1. The Isle of Skye, Scotland
Scotland indeed offers numerous incredible wild camping spots, making it challenging to choose just one. The Isle of Skye stands out as one of Scotland's largest and most beautiful islands, with a rich history and popularity among tourists. Despite unpredictable weather, the island promises unforgettable sights for those willing to brave the conditions.
Two recommended wild camping spots on the Isle of Skye are Quiraing and Camasunary. Quiraing, shaped by an ancient landslip, features breathtaking rock pinnacles, with "The Needle" being the largest column. Camasunary, located on Skye's southern coast, provides a tranquil bay setting, perfect for those seeking a peaceful night after a day of Munro Bagging.
Additionally, the Isle of Arran offers another captivating wild camping destination.
2. Dartmoor National Park, England
Wild camping in Dartmoor National Park in southern Devon is legal in certain designated areas. Dartmoor is famous for its legends and myths, notably being associated with "hellhounds." These stories inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle when writing "The Hound of the Baskervilles," one of the most renowned Sherlock Holmes novels.
Popular wild camping areas include Riddon Ridge and Bellever, but campers are reminded to leave no trace. In 2020, temporary bans were enforced due to irresponsible camping practices, leading to litter and environmental damage.
Other recommended spots for wild camping in Dartmoor include Ugborough Moor and Yes Tor, offering breathtaking views of the moors. For those wanting proximity to civilization, setting up camp on the high ground above Ivybridge provides views of the town and surrounding countryside. Responsible camping practices are essential to preserve the natural beauty of these locations.
3. Exmoor National Park, England
Exmoor National Park, situated in the north of Devon and the west of Somerset, is a favored destination for wild campers and outdoor enthusiasts. With over 30 miles of coastline, the park boasts woodlands, waterfalls, ravines, rocky headlands, and towering cliffs. Notable wild camping spots in the region include Watermouth Bay, Porlock, and Dunster, with Watermouth Bay being particularly praised for its secluded, sheltered harbor and picturesque views of the Bristol Channel. The area's rugged rocks and magnificent caves inspired Enid Blyton in writing many Famous Five stories.
One remarkable feature of wild camping in Exmoor is its designation for having the darkest skies in the entire United Kingdom, making it an ideal location for stargazing. However, it's essential to obtain the landowner's permission before setting up camp.
Wild camping in Devon, especially in places like Exmoor, offers a unique blend of natural serenity, abundant wildlife, and enchanting folklore. The rolling hills, wild ponies, and views of the sea create an unparalleled outdoor experience. Nestling down beside a babbling brook under a clear night sky, Devon's wild camping scene provides a sense of pure tranquility and rare magic for adventurers.
4. Lake District, England
The Lake District in North West England is a favorite hiking destination with its sensational lakes, fells, and forests. Wild camping in the Lake District is popular between spring and autumn, but due to the high demand and lack of designated spots, finding a suitable location can be challenging. Setting up camp high in the mountains and staying out of people's way is a common practice, but arriving late may result in limited available spots.
For a quieter experience, the recommendation is to explore the Western Fells and the Ennerdale Valley, where camping in woodlands offers a more tranquil setting. Another suggestion is Codale Tarn, a wondrous lake that can be somewhat tricky to reach, making it less likely to be crowded with campers along its shores. These alternative spots provide opportunities for a more secluded and serene wild camping experience in the Lake District.
5. The Brecon Beacons, Wales
Wales, often overlooked for wild camping, boasts breathtaking scenery in its three national parks – Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, and the Brecon Beacons. The Black Mountains, extending into England, offer some of the wildest terrains in the Brecon Beacons, making it a phenomenal destination for serious wild campers. Mynydd Bychan in the Black Mountains provides a great spot to pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. For those seeking adventure, hiking up to the highest point of the Chwarel y Fan Ridge, Rhos Dirion, offers a genuine summit sleep.
The Fan y Big circular walk is another popular hiking route in this part of Wales, leading into the heart of the Brecon Beacons. It's important to be prepared with money, as encountering local farmers is likely, and they may request a small fee for allowing wild campers to stay on their properties. Wales, with its stunning landscapes, provides a captivating setting for those looking to explore the outdoors through wild camping adventures.
