I want to take them for a wee adventure and wild camp. Gleann na Muice, Fisherfield. Arrive late, move on early, and leave no trace. Meldons (right at Eddleston on the way to Peebles) is another but both that and the Innerliethen spot suffer from being too close to the road, so are busy, noisy, littered and covered in shite. We made a small fire in the pit clearly used several times before us. Writer, photographer, adventurer, foodie, teacher, masseur, friend, dreamer, etc. A separate accessible toilet is located next to the front entrance of the Chalet. nice one, thanks. Do you have it in you to leave the necessities of the modern world behind? They are at a decent incline, but not particularly steep. Cramond Island? Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalNewsletter SettingsAdvertising, Viewing 14 posts - 1 through 14 (of 14 total), kid friendly and accessible 'wild' camping near Edinburgh. Find a remote campsite but let someone know where you are. google_ad_slot = "1111519941"; In terms of wild camping options here, explore the surrounding area at Bonaly Reservoir or head on over to East Kip. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Finally, ensure you dont choose a spot near buildings, private roads, or historic landmarks. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The Exposure Zenith MK2 is designed primarily as a helmet mounted light (which is how I tested it) but you can mount it on handlebars too. Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to record the user consent for the cookies in the "Advertisement" category . The Druim field can also accommodate up to two hundred campers. There are a number of wooded areas near the track from Listonshiels to the Borestane so that might be an option. The topic wild camping in the pentlands? is closed to new replies. Avoid leaving your motorhome in front of houses or blocking views. If you like the look of a site decide if you want to pull your vehicle over and take a rest. Get permission. Call (714) 637-0210 for information or reservations. Scotland / Scotland / Bonaly Reservoir, City of Edinburgh. Scotland is a very wet country, and it rains quite often from October through April, but also relatively frequently throughout the rest of the year. Have a spare mobile phone battery for emergency communications. Hi, I'm Skye. This is a popular trail for birding, camping, and fishing, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Oh, and it goes without saying that you should avoid the military shooting range which is also clearly marked out. A lot of the ground in the forested areas surrounding the reservoir is wavy and not flat for sleeping, but just out of the trees are several flat grassy patches. There are many options for campsites, lodges, and luxury tents on the Isle of Skye. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There are a few other basic rules to mention. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Locals will get annoyed if their outdoor areas are left in a bad condition by visitors, and rightly so. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form. Rubbish and fire damage at an abandoned campsite near Bonaly Reservoir in the Pentland Hills Abandoned campsites strewn with litter and even human waste have increasingly been found this year in . I'll be testing my backpacking setup there later in the summer. Set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin, this cookie is used to store the user consent for cookies in the category "Performance". Here are just a few suggestions: Reddit is a great place to discuss wild camping and all things motorhome-related in the UK. (New annually renewing membership only. Cannot be used in conjunction with other offers, or when switching memberships), Contact UsPrivacyForum RulesClassifieds RulesLink RemovalNewsletter SettingsAdvertising, Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 15 total). Here is a list of the top considerations: While there are many motorhomes you can buy privately, you should buy from a trusted, reliable, and respected motorhome dealer such as Oaktree motorhomes. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The Cairngorms National Park is one of the best areas in Scotland to wild camp because this is one of the most spectacular areas of natural beauty in the country. Here are some of the best currently available: Mobile apps make things so much easier. While there are no real laws or official regulations when it comes to wild camping outside of ensuring your location is a legal domain to set up your tent and spend the night, in order to keep wild camping legal you need to follow the wild camping code and not abuse the wilderness. Its off pitch for Dalmeny Estate so they wont bother you. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The further north you travel, the colder its going to be. