Far too early in the year, usually from October, I look forward to winter camping in Scotland. Folk often find this strange since I’m not talking about the deep, cold snowy winters of, say Alaska, but the bone chilling, ‘just-above-freezing and the sleet’s blowing sideways’ maritime climate that Scottish hillwalkers rejoice in.
Winter camping in Scotland in the snow can be fun. But it can also be cold and wet and sometimes it’s downright cold. Scots don’t live in a big country but it’s easy to get lost in the Highlands in the summer.
Here are my winter camping tips for Scotland
Northwest Scotland
The Orkney Way is generally the easiest way to the Highlands since it’s basically a footpath with a few bridges. There are many camping sites along the way.
Aboyne in the West Highland rises on the west bank of Loch Crearan. The path itself passes between the island’s perch on the perch and crosses its backwater. There is a fine view across to the Isle of Skye.
The islands of Skye and Mull have plenty of camping sites. Remember to book ahead since these sites go quickly.
In the Iron Age, Orkney was carted off to America where it was unloaded on to the east coast where it became known as Fort William Henry.
Space has been created in the Highlands which is part of the reason for the large number of castles in the area.
This part of the UK is generally between the Atlantic Ocean and the Glyderau and Caernarfon Mountains.
The problem with walking in this location is that weather is unlike anywhere else in the UK. It can be wet and windy on a warm day but it can also be pouring with cold winds a few miles off the pace.
The Americans used to love camping in this location because of the moist comfortable down hill conditions. Anybody who has walked in the Scottish Highlands will be familiar with the Scottish wind. It is fast, unpredictable and can blow at you at any moment.
If you are lucky enough to be by the banks of Loch Crearan at the time of the summer-no matter what time of year-you can blindly plummet into the loch and be brought up as a Penguin. More often than not the wind will be right behind you and ensure you move with it, very much like a squirrel.
Winter camping is fun too, and you can combine it with cycling. My friends and I have found that we enjoy this time of year very much. The only problem is that we find ourselves obsessed with the weather. No matter the forecast, we are certain that it will not be right. The only way to find the perfect wind split is to get out of the car and wait until you are out on the road. If the wind is calm and you are riding a bike then you simply have to deny yourself the simple pleasure of riding. Our Cyclists Choice Awards try to buck thisient.
When you are looking for Snow in the UK it is a very easy task since there are so many locations open to the public, especially the more popular ones. Snowdon and the surrounding mountains give you the perfect excuse to ride out on a mountain solo. Just follow the How to Snowdonia online guidance and you’ll be able to turn your spotlight on such tracks as ‘Northernways Openheid’, ‘Llanberis Path’, ‘Mount Snowdon’ and ‘The Stables’
The marked track began as a muddy route in 1919 before being transformed into a public footpath way in 1936. The present day marker was built in 1980 and showcases the words ‘Carry On Walkers Members’ is a pictograph of a horse’s hind legs crossed by a andrescent sun. Carry on Walkers? This route is ideal for families and children as it can be enjoyed while being watched by adults from the comfort of a warm heated van.
This Snowdonia track is a thrilling hour or so walk so please allow a good 3 hours to reach Whanganui. There are many other options that you can take depending upon how long you have in your spare time. Other walks such as ‘The strips’ where you can see the waterfalls but take extra care walking the final stretch to the lake – especially if it is icy. There is a boat trip then a pleasant stroll back to your vehicle followed by a dip in the water – perfect to wash off the feet in the freezing cold.
‘Carry on Walkers Club’ has over 40 known tracks that are well marked with posts and cables as the well loved King ofposts. Most of the routes are in quiet woodland or along well sign-posted routes but some are popular options known to locals
Should you wish to walk with a group, there are a number of walks available in most areas.
