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Wild Camping on the West Highland Way

Q. In May 2006 I am planning on doing the West Highland Way again with a mate. We are trying to keep the expenses down so that we can enjoy a good earned bevy when the opportunity arrises along the way!!

I have seen and heared of "Wild Sites" along the West Highland Way of which I understand that no facilities are provided but that is not a problem.

Does anyone out there have or know where I can get information regarding these sites.

Also does anyone know anything about the "Dusk till Dawn" camping above a specific altitude. I have heard that you can camp in the Highlands anywhere as long as you don't pitch your tent till Dusk and have taken it down by Dawn as long as you are above a specified altitude.

Any comments on any of the above would be greatfully received.

Alun Miles, Forest of Dean

A. You will find plenty of places to wild camp as long as you are out of the way and don't mind walking off and back on to the West Highland Way.

If you remember to 'leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but memories' no-one will object, unless it is their front garden of course :)

Anon

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A. Hi Alun,

Yes there are indeed designated "wild" campsites along the West Highland Way.

In fact, wild camping outwith these sites is disallowed. You won't be able to camp at wild sites all the way, and will have to use commercial sites sometimes (unless you're prepared to walk a very long way on some days).

Some of the wild campsites are gorgeous, including the one at Ardess and Kingshouse.

It's great you're going to camp the whole thing!

Alan Beattie, Edinburgh

 

A. There are some officially designated wilderness sites on the West Highland Way. If you're after bevvies, you can also camp for free across the river from the Kingshouse hotel and spend the night in the hikers bar. Last time I was on the whw, we camped there with about 15 other tents.

There are three designated backpacker campsites on the West Highland Way.

They are intended for single night-stays and the only restriction is that people do not to light fires.

The sites are:

Garadhban Forest NS 453 918 north of Drymen (can be a bit midgy),

Ardess NS 359 996 north of Youth Hostel at Rowardennan, and

Inversnaid Boathouse NS 335 095 north of Inversnaid Hotel.

Camping without facilities is also permitted at Bridge of Orchy, Inveroran (400m West along the road from the Inveroran Hotel) and at Kingshouse Bridge. If you're after bevvies, you can camp for free across the river from the Kingshouse hotel and spend the night in the hikers bar.

Last time I was on the West Highland way, we camped there with about 15 other tents.

Good luck! You'll have a great time.

Sock Monkey, Seattle


A. Not sure about the 'wild sites' - but see Wild Camping for more information on camping in Scotland .

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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A. There are also 2 'Bothies' along the route (stone huts open to all). I will leave you to read the visitors books before you decide whether it is wise to stay!

 

Bill Cord, Cardiff

 

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NB. Wild Camping and The Law in England, Scotland and Wales.

Tents cannot be pitched just anywhere because every piece of Britain is owned by some individual or some organisation and according to the strict letter of the law permission must be obtained prior to pitching tent and camping.

 

In practice however, this is often impractical and wild camping is usually tolerated in the more remote areas - typically, more than half a day's walk from an official campsite or other accommodation providing you:

In Scotland, the current access legislation (which came into effect in early 2005) is explicit about your right to wild camp on hill land.

 

There appears to be an exception to this with respect to camping in Dartmoor National Park where the right to wild camping is actually enshrined in the National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act, 1949 amendment Dartmoor Commons Act, 1985 - see Wild Camping in the UK for more details.

 

For the definitive answer with respect to wild camping in Scotland see the answer supplied by the Scottish Natural Heritage

 

NB. go4awalk.com cannot offer any advice on suitable locations for wild camping - but click here for walks from exisiting campsites.

 

Hope this helps

 

Mike (Editor)

 

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