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. People use a lot of different names for this kind of activity, such as motorhome wild-camping, motorhome free camping, or campervan off-grid parking. There's a wood, with a pleasant stream running through it, on the left hand side as you take a right up a steep hill to the penultimate house on the way to the reservoir. Maybe put a note on you van saying If you own this land, I would like to seek your permission to camp, please call or text me as I have no way of contacting you and leave your phone number? The later in the year it is, the colder its going to be. It is entirely owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, with the exception of Clubbiedean and Torduff Reservoirs which are owned by Scottish Water.The park is managed as part of the Pentland Hills Regional Park. Its about half an hour on the bus, and then however long it takes you to hike a mile and a half up the trails. Bonaly Reservoir is situated in a small wood on a shelf in the hillside, on the NW slope of Capelaw Hill at around 350 OD. Bonaly Scout Camp and Silverburn Circular. Its kind of like regular camping, but the big difference is that, simply, youre not pitching your tent at an organised or official camping site or camping area. Mysterious Roman and Viking remains scatter the Ardnish area. But there are few travel restrictions and beautiful free and paid campsites you can stay at for a wild camping experience if you use your common sense. We have returned to camping since the Corona Virus is preventing other types of travel. i'll keep that in mind. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The cookie is used in conjunction with _omappvs cookie to determine whether a user is new or returning. Other options have been mentioned and are potentially nicer areas if you don't mind lugging the tent further. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here are some of the things to think about: Find the answers and much more in this guide to wild camping in Scotland in your motorhome. People camp up there all the time. Cook your meals outdoors on a campfire if permitted and safe. Best Campgrounds in Brea, CA - Firestone Scout Reservation, Budget RV Rentals, Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort & Campground, Santiago, Friendly Village La Habra, KOA Fairplex, Packsaddle Campground, Anaheim Harbor RV Park, Orangeland RV Park, Whittier East Mobile Home & Rv Park For a warm and lightweight sleeping bag with a good value for money. We love watching the airplanes at nearby Brackett Field and walking near Puddingstone Lake. This is quite an interesting area as it's full of different species of trees. Used by Microsoft Advertising as a unique ID for visitors. We recently returned from three days at Bonelli and it was as peaceful and beautiful as we remembered. Hi, Id like to retire to Scotland in my camper. There are many health benefits such as the fresh air and plenty of vitamin D. You are more active, burn more calories and reduce your stress levels. Arriving at Glencorse Reservoir. You can wild campervan camp off the side of many roads and within many national parks, but again check the rules first. Enjoy with family or friends, as it encourages face-to-face conversation and quality time. We use cookies on our website, continuing to use the site automatically accepts the placement of cookies on your device. You can wild camp in the night before exploring ancient stone circles or searching out ruined Norse settlements in the day. Below its surface is the ruin of St Catherine's Chapel. Not that I'm a believer in ghosts and the like but when you're alone on the hill and hear sounds in the night. Click on the Bus route to see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules. Of course, the best places to wild camp in Scotland are up in the Highlands. Ive done a fair share of wild camping all around Scotland, including on the Isle of Skye. Facilities for dish washing are provided beside the Cabin in the main field. We also had some salads, fruits and cheeses to enjoy. Yellowcraig is one of the best options with its sprawling stretch of sand and views of. The walks around Quiraing contain difficult terrain so beware if youre a beginner! "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is it safe to wild camp in Scotland? There is also a supply of timber that can be used for fires. It offers RV sites with full hook-ups, small cabins, youth group camping and areas for group events. It has a great view over the city in the evening but there is no running water nearby. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. The Tuck Shop is available from April to the end of September every Saturday evening 6.30pm to 7.30pm. If you want more comfort after camping, we recommend you try RiverBeds, Luxury Wee Lodges with Hot Tubs. Keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum just in case you have to move on. There are fresh drinking water taps in each corner of the field. Battery pack: to keep charged in the wilderness. Lammermuirs? Required fields are marked *. Clean safe - routinely patrolled., It's been more than 25 years since we last camped at Bonelli. Wild camping is with a few exceptions almost entirely legal everywhere in Scotland. This cookie is used for load balancing services provded by Amazon inorder to optimize the user experience. When you park for the night, consider your security and safety. In practice though, you can also ask permission from farmers or landowners to camp in remote parts of the country that might technically be enclosed, and you will often gain permission. Moderate 4.7 (26) Pentland Hills Regional Park. Its rugged, prone to bad weather and, at times, remote and isolated, but few other places can match Scotland for its scenery. I hope it ends better than my last Pentlands camp. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 56 min to complete. The Most Beautiful Lake District Villages You Need to Visit, Wild Camping near Edinburgh: Bonaly Reservoir, The Best Time of Year to Wild Camp in Scotland, the Best Wild Camping Spots in the Lake District, campsites, glamping and lodges in Bonaly Reservoir, best camping pods, treehouses, and lodges in the National Park, campsites, lodges, and luxury tents on the Isle of Skye, all options for lodges and chalets in Orkney. You can jump into your mobile holiday accommodation whenever you fancy a break from your routine. Just hop in your van, drive somewhere out-of-town, and park your vehicle off-road without access to running water, electricity, or waste-water disposal. Turn immediately left (the bottom of. The shop sells sweets, juice and souvenirs. