Scotland is a beautiful country – and without a doubt a hiker’s paradise. Historic castles and dramatic mountains provide a fantastic backdrop for some great day hikes.
However, with more than 6,000 miles of coastline, it also has some beautiful beaches to explore. What’s more, Scotland has some very camper-friendly laws which allow camping on most unenclosed land. This means there are some terrific beaches you can wild camp on (provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code!).
To help you get started, we’ve listed below our top 5 beaches for wild camping in Scotland:
1. Silver Sands of Morar
As the name suggests, the Silver Sands of Morar are a collection of beautiful sandy beaches on the west coast of Scotland. The sands are so bright and the water so blue, that if you get some decent weather, you would easily be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere more exotic than Scotland!
Most beaches can be accessed by a short walk from the main road. The nearest town is Mallaig, a 3.5 hour drive from Glasgow.
2. Calgary Beach, Isle of Mull
The Isle of Mull is the second largest island of the Inner Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. Calgary Beach provides another glorious white sandy beach – a perfect setting for Summer camping.
And did you know that the Canadian city of Calgary was actually founded in homage to this Scottish gem by Colonel James Macleod, a Scottish born Mountie who had a summer retreat at Calgary Beach?
3. Sango Sands, Durness
If you’re looking for somewhere a bit further afield, then be sure to check out Sango Sands. Situated within the village of Durness on Scotland’s north coast, it’s surrounded by dramatic cliffs with amazing views out to sea.
The weather can be pretty extreme this far north, but if you’re visiting during summer then be sure to check out the local surfing on offer!
4. Claigan Coral Beach, Isle of Skye
In recent years Skye has become one of Scotland’s top tourist destinations – and it’s easy to see why. From the dramatic Cuillin Mountains to the majestic Fairy Pools there’s plenty to see and do.
But as a result of its increased popularity, it’s becoming harder and harder to secure accommodation – particularly over the summer months.
So if you’re looking to do a bit of wild camping, be sure to check out Claigan Coral Beach on the north west coast of the island. The beach itself is approximately a 1 mile walk from the road, but it’s well worth the trip!
Summary
So there you have it – our top 5 beaches for wild camping in Scotland. Whether you decide to visit one of these beaches, or one of the many other fantastic beaches Scotland has to offer, please remember to plan ahead and pack appropriate gear. From your choice of tent to your choice of footwear – just remember that the weather in Scotland can be unpredictable, so pack for all eventualities!
Guest Blogger
Craig Ramsey from Explore Outdoors HQ blogs on all things relating to camping and hiking. From inspiration for your next hike, to a roundup of the latest gear and equipment, Explore Outdoors HQ aims to be the go-to blog for outdoors enthusiasts!