Wildcamping - Scotland & Ireland
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Wild Camping in Great-Britain and the Republic of Ireland(or how to find a parking spot for your motorhome)
compiled by: Rutger Booy
Last update: June, 2010
Contents: Scotland; Northern Ireland; Republic of Ireland; Isle of Man; General information and useful Links
Link to other page for England & Wales
The list is selected on the co-ordinates of the road map of the AA Maxi Scale Britain (1:160.000), but this is just an indication of where to approximately find the spot on the map. There's no need to especially buy this map.A word of warning: This list contains mainly other people's info, therefore I cannot guarantee if these places are OK to stay. So please be careful when selecting a spot from this list. It is quite possible that parking lots have been closed; roads have been moved and luxury villa's built on that unique wild camping spot. But I really would like to hear from anyone who has corrections or Dit e-mailadres is beschermd tegen spambots. U heeft Javascript nodig om het te kunnen zien. .
Scotland
Car parks at all Ski centres are ok. (Watch for snowgates closing - police may check on you, but are ok about it).
95G7 Dumfries & Galloway - Glentrool Village - In Glentrool Village follow dead end road to Bruce's Memorial (Loch Trool). Several places along this road, There are toilets at the visitor centre. Keep going till road sign says ‘no unauthorised traffic’. Good place for overnight stay, very quiet.
95H5 Dumfries & Galloway - Newton Stewart - The large Riverside Road Car Park at Newton Stewart is adjacent to the town centre with Lidl and Sainsbury's next door. Attended Toilets with showers open from 9am to about 6pm - entry charge 20p. Attendant says that overnighting isn't usually a problem if you are sensible and don't abuse the opportunity. Riverbank Cafe and Bookshop just across the road (behind shower/toilet block) serves an excellent all-inclusive breakfast from 8am. The co-ordinates for the Newton Stewart site are 54.957029,-4.48128 (2009)
96C4 Dumfries & Galloway - Kirkcudbright - In Kirkcudbright at the junction of A711 and B727 there is a forestry commission car park, good for overnight stop, 10 minutes walk into town.
96C4 Dumfries & Galloway - Kirkcudbright - In Kirkcudbright take the B727 towards Borgue. There is a picnic site on right next to sea. Toilet block. This site has now been closed, there are signs that state "no overnight camping"! (2008)
96E5 Dumfries & Galloway - Dalbeattie - There are 2 forestry commission parking sites very close to one another. Both under a mile North East of Dalbeattie, just off the A711 Solway Coast Road. Both are well clear of the road and there are no signs to deter overnight parking. One of them has 2 water taps.
106C3 Dumfries & Galloway - Moffat - Overnight stop four and a half miles north of Moffat on the A701 for Edinburgh. Entrance is on the left, 30 yards short of the grey/white telephone exchange on the right. Notice board says Ericstane Forest. Follow good track about 60-70 yards, just room to turn a 16 foot van.
106E5 Dumfries & Galloway - Ettrick Valley, St Mary's Loch - Approaching St Mary's Loch from the Gordon Arms (Moffat) about half way along the loch is a small layby beside the loch, and a longer one on the opposite side. Both are close to the road but it is a very quiet road with little traffic.
107G4 Borders - Newmill - On the A7 there’s a layby going north just before Newmill. The layby is on the right side of the road 100yds before pub.
107K3 Borders - Carter Bar - On the A68 south of Jedburgh. There is a layby each side of the road.
107K5 Borders - Jedburgh on A68 (Scottish borders). Just off A68 is Jedburgh Castle, which is beautifully illuminated at night-time. 5 minutes walk away is town centre and the house Mary Queen of Scots lived in. Do NOT use the smaller upper carpark alongside the Centre itself, as that is more open and visible and could lead to complaints, use the much larger lower carpark between the bus/coach station and the main A68 road where motorhomes are much less visible. It also has no signs or regulations on display and as it is free it is not visited by the traffic wardens. So long as it is not abused it is unlikely to be subjected to control like the site by the river has been. The co-ordinates for the Jedburgh park are 55.477238,-2.552648 or click on photo below for aerial view of the area. (2009)
Also the "Cookie Jar" Cafe next to the Post Office in the Main Street (5 mins walk) is open from 8am, serves a good value breakfast and has very nice toilets.
Also on A68 right on Scottish borders on top of big hill are 2 large layby’s with fantastic view to the north up to 8-10 mile on a clear day.
108C8 Borders - Coldstream - On the A697 in Coldstream. A car park about three-quarters of the way through the Burgh. Toilets in the car park.
