One of my favourite ways to explore the remoter parts of the Highlands is bouncing up hills for fun. More often than not, I clock a few sweet wild camping sites in my treks, so today, I’m pinpointing some great wild camping spots I’ve stumbled upon for you, coz I’m nice like that (and no, they aren’t all Munros). ...and to those of you who are upset about these spots being openly divulged, my elders taught me to share. Also, personally, I think the world would be a better place if everyone spent more time in nature. Before you go and pitch a tent at any of these locations though, do me a solid and promise to familiarise yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code first. Don’t be the reason we can’t have nice things!
Beinn Eighe - Torridon
Right, I know I said they are not all Munros, but at the back of two very stunning Munro classed mountains in Torridon (my absolute favourite part of Scotland) is the gorgeous Loch Coire Mhic Fhearchair, which features mountain views for days and ample flat, grassy mounds to set up a tent. You don’t have to climb the Munros to reach it if that’s not your bag either (sorry not sorry). This location can be accessed via a 4-mile hike around the base of Sail Mhor and could easily be a there and back route, if you don’t want to take on the epic challenge that is the scree chute of Ruadh-stac Mor. If you do find yourself camping here, pay a visit to the 1951 Lancaster bomber air crash site, the wreckage from which is still scattered at the base of the triple buttress as well. There is also good climbing here, for those who are vertically inclined.
Sgùrr an Fhìdhleir (The Fiddler) - Assynt
You’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to setting up camp on this small but mighty hill in Assynt. If you follow the route along towards Ben More Coigach, there an abundance of possible pitches. I suppose where you end up staying would really depend on whether you want to unzip that tent window to watch the sunrise over the Coigach mountains, the sea or an combination of the two …because all are possible on this hike.
Meall a' Bhuachaille – Cairngorms National Park
Another like the fiddler, with multiple potential campsites Meall a' Bhuachaille is a Corbett in the Cairngorms National Park. Added bonus on this one however, is the option to stay in the Ryvoan Bothy en route as well. In my multiple treks up this hill and neighbouring Munro Bynack More (which is also good for mountain biking as well as camping) I’ve crossed paths with campers in the aforementioned bothy, summit campers, and others still set up near the stunning Green Loch (An Lochan Uaine) – don’t swim in this though, unless you’ve been prescribed a course of leeches.
Maol Chean-dearg (The Bald Redhead) – Torridon
Back to the Munros, this trek is another Torridon favourite with lots of possible campsites …including one of the best bothy’s I’ve found this side of the Highlands, two stories as well! Summit camp, stay at the bothy, set up next to the beautiful Loch Coire an Ruaidh-stac (photo above)? All are possible on this excellent day (or overnight) out.
South Glen Shiel Ridge – Kintail
For the masochists among us, you can do all 7 of these Munros in a day, but having experienced this first-hand, I am here to tell you there is a better way. After about 5 Munros in, I literally did not give a f*** about the magical views on offer and was simply running on sheer will power (though, I WAS also nursing a horrific hangover - bad choices were made). In hindsight, a much more enjoyable strategy would have been a midway ridge camp, allowing me to enjoy this epic trek in its entirety. There is a well-defined grassy crest for most of this hike that would make an ideal campsite, if you fancy actually enjoying the second half of this journey ..and don’t underestimate it, this is a journey. (Chinook was fine)
Enjoy kids... happy campers assemble!