Wilding in Scotland

[derekfaeberwick]

Hi derekfaeberwick,

are you from Berwick on Tweed or North Berwick? it's just that in late July, I intend travelling around those parts, maybe a few wee drams?

Happy Camping
Bill and Angie.

On Tweed it is. Sounds good for July.

 

[Barbt]

Just got home from 3 weeks touring the west coast of Scotland and sorry to say found it very disapointing in respect of Wilding, so much so that we ended up spending 13 nights on C&C Club sites thanks to the age concession rates. The main problem seems to be the dreaded no overnight parking /camping signs, there must be quite a few members on here who just throw caution to the wind and ignore these signs, something I am not prepared to do. however on my last few nights whilst touring around Speyside on my scooter I noticed a few new signs saying (No Unatended Parking) so I assume overnighting in these spots is ok as long as you dont go walkabout, so I wonder if the Scottish Councils are having a re-think on the matter. To anyone who wonders where I was when unable to find many wild sites I was mainly in the Highland region up to and including Wester Ross, I found some really great places to Wild but unfortunately didnt dare for fear of getting some kind of penalty, I did however manage to wild it for 6 nights in some great spots with no problems at all.

Tone

We have been wild camping on the West coast of Scotland for over 12 years and have always found plenty of places. Around Loch Striven you are spoilt for choice, the up past Lock Eck - plenty of places. Again along Long Fyne there are loads of places to stop for the night. When you get to Inverary it's not so easy but there are a few places. Basically we have found that as long as you don't park across a gateway or entrance you can more or less stop anywhere for a night or two. There are plenty of small car parks without barriers where it is no problem to pull up for the night, and a lot of them have a toilet and water as well. The best thing about wilding in Scotland is that no-one at all seems to be concerned about camping as long as you don't leave rubbish or cause a nuisance. We're going to Jura this year as part of our trip - has anyone been there?

 

[kimbowbill]

Just got home from 3 weeks touring the west coast of Scotland and sorry to say found it very disapointing in respect of Wilding, so much so that we ended up spending 13 nights on C&C Club sites thanks to the age concession rates. The main problem seems to be the dreaded no overnight parking /camping signs, there must be quite a few members on here who just throw caution to the wind and ignore these signs, something I am not prepared to do. however on my last few nights whilst touring around Speyside on my scooter I noticed a few new signs saying (No Unatended Parking) so I assume overnighting in these spots is ok as long as you dont go walkabout, so I wonder if the Scottish Councils are having a re-think on the matter. To anyone who wonders where I was when unable to find many wild sites I was mainly in the Highland region up to and including Wester Ross, I found some really great places to Wild but unfortunately didnt dare for fear of getting some kind of penalty, I did however manage to wild it for 6 nights in some great spots with no problems at all.

Tone

Hi

i dont know where you went but i've just got back only spent 1 week out of 2 due to clutch burning out but in the 10 days mum and me were there we had no problem at all, there's loads of places, especially on the Uisits,

*J*

 

[sagart]

Just got home from 3 weeks touring the west coast of Scotland and sorry to say found it very disapointing in respect of Wilding,

Tone

This I find incredible.....having just spent 12 days wilding in the Uists and Berneray with no problem.
Skye up to Cape Wrath I have never ever found a problem. True some "no overnighting signs exist", but hardly in the generous amount you seem to have found....I know of four wildfing spots within two miles of the center of Inverness itself, all in woodland areas.
In fact the only ones I know of on Skye are either in places where I would never want to park (laybys on the actual roadside) or where the Local Authority has put them up without any backing in law.
A trawl through postings for the islands and the West Coast put up a huge number members have found...and please don't quote www.campberneray.co.uk to me as that is a total fraud

 

[kimbowbill]

Just got home from 3 weeks touring the west coast of Scotland and sorry to say found it very disapointing in respect of Wilding, so much so that we ended up spending 13 nights on C&C Club sites thanks to the age concession rates. The main problem seems to be the dreaded no overnight parking /camping signs, there must be quite a few members on here who just throw caution to the wind and ignore these signs, something I am not prepared to do. however on my last few nights whilst touring around Speyside on my scooter I noticed a few new signs saying (No Unatended Parking) so I assume overnighting in these spots is ok as long as you dont go walkabout, so I wonder if the Scottish Councils are having a re-think on the matter. To anyone who wonders where I was when unable to find many wild sites I was mainly in the Highland region up to and including Wester Ross, I found some really great places to Wild but unfortunately didnt dare for fear of getting some kind of penalty, I did however manage to wild it for 6 nights in some great spots with no problems at all.

