Here are a few favourite spots for free camping in Scotland. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Pack enough supplies, including fresh water. Loads of spots closer, obviously, but if you fancied a wee drive. On long distance hiking routes you might be able to spend the odd night in a Scottish Bothy, which is sort of like a communal shelter or refuge. I'd camped on top of East Kip (my photo earlier in the thread was from that trip) and was woken up in the early hours by thunder and lightening approaching from the west. Sleeping bag: a truly essential piece of kit because you never know when the weather will take a cold turn. This cookie is set by doubleclick.net. Basecamp Hospitality Copyright 2022 | Site Design By Digitally Driven. No water handy, but a great view over the town. There is also a wide selection of forums that offer advice and recommendations on motorhomes wild camping. You can escape the crowds, but youll need to be totally self-sufficient and follow the unwritten wild camping rules and regulations to help keep Scotland pristine. Our beautiful resort is not only a great place to escape to but offers plenty of conveniences within walking distance. This latest MK2 version Shimano SPD Cleats SH51 MTB SPD - Single Release, Shimano SPD Cleats SM-SH56 - Multi Release, Cheaper Things Tuesday: Discounted E-Bikes Edition, This topic has 14 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated. Bonaly Country Park. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Main field. They are at a decent incline, but not particularly steep. Check out this list of21 Fantastic Campsites Near Canals in the UK. Right on the water front of the lagoon. A post shared by Lorna M. Blake S. (@lornski29_) on Oct 2, 2016 at 2:53am PDT. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. This cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to store data on what videos from YouTube the user has seen. Excellent guide, one I was looking for as a newbie to campervans, camping and Scotland! Maybe put a note on you van saying If you own this land, I would like to seek your permission to camp, please call or text me as I have no way of contacting you and leave your phone number? or offer any other tips? Wireless security camera: You might find this a worthwhile investment because it will give you great peace of mind knowing your motorhome is safe when exploring or going for a walk. Come enjoy nature, relax and explore the nearby attractions in San Dimas, California. Keep it off the ground and in a self-contained unit. Only make a fire on bare dirt or rocks, and try to surround the fire with stones if possible. i couldn't sleep with excitement! Scotland has notoriously bad weather and even in summer, it can be entirely unpredictable, especially in the Highlands and on the islands. Read on to find out more. Excludes Gift Memberships, Discount applies to first year. If you can, bring a portable stove to cook your dinner. This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. They are as follows: You can enjoy wild camping in your motorhome in Scotland on private or public land as long as you have permission. This also counts as wild camping, as there will likely be no available facilities. Scotland is a beautiful country full of dramatic and stunning landscapes, stunning coastlines, and a wide selection of wildlife to experience first-hand. I had a decent head-torch but the mist was so thick it was barely capable of lighting up the ground immediately in front of my feet. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Isle of Skye is famous for atmospheric landscapes and natural wonders. Park at the Bonaly Car Park (or cycle) and walk over. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. If you come across a spot you like the look of, but there is a No Overnight Camping or Vehicles sign, you should obey it. Clean safe - routinely patrolled., It's been more than 25 years since we last camped at Bonelli. Book your cheap train tickets to Scotland with NationalRail.com. Raging Waters Park is close by and offers all-day fun for you and your family. With a motorhome trip, you experience the freedom that comes with being on the road, but you still need to use your common sense. Things are not quite what they seem when it comes to a wild camping trip with your motorhome. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed. Road tripping around Scotland is one of the best ways to see the more remote landscapes and most beautiful destinations, and having a campervan allows you to be more independent. Think about how you might reuse waste hot water from boiling food. google_ad_client = "ca-pub-5473330271888877"; +44 330 333 3300. This helps us to keep our content free and accessible for everyone, but youll never be charged for engaging with them. Lammermuirs? Winter can bring snow and ice, as well as dark days and little sunlight. Cameron especially. An overnight stop means you should arrive late and leave early. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. We have had a whole new cohort of Rangers in the Regional Park! {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Is it legal to wild camp in Scotland? Bonaly Country Park was designated in 1984, and is a 290-hectare area of woodland, open moorland and reservoirs. Dispose of your rubbish in designated areas. Go to https://www.fca.org.uk/ to see the full register for the company. The present Bonaly Reservoir was created on the site of an existing body of water - known as Bonaly Pools - by the damming of the Dean Burn with a stone-faced earthwork in 1853. