Backpacking & Wildcamping
The best way to explore the wilder places in the Scottish Highlands is to go backpacking & wildcamping. A journey along the road less travelled becoming part of the landscape not just passing through. Waking up in a beautiful open air location and enjoying a hot drink with the view is perfect. The peace and tranquility are relaxing and the chance of a surprising wildlife encounter is much greater with less people around. You can finish the day on a mountain summit or by the shores of remote loch.
In Scotland we have the right to responsible access and this includes the right to go backpacking & wildcamping. We follow a “leave no trace” ethos meaning that we take all our rubbish home. And ensure our camp area looks like it did when we arrived (or better). If it looks like we were never there that is perfect. Mountaineering Scotland have a fantastic page all about wildcamping including great advice. For more information on the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and camping.
Wild Camping
If you’ve never been wild camping before and are looking for an introduction then there are some great places to visit first! Whether it’s a high corrie, a rugged glen or wild river you should experience the freedom it brings. It does mean carrying more equipment, but the connection with the landscape is well worth the effort.
It might be that you are climbing the Munros or Corbett’s and would like to visit to the most remote peaks found in the Fisherfield Wilderness and Knoydart. These are home to some of the most dramatic geology and beautiful landscapes in the Highlands. A backpacking trip into these areas is a wonderful experience and makes the hills more accessible.
Thinking about walking one of the long distance trails or routes? Scotland has some brilliant long distance routes including the Southern Upland Way, West Highland Way and the wonderful wild Cape Wrath Trail. I love the Cape Wrath trail and have backpacked along it numerous times and it is always a superb experience. It is also a very challenging epedition if done as a continuious walk. Alternatively planning your own wild journey backpacking through the Highlands can be even better! This could be as many days and wildcamps as you like covering long or short distances. Maybe including hills along the way like Glen Affric or the Cairngorms. It becomes possible to enjoy a linear route or a sustainable journey by using public transport. Helping plan these trips and guiding them is a real passion of mine so ask away!