing for a more midge free experience haha

Probably Dec or Jan, I can just about guarantee and midge free experience

Iancorky · Jul 3, 2018

Japan Black said:
Thanks, much appreciated. Any advice on the best time / month to avoid the midges? I was thinking August/sept but don’t mind postponing for a more midge free experience haha

The very good weather has kept them at bay (for now)
However expect a burst of them when the first shower of rain falls
They are usually around from the start of June until at the very
least the end of August but not uncommon to still be a nuisance
until well into September.

Japan Black · Jul 3, 2018

wattfield said:
Are you on Facebook? There's a group called "Wild camping in Scotland".

Thanks I'll have a look.

Japan Black · Jul 3, 2018

Iancorky said:
The very good weather has kept them at bay (for now)
However expect a burst of them when the first shower of rain falls
They are usually around from the start of June until at the very
least the end of August but not uncommon to still be a nuisance
until well into September.

Thanks for the advice (last time we went wild camping it was during November so I might stick to that haha)

Japan Black · Jul 3, 2018

Thor1950 said:
Probably Dec or Jan, I can just about guarantee and midge free experience

Thanks.

Japan Black · Jul 3, 2018

MungoPark said:
View attachment 152044 Scotland is a fantastic place to pitch up where you like (within reason) There are some fantastic beach sites around Kenncraig. But most locations will provide somewhere pretty special. Just beware of the midges which will be at their peak around now.

Be sure to follow the wild camping rules, https://mpora.com/outdoors/camping/wild-camping-in-scotland/ to make sure that we can enjoy the freedom for years to come.

Enjoy !

Will do, thanks for the advice.

ogb · Jul 3, 2018

When you say

Japan Black said:
beginner level overlanding

do you mean "off road driving"? If so, be aware that there are no roads in Scotland that are not owned and controlled by someone, ie no "green lanes" as you might call them elsewhere. Some landowners might give you permission to use one but 1. you have to know who to ask and 2. if it's on a shooting estate, forget it.
The recent laws do indeed allow wild camping pretty much anywhere, but don't sanction using a vehicle to access that idyllic nightspot. Added to that a lot of the more remote lay-bys (as opposed to passing places) have prominent "No Overnight Parking" signs displayed. If you choose to ignore these, don't be surprised to be woken by the horn of a passing local at some ungodly hour. If you're prepared to leave the truck somewhere sensible and walk a few yards off the road you'll rarely have a problem with the locals. There are, actually, lots of out-of-the-way places to camp using a vehicle but these require local knowledge or you run the risk of being moved on by a grumpy ghillie, especially at this time of the year when there's no darkness to hide in!
Hope I haven't been too negative

- the Highlands are great to visit and if you're lucky with the weather, an unforgettable experience of wild country.

Japan Black · Jul 6, 2018

Thanks for the advice. I might need to seek out some campsites.

ogb · Jul 8, 2018

Japan Black said:
Thanks for the advice. I might need to seek out some campsites.

Either that or allow yourself plenty of time to find that elusive "perfect" spot. They do exist, but nobody who regularly wild camps in the Highlands is going to tell you where they are

!

bluehaze · Jul 12, 2018

Our trip around the Highlands lasted four weeks. The wife booked a campsite for every second or third night. When we arrived we asked for recommendations for the next night or two. Everyone was so helpful and eager to offer advice. The views were stunning and we even ended up on the Orkneys. We were gutted returning to work! Aiming to do a similar trip in the future. Try not to over plan the journey. Relax and enjoy.

SelenaRGJ · Sep 30, 2018

Hello everybody

I'm planning on taking my 8 year old son round the north of Scotland in Lizzie, our 110 with a roof tent, during the summer holidays. After reading a lot on here I've got an outline of a plan. We are in Gloucestershire so here you go:
Day 1 to the Lakes
Day 2 over night Loch Lomond
Day 3 to Fort William
Day 4 ride the Jacobite train
Day 5 follow the route detailed on another thread to Skype but then adding on the bit to Applecross, over night there
Day 6 Isle of Skye
Day 7 Eigol for boat trip to Loch Coriusk
Day 8 ferry to Harris
Day 9 Harris and Lewis
Day 10 ferry to Ullapool
Day 11 Old man of Stoer then to Durness
Day 12 Smoo Caves then to John O'Groats
Day 13 to Rosemarkie to see dolphins at Chanonry Point end day at Glenmore
Day 14 military road over Cairngorms to Edinburgh
Day 15/16 Edinburgh Fringe
Day 17 home

It's a real whistle stop tour let me know if you think it's doable

Cheers in advance

Beneagles · Sep 30, 2018

Whistle stop indeed....but seems doable - as long as you book ahead for the ferries.

Oh, and you miss me by 15 miles!

SelenaRGJ · Sep 30, 2018

Tell me where to shout hello, I'm sure the wind will bring it to you if it's in the right direction!

Any recommendations for campsites on our route would be gratefully received. Near beaches as much as possible would be perfect My son is Autistic so the more space the better too.

TheQ · Oct 2, 2018

Your route looks fine, but almost all you seem To be doing is driving. Many roads are narrow or twisty, and slow. You'll be concentrating on not finding the ditch or sheep in the road. You won't see the country, personally I'd reduce the objectives by a third.. .

Scotland / wild camp / camping sites?

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