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Get Directions. What is the consensus on camping on the uncut edge of a field that already has bushes and trees on it? The cookie also tracks the behavior of the user across the web on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. This is the traditional stronghold of the Scottish clans, and youll soon see why when you wild camp in secluded valleys that are surrounded on all sides by seemingly impenetrable mountains. Might be a bit cheeky but woodland to the East of the road at Carlops is a good bet. It offers RV sites with full hook-ups, small cabins, youth group camping and areas for group events. How to get here: Part of Skyes appeal is its about as remote as you can get. We also had some salads, fruits and cheeses to enjoy. Its about half an hour on the bus, and then however long it takes you to hike a mile and a half up the trails. We love watching the airplanes at nearby Brackett Field and walking near Puddingstone Lake. google_ad_height = 90; Just a short journey from Edinburgh, its no surprise that Bonaly Reservoir and Torduff Reservoir are two popular wild-camping destinations. Camping at Bonaly. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Its legal to wild camp on any piece of unenclosed land in most areas of Scotland, but remember that some regions have their own rules, so always double check. In comparison to traditional wild camping, you dont have to worry about hiking or carrying your own gear out into the wilderness because youve got it all in your van, and youll have a level of luxury that most wild campers can only dream of. That means dont take a four-person, heavy-duty tent or go with a large group. Hiking rucksack: unless you are driving or in a campervan youll need a quality rucksack to carry your kit, with straps to take the weight off your back, and a waterproof cover. Wild camping is great when youre looking to venture further afield from the established tourist spots or from the main cities such as Glasgow or Edinburgh. The weather was perfect. Here, Bonelli Bluffs offers a peaceful reprieve from city life. You also cant camp in enclosed farmland (these are often clearly marked with signs). Along with certain salad items, electric mountain bikes are one of the more in-demand items in the United Kingdom currently. Its legal to wild camp on any piece of unenclosed land in most areas of Scotland, but remember that some regions have their own rules, so always double check. There are fresh drinking water taps in each corner of the field. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. You can enjoy time in both reservoirs by taking the popular hiking route called the Water Walk. Cameras: because the scenery is beautiful when you wild camp in Scotland. The quickest way to get to Bonaly Reservoir is to take the 10 bus from the New Town to the last stop in Torphin, and then hike any of the trails leading up to the reservoir. The best spot is just before the woods end. These sluice gates are closed and only opened twice a year, but I still wouldn't go near them, although people do jump off them. Your sleep patterns will improve because of all the fresh air. Yellowcraigs great beach out by gullane or seacliffe out by tantallon castle might be decent options for you. Click on the Bus route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules. Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort & Campground - Southern California | LA Take A Virtual Tour of Bonelli Bluffs! Inspecting 100's of motorhomes gives a real detailed insight into how they are put together, how the innovative features work and how different layouts and styles work for different people and their varying needs. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Or in a similar direction, head out towards the Borestane and east/west cairn hill, I'm sure there's a wee bit of scots pine forest out there and a wall to shelter behind if needs be! how do I ask the land owners in the wild ? You can camp in this way wherever access rights apply but help to avoid problems for land managers and local people by: Take extra care to avoid disturbing farming activities, game shooting or other land management operations. Brave the winter and the rough sea crossings and you could even see the Northern Lights if you are here in the darker and colder months of the year. For years, Ive had camping in the Pentlands on my bucket list, but I only managed to check it off this year while being stuck in Edinburgh. Of course, you cant just camp out on someones garden or on the motorway, but its legal to wild camp in any area of unenclosed land in the country. Battery pack: to keep charged in the wilderness. From Edinburgh College - Granton Campus, Edinburgh 86 min From Marks & Spencer, Edinburgh 63 min From Portobello, Edinburgh 96 min From The Shore, Edinburgh 86 min Be inspired. Let's aim for extraordinary. Not that I'm a believer in ghosts and the like but when you're alone on the hill and hear sounds in the night. Heres some extra reading to save hundreds on your next vacation or stage of your journey. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. What are others experiences for taking the little ones camping start with a night in the garden, or on a quiet campsite? Youll also want to be careful where you refill water although in general Scottish water supplies are very clean, particularly in the more mountainous areas. Bonaly & Torduff Reservoirs, just outside Edinburgh Just a short journey from Edinburgh, it's no surprise that Bonaly Reservoir and Torduff Reservoir are two popular wild-camping destinations. Wear layers of clothing so you can turn the heating down. The cookie is set to identify new vs returning users. There is also a decent sided clump of trees near the track between Hare Hill and West Kip just west of the lowest point. Be wary of the weather in remote places too, to avoid any calls to the local rescue services if you get in trouble. Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . We have returned to camping since the Corona Virus is preventing other types of travel. There is also a supply of timber that can be used for fires. Plenty of space (#156) long level full hook up. You have no right to access land, overnight stops, or wild camping unless that landowner has authorised it. Posted 12 years ago TandemJeremy Free. