Learn the essentials of wild camping in Scotland. Find out what to pack, where to camp, and regulations for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
Nowadays, when people think about going camping, they often expect some amenities such as showers, toilets, and pods with electrical hookups. The true essence of camping is slowly getting neglected as people prefer urban living to wild adventures.
Wild camping is experiencing nature at its best which is a great way to disconnect and find your balance.
I am a frequent wild camper myself. Living in a city, it’s my only way to experience nature, listen to the birds, and get some fresh air. I have camped in many places so, if you are looking for places to experience wild camping, I highly recommend Scotland. Although wild camping is not allowed everywhere in Scotland, several places can make your camping trip a little bit more adventurous and exciting.
What you should keep in mind when wild camping in Scotland?
Just like any camping trip, wild camping is something that needs to be planned. So, here are the key things to remember when you plan your wild camping trip in Scotland.
Choosing the right location for wild camping in Scotland
After a few hours of driving, the very last thing you want is to come across several locations that don’t allow camping or vehicle parking. So, it’s important to know where you’re going (to an extent) before you set off on your adventure.
Plan out your route before you go, this way you can ensure that there are spots to pitch your tent and park up your vehicle without getting into any trouble.
Here are five of the best wild camping spots in Scotland:
- Loch Beinn a’ Mheadhoin, Glen Affric
- Glen Nevis, Lochaber
- Glen Sannox, Isle of Arran
- Quiraing, Isle of Skye
- Kilmory Bay, Isle of Rùm
Once your location is decided, you should always check to make sure your vehicle is suitable for the trip ahead.
With campervans, you want to know that they’re going to withstand the off-road tracks and so on, so you may want to check out somewhere that sells the essential campervan equipment such as Kiravans.
If you’re bringing a car, it’s always worth adding a roof rack to provide you with extra storage space. There are some great deals at Halfords if you are looking for one.
Packing the essentials
Having the right equipment to keep you safe and happy throughout your wild camping trip is extremely important. You must always consider safety when wild camping as you don’t have a base with more people to check into.
Remember to pack the right items, such as your rucksack, tent, sleeping bag, blankets, warm clothing, towels, lamps, and a first aid kit. Having a first aid kit can help in hundreds of situations, so you must take one with you. I
If you need to replenish or add to your equipment before you go, don’t forget to go right here and check online to see if there are any discounts that you could use to save some money on these purchases.
Food and drink necessities
While you’re traveling around Scotland on your wild camping adventure, you’re going to need to keep your strength up and ensure you’re hydrated at all times. It can be so easy to forget to drink enough water, so packing plenty of water to store in the car is a great idea. Having a strong supply of drinkable water is extremely important.
When it comes to the food, you may want to include items such as cheese, and proteins in the form of dried meat, fruit, chocolate, and soup. These items are all easy to carry, and store, and can last long without refrigeration.