Wild Camping in Scotland
In Scotland the law is uncommonly generous to those who want swing a pack onto their back and set-off into the wild and remote corners in search of adventure. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code outlines the freedom to roam and the freedom to wild camp and the responsibilities that come with those freedoms. Here are some things to consider before setting-off on your Wild Camping in Scotland Adventure.
Why?
The freedom offered by wild camping is compelling. It fulfils the fantasy contemplated by many of turning your back on the world and heading off into the wilds in search of a simpler life even if only for a few days. And when the spirit of wild camping is embraced it can be a truly uplifting and cathartic experience; the peace and the thrill of being self-reliant is the essence of the therapy. There are moments of elation such as staring into a starry sky unpolluted by stray urban lights. And there are moments of quiet satisfaction as you lie in your sleeping warm and dry while the rain drives against tent.
How?
Successful wild camping however does require discipline. The further you venture from the road into remote backcountry the more prepared you have to be. Your kit has to be sufficiently lightweight and your food for the trip planned meticulously. At all costs you must avoid getting soaked as it goes without saying there are few opportunities for getting dried-off. It all takes practice so don’t be too ambitious to begin with and pick a short trip in fine weather.
Most important of all is that you must leave no trace. Bury your ablutions (not too close to a water course) and carry everything out that you carry in. To truly get with the vibe don’t use a vehicle for anything other than getting to the trailhead. If you need a car to port your tent then it’s too big and you aren’t wild camping. Fires are appealing but to be avoided and definitely not in forests or in dry weather.
Where?
The Outdoor Access Code has since 2004 set out where and when you can wild camp. The code recognises that its often the only way to explore the depths of the Cairngorms or to reach remote Munros and embedded within it is the tradition of the long walk-in and an overnight or two in a tent.
The deal with the code however is that you must consider others. It is not permitted to camp within an enclosed field of crops or livestock or within sight of a dwelling. There are spots that are ludicrously popular, such as, the woodland at Derry Lodge in the south Cairngorms, and it’s worth moving on for something more solitary. Do take into account the needs of land managers and aspects of their calendar such as the lambing and stalking seasons.
Experienced wild campers will tell you it takes time to get your eye in when looking for a good pitch. Their advice is to settle on a good campsite spotted any time after four or five in the afternoon. The best spots are often to be found in bends in a river, where two rivers meet, close to abandoned buildings or along the shore of a loch. Do consider before pitching your tent where you are going to wash and poo. There is a vogue for mountain top camping but do remember water can be some distance away.
When?
Experienced wild campers will tell you it takes time to get your eye in when looking for a good pitch. Their advice is to settle on a good campsite spotted any time after four or five in the afternoon. The best spots are often to be found in bends in a river, where two rivers meet, close to abandoned buildings or along the shore of a loch. Do consider before pitching your tent where you are going to wash and poo. There is a vogue for mountain top camping but do remember water can be some distance away.
Wild Camping adventures
The Rhinns of Kells and the Awful Hand – tackle the highest hills in Galloway including Corserine and the Merrick. This is unpathed and seriously rough country. Allow two days and a camp by one of the many high lochs dotting the area.
Moffat to the Manor Valley – another walk across high rolling ground in this surprisingly empty and unspolit country. Navigation is not straightforward. The high bogs are valued for their wild flora so be careful where you pitch your tent.
Cairngorms – the classic loop is a three-day adventure starting from Loch Morlich and goes through the Lairig Ghru. Turn north again at Glen Derry before heading north via Glen Laoigh and the Lairig an Laoigh. `Good spots for camping include close to Corrour bothy, the Fords of A’n or Loch A’n. Avoid the temptation to camp at Derry Lodge.
Kingshouse to Fort William via Glen Nevis and Rannoch Station – serves as a tougher alternative to the West Highland Way. It is very remote country among the biggest and grandest Scottish mountains. Expect rain and hope for the best. Allow three to four days.
Dundonnell to Kinlochewe – possibly the finest “walk throughs’ in Scotland it crosses the emptiness of the Letterewe and the Fisherfield to arrive at Loch Maree and Kinlochewe. If they ever reintroduce the wolf to Scotland this is where they’ll start. Unless you want to climb the many mountains or swim the lochs you’ll have to wind your way between them adding to the distance. Allow at least three days.
Paul Lamarra is one of Intrepidus’ experienced guides. A qualified mountain leader he has climbed, cycled and explored extensively in Scotland. He is also an award-winning writer and author of several books on Scotland. His work has also appeared in many publications throughout the world.
Intrepidus Outdoors is an adventure tours and outdoor experience providers, based in Edinburgh, Scotland, that specialises in private and open canyoning, coasteering, mountain biking and hill walking tours.
My Adventure Edinburgh (Part of the Intrepidus Group) is an outdoor tours provider that specialises in canyoning, coasteering, canoeing and hillwalking tours. As well as delivering these adventurous experiences across Scotland, My Adventure is also a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions where we run bronze, silver and gold level awards for young people.
If you are looking for additional information about adventures from Edinburgh, we have published a number of blogs:
- Open Coasteering guide here
- Adventures in Edinburgh here
- A guide to Wild Swimming in Scotland here
- Eight Scottish Wonders- by Paul Lamarra here
- High and Mighty- Bouldering in Scotland here
- Top tips for backpacking Scotland here
- 6 steps to being happy like a Scot here
- You’ll never get bored in Edinburgh here
- Best Budget Hotels and Hostels Edinburgh here
- Hen Party Adventures Edinburgh: here
- Stag Party Outdoor Adventures Edinburgh Essentials: here
If you haven’t already seen it, check out the our Trip Advisor, Youtube channeland check us out on Visit Scotland.
