Wild camping in Scotland

[bridgedino]

Park up but don't set up camp and look elswhere if its busy, stay the night and move on. Leave no trace and youre unlikely to annoy anyone or be bothered by anyone

 

[Wabs]

It’s all about having respect,

 

[nicholsong]

Wildcamping.

Me and my mates wildcamped as kids. 15 year olds on our push bikes. We rode from Manchester, tents on our backs. Asked permission from farmers to set up in fields or woods in Macclesfield forest. shot rabbit, skinned them and boiled over a fire.

I visited one of the farmers and his wife doing jobs for them for many years until she died last about 5 years ago. She always remembered us.

Can’t imagine my grandson next year doing that.

I really loved that bit Trev, Good on you.

 

[Stealaway]

Park up but don't set up camp and look elswhere if its busy, stay the night and move on. Leave no trace and youre unlikely to annoy anyone or be bothered by anyone

We are past masters in clandestine camping.
We will have been and gone before anybody noticed

 

[coroner]

Apparently if you have a Claymore you are ok as long as you don't dispose of your grey waste in the Haggis burrows.THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE.

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[bobnick]

We have stayed in a few places in England and Wales. Our 1 night in Harlech cost us £47 to park for the night and Seahouses was £45 to park between 3 static caravans. We stay quite often in Stratford upon Avon by the cricket pitch, £15 (I think).
We have travelled the whole of the Irish coast, and never had to stay on a campsite, but found lots of places that were free or small charge for parking. Then we have been to Europe 3 times, stayed mostly on Aires or Stelhplatz or campsites that cost no more than £18 or £20 per night.
Come up to the Highlands, there are lots of campsites, but we don't use them, there are many places you can park up for the night for £10 or £15 per night, but many more at no cost at all, call it what you will you just have to know where they are, they aren't hidden and most have glorious views. For instance try Stoer Lighthouse, no facilities put a donation in box or Mellon Udrigle, £15 (water, black/grey waste) beautiful beach. Achnahaird beach is free, just stay 1 night, no cost no problem.
These places are there, lots at no cost and no one will bother you

Thanks for that. i will do a google maps to see where the ones mentioned are.

 

[highwood122]

Call it what you like

Every year for weeks at a time we go to Scotland touring.
We have yet to pay for campsite or even to park overnight.
There is loads of spaces to stay overnight with breaking any local or national laws.
But if you are at all concerned about 'Wild Camping ' in Scotland please don't bother.
You won't be missed.

where do you empty your toilet holding tank

 

[irnbru]

where do you empty your toilet holding tank

Quite a few places to empty the tank, just have a look on searchforsites.

From our recent trip , New England bay,Isle Of Whithorn, and Hawick all has FREE overnighting with fresh water and elsan point.

 

[BusyBuilder]

Lots of disposal points are now appearing up here in the Highlands.

Locations full list. - Campaign for Real Aires UK - CAMpRA

 

[coroner]

where do you empty your toilet holding tank

Not in the haggis burrow's its frowned upon.

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[Bobbydaisy]

Lots of disposal points are now appearing up here in the Highlands.

Locations full list. - Campaign for Real Aires UK - CAMpRA

Thanks for the link , added the app , hopefully people actually use these to dispose of waste , or maybe like me don’t know they exist.

 

[akadingbat]

Just yesterday I went drove by a lay-by near me and out the corner of my eye I saw the guy with the Motorhome removing his toilet cassette, by the time I turned round and got back there he had dumped his waste and gone. These are the people who cause problems and spoil it for the rest of us and we all need to call them out otherwise we will all suffer and overnight parking will end up being banned everywhere other than official places.

 

[Stealaway]

Just yesterday I went drove by a lay-by near me and out the corner of my eye I saw the guy with the Motorhome removing his toilet cassette, by the time I turned round and got back there he had dumped his waste and gone. These are the people who cause problems and spoil it for the rest of us and we all need to call them out otherwise we will all suffer and overnight parking will end up being banned everywhere other than official places.

I'd like to think that he was foreign. Could you see his plates?

 

[Stealaway]

where do you empty your toilet holding tank

Mostly in public toilets. Download app - 'Where is Public Toilets '
Scotland is becoming much easier with a good few service points.
Park4Night will point you to some of them
If you are not sure book into a campsite every few days.

