Wild camping is permitted along the West Highland Way, aside from specific sections in the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, where there are camping bylaws in place to protect the land between March and September. These include camping management zones that require a permit for tents and/or motorhomes.
Do I need to book campsites on the West Highland Way?
WEST HIGHLAND WAY CAMPSITES
Below is a stage-by-stage guide to campsites along the West Highland Way. Advance bookings are recommended for each of these campsites, and most of them are open between Spring and Autumn. A few only accept 1 – 2 person sized tents.
Can you do the West Highland Way without camping?
Can I do the West Highland Way on my own? Yes! For some people it offers great solitude to undertake the trek on your own, but undoubtedly you will make new friends too by the time you reach Fort William. Most people tend to split the route up into similar sections so you often meet the same people each day.
Where can I camp in Scotland without a permit?
Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 it is perfectly legal to wild camp in Scotland. Apart from a few exceptions (read on to find out more), you can pitch your tent pretty much anywhere you like as long as the land is unenclosed.
Can you be charged for wild camping in Scotland?
The short answer is yes: wild camping is legal in Scotland.
It is the only country in the UK where there remains a general rule in favour of wild camping. England, Wales and Northern Ireland all have laws to restrict camping – unless you seek the landowner’s permission first.
What is the number 1 rule of wild camping?
The golden rule of wild camping: arrive late and leave early – remembering to leave no trace! Plan arriving at your chosen location late in the day to avoid disturbing others and leave early before other walkers are out and about.
What is the 28 day camping rule?
At present, farmers and landowners can operate a campsite on their land for 28 days every year without applying for planning permission.
Can you legally camp anywhere in Scotland?
For the most part, wild camping is permitted anywhere in Scotland in accordance with the access rights established by the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.
Where can I sleep on the West Highland Way?
West Highland Way: Accommodation in Bunkhouses and Hostels
- Euro Hostel Glasgow. 318 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4NR.
- Balmaha Bunkhouse. Balmaha, Loch Lomond, G63 0JQ.
- By the Way Hostel and Campsite.
- Kingshouse Bunkhouse.
- Heart of Glencoe Holidays.
- Fort William Backpackers.
- Smiddy Bunkhouse.
- Chase the Wild Goose Hostel.
Is the West Highland Way safe to walk alone?
I can warmly recommend The West Highland Way to every solo traveler with the physical ability to walk it. It is easy, it is safe, and above all – it is so much fun!
Is free camping legal in Scotland?
Scotland is the only country in the UK where wild camping remains legal. This is down to the Land Reform Act (2003), which is the act of Scottish parliament that secures public access rights to access land in Scotland. It includes the right to camp in unenclosed land.
Can I sleep in my car at a campsite Scotland?
Is it legal to sleep in your car in the UK? The same rules apply for sleeping in your car, as for wild camping. It is legal in Scotland and some parts of Dartmoor. However, if you are respectful and use common sense, then it is generally tolerated at other places as well.
Can you camp at the side of the road in Scotland?
Roadside camping is a popular pastime and, although very different from what mountaineers would call wild camping is still lawful when done responsibly and considerately.
What happens if you get caught wild camping?
Promoted Stories. If caught wild camping without permission, you will be found guilty of trespassing, however, as this is a civil offence you cannot be arrested for, you will likely be asked to move on.
How do you ask for permission to wild camp?
Making a wild camping pitch legal is as simple as asking a landowner whether it’s okay if you pitch up for a night or two. Occasionally you might like to identify who owns the piece of land you want to camp on before you head to an area but, more often than not, you will stumble upon a perfect place to pitch by chance.
How do I get a wild camping permit in Scotland?
What you need to know
- Permits cost £4 per tent or motorhome/campervan per night.
- You can book a camping permit for up to three nights in one area.
- You can book up to 4 weeks in advance.
- A permit allows you to camp anywhere within your chosen permit area.
What is the 333 rule for camping?
By adhering to this simple rule of thumb, you can make traveling easier for your whole family. What is this? First, limit your travel to no more than 300 miles in one day. Second, arrive no later than 3 p.m. Finally, stay at your destination for at least three days.
What is the 2 2 2 rule for camping?
The RVing 2/2/2 rule is a safe and effective way to plan your travel. It means drive no more than 200 miles a day, stop every 2 hours, and stay 2 nights in each place. Some RVers also put an appendix on the rule encouraging drivers to arrive at an overnight destination by 2:00 p.m.
How do wild campers not get caught?
Here are a few specific strategies I’ve developed which help the process of finding a place to wild camp on a bike trip:
- Talk to local people.
- Know when to stop.
- Get to know yourself better.
- Practice the art of invisibility.
- Consider alternative sleeping systems.
What are the 5 W’s of camping?
There are five important factors of wilderness survival to take into account to stay safe and stay comfortable. The five factors include: wind, water, widowmakers, wood, and wildlife. These factors are referred to as the “5 W’s.”
What is the punishment for wild camping England?
The punishment for wild camping in the uk is to simply be asked to move. That is generally as far as the situation goes. It is extremely rare for the situation to escalate above this unless there is a repeated offence or other issues are at play. In a worst-case scenario, you may be dealt a fine.