where can you park and sleep in Scotland?

marko221

Guest
Hello everyone, my wife and I are planning a campercamping trip with are Vw in Scotland. We are driving from Leeds and I would like to know how does it work for camping site, are they open in march? or can we park anywhere? can we make bonfires? what i mean is in general what are the basic to know because we are from Canada so not use to the europeen legislations!

thank you,

marko.
 
I agree with Kimbowbill, the west coast of Scotland is the best for scenery and wilderness (although the whole of Scotland is well worth visiting!), and there are plenty of wilding spots where you can park for free. A lot of these stopping places are lay-bys or picnic sites etc., that can be spotted as you're driving along, or if you choose, you can become a Full member, which allows you to download all of the places that have been submitted and used by other members. You can then view them on your pc or satnav.

I can't give any advice on campsites, because I've never had to use any! You may find some useful info on these threads...

http://www.wildcamping.co.uk/forums...-chat/16946-wildcamping-how-guide-2012-a.html

Scotland

Good luck! :):)
 
Pretty easy to find spots up there provided you start looking mid afternoon. Use plenty of common-sense and you should be OK.

Bonfires conjures up an image of unsustainable camping practices that wouldn't fit in with wild camping practices in many places that without the bonfires would otherwise cause no comment from the locals.

Plenty like this and lots more far better.

IMG_5739.jpg
 
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Tony Lee said:
Pretty easy to find spots up there provided you start looking mid afternoon. Use plenty of common-sense and you should be OK.

Bonfires conjures up an image of unsustainable camping practices that wouldn't fit in with wild camping practices in many places that without the bonfires would otherwise cause no comment from the locals.

Plenty like this and lots more far better.

View attachment 11757[/QUOTE

Yep start looking mid afternoon - Many a time in Sep I have left it a taj late then the location becomes the less attractive ones as it becomes darker. Nice place though we found in dark was Kinlochewe - car park opposite pub - toilets picnic bench and some good grub in the pub - no issues overnighting. Nice area torridon - shieldag is worth a visit with village campsite - couple of quid I think or maybe it was a donation box - tap available for fresh water.
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Please don't make bonfires, it will attract attention and give the wrong idea about you. We normally look for picnic spots or Forestry comission land.Don't go off the main tracks.
Some campsites will be open if you need water or to empty your tanks. From Easter most will be open,a few may not open till May.Always be discreet and just park your vehicle up and don't put anything outside ( that is the difference bettweeen camping and parking )
 
When we travelled through British Columbia on our way to Alaska, we were told that boondocking/wild camping was technically illegal - and indeed there were plenty of signs that reinforced that information. Regardless, we did mostly boondock with no problems at all, but we were sensible in our choice of locations.

Scotland has less restrictive regulations, but there are limits so as always in all countries, there are a lot less hassles if you find spots that are out of sight - and out of mind - of those likely to be annoyed.

My aversion to campfires is because people are rarely content to build their bonfire on top of a previous fire. They feel some primordial need to select a virgin bit of ground - or better still, lush turf - as close to central in the clearing as possible, surround it with large stones carted from all over the area, rip down trees and shrubs to make a huge fire that smokes everyone else out, go to bed after 10 minutes and then drive away next morning leaving the place looking like it has been napalmed. The upshot is that the beautiful wild camping spot has been desecrated.
 
Kelly kettle

CIMG6312.jpgCIMG6343.jpgCIMG6462.jpg

on subject of camp fires - next best thing is a kelly kettle - the green thing to do for getting hot water. I have had gallons of boiling water over the years for nothing. Get a few large 1.5l vacuum flasks and you can get about 4l of hot water for bathing etc.

CIMG6440.jpg.

That said a camp fire on a beach using driftwood is a must in some places - this was on Jura with some laphroaig to complement - heaven.

Nb if you are going to Jura, ask to land on the old beach landing if you have a large rear overhang - less scraping of bumper. Luckiliy for me the Jura whiskey tanker driver offered to haul me out if i got stuck - that's the kinda
place Jura is.
 
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some beautiful places on the East coast too - Banffshire and Aberdeenshire
Check out where other folk have been and their recommendations - we have stayed in fab places thoughout Scotland and are planning a trip to Campbeltown again at Whitsun for the MofK half marathon.....a long drive but with lovely stopovers...but take your midge repellant, and citronella candles - flyscreens wont keep em out!
 
Agree with what others have said re fires...they are what get us banned from our favourite wild camping spots unless they're on a beach or place where there's a long-established fireplace, e.g. a dry river bed.

Most people head straight for the highlands and many miss out on our little gem of a corner - Dumfries and Galloway is great for camping spots, both along the coast and in the hills and forested areas inland. The weather is milder the further west you go and if you want a small wooded campsite that permits fires, then try North Rhins (details are on UK Campsite website. Lovely owners, great beaches nearby. :)

Have a fab trip - might see you!
 
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