 

[Northernraider]

Ive been wilcamping in scotland 36 years whether it be in tents , campers, caravans or motorhomes. I have yet to be asked to move once in Scotland. I don't particularly care what the legislation etc says or who or what defines wildcamping either


Truth be told im not concerned whether its legal or not either.

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[Noots]

Ive been wilcamping in scotland 36 years whether it be in tents , campers, caravans or motorhomes. I have yet to be asked to move once in Scotland. I don't particularly care what the legislation etc says or who or what defines wildcamping either


Truth be told im not concerned whether its legal or not either.

Ive been wilcamping in scotland 36 years whether it be in tents , campers, caravans or motorhomes. I have yet to be asked to move once in Scotland. I don't particularly care what the legislation etc says or who or what defines wildcamping either


Truth be told im not concerned whether its legal or not either.

Oh you rebel you

 

[Tony50]

Just yesterday I went drove by a lay-by near me and out the corner of my eye I saw the guy with the Motorhome removing his toilet cassette, by the time I turned round and got back there he had dumped his waste and gone. These are the people who cause problems and spoil it for the rest of us and we all need to call them out otherwise we will all suffer and overnight parking will end up being banned everywhere other than official places.

What you described is disgusting, we have the problem of parking on the promenade, ( 16)using Public toilet's to empty Cassette,which on several occasions spilt on floor, my view is if you can't afford to pay if there is no camping discharge facilities don't camp

 

[weemalkie]

The moral is cheap rubbish is ruined by cheap rubbish.

We have stayed in a few places in England and Wales. Our 1 night in Harlech cost us £47 to park for the night and Seahouses was £45 to park between 3 static caravans. We stay quite often in Stratford upon Avon by the cricket pitch, £15 (I think).
We have travelled the whole of the Irish coast, and never had to stay on a campsite, but found lots of places that were free or small charge for parking. Then we have been to Europe 3 times, stayed mostly on Aires or Stelhplatz or campsites that cost no more than £18 or £20 per night.
Come up to the Highlands, there are lots of campsites, but we don't use them, there are many places you can park up for the night for £10 or £15 per night, but many more at no cost at all, call it what you will you just have to know where they are, they aren't hidden and most have glorious views. For instance try Stoer Lighthouse, no facilities put a donation in box or Mellon Udrigle, £15 (water, black/grey waste) beautiful beach. Achnahaird beach is free, just stay 1 night, no cost no problem.
These places are there, lots at no cost and no one will bother you

So if you don't stay on campsites how do you dispose of grey and black waste??

 

[ambulancekidd]

I often "wild camp" in my motorhome. I do apply certain rules as I go.
1/ I never park within sight of anyone's home.
2/ I never put furniture or BBQ type stuff out.
3/ On forestry land, they are happy to tolerate the motorhome as long as you do not camp at their picnic areas. Make the forestry rangers a nice cup of coffee or tea & have a chat. A Jammie Dodger makes a nice bribe lol.
4// Do not arrive on-mass two motorhomes are acceptable, but four or five is a very different thing.
5/ Now this one is a biggie, if anyone in authority tells you to move on, do so with no arguments or dirty looks.
6/ Leave no trace that you've been there, leave only memories.

 

[Northernraider]

What you described is disgusting, we have the problem of parking on the promenade, ( 16)using Public toilet's to empty Cassette,which on several occasions spilt on floor, my view is if you can't afford to pay if there is no camping discharge facilities don't camp

What if you can afford to pay but simply refuse? Most of the land in Scotland and indeed the rest of the uk was at somepoint stolen or simply aquired.

Theres zero excuse for dumping waste in a layby but there is also no harm whatsoever emptying a cassette down a public toilet if leaving it in the same state you found it.

There are also many other ways of disposing of waste without doing harm

So if you don't stay on campsites how do you dispose of grey and black waste??

This question is asked time and time again on here im sure if you put a question in the search you will find the answer .or even read some of the previous replies.

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[akadingbat]

I'd like to think that he was foreign. Could you see his plates?

Sadly it was a UK vehicle.

 

[Tony50]

What if you can afford to pay but simply refuse? Most of the land in Scotland and indeed the rest of the uk was at somepoint stolen or simply aquired.

