One of trips that some people dream about for many years is a trip to Scotland. But this wouldn’t just be any trip to the country; you’d have to go camping there, and it won’t just be your average run-of-the-mill trip to camp site, no. You should make it wild camping.

What is wild camping?

Wild camping can mean different things to different people. In essence, though, it’s the practice of pitching up a tent in the wilderness and eschewing the relative luxuries of an official campsite (running water, flushing toilets, human company).

Is it legal in Scotland?

Strictly speaking, yes, it is legal to camp on unenclosed land in Scotland. However, with the right to camp comes responsibility, so all campers are expected to be respectful of land, to not litter, to not leave fires burning and to treat the land carefully to protect them for future visitors.

Where can you wild camp in Scotland?

This is up to you. Potentially, you can camp anywhere you like. However, you need to use common sense and if in doubt follow the wild camping motto, ‘pitch late, leave early’, so you’re not a nuisance to the landowner.

Also, make sure you read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which helps your choose appropriate places to camp.

Dream ‘Campsites’

Once you’ve packed up all your gear, including our camping furniture and equipment, and travelled to Scotland, there are a few dream sites you should have in mind to visit. If you’re not sure where to look for camping gear, you can browse the selection of camping equipment at Tesco online or specialist stores.

 

Isle of Jura

Rubha Barr nan Gobag on the west coast of the island is largely uninhabited and features raised beaches, flat grassy land, a rocky outcrop and a burn (Scot’s English for “stream” or “small river”). It’s perfect for tents and has a water source.

Isle of Skye

Coruisk is a very remote piece of land that separates Loch Coruisk from Loch Scavaig. Here, the land is flat, grassy and is surrounded by beautiful, lush, green Scottish scenery. It’s more likely to have some visitors, though, as it is close to the landing spot for day trips from the nearby village of Elgol.

Glen Ey

An ideal place to ditch the rat race for a few days, Glen Ey is home to a ruined hunting lodge in one of the most beautiful spots in the country. There are lots of flat areas that are simply terrific for a tent, timber for a campfire and a fresh water supply from the Ey Burn. The surrounding area is home to a number of mountains, including Beinn lutharn Mhor and Carn an Righ.

Wild camping is a great way to get back to basics and explore the unseen, undisturbed side of Scotland. Why not go on your old wild camping trip in the Scottish wilderness?

Images by BLMOregon and miki arregui, used under Creative Commons license