Tone

This I find incredible.....having just spent 12 days wilding in the Uists and Berneray with no problem.
Skye up to Cape Wrath I have never ever found a problem. True some "no overnighting signs exist", but hardly in the generous amount you seem to have found....I know of four wildfing spots within two miles of the center of Inverness itself, all in woodland areas.
In fact the only ones I know of on Skye are either in places where I would never want to park (laybys on the actual roadside) or where the Local Authority has put them up without any backing in law.
A trawl through postings for the islands and the West Coast put up a huge number members have found...and please don't quote www.campbernary.co.uk to me as that is a total fraud

hey, we may have crossed paths, sounds like i done the same as you, i think we need a Wild camp members sign to identify ourelves, ADMIN if you read this, sort us a logo out save us the embarasment of staring at other campers and wondering, mind you, it gets you chatting to others, i tell everyone i meet about this site, i've met a really nice lassie on here we email and share experiences,

 

[Channa]

, i've met a really nice lassie on here we email and share experiences,

Good for you Kimbowbill..... does she have a sister ?

If I described myself has young footloose and fancy free...

trading standards would kill me!!!

But I do have a psycho GSD has my luggage

Channa

 

[Pioneer]

hey, we may have crossed paths, sounds like i done the same as you, i think we need a Wild camp members sign to identify ourelves, ADMIN if you read this, sort us a logo out save us the embarasment of staring at other campers and wondering, mind you, it gets you chatting to others, i tell everyone i meet about this site, i've met a really nice lassie on here we email and share experiences,

Hi kimbowbill,
Admin as the van stickers in progress, find the thread and book one. Know what you mean about recognition, but when you chat it creates more members.
A romance in the air on this website? must be a first, good luck to both.
Don't say anything to my Missess, she will be ordering an Hat!

Happy Camping

 

[kimbowbill]

Good for you Kimbowbill..... does she have a sister ?

If I described myself has young footloose and fancy free...

trading standards would kill me!!!

But I do have a psycho GSD has my luggage

Channa

Hi kimbowbill,
Admin as the van stickers in progress, find the thread and book one. Know what you mean about recognition, but when you chat it creates more members.
A romance in the air on this website? must be a first, good luck to both.
Don't say anything to my Missess, she will be ordering an Hat!

Happy Camping

she may have a sister, i will ask but as i am a female i dont think anyone should be looking for hats, however, i too have a psycho MALE GSD watch this space wilders

 

[Channa]

Don't say anything to my Missess, she will be ordering an Hat!

Happy Camping

And I am sure you will look well fetching in head apparelle which incorporates bowls of fruit and dead dicky bods !!!

Hey but we need a wedding for the feel good factor right ???


Straightning out some old moth eaten swan feathers as we speak !!!!



Channa

 

[Corky 8]

Scottish outdoor access code

Hi ,thought this might give some insight into whats required of visitors to Scotland wild camping, hope it of some aid, Corky.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code - Welcome to the Outdoor Access Scotland Website

 

[oldiebutgoodie]

I have been wilding in Scotland since the 70's and have never had any trouble finding spots, (nearly all up the West coast and across the top), using the Ordnance Survey mapping is very useful for finding tucked away spots.

 

[AndyC]

Hi ,thought this might give some insight into whats required of visitors to Scotland wild camping, hope it of some aid, Corky.

Scottish Outdoor Access Code - Welcome to the Outdoor Access Scotland Website

Sadly the Access code specifically excludes 'any form of motorised recreation or passage (except by people with a disability using a vehicle or vessel adapted for their use)'.

AndyC

 

[sagart]

Sadly the Access code specifically excludes 'any form of motorised recreation or passage (except by people with a disability using a vehicle or vessel adapted for their use)'.

AndyC

The relevant section says " Everyone, whatever their age or ability, can exercise access
rights over most land and inland water in Scotland, at any time
of day or night, providing they do so responsibly2. These rights
do not extend to all places or to all activities (see paragraphs
2.11 to 2.15). Provided you do so responsibly (see Parts 3 and
5 )

This does allow access for a motorhome to park up if the landowner permits, though it has been viewed by one Sheriff as requiring "a more than normal degree of passage with an intent to journey"

 

[AndyC]

The relevant section says " Everyone, whatever their age or ability, can exercise access
rights over most land and inland water in Scotland, at any time
of day or night, providing they do so responsibly2. These rights
do not extend to all places or to all activities (see paragraphs
2.11 to 2.15). Provided you do so responsibly (see Parts 3 and
5 )

This does allow access for a motorhome to park up if the landowner permits, though it has been viewed by one Sheriff as requiring "a more than normal degree of passage with an intent to journey"

2.14 The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 excludes some other
conduct from access rights, including:
[...]
• Motorised activities, such as motor biking and scrambling,
off-road driving, the use of any powered craft on water,
microlighting, and the use of powered model craft. These
activities still require the permission of the relevant owner or
manager.
[...]
There is no doubt that a motorhome can park up if the land owner permits (a similar provision exists in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act) but that is different to having a 'right' of access.

Nevertheless, overnight parking of a motorhome seems to be regarded with less hostility in parts of Scotland that it does elsewhere in the UK.

AndyC

 

[alanval]

Sorry Boppintone, got to go with the flow on this one. I just don't find it a problem finding great wilding spots but if I told where they are I'd have to shoot you!!