Theres zero excuse for dumping waste in a layby but there is also no harm whatsoever emptying a cassette down a public toilet if leaving it in the same state you found it.

There are also many other ways of disposing of waste without doing harm

This question is asked time and time again on here im sure if you put a question in the search you will find the answer .or even read some of the previous replies.

Land Stolen at some time, yes the Vikings, etc . done that, and I remember in recent times as a Chairman of Council a Parishioner said my neighbour stole a piece of land and sold it as a building plot, I said how do you know ,he said there was a Search Light there during the War, I said didn't know that, I wasn't born until 1945.
With regards to disposal of cassette waste pay or dispose of properly not Public toilets or would many Motorhomers on here welcome somebody coming into their home to empty their cassette ? I think not

 

[JamesT@Dundee]

To my surprise it's illegal to Wildcamp in Scotland although it is tolerated in some places, and you can camp with the Land Owner's permission. Reading about this subject is mind boggling

Wild camping isn't illegal in Scotland. It does, however, involve carrying a tent and setting up camp somewhere in the wild, usually a reasonable distance from a road. https://www.visitscotland.com/accommodation/caravan-camping/wild-camping/

Wild camping does not involve motorised vehicles.

 

[Northernraider]

Land Stolen at some time, yes the Vikings, etc . done that, and I remember in recent times as a Chairman of Council a Parishioner said my neighbour stole a piece of land and sold it as a building plot, I said how do you know ,he said there was a Search Light there during the War, I said didn't know that, I wasn't born until 1945.
With regards to disposal of cassette waste pay or dispose of properly not Public toilets or would many Motorhomers on here welcome somebody coming into their home to empty their cassette ? I think not

Your home isn't public

A public toilet however is

 

[G-RMPS]

As Tam says, what’s the problem IF you leave a toilet as you found it. Subject to that condition I woudn’t refuse someone using my toilet.

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[Tony50]

Your home isn't public

A public toilet however is

You missed the point, Public Toilets are used by the Public , you are the Public, what's the difference ? No, like me you wouldn't let a friend or stranger empty a cassette in your home

 

[Tony50]

As Tam says, what’s the problem IF you leave a toilet as you found it. Subject to that condition I woudn’t refuse someone using my toilet.

Hmm

 

[poppycamper]

Wild camping isn't illegal in Scotland. It does, however, involve carrying a tent and setting up camp somewhere in the wild, usually a reasonable distance from a road. https://www.visitscotland.com/accommodation/caravan-camping/wild-camping/

Wild camping does not involve motorised vehicles.

As stated above..

 

[coroner]

As stated above..

Public information broadcast
How to poo in the park?!

OK not a subject we often want to think or talk about but for wild campers and backpackers this is a serious part of planning a great 'wild adventure'.

Many people enjoy backpacking and wild camping in the Cairngorms National Park, most visitors leave behind no evidence of their visit but the issue of toileting in the wild is an increasing problem in some hotspot areas.

Like any trip away planning is key and by being prepared and following some simple steps you can do your bit to act responsibly and help us to protect this special place.

Prepare a poop-kit before you leave home including a trowel, toilet paper, small plastic bags and hand sanitiser.

When you need to go follow these simple steps:

Dig a hole 30m away from water, buildings or other people and animals*

Do your thing and bury your poo in the hole and cover

Bag up toilet paper or sanitary items. These can go in a bin when you get to one.

*Be prepared by taking extra small plastic bags in case you cannot find a suitable place to dig a hole. Do your thing into the bag, tied bag up and carry it out. Dispose of it responsibly in a bin or toilet when you get to one.

For more information on how to wild camp in the park visit https://cairngorms.co.uk/discover-explore/enjoying-the-park/planning-a-visit/camping-in-the-park/

#CairngormsTogether
#mountaineeringscotland
#wildcamping
#visitcairngorms

 

[Riverbankannie]

You missed the point, Public Toilets are used by the Public , you are the Public, what's the difference ? No, like me you wouldn't let a friend or stranger empty a cassette in your home

Of course I would, the same as I empty mine into our toilet. Mind you the chances of a stranger rocking up to the door and asking to empty their cassette …………

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