The natural wonder that is the Scottish Highlands is hard to put in writing. You simply have to see it with the naked eye to comprehend its beauty. And even then, it’s hard to believe the land that rises from the surrounding seas is real.
Scotland is magnificent; it’s hard to disagree with that. What is easy to disagree with is the amount of pressure the country is enduring from campervan travellers looking to go and see for themselves. We can’t blame them, and we don’t want to stop them — everyone should be allowed to experience the freedom of a road trip — but we can educate them. If we want to protect the natural wonders, ecosystems, wildlife and culture that together make Scotland such an irresistible destination, we should do everything in our power to do so.
So here goes: the best thing you can do for Scotland is not to go, but who are we to ask you to do that? But what we can ask is that when you do, please keep Scotland beautiful. With these 10 commandments for roadtripping respectfully in the Highlands, it truly should be easy.
1. Go when no one else does
We couldn’t be more vocal about this one: choose your time to travel wisely. Think hard about what you’re trying to get out of your Scotland trip. We’re guessing it’s wide open spaces, highlights to yourself, and a free seat in the pub. So, google “Best time to go to Scotland” and then do the opposite. Be a little radical. Brave the elements. Love Scotland like a Scot, in rain or shine. We promise you you’ll be rewarded. Mainly by welcoming locals who aren’t sick of travellers (yet).
2. Become a single-track road saint
It’s your first time in the Highlands. You’re driving a bigger vehicle than you’re used to. Or both. You just passed your first sign saying “Single track road”. Here’s what you do and what you don’t.
Do:
-Stay extra alert and focused, consider turning back if not confident
-Drive slowly and be patient, especially around bends or blind spots
-Keep left in passing places, even when the clearing is on your right
-Give way if you’re closer to a passing place than oncoming vehicles
-Give way to bigger vehicles. Not a strict rule, just common sense
-Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, people on horseback and livestock
-If you're driving the NC 500, check out their top tips for road safety
Don’t:
-Unnecessarily panic, single track does not have to mean turn back
-Try overtaking. Not on the road. Not via passing places. Never
-Speed. Stick to the speed limit, or slightly slower in bigger vehicles
-Drive close to your predecessor. Passing places only fit one vehicle
-Refuse to reverse. Offer to. If you’re not comfortable doing so, turn back
-Park in a passing place. They’re passing places, not parking spaces
And whatever you do, never, NEVER, forget to raise your hand from the steering wheel as a token of thanks. It’s not an arbitrary gesture; it’s basic manners.
3. Don’t be a sheep (Scotland has plenty)
You’ve heard it can get busy, but you simply must dip in Skye’s famous fairy pools. You’ve heard it can be a nightmare to park, but there’s no way you’re not climbing up to the Old Man of Storr. These places are highlights for a reason, and we, as no other, understand the urge to visit. But if you’re feeling even the slightest hint of hesitation, we’d suggest giving it a miss. The crowds at these places are simply getting out of hand, not to mention the fact that they're expensive and stressful to get to. So don’t be a sheep, but a shepherd, and consider seeking out alternatives. Scotland is massive, there are countless lesser-known crags, tors and pools to explore and discovering them is part of the fun.
4. Park like you'd like to come back one day
We understand it can be tempting to ignore a sign saying “No campervan parking”. You’ve been driving for ages, and the beach of your dreams is right there. “How will they know, this isn’t your vehicle anyway”, right? Well, and we’re sorry, but it’s simply time to suck it up. These signs are here for a reason. Maybe a local farmer won’t be able to tend to their sheep. Maybe the ground isn’t suitable for heavy vehicles. Maybe it’s breeding season for local birdlife. Turn around, keep driving, and find another spot. Park like your reputation is on the line. Park like you’d like to come back one day.
5. Let wildlife be wild
A herd of stags passes by your campervan window. A seal is bobbing up and down right there in the shorebreak. A reindeer curiously comes up to sniff you out. Hell, maybe you’ve even spotted an orca in the Minch (they’re out there, you know). Lucky you. Squeal in excitement. Get your camera out. Soak up the moment. But leave it at that. Don’t try to get closer. Don’t try to pet them. And do NOT feed them, even when they look keen. Because the second you do, wildlife becomes a little more vulnerable, and a little less wild.