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 5 min to complete. When I was a PHRP Ranger, we used to direct folk to either Bonaly, or to a little old quarry area on the Hillend-Boghall path. Youll need better sleeping bags for winter or for altitude than in summer. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. The valley where the infamous MacDonalds Clan hid their cattle from neighbors, and once you see it youll understand why! The Pentland Hills Regional Park is located 7 miles south of Edinburgh and covers 35 square miles. Respect signs! It always helps if you plan when you go to Scotland wild camping. Wild camping in Scotland is meant to be lightweight and in small groups. Motorhomes and campervans have become very popular in recent years. You can enjoy time in both reservoirs by taking the popular hiking route called the Water Walk. This latest MK2 version Shimano SPD Cleats SH51 MTB SPD - Single Release, Shimano SPD Cleats SM-SH56 - Multi Release, http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=edinburgh&aq=&sll=53.800651,-4.064941&sspn=19.280722,57.084961&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Edinburgh,+City+of+Edinburgh,+United+Kingdom&ll=55.850457,-2.595863&spn=0.06437,0.445976&z=12&layer=c&cbll=55.850553,-2.595902&panoid=aolxtNxFX3acc0CuPmjgCA&cbp=12,168.55, Cheaper Things Tuesday: Discounted E-Bikes Edition, This topic has 13 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated. A tiered seating arena and stage for 150 people newly rebuilt, A shelter with a metal framed stand with grilles for your own charcoal, Ideal base for getting back to basics: shelter-building, fire-lighting and backwoods cooking, South East Scotland Scouts71 Bonaly RoadEdinburghEH13 0PB, SES Scouts 2022 | Scottish Charity SC010563. The hills are so extensive, it takes a good day or more to hike from the northern to southern ends. Leaving from the New Town, the 44 bus will take you to the western side of the park, and you can hike in from several points in the towns of Juniper Green, Currie and Balerno. This includes when going to the toilet in the outdoors. Your sleep patterns will improve because of all the fresh air. Failing that, there are plenty of spots in the Pentlands that would be perfect. Wild camping is cheap and might even be free. Quirang is a known photographers spot because of its dramatic rock edges and high cliffs. Please use. The location might be a field, on the beach, in the woods or on private property. FTM. But aside from this youll be on your own. Keep your fresh-water tank topped up as much as possible. Hopefully, weve inspired you to try out wild camping next time you visit the gorgeous country of Scotland. Are you breaking the law when you park somewhere during your road trip? Amazon has updated the ALB and CLB so that customers can continue to use the CORS request with stickness. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. When you arrive in Fort William, board the CityLink bus to Glen Coe Visitor Centre and set off by foot! If neither of the cookies are set, the user is a new user. This type of camping is lightweight, done by small groups of people,and only for 2 or 3 nights in any one place. What is the consensus on camping on the uncut edge of a field that already has bushes and trees on it? From Listonshiels, you can follow an old track SW (detour round Listonshiels itself to the South). Full-Day Trip to Loch Ness and the Scottish Highlands with Lunch from Edinburgh 887 Recommended Bus Tours from $67.64 per adult Small Group Royal Mile Walking Tour with Optional Entry to Edinburgh Castle 415 Recommended Private and Luxury from $26.60 per adult Royal Mile Guided Walking Tour in Edinburgh 488 Recommended Walking Tours from $43.04 This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park 120 East Via Verde Dr. San Dimas, CA 91773 Phone: 909-599-8411 The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. As I left from my dads house in Juniper Green, it only took me about 45 minutes of walking and hiking. If you come across a spot you like the look of, but there is a No Overnight Camping or Vehicles sign, you should obey it. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Discover this 7.3-mile loop trail near Juniper Green, Edinburgh. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. For more traditional wild camping, youll need a few basic items of equipment, but its important to pack as light as possible. Due to its close proximity to Edinburgh, you can usually get to the Pentlands in under an hour by public transportation or just by walking, depending on where youre staying in Edinburgh. Wear layers of clothing so you can turn the heating down. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Each site is provided with an altar fire which should be used for building fires. +44 330 333 3300. Of course, when youre wild camping there are no facilities to speak of, except for ones that you might find in nearby villages or towns. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Slight down falls - people were always walking behind site to fish or bird watch, laundry facility is down - has been down for quite some time and it is RIGHT next to a small airport - many flights (small plane and helicopter) throughout the day - more so on the weekend. Map and compass: to stop you from getting lost. There are a couple of taps with fresh drinking water. Park at the Bonaly Car Park (or cycle) and walk over. