Where will you take your tent this summer?

There are very few better ways to get closer to nature than by camping. Well, you might get closer sleeping under the stars without any equipment, but I live in Scotland and I’m thinking comfort here as well, so camping in a tent is a good compromise. That night time beer also feels even more deserving after you have built your home for the night. Kicking back with a beer and admiring your hard work surrounded by beautiful landscapes is the ultimate outdoor zen.

I am a huge fan of this outdoor zen and love both short and sweet weekend camping and longer camping holidays. Here are some of my favourite spots I have camped at this year so far.

Tyninghame Beach– Dunbar

I live in Edinburgh so this is a great option for a quick escape from the city when you don’t have too much time to travel far but need to get a nature fix. There’s no official campsite here so you can set up camp wherever you like. To get to the beach, you first have to make your way through some atmospheric, thick forest. Just follow the main forest path, and you will arrive at the beach eventually. It can also be fun to go off into the forest a bit more and find a cosy spot in there. I prefer to head down to the beach and camp in the trees just by the beach. It’s cosy and you can wake up to stunning views of the beach and the sound of the waves. It’s a really nice walk along the beach too!

Search for Limetree walk, Dunbar and park at the car park there. It costs £2 per day.

Sallochy Campsite

Loch Lomond introduced a wild camping ban this year and initially I cried a little inside as a lot of the campsites around Loch Lomond are caravan heavy and not very tranquil at times. This wee site was a pleasant surprise though. It is open to tents only and aims to give you that ‘wild’ feeling. Pitches are right on the loch and far enough apart that you feel isolated enough. You can also purchase a fire pit and fire wood for a reasonable price and there are basic toilets onsite for a little added luxury. The location is great as water sports on the loch are easily accessible and you are super close to Ben Lomond if you fancy an easy-going Munro.  

Arisaig – West Coast of Scotland

The coast between Mallaig and Arisaig is insanely beautiful! There are so many wonderful beaches and bays it is hard to travel along the coastal route without stopping every two minutes. There are quite a few camp site options along this coast or you can find yourself a spot on a beach and enjoy the peace and quiet. I camped near Arisaig and had my dinner (and celebratory tent builder beer) on the beach looking over to the Isles of Rum and Eigg. Watching the sun set, and others watch the sun set, in such a beautiful spot was pretty special.

Glen Brittle – Isle of Skye

Another great beach camping spot – writing this blog has made me realise that I might need to try some non-beach camping soon! Located by Loch Brittle Beach and surrounded by the Cuillin mountains, this location is stunning and dramatic – just like the Isle of Skye itself. The fairy pools are close by and definitely worth a visit – they are a series of crystal clear pools of water at the foot of the Cuillins that are great for a refreshing swim. Talisker distillery is also close by if you fancy a wee nip of Scottish Whisky.

Clachtoll Beach - Sutherland

My last location speaks for itself, so I won’t say too much about this one other than that the beach is absolutely stunning! There is a campsite if you don’t want to go full on wild but I definitely recommend eating dinner on the beach while the sun sets.

Wherever you decide to take your tent, make sure you are considerate of your environment and tidy up any mess and take it away with you before you leave. Happy Camping.