Scotland this (2019/20) winter

[Amarillo]

Is it a California only site...
Actually, that’s a really great idea...

A sort of permanent Cali Club meet?

 

[GrannyJen]

Such a cracking picture. I must get there at some point...

The big lump is Sgurr a’ Chaorachain. You can reach the summit of Sgurr a’ Chaorachain from the car park on belach na ba. Just aim for the mast. It's particularly famous for one of the finest rock climbs in the UK, the Cioch Nose, first climbed in 1961 by Chris Bonnington and Doctor Tom, a dear and late friend for whom Applecross was a very special place, as Tom himself was a very special person.

 

[Erbster]

Thanks @sbmcd , good tip! We have applied for membership there (haven't heard back yet, though).

From there we also found an NC500 group and in there a .pdf with campsites that were open last winter, so a good start to search for this winter! We have attached it here.


Thanks @clarinetbcn , we know and use that app as well! And the campercontact app. Both have an off line mode, which is great for remote areas without network where Google Maps search is of no use.

You can download google map areas for offline use. Very useful if you use CarPlay for nav in isolated areas like N Scotland


caliventures364847572.wordpress.com

 

[bvddobb]

You can download google map areas for offline use.

Indeed , but the search facilities need an internet connection. When you download a map area for off line use, it doesn't bring all the campsites, photo's of campsites, B&B's, pubs, petrol stations, what have you, with it. Just the map.

 

[Geesvw]

Be aware that wild camping in that sense refers to camping with a tent and generally moving under your own steam e.g. on foot, cycle, canoe etc. i.e 'backpacking' in the outdoors tradition.
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code doesn't include motor vehicles.

There's a webpage here with more info regarding campervans:
https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/practical-guide-all/camping/campervans

That said, if you're sensible about where you park up, and follow the principles of the Access Code even though you're in a van, it shouldn't be too difficult to "wild camp" up there. Whenever we go to Scotland we generally only go on a site every third or fourth night to replenish water and empty our loo. It is harder to find places to do that in winter but there are a few.

Definitely worth a detour is Strathy Bay off the A836. This is a “wild camping” location on the headland overlooking the glorious golden sandy beach, with a free toilet block and hot water on the left (see photo) It’s a very quiet location next to a cemetery!

 

[bvddobb]

Definitely worth a detour is Strathy Bay off the A836. This is a “wild camping” location on the headland overlooking the glorious golden sandy beach, with a free toilet block and hot water

Found it on Google Maps! Thanks!

Does anyone know if such places are open in winter? Toilet, hot water?

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Applecross campsite is as far as I know the only campsite on Applecross peninsula and I believe they are open all year round and have hard standings. The pub is one of the best we've been into having toured Scotland for last 7 years. Sango Sands at Durness is open all year and has good facilities; furthest campsite north in Scotland I believe - great chance of seeing northern lights. Agreed Port A Bhaigh is excellent - even heated floor and community owned by folk of Altandu - pub at top of drive Am Fuaran Bar serves good food. You may be able to Wild in a small carpark at Blairmore (north west) and then do the 4 mile walk to the most remote beach in UK - Sandwood Bay - beautiful. I believe Sands Caravan park is open all year - big open site beside the sea near Gairloch. Even in summer there's loads of space. Uig Bay on the northern tip of Skye (near Ferry port) is all year round. Some useful info on this site for you - you have to scroll down though.. https://independenttravelcats.com/north-coast-500-road-trip-planning-guide-nc500-route/ WE use a fantastic app on our android head unit in camper on on mobile phone called Archies Campings - I believe he's Belgian and it has literally every campsite known on it...... good luck and watch out for the snow blocked Bealach Na Bar but the view from the top is simply awesome if you are able to get up there - it does save more than an hour using coast route to get to the main Applecross centre. Hope this helps

 

[Norfolk Jim]

Definitely worth a detour is Strathy Bay off the A836. This is a “wild camping” location on the headland overlooking the glorious golden sandy beach, with a free toilet block and hot water on the left (see photo) It’s a very quiet location next to a cemetery!
View attachment 52478

WE wilded next to a cemetary near Oldshore but I see from Google they don't allow overnighting now. There was a single toilet and only cold water but only VW's could get down there and very tight for them!!! No chance of big whites

 

[marchugo]

Near Sheigra there's a small parking place with toilet, near a graveyard. Small footpath to the beach. A sign said no overnight parking, but no one seamed to bother when we were there. Across the parking there's a small meadow for camping, but we couldn't find contact information.

 

[Norfolk Jim]

That's the one called Oldshore but now there's new sign saying no campervans overnight. IT's only a single Glamping tent and it's on AirBnB saying use the public toilets. We stopped there in 2015 and short walk over hill to beach

 

[bvddobb]

Hope this helps

Certainly, thanks a lot! We put it all on our inspiration map!

[...] but I see from Google they don't allow overnighting now. [...]

[...] A sign said no overnight parking [...]

[...] now there's new sign saying no campervans overnight.