112B3 Argyll & Bute - Skipness - On the north east of the Kintyre Peninsula. Take the B8001; then follow sign to Arran ferry. Go past the ferry; the road goes to Skipness which is a dead end. There are several places for overnighting next to the beach. In winter it could be possible to stay on the ferry car park because it is a seasonal service. The ferry car park is gravel, parking in the middle to the back is fine as the sides are deep with stones. If you stop on these parts you won’t get going again.
112B7 Argyll & Bute - Lochgilphead - Go north from Lochgilphead on the A816; take left fork on B841; go over canal bridge and on your right hand side is a car park. Ask lock keeper to park. There are two car parks along that road.
112D5 Argyll & Bute - Colintraive - Try the road by the side of the ferry, right on the waterfront. Two shops, a pub and a toilet.
113F2 North Ayrshire - Fairlie - South of Largs, on the coast. On the south side of the village there are two picnic sites signed from the main road. One has a small toilet block. The other one has a main car parking area that is in view, but a few yards further on is a small spot just out of sight.
113F7 Argyll & Bute - Lochgoilhead. Take the road to Carrick Castle. In 3 miles there’s a turn off on left where you can stay overnight.
113F8 Argyll & Bute - Lochgoilhead - Try the main car park by the sea in the village.
113G7 - Argyll & Bute - On the A82 between Luss and Arrochar (121J1) are numerous large layby’s alongside Loch Lomond.
114C7 Stirling - Stirling - Try the Wallace Memorial car park in Stirling.
115H5 Edinburgh - City of Edinburgh, head towards Dean Bridge from Queensferry Road, hang a left at Church immediately on your right before bridge and head into crescent past residents spaces, don’t turn first right. Great views over Dean Village and free parking Friday night - Monday morning.
115K2 Borders - Heriot - On the A7 watch for sign “Heriot layby” on left.
116B2 Borders - Carfraemill - Between Carfraemill and Fala on the A68 are two layby’s on opposite sides of the road on the uphill drag. Don't use this spot if snow is forecast as it's between the snow barriers. If they close the road (regular when there is snow) you are trapped between the barriers.
119F4 Argyll & Bute - Fionnphort: the car park at St. Columba Exhibition Centre.
120C1 Argyll & Bute - Ardfern/Aird - Go south from Oban on the A816 for about 27 miles. Then take the B8002. You go though a village called Ardfern. Keep going till you come up to a gate. Open gate and drive about 100yds in to small car park where you can stay. A nice spot overlooking Jura.
120E6 Argyll & Bute - Barcaldine - Go north on the A828 past Barcaldine camping caravan site (you can empty chemical and get fresh water there for small fee). North to first roundabout; then first left. Loch Creran is on your left. There are 6 or 7 layby’s on left.
121G2 Argyll & Bute - Inveraray - Try the car parks right of the pier on the seafront. Toilets open 6.00 am and there is a fresh water tap just at the side. The car parks next to water have signs saying no motorhomes or caravans. The big car park through the arches has a sign saying ‘no overnighting’. Not sure about the coach park.
121G2 Argyll & Bute - Inveraray - A few miles out of town on A 819 there is a picnic site on the right hand side of the road. It looks like an ordinary layby but it goes back off the road.
121H4 Argyll & Bute - Lochawe - On the A85, about 5 miles from Dalmally there is a dirt pull in layby on the left (from Dalmally) but behind it is another track hidden in the trees. There are 2 beaches only feet away.
121J6 Highland - Parking on the A82 north to Glencoe (near Tulla Cott). Piper may wake you up if lucky. Great view to Bridge of Orchy.
121J6 Argyll & Bute - Bridge of Orchy - Over the old bridge at Bridge of Orchy there is plenty of gravel for parking on. If you feel like it drive on the back road for three miles to Inveroran Hotel where you can stay either before the hotel or in the car park about 1/2 mile further on.
121J6 Argyll & Bute - Inveroran Hotel - Three miles down the road is a choice of spots for a motorhome, before the pub or in the road end car park.
121J6 Argyll & Bute - Loch Tulla - On the A82, not long after Bridge of Orchy then Loch Tulla, after a hairpin bend that climbs up to Rannoch Moor, there is a layby on the left. Plenty of coaches pull in there for the view, from where you can see 24 mountain peaks, Loch Tulla and only 4 buildings.
122E4 Perth & Kinross - Lochearnhead - 24 miles west of Perth city on the A85 you can wildcamp virtually all the length of Loch Earn. Popular with fishermen, this area is used a lot but fairly clean if you pick your spot.