6. Pick up when nature calls
There’s nothing worse than stumbling upon a make-shift toilet in the middle of nature. The unmistakable stench of human waste. Toiletpaper blowing in the wind. We invented sewage systems for a reason: to have it all out of our sight. So, when a proper toilet is around, use it. The Highlands are full of public bathrooms, and locals often kindly clean and maintain them for the above reason. When nature calls in an inconvenient location, pick up. Take your toilet paper with you and throw it out in an appropriate location. For number twos, dig a hole at least 10 inches deep, and at least 200 feet away from trails, watersources or campsites. Do your business like it’s no one's business. Or, to make it really simple, camp like you give a sh*te.
7. Sleep soundly, safely and legally
Scotland is known in the camping community for protecting our “Right to Roam”, thanks to the Land Reform Act 2003 and its Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This means that as long as we act responsibly, inhabitants and visitors alike have the right to walk, practise sports and… camp in Scotland’s wilderness. But let’s zoom in on that last one for a second. Yes, you’re allowed to wild camp in Scotland. However, this only applies to those camping out in the open or tents, NOT in campervans or any other motorised vehicle. Overnight parking in an unofficial camping spot is therefore not legal.
Yet free overnight parking remains a tricky topic in the Highlands, as it can sometimes be tolerated (still not legal!) in certain areas. We will always recommend you find an official campsite or overnight parking spot, which are often equally beautiful as any wild spot in Scotland. However, if you, by your choice, push your luck at wild camping in a campervan, you'd better stick to unofficial etiquette like your life depends on it. That means treating locals and nature with utmost respect, taking up as little space and making as little noise as possible, and following the seven principles of Leave No Trace in all scenarios.
8. Leave No Trace
Now let's take a closer look at what “Leave No Trace” means. Self-explanatory, you may think. Yes, certain elements of this principle, such as taking your trash with you, most certainly are. But just because a trace is usually visible, doesn’t imply that leaving invisible trash is fine. Please don’t dump chemicals (this includes so-called environmentally-friendly cleaning or hygiene products), and don’t empty your grey waste (which contains countless unnatural substances) into nature.
Don’t forget that leaving no trace should also be practised inversely. In other words, don’t take anything with you. Leave nature as is. Don’t take souvenirs, just photographs.
9. Bin, chuck and drain it where it belongs
No one enjoys driving around in search of a bin that’s big enough for their overflowing garbage bag. Or standing in line for the chemical waste drain point with 3 days' worth of their own pee in hand. However, whenever you're forced to carry out these undignifying acts of being a camping-loving human, endure them like a decent one.
It can seem impossible to find proper disposal points sometimes, but with the right information, they’re more accessible than you might think. Your number one best bet is an official campsite (might as well have a shower while you’re at it). Next up are service stations and areas, which often have points to fill up your fresh water, too. Then there are council-run recycling centres, but always check local rules or residency requirements for these.
Apps like Park4Night and Camper Contact make finding waste disposal points a lot easier, so make sure to download these before you set off on your campervan trip. And check out Campa's map with all waste disposal points in Scotland.
10. Be a guardian of open flames
It might not be the first environmental threat you think of in a country that’s famous for its rain, but with rising temperatures and longer dry spells, Scotland is facing wildfires more often. It’s very important to be aware of the current state of the land you’re camping on, and to respect (temporary) bans on campfires or disposable barbeques. If you’re considering lighting up an open flame, always check recent reports from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and local national park authorities to find out the current risk of wildfire in your area.
Bonus tip: Take one for the team
Thus far, our tips have covered things you can do to tread as lightly as possible when road-tripping through Scotland. By honouring these, you’re doing the country a great service; however, Scotland remains under pressure from an increasing number of campervan travellers, who, sadly, aren’t always as aware. So if you’re looking to help our collective cause of keeping Scotland Wild & Free, here’s a bonus tip:
If, on your road trip through this beautiful country, you come across a spot that’s not so beautiful anymore, spend some time doing something about it. It can be as easy as picking up trash that’s not yours in a car park or a camping spot. By doing so, you’re protecting nature, improving the reputation of campers, and winning the heart of Scots while you’re at it.
Ready to go the extra mile and test if you’ve mastered our 10 commandments for roadtripping respectfully through the Scottish Highlands? Get your free responsible camper license here.
