Many believe experiencing a genuine wild camping experience is impossible without sitting around a bonfire or cooking food over open flames. If you think similarly, you should pay careful attention to the existing safety and environmental protection guidelines applicable to where you intend to set up camp.
Case in point, Scotland has the most welcoming approach towards wild camping in the UK. That doesn’t mean the local authorities enforce laxer measures toward outdoor fires. This article will give you an overview of Scotland’s wild camping rules on campfires.
You will find below why it is essential to respect and observe those guidelines and some valuable tips on enjoying the warmth and conveniences of fire without breaking the law.
Are you allowed to make a campfire in Scotland?
Yes, but only under certain conditions. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code specifies that travellers should use a stove whenever possible rather than start an open fire. That’s because portable cooking equipment like stoves or cookers is easier to control, monitor and clean up afterwards.
Nevertheless, the Scottish legislators understand that some people cannot bring or do not have access to portable stoves. In such cases, the Code requires that open fires be kept low and under constant supervision. Otherwise, violators may be charged with a civil or criminal offence depending on the extent of nuisance or damage caused by the open fire.
Scottish outdoor access code summary
This detailed guide contains the specific wild camping Scotland laws and rights. It serves as a reference for the campers and law enforcement on what is allowed or prohibited, including matters relating to land access, outdoor activities, and the conservation of the environment and wildlife. Noncompliance with the Code is technically not an offence under Scottish law, but it plays a role in resolving disputes if it can be proven that the involved parties have disregarded it.
Where can I make a campfire in Scotland?
The ideal location for an open fire is on hard ground that will not be scorched—a rocky surface or gravelly beach, for example. Please note that all buildings or Scottish heritage sites are excluded from this guideline.
Further, according to the Code, an open fire is permitted in areas away from farmlands, woods or forests. The vegetation in those locations can catch fire and spread quickly, especially during dry spells. You should also avoid setting up a campfire on peaty soil because it may retain some heat that can flare into an unsupervised and uncontrollable fire.
How do I make a campfire?
Managing fire outdoors requires a certain degree of skills and patience. Therefore, if you’re a beginner, we recommend getting a campfire kit to help you start the fire quicker, contain the flame better and simplify the clean-up process.
If you prefer going the traditional route, remember to pack your choice of fuel and a heatproof mat to serve as a base for your campfire. Place on top of it some sand or gravel, enough to create a small mound with a flat, empty middle. In that space, build your campfire using your fuel. Please do not rely on deadwood or other natural fuels because they might not be available on your chosen site.
How do I extinguish a campfire?
Ideally, it would be best to extinguish a campfire only when all the fuel has been burned to ashes. A partially burned object may retain heat and reignite again.
When all fuel has been consumed, pour water all over your campfire. Then, to ensure no embers are left behind, mix everything with the soil. If you find chunks of unburned fuel, drown them in more water and scrape them against the ground.
How can I leave no trace of my campfire?
Gather the cooled-down ashes and unburned fuel in a small container or bag. Scatter the contents as you walk around the area. If your campfire spot still has traces left, cover it with more soil, dead leaves or other naturally found objects. The goal is to make the campsite appear like you have found it upon your arrival.
What is the best way to cook on a campfire?
Open-fire cooking should be done with the optimal equipment and supplies for your preferred menu. A grill grate is a versatile tool, aside from its primary function in cooking meats, fish or vegetables. It can also serve as a stand when you need to fry on an iron skillet, prepare a stew in a pot, or boil water in a kettle.
Don’t forget to pack the lids and aluminium foil for faster cooking time. A set of stainless cutleries and tongs will also help prepare food and eat your meals.
Since your food will likely involve oil and grease, have a bucket of water or sand nearby should you need to control or douse the flames.
FAQs about wild camping Scotland fires
Starting a bonfire by itself is permitted in Scotland, provided it is not done in a public place. Aside from this restriction, you can face legal troubles if the people nearby raise an issue with the smoke or smell coming from it. In that case, the local authorities will be alerted. They will then visit the area to assess if the bonfire is causing a statutory nuisance or poses a danger to property or other people.
It is allowed, but everyone is expected to follow the safety guidelines to minimise the risks associated with it. For example, you must keep water or sand on hand to put the fire out quickly. You should also always watch it and refrain from imbibing alcohol since it can negatively affect your judgment and body coordination. Hot ashes from the barbecue may only be disposed of when they feel cool when touched.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code advises campers to keep all open fires small, controlled, and supervised to reduce the risk of damaging the surroundings or harming anyone nearby. Further, the Code recommends using a stove instead of raised fire, especially during a prolonged dry spell. If that is not possible, light a fire only in a suitable location away from cultural heritage sites, structures, grasslands, forests, or peaty ground.
No, the Scottish government forbids starting a fire in the woods. The risks involved are too much, especially given the unpredictable nature of fire and the number of flammable objects in the woods. If caught violating this rule, you can be charged with a criminal offence for causing annoyance, threatening other people’s lives, or damaging property.
Take care with wild camping fires in Scotland
Now that you have learned everything there is to know about wild camping Scotland fires, apply and consider these principles from when you start preparing for the trip to when you have to extinguish and clear the remnants of a campfire. Remember, fire, by its nature, is quite unpredictable—imagine how hazardous it can be when you’re outdoors surrounded by highly flammable objects.
Though some variations exist in the different wild camping spots you will explore, the general guidelines concerning open flames in outdoor settings remain consistent. Choose portable stoves or cookers over a traditional campfire. Otherwise, comply with the Code guidelines to reduce your environmental impact and do your best to leave no trace behind.