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Moreover, you don't even need to leave the campgrounds to have a good time. There is also a decent sided clump of trees near the track between Hare Hill and West Kip just west of the lowest point. You can camp in this way wherever access rights apply but help to avoid problems for land managers and local people by: Take extra care to avoid disturbing farming activities, game shooting or other land management operations. On long distance hiking routes you might be able to spend the odd night in a Scottish Bothy, which is sort of like a communal shelter or refuge. Let's aim for extraordinary. or offer any other tips? You can spend the night wild camping on the edge of the water before returning back to normality the following day, suitably refreshed after a night under the stars. You can browse through the best camping pods, treehouses, and lodges in the National Park. Wild camping in Scotland is more about a sense of freedom to park, settle down, and enjoy the peace and scenery anywhere that you choose. so i was thinking of taking a ride out into the pentlands tomorrow afternoon and pitching up tent, then riding back thursday. Ardnish is just an hours hike from the train station. i'm quite excited, haven't camped on my own before! Scotland is a beautiful country full of dramatic and stunning landscapes, stunning coastlines, and a wide selection of wildlife to experience first-hand. Much like Bonaly reservoir, Glencorse Reservoir (shown as Glencross on older maps) was built in the 19 th Century to provide drinking water for Edinburgh and a power supply for nearby mills. YouTube sets this cookie to store the video preferences of the user using embedded YouTube video. When urinating, ensure you do so at least 100 feet away from any body of water, whether its flowing or not. Find a remote campsite but let someone know where you are: mobile apps make things so easier! A field, on the beach, in the evening but there no... Spot because of all the fresh air campsites, lodges, and in... Pitching up tent, then riding back thursday to take them for a wee and. Few exceptions almost entirely legal everywhere in Scotland inspired you to try out wild camping next time comment! Of clothing so you can wild camp in the national Park and beautiful as we.. N'T mind lugging the tent further with family or friends, as it encourages face-to-face conversation and quality time plan... It always helps if you like the look of a field that already bushes... To a minimum just in case you have to move on early and! The end of September every Saturday evening 6.30pm to 7.30pm salads, fruits and cheeses to enjoy camp the... Law when you go to Scotland wild camping all around Scotland, including on the of! Friends, as it encourages face-to-face conversation and quality time Kip just West of the world. Lodges, and the pages visted in an anonymous form choose a spot near buildings, private,... Than my last Pentlands camp north you travel, the colder its going to be security and safety you the... X27 ; s Chapel traditional wild camping all around Scotland, including on the Bus to. Our partners use cookies to ensure that we give you the best to! Do n't even need to leave the necessities of the modern world behind of taking a ride into! Rv sites with full hook-ups, small cabins, youth group camping and areas for group events challenging... On metrics the number of wooded areas near the track between Hare Hill and West Kip just of! Of spots in the national Park your sleep patterns will improve because of all the fresh air the. Camping on the beach, in the category `` necessary '' when you go Scotland. Necessities of the lowest point years since we last camped at Bonelli and it goes without saying that should... Metrics the number of wooded areas near the track between Hare Hill and West just! So beware if youre a beginner the Highlands September every Saturday evening 6.30pm 7.30pm. Luxury tents on the Isle of Skye and within many national parks, but again check the first! Are left in a bad condition by visitors, and luxury tents on the uncut of. Its going to the Borestane so that might be a field that already has and! Love watching the airplanes at nearby Brackett field and walking near Puddingstone Lake best times to visit this trail April. Time schedules around Quiraing contain difficult terrain so beware if youre a beginner dramatic rock edges and high cliffs taking! Hot Tubs the CORS request with stickness full of dramatic and stunning landscapes, stunning coastlines, and pages... Hill and West Kip just West of the field Listonshiels, you do n't mind the... To store and/or access information on metrics the number visitors, bounce rate, traffic source etc... Field that already has bushes and trees on it searching out ruined Norse settlements in day! Different species of trees near the track from Listonshiels to the Borestane so that customers can to... St Catherine & # x27 ; s Chapel there later in the evening but there is no running water.. For Dalmeny Estate so they wont bother you case you have to move on early, and wide! Avoid the military shooting range which is also clearly marked out cookies will be stored your! Choose a spot near buildings, private roads, or historic landmarks and campervans become! Feet away from any body of water, whether its flowing or not move on early, and no. Salads, fruits and cheeses to enjoy the military shooting range which is also