Many people believe that travellers can go wild camping wherever they want in Scotland. While that has been the case for several years, the popularity of this country among outdoor enthusiasts led to some restrictions that restrict the usage of certain areas for camping activities.
Moreover, the government advises visitors to read through the codes and guides made specifically to protect its lands and inhabitants.
That said, Scotland remains to be much more welcoming toward wild campers compared to the rest of the UK. Its stunning views, domestic wildlife, and moody vibes also cement its spot as a top-tier tourist destination.
In this article, let’s discuss further the laws and regulations you must bear in mind if you dream of having an unforgettable nature adventure in Scotland.
The law on wild camping in Scotland
This country has a unique regard for wild camping because of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. According to this legislation, the public has universal access to unenclosed land in Scotland.
The purpose can be for simple matters like crossing the area on your way to another destination, or for recreational or educational activities—which include wild camping.
Despite this seemingly lax approach, the government expects the public to exercise this right responsibly, as stated in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This set of guidelines centres on the principle of minimizing your impact on the surroundings and wildlife and leaving no trace of your stay.
Is wild camping legal in Scotland?
This is a popular question, along with “Can you wild camp in England?” The latter is considered illegal, but in Scotland, wild camping is legal, provided that you comply with their policies that preserve the beauty and sanctity of its natural resources.
It’s important to note that Scotland has recently limited access to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park because of the threat posed by the millions of visitors they receive each year.
Some of the measures introduced through the new byelaws include the creation of Camping Management Zones, wherein wild campers can only stay on designated campsites from March to September—otherwise, a camping permit will be required.
Failure to comply with the byelaws can lead to a report to the Scottish public prosecutor that can impose fines of up to £500 per violation.
5 Rules for wild camping in Scotland
Below are the five most important guidelines from the Scottish Outdoor Access Code that you should bear in mind if you want to go wild camping. As you will learn, the following points do not aim to restrict your enjoyment but rather mitigate the potential negative impacts on the environment caused by recklessness or lack of forethought.
Camp away from roads, buildings or historic structures
We suggest observing this rule as a means of preserving your privacy, avoiding causing disruptions to other people, and protecting the integrity of important structures.
If you’re having a hard time looking for the optimal wild camping spot, the Scottish authorities encourage travellers to get in touch with the landowners to seek their advice on good camping spots in their respective areas.
You won’t be at risk of being charged with trespassing if you skip this, but you might miss out on a local hidden gem that would make your trip more memorable.
Check out our recommendations, too! For instance, we compiled our favourite campsites in the Isle of Skye that you should consider while planning for your wild camping adventure in Scotland.
Use a stove instead of an open fire
Open fires can be hard to manage and contain, especially when you are surrounded by highly inflammable dry grass or peaty ground. An ember or spark caught by the wind can have disastrous consequences for the plants and animals nearby.
Instead of risking the environment and your personal safety, bring a portable stove made specifically for camping. Whether you plan to use it for cooking or as a source of warmth, tent stoves are excellent alternatives to help minimize the possibility of wildfires and other accidents to your camping tent.
Try to camp in small numbers
The Scottish government permits wild camping because they consider it a lightweight activity that involves a few people staying in one place for one to three nights, at most. It is a solitary experience that allows you to admire the landscape and immerse yourself in nature.
Therefore, we recommend keeping the number of people on your wild camping trip to a minimum. Having a few people in your group will also make it easier for you to traverse the area because you would likely have to go backpacking to reach and stay in your preferred camping spot.
Take any litter with you
The policy requires you to leave the area as you found it. Aside from minimizing your impact, you should also be careful when packing things up. Don’t be tempted to burn anything or throw away the litter in the river or lake.
If there are no nearby trash bins, gather any litter you might have into a bag and take it with you until you found a suitable place to dispose of it, such as in pit stops or hotels.
Bury human waste at least 30 metres away from open water
Human waste can cause pollution and harm to wildlife and vegetation, especially if you relieve yourself and dump it in any body of water. What you can do instead is bury it far from any open water, or take it with you using a resealable plastic bag and dispose of it later at a proper restroom.
This also includes dirty toilet paper or wet wipes that you might have used to maintain your personal hygiene.
FAQs about Wild Camping in Scotland:
Unlike in other countries in the UK, you won’t be charged for trespassing if you wild camp in an unenclosed land in Scotland. Further, you can avoid penalties and fines if you follow the rules protecting the environment, wildlife, and structures, as specified in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the National Park byelaws.
Yes, you can camp in Scotland for free as there are several free camping spots around the country. All you have to do is conduct prior research about the area and plan your trip well to ensure your safety and enjoyment. We also recommend asking the locals for tips on where to pitch your tent. Take note that many of these free campsites may be far from the basic facilities and parking spaces. If you want those conveniences, consider the low-cost informal campsites offered by the National Park instead.
Yes, but it must be done with great care since the Scottish Outdoor Access Code still applies in this case. Look for an unobtrusive spot and leave as quickly as you can. If you’re in a campervan or RV, you should park on solid, hard ground and avoid vegetation since that could cause significant damage to them.
Why you should choose Scotland for your next wild camping trip
You’ve got plenty of options if you want to go wild camping in the UK. What sets Scotland apart from its neighbours is how it views and regulates the activity itself. We believe that travellers would appreciate the defined laws and guidelines that wild campers should comply with during their stay in the country.
Because of that, you won’t have constant doubts about whether or not you are breaking the rules because they are laid out for everyone to read and understand.
If you choose a Scottish destination for your next trip, you are also not required to seek permission first from the landowner before you can pitch your tent. Rather than restricting travellers, many owners are happy to share tips and ideas on how to best enjoy the charms and views of its diverse landscapes.