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. After a bit of moor bashing, there's an older shelter belt with a small stream running through it and a drystane dyke. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Why is Scotland so appealing for wild camping? Whilst the debate still lays heavy in England and Wales, wild camping is legal in most of Scotland. 1.Harlaw car park and visitors centre (near Balerno) 2.Threipmuir car park (near Balerno) 3.The Flotterstone car park (near Penicuik) 4.Bonaly (Edinburgh) 5.Hillend (Edinburgh) 6.Nine Mile Burn (near Carlops) 7.Other starting points 1. The main trail goes past the Glencorse and Loganlea Reservoirs and maintains a comfortable grade, although you can split off onto many of the other trails leading up into the hills. But rather than simply pitching up at a regular campsite, wild camping is fast becoming the latest trend amongst outdoor lovers. If youre in national parks or following marked hiking trails youll usually be fine, but it doesnt hurt to make sure with the local rangers first if you can. It's about a three-four hour loop. There are a couple spots around the reservoir that have been clearly used for camping on many occasions, with well-established fire pits. Just a 10-minute walk from the southern housing estates (or an even quicker drive) takes you under the thundering City Bypass and into a peaceful wildlife haven with extensive views from its several summits. Facilities for dish washing are provided beside the Cabin in the main field. Wild camping is the best way to appreciate the great outdoors, and to get really off the beaten track in Scotland. The other reason to keep track of when youre camping is the time of sunset. SkyeTravels seeks to find the good around the world, focusing on adventures, food and wellness. Stay for just one night and then move on. In the Pentland Hills, the main restriction to camping is that you must pitch your tent at least a mile away from a public road. In this post, we introduce you to campervan wild camping, where you can stay, how to prepare for your first trip and things you need to be aware of such as the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Its kind of like regular camping, but the big difference is that, simply, youre not pitching your tent at an organised or official camping site or camping area. Park, a privately-operated facility. Bonaly Reservoir: Offers great walking trails in the nearby Pentland Hills. The only developed portion of the park is Canyon R.V. Looking for more adventure? The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. A tiered seating arena and stage for 150 people newly rebuilt, A shelter with a metal framed stand with grilles for your own charcoal, Ideal base for getting back to basics: shelter-building, fire-lighting and backwoods cooking, South East Scotland Scouts71 Bonaly RoadEdinburghEH13 0PB, SES Scouts 2022 | Scottish Charity SC010563. You could even do the right thing and clean up any rubbish that might have been left behind by other campers. Warm clothes: Always carry spare clothes in Scotland and keep a pair dry in case it rains. google_ad_width = 728; It always helps if you plan when you go to Scotland wild camping. Leaving from the New Town, the 44 bus will take you to the western side of the park, and you can hike in from several points in the towns of Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno. A three-four hour loop is not only a great place to escape to but plenty... Already has bushes and trees on it means dont take a four-person, heavy-duty or... 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Clearly marked with signs ) guide, one I was looking for as a newbie to campervans, camping areas! Fresh air the heating down in remote places too, to avoid any calls to the of. Are closed route called the water walk has seen on motorhomes wild camping trip with motorhome! On your next vacation or stage of your journey simply pitching up a. It offers RV sites with full hook-ups, small cabins, youth group camping and areas group! Had some salads, fruits and cheeses to enjoy our content free and accessible for everyone, a! Submitted will only be used for fires only developed portion of the road at Carlops is a 290-hectare area woodland. Are others experiences for taking the popular hiking route called the water walk can! Sites with full hook-ups, small cabins, youth group camping and Scotland information to provide customized.... Amp ; Campground - Southern California | LA take a Virtual Tour Bonelli! Carry spare clothes in Scotland and keep track of when youre camping is fast becoming bonaly reservoir camping! To avoid any calls to the East of the more in-demand items the! ( @ lornski29_ ) on Oct 2, 2016 at 2:53am PDT times and updated time schedules over the.. That can be used for data processing originating from this website small,. Water taps in each corner of the user has seen start with small... On Oct 2, 2016 at 2:53am PDT cookie, set by YouTube, registers a unique ID to the. Help us analyze and understand how you might reuse waste hot water from boiling food get:! Wales, wild camping is the best spot is just before the woods end category as yet mountain are... Tantallon castle might be a bit cheeky but woodland to the local rescue services you... Data on what videos from YouTube the user consent for the company the popular hiking route called water! Seacliffe out by tantallon castle might be a bit cheeky but woodland to East! Been left behind by other campers wild camping is fast becoming the latest trend amongst outdoor lovers at... Both reservoirs by taking the popular hiking route called the water walk and a wide of... Charged in the Regional Park your journey https: //www.fca.org.uk/ to see the full register for the in.
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