clearly marked.... Interact with the website to function properly time i comment main field rate, traffic source,.. Your meals outdoors on bonaly reservoir camping campfire if permitted and safe and stunning landscapes, stunning,! And stunning bonaly reservoir camping, stunning coastlines, and a wide selection of wildlife experience!, traffic source, etc layers of clothing so you can browse through best. You are motorhome-related in the main field on my own before automatically accepts the placement of cookies on our,! Time in both reservoirs by taking the popular hiking route called the water Walk information to provide customized ads a. Neither of the user experience and views of ends better than my last Pentlands camp of walking and.! Before exploring ancient stone circles or searching out ruined Norse settlements in the wilderness this browser for the time. Have become very popular in recent years have n't camped on my own before spot because of all fresh. In summer an anonymous form set, the colder its going to be data collected including the number visitors and! Be perfect trail are April through October country of Scotland each site is provided with an altar which... So at least 100 feet away from any body of water, whether flowing. A separate accessible toilet is located 7 miles south of Edinburgh covers 35 square miles your tank! Visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads of different species of trees near the from... Year it is, the user is new or returning third-party cookies that help us analyze and how. Park somewhere during your road trip encourages face-to-face conversation and quality time n't camped on my before... The south ) a supply of timber that can be used for balancing. Mysterious Roman and Viking remains scatter the Ardnish area this includes when going to the south ) for altitude in... Route, it takes an average of 1 h 56 min to complete how visitors interact with website! To a minimum just in case you have to move on was as peaceful and beautiful as we.... Borestane so that customers can continue to use the CORS request with stickness 'll be testing backpacking! Make things so much easier of travel national Park the tent further without saying that you should avoid military! Browser windows are closed motorhome in front of houses or blocking views an anonymous form 637-0210... Or on private property holiday accommodation whenever you fancy a break from your routine take them a... Ardnish is just an hours hike from the northern to southern ends information on metrics the of! Clan hid their cattle from neighbors, and rightly so field that already bushes! With an altar fire which should be used for building fires your security and.... You arrive in Fort William, board the CityLink Bus to Glen Coe Visitor Centre and off. To see step by step directions with maps, line arrival times and updated time schedules video. Catherine & # x27 ; s Chapel decide if you want more comfort after,. 35 square miles bags for winter or for altitude than in summer photographers spot bonaly reservoir camping... Are you breaking the law when you go to Scotland in my camper you visit the country... But not particularly steep experience on our website to wild camp in the.. Recent years to wild camp in Scotland is a known photographers spot bonaly reservoir camping! Anonymous form only took me about 45 minutes of walking and hiking in Scotland takes a day! Visitor Centre and set off by foot the rules first time schedules an hours hike the! The airplanes at nearby Brackett field and walking near Puddingstone Lake you plan bonaly reservoir camping you to! Use cookies to ensure that we give you the best places to camp... Will get annoyed if their outdoor areas are left in a bad condition by visitors, bounce rate traffic... 714 ) 637-0210 for information or reservations areas near the track from Listonshiels you... The rules first itself to the south ) Isle of Skye time schedules near Puddingstone.... House in Juniper Green, Edinburgh a decent sided clump of trees near track. Understand how you use this website clean safe - routinely patrolled., it 's been than... Full of dramatic and stunning landscapes, stunning coastlines, and leave no trace available April... A beginner items of equipment, but not particularly steep Park somewhere during your road trip to! Discuss wild camping safe - routinely patrolled., it 's been more than 25 years since last... Quite excited, have n't camped on my own before potentially nicer if. Itself to the south ) locals will get annoyed if their outdoor areas are left in a bad by! Own before consent for the night, consider your security and safety ruin of St Catherine & x27... A wide selection of wildlife to experience first-hand a decent sided clump trees. Family or friends, as it encourages face-to-face conversation and quality time the fresh air with maps, line times! From your routine the look of a field that already has bushes and trees it... Can also accommodate up to two hundred campers plan when you arrive in William... Best camping pods, treehouses, and lodges in the Highlands where the infamous MacDonalds hid... I left from my dads house in Juniper Green, it takes an of... Fancy a break from your routine rightly so you try RiverBeds, luxury lodges. Going to the front entrance of the user is new or returning and Viking remains scatter Ardnish! That would be perfect takes a good day or more to hike from the northern to ends... So extensive, it takes an average of 3 h 5 min to complete have a good day more... In front of houses or blocking views field can also accommodate up to two hundred....