Camping in Scotland.

[Warthog]

I'll be perusing the Descover Scotland sticky in the future and already the nice routes posted on there look fantastic!

However, partly to keep costs down and partly coz its nice, we hope to camp.

Ideally we'd like to stop and pitch, in the middle of nowhere. Is this possible? Are there areas where you cannot? Is it camnp sites only?

There's something about picking what view you want for that evening and the following mrorning that just can't be beaten!

 

[Deleted account W]

Your allowed to free camp in Scotland

Section 2.7 here.

We did last year..........

 

[davidmot]

I'll be perusing the Descover Scotland sticky in the future and already the nice routes posted on there look fantastic!

However, partly to keep costs down and partly coz its nice, we hope to camp.

Ideally we'd like to stop and pitch, in the middle of nowhere. Is this possible? Are there areas where you cannot? Is it camnp sites only?

There's something about picking what view you want for that evening and the following mrorning that just can't be beaten!

head up the west coast,take plenty midge repellent,plenty of places in the middle of nowhere with water and dead wood nearby.only place you might struggle is at the very top going across scotland but other than that you will be ok

 

[BigAlMacMac]

Bring midge repellant... the very mild winter and tropical April, followed by the recent damp spell has meant they are out already, a few weeks early where I live. God knows what they may be like in the summer.

Either that or pray for wind... of the meterological type.

Otherwise be discrete and camp anywhere... you wont be able to hide though as its not properly dark until 11pm right now, later futher north.

 

[Lugs]

Midgies!

They are gonna eat you alive!

 

[The Moo]

simply so soft......Avon....grab some of that!!
and DON't go near any water....when the wind is not up.....

you will be eaten ALIVE man....eaten ALIVE!!!

(the Green Welly sells head nets to put over your hat too!!!)

Moo x

 

[Mart-p]

simply so soft......Avon....grab some of that!!

Moo x

Nearly Moo....its Avon Skin So Soft. Doesn't smell too hot for blokes but works for most people. Midge nets may be better in the tent.

Martin

 

[skyenet]

Some midge nets are not very comfortable becuase of the material they are made out of. I bought some at TISOs but took them back as they were itchy. Bought some HIGHLANDER MID 01 Mosquito/Midge Head Nets for £3.99 each at Adventure 1 in Dundas St Glasgow http://www.adventure1.co.uk/ These are made from a far softer/finer material and are more comfortable to wear

Avon Skin So Soft is a good repellant and gave it a test out at a midge infested Dukes Pass on Friday night.
Mind you BBQ smoke helped as well

 

[AndyT]

Your allowed to free camp in Scotland

Section 2.7 here.

We did last year..........

Thats what I thought.... but on doing a reccie for a camping trip next weekend with my lad and his cousings I saw lots of "Strictly no tents" and "No Camping" Signs dotted about - funnily enough these were around Glen Cova too.......very confused. I hot the rangers number from the board and will give thema ring tomorrow.

I thought we could pitch a tent anywhere now but there seem to be caveats

AndyT

 

[Andy Davies]

As long as all you leave in the morning is a patch of flat grass, I shouldn't think that there would many objections. Unlike some people up at the Blackwater Dam above Kinlochleven. I was up there a few weeks ago and someone had camped at the north end of the dam. They had taken the trouble to carry a disposable barbeque up there but along with cans and a partially burned ketchup bottle had left it all behind. I was so insensed, I picked up the rubbish and carried it down myself. What is it with these people!!!! - Sorry that was turning into a rant!!

Enjoy your camping - but as mentioned, protect yourself against the midge.

Andy
Argyll

 

[Phil Clarke]

Big debate going on about this at the mo amongst SNH, NTS and various Local Authorities. There is a feeling that roadside camping is not covered by SOAC however there is a general acceptance that as long as you leave no trace of your passing then no-one will object. This is mainly due to problems of neds parking up, shooting up and setting fire to everything around them (except themselves, alas). This casts doubt on whether 'no camping' signs are illegal under Land Reform but having said that there are loads of places to camp where there are none. Avoid Loch Lomondside, South Loch Earn and south loch tay. these are popular ned camping spots. Top places are Loch Rannoch (although I know people who have been seriously hassled by landowners when camping here), The approach to Braemar from Glenshee (another 'hot spot' but the landowner is not actively chasing people away), Loch etive (midge hell), Glenelg (by the ferry), Loch Quoich (just off Kyle of Lochalsh road) plus many more I could mention. Once you get north and west of the great glen your pretty much out of ned range so just pitch up at any likely looking spot. If your doing a fire read your Ray Mears book first.