Wild camping in Barrisdale Loch Hourn
Hopefully the summer will come eventually and when it does some of you may want to get away from it all into some remote wild country. If you’re heading for Scotland, or already live there, here’s some suggested areas that we’ve enjoyed. If you’re new to wild camping there are some great areas where you can camp near to a remote bothy or even use the bothy if you want to go really light and leave the tent at home.
Wild camping opportunities in the Lairig Ghru
The great thing about wild camping is that once you’ve got a couple of trips under your belt you’ll want to find your own remote locations and start exploring with that great sense of freedom you get with having everything you need with you.
The area around Rannoch Moor and Corrour Station feels very remote but you can easily walk in from Rannoch Station along the Road to the Isles track in 2 or 3 hours or even get the train and get off at Corrour Station. There is also an Eco Friendly SYHA Hostel on the west shores of Loch Ossian, but plenty of scope to camp well away from it.
Wild Camping on Rannoch Moor
The Cairngorms are an awesome place for wild camping whether you head in from the north Aviemore or from Braemar in the south. You don’t have to get onto the tops to have an adventure a walk through the Lairig Ghru or around the Loch Avon (‘Arn) area are worthwhile in their own right.
Camping opportunities around the bothy (Recently renovated I understand)
Try heading out west to Kinlochhourn and walk down the coast to Barrisdale or you can get a boat to drop you off and the small settlement of Barrisdale has its own website at www.barisdale.com probably not as remote as some areas, as there’s a bothy (with flush toilet and electricity!) and some other cottages but the scenery is breathtaking. From here you can walk over to the UK’s remotest mainland pub at the Old Forge Knoydart www.theoldforge.co.uk .
The path to Barrisdale runs down the left of the Loch
Further north the area around the Shenavall Bothy is awesome with lots of Munro’s for the baggers and great camping beside the bothy or if you fancy something a bit more remote head up Glen Muice (be careful of the river crossing!) for a real wilderness experience. Beinn Dearg Mor opposite the bothy just misses the magical Munro height but believe me will give you a far more interesting walk and scramble than any of the local Munros with the exception of An Teallach.
Shenavall is just south of An Teallach
We’ve been a little vague here as we think it’s exciting to do your own research and hopefully the pics will whet your appetite. For those of you who are interested there are several Munros in each of these areas so tick can be acquired along with your wild camping experience. My prefered shelter for 3 season solo trips is a MSR Hubba Tent and for sleeping a Mountain Equipment Xero 350 Down Sleeping Bag and Thermarest Small Prolite sleeping mat.
Please remember that wild camping is potentially dangerous and you should make sure you are fully equipped with the correct gear and have the knowledge and experience to use it. Any information given is done so in good faith and on the understanding that LD Mountain Centre cannot be held responsible for any injury resulting from information in the above.