6. The Cairngorms, Scotland
The Cairngorms, located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, encompassing mountain ranges like Monadhliath and Angus Glens, as well as lower regions such as Strathspey, offer a picturesque setting popular for climbing, ski touring, and hill walking. Covering a massive area of almost 2,000 square miles, wild camping in the Cairngorms is allowed, as long as it's not in enclosed spaces. Scotland, unlike the rest of the United Kingdom, has more lenient by-laws and fewer restrictions on wild camping.
Glen Feshie, approximately 20 miles north of Pitlochry, is regarded as one of the best wild camping spots in the Cairngorms. Home to one of Scotland's most successful "rewilding" projects, Glen Feshie boasts sweeping mountain vistas and tumbling waterfalls. It serves as the starting point for numerous hiking trails, offering the convenience of walking directly from your campsite.
With its breathtaking landscapes and the freedom to camp responsibly, wild camping in the Cairngorms is a unique and rewarding experience for outdoor enthusiasts.
7. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Scotland
Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Scotland's second-largest national park, is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring over 50 streams and rivers, 21 peaks over 3,000 feet, and 22 lochs. Divided into highland and lowland regions by the Highland Boundary Fault, this park is easily accessible, located just over half an hour from Glasgow by car.
While some popular wild camping spots in the park have become regulated by special laws, requiring a £3 permit, these regulations cover only 4% of the park's total area. Therefore, there are numerous beautiful spots for wild camping at Loch Lomond without risking fines. Responsible camping practices, such as camping away from enclosed fields, carrying out any rubbish, avoiding disturbance to wildlife, refraining from lighting fires, and using portable stoves, are emphasized.
For those interested in wild camping near Glasgow, there are spots on the outskirts of the city. However, Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park's expansive landscapes and untouched beauty often attract those seeking a more immersive wild camping experience away from the city's hustle and bustle.
8. Snowdonia, Wales
Snowdonia, one of the three national parks in Wales, spans 823 square miles and derives its name from the highest mountain within it, Mount Snowdon—the highest in Wales. Despite a population of over 20,000 people and significant agricultural activity, the majority of the park is mountainous and open.
Snowdonia's mountainous character makes it an excellent choice for combining wild camping with mountain climbing. Mount Snowdon, standing at 3,560 feet, offers a challenging climb with stunning scenery. The park is notably lenient toward wild campers, provided they stay away from regular walking tracks.
A favored wild camping spot in Snowdonia is the Carneddau range, offering a mix of heather, grass, rivers, and ample space for setting up camp. For those seeking additional shelter, the Dulyn Bothy, situated just east of Llyn Dulyn Lake, provides an alternative option. Snowdonia's diverse landscapes and the park's accommodating attitude make it a fantastic destination for wild camping enthusiasts.
9. Sutherland, Scotland
Sutherland, located in the far north of Scotland, is a truly off-the-beaten-track destination characterized by its lack of chain restaurants, swanky hotels, and industry. Most villages in Sutherland have fewer than 100 residents, and the region is sparsely populated with minimal A-roads. The landscape in Sutherland is diverse, featuring rivers, glens, lochs, marshy peatlands, heather-covered moors, standing stones, ruined castles, and three coastlines—west, east, and north.
On the western coast of Sutherland lies one of the best spots for wild camping in the entire United Kingdom—Sandwood Bay. This remote location offers crashing saltwater waves, rugged rock faces, and a pristine 4-mile hike to reach it. Sandwood Bay is acclaimed for having one of the cleanest beaches in the country, making it an exceptional spot for spending a night under the stars. It's recommended to explore the peaceful wilderness surrounding Sandwood Bay for a complete and immersive experience in this remote and breathtaking area of Sutherland.
10. Cheviot Hills, England/Scotland
Having an outdoor adventure in two counties at once is a unique experience offered by the Cheviot Hills, situated on the border between the Scottish council area called the Scottish Borders and the English historic county called Northumberland.
The entire area is designated as "open country" by both England and Scotland, but it's advised to wild camp only on the Scottish side due to more favorable regulations compared to the rest of the UK. Accessing the Cheviot Hills is facilitated by hiking the Pennine Way, with easy access from either Kirk Yetholm to the north or Byrness to the south. This provides outdoor enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy the rolling hills and diverse landscapes of the Cheviot Hills while experiencing the beauty of both Scottish and English countryside.
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