Wild Camping in the Scottish Highlands
We have been guiding wild camping trips for many years now, it’s one of our favourite ways to experience the Scottish Highlands.
We often get asked ‘but what if the forecast is terrible, will it still be fun?’
Our response is always yes - how can we be sure? Because with a little bit of knowledge and experience wild camping in the Scottish Highlands can be enjoyed in all weathers.
So, what is wild camping and how do you go about it? Here are a few words on the subject and some top tips that I have picked up over the years.
The Rules
In Scotland it is enshrined in law that everyone has a right to ‘responsible, non-motorised’ access to most areas of land across the country. This is accompanied by the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which sets out what is expected of you as you enjoy this freedom to roam. It is based on 3 key principles:
• Respect the interests of others
• Care for the environment
• Take responsibility for your own actions
These access rights extent to wild camping in the Scottish Highlands and allow you to pitch your tent in any location, unless localised restrictions apply. For example in residential areas and some national parks. Outside of these you are permitted to stay in the same spot for a maximum of 3 nights and must observe an ethos of ‘leave no trace’. I.e., once you leave no one passing by should be able to tell that you were ever there.
Wild camping in the Caledonian Pine Forest of Glen Feshie
Defining ‘wild’
The definition of ‘wild camping’ is much debated and open to some interpretation. For us it is something that is done on foot, in a location with no facilities and requires carrying all your equipment to your chosen camp spot. It should be discreet and used as an opportunity to really connect with your surroundings. There is lots of great information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code website about wild camping and how to ensure you are doing it responsibly.
This method of being totally self-sufficient in wild places is a wonderful way to explore and develop a deeper connection with nature. It can also be a daunting prospect for anyone wanting to try it for the first time. Our first forays into wild camping were done in organised groups and with more experienced friends, a great way to get started if you are lacking confidence. Over the years our wild camping has got more adventurous and taken us to some amazing places.
We use Wild Country Helm tents on all our guided trips which make an excellent intro tent for wild camping in Scottish conditions.
Top tips for wild camping in the Scottish Highlands
Start small
There are so many things that are new when trying this for the first time so don’t be over ambitious. Choose a spot that that is just a short walk from civilisation and try one night to start with. Soon enough you will have your systems sorted and be setting off for longer and wilder journeys.
Do your research
Online mapping apps are great tools for finding potential camp locations. Maps can help you hone in on flat(ish) land and locate nearby water sources. Satellite imagery can give you a good idea of what the ground underfoot will be like.
Think wind!
When looking at weather forecasts its easy to only pay attention to whether its going to rain but the wind can have just as significant an impact on any camping trip. Choosing a sheltered spot can be the difference between a great night’s sleep and a torturous one. Equally in a calm forecast you might be seeking out exposure to keep the midges at bay. Check what wind speeds are predicted, whether it will be gusty and what direction the wind is coming from and plan accordingly.
Don’t let the dreaded midge put you off
Yes they can be annoying but generally only for small parts of an otherwise wonderful adventure. Think carefully about where to camp to minimise their impact. Midgies love damp vegetation so aim for somewhere away from long grass and bushes and as dry as possible. A gentle breeze is enough to blow the worst away so if you have a calm forecast pick an exposed spot. Midge nets are an essential! They are much more comfortable when worn over a peaked cap, this moves them away from your face and allows you to see easily.
Keep it simple
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the amount of equipment and fancy gadgets available these days. What you actually need should fit in a medium size rucksack approx. 45L and high weigh in around 10kg. Key items include tent, sleeping bag, mat and stove. Try to keep the amount of clothing and toiletries to a minimum - it’s ok to be smelly for a few days!
Allow yourself a luxury item
Choose something that you know you find calming and that will give you a sense of familiarity when you are tucked up in your tent for the night. We like to have a book to read, to reduce weight I sometimes just take a chapter or two, sorry books… Other’s have told us they like to have headphones and a playlist of favourite songs or their pyjamas so they have a direct connection to home.
Morning rainbow over a wild camp up high in the Cairngorm mountains of Scotland.
The P words
We know, from many conversations, that these two things ‘poos and periods’ are often responsible for putting people off wild camping. This is totally understandable, but it doesn’t need to be this way.
When it comes to poo there are two main options; bury it or carry it out. In some ecologically sensitive habitats and popular camping locations human faeces has been reported to have a negative impact. If you choose to go to these locations, you should consider the carry it out approach.
Away from these sites in most places it is possible to find an appropriate location to bury your poo. This needs to be away from surface water and, ideally not in a location where lots of people are passing through. The Mountaineering Council of Scotland have a very informative leaflet detailing everything you need to know.
If the thought of wild pooing makes you squirm inside then the best solution is to just give it a go! Once you have enjoyed a ‘poo with a view’ you will be wondering what all the worry was about.
Managing your period outdoors
For women, understandably the worry of having to deal with a period on a wild camping trip can be a major barrier. Like pooing, once you have a system, it is very straight forward to manage. The emergence of reusable period products has been revolutionary. Our female team use a combination of both a menstrual cup and period pants. The menstrual cup can be cleaned on the go, the pants stay relatively dry and can be kept in a plastic bag once used for washing at home.
If you prefer to use disposables, then you just need a system for packaging up items to carry off the hill. Nappy bags stuffed inside a plastic bottle work well. We have been taught to be squeamish about these things but don’t need to be. It’s all natural and doesn’t need to stand in the way of adventure. We are always happy to answer questions on this subject. Please feel free to get in touch if you would like to chat more.
The ultimate way to disconnect, taking time out away from it all in the Scottish Highlands
Join us to discover the joys of wild camping
There are so many wonderful things about wild camping - it is the perfect way to get away from it all, connect with nature, shift your perspective and access some truly wild landscapes. Once you get your system for sleeping under canvas sorted a while new kind of freedom opens up to you.
If you’re keen to give it a go bit would like a helping hand to build the skills and confidence for it then our Highland Wilderness Journeys are a perfect place to start.