Touring Scotland (again)

johndailey
johndailey Forum Participant Posts: 520
100 Comments
edited February 2017 in UK Campsites & Touring #1

I was informed today that you can legally stay in a picnic area or lay bye for a total of 24 hours in Scotland. Can anybody advise me please? We intend touring  Scotland this Summer.

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,155 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2017 #2

    Many picnic areas have height barriers, JD, and many lay-bys have signs prohibiting overnight parking. Other than that, I can't advise you. Personally, I'd always choose the comfort and security of a site but it's your choice.

  • johndailey
    johndailey Forum Participant Posts: 520
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    edited February 2017 #3

    Thanks TW. The person who supplied the original information had toured parts of Scotland a few years ago and obviously things change.

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,367
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    edited February 2017 #4

    Wild camping goes on. The definition of "wild camping" is vague. I have done it for years not only in Scotland but also here in Wales. The general rule is. Dont stop in or near villages/towns/ built up areas. Most lay byes have no restrictions. Some picnic sites especially those of Forestry Commission have "No camping" signs. At Knockan Crag near Elphin, they have a sign in the car park welcoming overnight stays and the use of the toilet but ask you to leave by 10am, to allow room for day visitors. Make sure you leave any stop over as you saw it. no litter, emptying of toilet etc. You are more likely t share "wild camps" with overseas tourists. My favourite Scottish one is the causway at Tongue.

  • Fisherman
    Fisherman Forum Participant Posts: 2,367
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    edited February 2017 #5

    I can only think of one place with height barriers and its the picnic site just before Fort William. Very enlightened in Fort William. Dedicated M/h & Caravan parking if you want to use the train rides or stay all day  £1-50 per day. long bays  behind Morrisons and in the car park as you enter from the South.

  • mickysf
    mickysf Forum Participant Posts: 6,474 ✭✭✭
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    edited February 2017 #6

    We are reluctant wild campers but will, on occasions do so if the need is there or if the setting is conducive. On such occasions I alway feel the need to keep the top on the alcoholic drink just in case I'm asked to move on. Far more comfortable finding a site and there are some cracking ones to be found across Scotland.

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