Hi Derek see your from Berwick lol my hubbys relatives are there mostly on Holy Island though, its lovely over the east we have no problems finding sommewhere to stop ..been over loads of times...
Also we lived in Fort william and Kyle of lochalsh for quite a few yrs and go back regular and never have a problem finding somewhere to overnight....lot of forestry com places they are usually good ,

Val

 

[Boppintone]

This I find incredible.....having just spent 12 days wilding in the Uists and Berneray with no problem.
Skye up to Cape Wrath I have never ever found a problem. True some "no overnighting signs exist", but hardly in the generous amount you seem to have found....I know of four wildfing spots within two miles of the center of Inverness itself, all in woodland areas.
In fact the only ones I know of on Skye are either in places where I would never want to park (laybys on the actual roadside) or where the Local Authority has put them up without any backing in law.
A trawl through postings for the islands and the West Coast put up a huge number members have found...and please don't quote Welcome to CampBerneray.co.uk - Isle of Berneray - North Uist to me as that is a total fraud

I have just found this post has been brought back to life and would like to put the record straight, when I posted it I had just got home from my 1st venture into "wilding" I am now 1 year older and very much wiser. Wilding is by no means easy when you start. I am at present in Scotland on the Outer Hebredes I have been here for the last 3 weeks and have not been on a single campsite, wilding is dead easy here, I havn't even had to ask permision either, it is quite simply accepted, just look for tracks leading towards the sea ,follow them "causiously" and you will find somewhere to stay, it is simple as that, there will be exeptions of course but then just turn around and retreat and look further on. Out of interest I found the best area to be The Uist's, Berneray, Gt Bernera, Harris ok, Lewis not so good, too many people and too big, best place I found on Lewis was/is Barrabas, as thats where I am now.
Leaving tomorrow and will then retry the mainland 4 days to get home to Nth Yorks maybe it will be easier this time.
Maybe I saw you out here Sagart.

Tone

 

[Channa]

2.14 The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 excludes some other
conduct from access rights, including:
[...]
• Motorised activities, such as motor biking and scrambling,
off-road driving, the use of any powered craft on water,
microlighting, and the use of powered model craft. These
activities still require the permission of the relevant owner or
manager.
[...]
There is no doubt that a motorhome can park up if the land owner permits (a similar provision exists in the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act) but that is different to having a 'right' of access.

Nevertheless, overnight parking of a motorhome seems to be regarded with less hostility in parts of Scotland that it does elsewhere in the UK.

AndyC

TBH having never resided or worked in Scotland I have never really paid much attention to the 'ins 'and 'outs ' of Scottish laws which can differ significantly to England and Wales.

Sadly IMHO the English and Welsh will never enjoy the freedom that Scotland enjoys.

What I do know, Is when Scotland decided to open up the countryside and allow access to the countryside, Lawyers North of the border advocated to a lot of landowners...footpaths bridges etc were to be destroyed.

The reason was concern for liability if an individual had a mishap on private land and the prospect the land owner could be held responsible.(sued )

Of course that was years ago, But everytime I switch tV on during the day ,ITV are running adverts from the no win no fee fraternity. And we are turning into a compensation culture.

For this reason alone, and legal damage limitation on the part of landowners (understanably to an extent) I cant see England and Wales ever adopting the freedom and access codes the Scots seem to enjoy.

Channa

 

[kimbowbill]

I have just found this post has been brought back to life and would like to put the record straight, when I posted it I had just got home from my 1st venture into "wilding" I am now 1 year older and very much wiser. Wilding is by no means easy when you start. I am at present in Scotland on the Outer Hebredes I have been here for the last 3 weeks and have not been on a single campsite, wilding is dead easy here, I havn't even had to ask permision either, it is quite simply accepted, just look for tracks leading towards the sea ,follow them "causiously" and you will find somewhere to stay, it is simple as that, there will be exeptions of course but then just turn around and retreat and look further on. Out of interest I found the best area to be The Uist's, Berneray, Gt Bernera, Harris ok, Lewis not so good, too many people and too big, best place I found on Lewis was/is Barrabas, as thats where I am now.
Leaving tomorrow and will then retry the mainland 4 days to get home to Nth Yorks maybe it will be easier this time.
Maybe I saw you out here Sagart.

Tone

hi

i have jsut got back and no probs at all, loads of places by the sea, i think we have all probably waved at each other

*J*

 

[itsmeatlaw]

DavieB

we wilded in scotland mainly the west coast & the isle of sky last year for
2 weeks & had no problems.
we are going back again for another 2 weeks this year.
tony

We`re off nxt wk so any chance of your wild place locations?

 

[kimbowbill]

Hi Yall

just got back from another 2 weeks, wild camped every night no problem, even got a friendly wave from the local coppers on our last night, i did get refused diesel tho, mmm strange, very small village depends on tourism, refuses me a full tank cos it was on a sunday, i got stuck in a ditch and a very freindly local chap jumped out of his 4x4 and pulled me out, no bother, had an argument with a local about putting water in mi camper, called me a parasite, mmm nice, draining scotland of its water rescources, but all in all loved every minute of it,