Where we do 'wild camp' quite often and have no issue with it in principle, we never do it where people so obviously don't want you to.
It is a sad development that campering/campervanning has become so popular that locals start to become fed up with it, and you see signs like this springing up more and more, also in places where once we wild camped without issue. When we continue to wild camp at such places where people obviously don't want you to, the next thing we will see appear there are height barriers, and then closing barriers... We see it happening all over Europe, alas...

 

[Digger]

Brst advice is don't park where signs say not to and don't forget to leave no trace. If out of the way and of limited duration there should be no issue. Remember that all land is owned by someone and wild camping prohibits the use of motor vehicles. Castle grounds are Historic Scotland and a no no too.

 

[Craigl]

The Campervan and Motorhome Professional Association (CaMPA) provides clear guidance on camping outwith campsites in Scotland. They have been working with local authorities and others to provide clear guidance and advice.

For sites that are open in Winter - there are a few gems, Blog with a few links to the ones that are open can be found here: https://woohoocampers.co.uk/tips-&-trips/f/winter-camping-in-scotland-4d0129700779

We are already starting to see some of the glorious white stuff on the hills, so come prepared and above all enjoy the beauty of this wonderful place that some of us are lucky to call home

 

[bvddobb]

For sites that are open in Winter - there are a few gems, Blog with a few links to the ones that are open can be found here: https://woohoocampers.co.uk/tips-&-trips/f/winter-camping-in-scotland-4d0129700779

Thank a lot, great info, we will add them to our list!

 

[studioTUNGSTEN]

Very helpful tips! I am de-Turing from Spain to Scotland this Christmas!

 

[bvddobb]

Applecross campsite is as far as I know the only campsite on Applecross peninsula and I believe they are open all year round [...] I believe Sands Caravan park is open all year [...]

According to their websites, these two are closed in winter.

 

[Digger]

According to their websites, these two are closed in winter.

Confirmed both closed over winter.

 

[bvddobb]

We have updated our 'Scotland inspiration map' with the following:

• a list of wintercampings that we took from Facebook originally and then double checked on the campsites' own webpages to see if they are open this winter indeed: blue tents on the map;
• we added all your good folks' suggestions to this list (after double checking): red tents on the map;
  • altogether we found 60 campsites that advertise to be open this winter!
• we did not check for Outer Hebrides or Orkneys as they are definitely too far out for us this short trip;
• we took this book and mapped out the drives we liked:

All in all, we think we have more than we can eat this short trip! Thank you all for your suggestions!

 

[Ta51tac]

Stayed here last night. Good for one night stop over.

http//www.inver-caravan-park.co.uk - Inver Caravan Park - Home

 

[Collieboy]

In response to the comments saying Applecross is the only campsite in the peninsula, there is a spectacular new site at Shieldaig which is right on the edge of the Applecross peninsula. Lovely young couple running it after upgrading it from a basic field where you could camp in tents.
Can get windy so watch out for your awnings! As I found to my cost...... Shieldaigcampingandcabins.co.uk
Brilliant food nearby in Nannies Cafe, the local Shieldaig hotel/bar and best of all the Gillie Brighde in Diabeg.
A spectacular drive and the food was superb!
Afraid campsite not open in winter though

 

[Ta51tac]

Stayed here last night. Good for one night stop over.

http//www.inver-caravan-park.co.uk - Inver Caravan Park - Home

View attachment 52929

Also recommended is Ferry View night stop just outside John o’groats. Stayed last night when we found out the site we planned to stay at was closed!

Ferry View Night Stop in Wick, Highlands

A small, peaceful, family friendly site ideal for those exploring the Orkney Islands, Caithness and the NC500.

www.campsites.co.uk

The owners also own the Stacks cafe at John O’Groats which we also recommend.

 

[bvddobb]

Also recommended is Ferry View night stop just outside John o’groats. Stayed last night when we found out the site we planned to stay at was closed!

Thanks! We have added it to our map, according to their site they are open all winter.
Which was the site that was closed?

 

[bvddobb]

new site at Shieldaig which is right on the edge of the Applecross peninsula.
Afraid campsite not open in winter though

Too bad! Not for us this winter, then!

 

[Ta51tac]

Thanks! We have added it to our map, according to their site they are open all winter.
Which was the site that was closed?

Dunnet Bay, Thurso was closed.

 

[MattBW]

Arisaig is hard standings and beautiful, Sunnycroft well worth a look if open in winter. Red Squirrel at Glencoe may be worth a check too. Glen Etive is gorgeous and Applecross lovely if passable.

Map we used when travelling there.

West Coast of Scotland - – Google My Maps

Recommended locations to visit in West Scotland.

drive.google.com

West Scotland Map - Our trip...

There are so many amazing threads on West Scotland on here, I've read most of them now and took some time to pop some of the most recommended locations onto a google map. I thought I would share that here, if I have missed any good locations please let me know and I can add them. :)...

vwcaliforniaclub.com