Wild camping in Scotland

The laws for wild camping differ depending on where campers are in the UK. In Scotland wild camping is legal and acceptable thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 which entitles you to camp on the majority of unenclosed land, provided you adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and wild camping code of conduct.

This involves restricting camping groups to small numbers, staying away from enclosed fields of crops and livestock, staying out of sight of roads and buildings, not remaining longer than two to three days in any given camping spot and camping in a manner that causes as minimal disturbance to the environment as possible.

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Just as there is the right to experience Scotland’s exceptional landscapes, there is the responsibility to look after them as well.

It is important to bear in mind that certain exceptions apply, such as to Loch Lomond where wild camping is not allowed on the east shore from 1 March to 31 October. The East Loch Lomond Camping Byelaws were introduced in order to protect the area from damage caused by overuse and not adhering to the Access Code and code of conduct.

Controversial recent changes in the law have also been approved by the Scottish government to regulate camping in around several lochs in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.

Seasonal by-laws are now in effect from 1 March to 30 September and cover much of the west shore of Loch Lomond, the northern tip of Loch Long and other Trossach lochs including Loch Earn, Loch Venachar and Loch Lubnaig. Full details can be viewed here.

Other areas such as Loch Ness, Skye, Mull, Orkney and the Cairngorms are relatively free and open. Try to stay at an organised campsite when there is one close to your route, but otherwise behave responsibly and have fun!