122E5 Perth & Kinross - Milton Morenish - On the A827 near Milton Morenish is a small lane towards the Bridge of Balgie. Go up the lane over cattle grids and keep climbing up the mountain till you come to the visitor centre for Ben Lawers Mountain. Use the car park. If you go further up the road, still climbing, you will come to a dam where you may also find a place to park.
122E5 Perth & Kinross - Milton Morenish - Overnight spot on the dam past the Ben Lawers visitors centre on the road down to Glen Lyon. At about 1200 feet it is quiet overnight and in a superb setting.
123G3 Perth & Kinross - Crieff - Crieff Visitors Centre car park. Shop opens in the morning at 9am and the shop has a nice toilet. Quiet spot.
123G7 Perth & Kinross - Aberfeldy - In Aberfeldy take the A826. In about a quarter of a mile there is a picnic area. Go onto top car park. OK for overnight stay. Few minutes walk into town.
On the same road, drive further on; ignore the first picnic site on right (no overnighting). There is another car park on the left off the main road used by walkers. There is a path leading onto Forestry Commission land.
123H8 Perth & Kinross - Pitlochry - travelling north on the A9 just past Pitlochry you'll see a turn-off for Foss. This road runs along the south shore of Loch Tummel (opposite Queen's View). Head along the loch until you reach a small bridge next to a sizeable open area of shore-side ground. From this spot for about a 1/4 mile there are some great spots perfect for wild camping. This can be a popular area at weekends and occasionally there are a few prats that either make an arse of themselves or leave a bit of a mess behind but on the whole it's a superb spot. The campsite at Tummel Bridge is handy for the shop/bar/toilets. (2009)
125J8 Angus - Montrose - Montrose Parking at sea: “Seafront Splash”. The large parkings are with a low barrier but at the buildings of H&G amusement and Pitch ‘n Putt there are about 30 parking spots (toilets are open when P ‘n P is open). (2009)
127G2 Highland - A private car park at Ardtoe, right on the coast. It charges 40p for an unspecified time. I asked if we could stay overnight and we settled on 1 pound. There were rudimentary toilets but they were out of order at the time. Car park is partly grassy and we were the only vehicle there at night. It's just across a little road from the sea, with deserted coves, clear waters, and fantastic sunsets.
127G7 Highland - The Isle of Skye - A free camp on the Sleat Peninsula, the road doesn't have a number. It’s a loop road going through Tarskavaig and Tokavaig, off the A851 before you get to the clan Donald centre. The site is between the two villages but closer to Tokavaig - a nice flat and sheltered bit of green near a ruined Macdonald stronghold and right at the waterside.
127F2 Highland - The Ardnamurchan is pretty wild country, very rocky with lots of heather bracken and tussock. A few free camping areas on the A861 and B8007 if you don't mind a few midges and bit of true wilderness. A lot of the small villages are crofter style and the whole Ardnamurchan/Sunart/Moidart area is a great experience.
127F8 Highland - The Isle of Skye - Don't bother trying to camp anywhere near Elgol, it's very steep and there are few places you can even pull in.
127J1 Highland - Strontian: the car park at the Tourist Info.
127J1 Highland - Loch Sunart - On the A861 between Strontian and Salen there are two forestry commission car parks. One has a ‘no overnighting’ sign, the other does not.
128B4 Highland - Glenfinnan - The car park, just off the main road, at the start of the private road that leads under the viaduct.
128C1 Highland - Ardgour - Overnight stop at the base of the path to Garbh Bhienn in Ardgour on the A861. Quiet spot. No passing traffic. Quickest way to get there is to use the Corran ferry from the A82, only a short crossing but saves about 60 miles. From 2009 there is a sign: no overnight parking!
128C1 Highland - Ardgour - Go north fom Ardgour; there’s a layby in the trees, about 1 mile up the road. From 2009 there is a sign: no overnight parking!
128C1 Highland - Ardgour - Go south from Ardgour on the A861. Keep the loch on left and you will see places to park on the old dead road.
128C1 Highland - Corran - The ferry terminal on the Fort William side.
128D2 Highland - Glen Nevis - Some excellent overnight stops in Glen Nevis on the roadside all the way down the Glen. Out of season is the best time as the Glen is fairly quiet. From 2009 there are signs everywhere: no overnight parking!
128D3 Highland - Fort William - From Fort William go south on A82; about 2 miles on right hand side is the road to Ben Nevis. Loads of space in car park. From 2009 there is a sign: no overnight parking!
128D3 Highland - Fort William - Leave Fort William on the A82 towards Inverness and turn left at the lights signposted Corpach and the road to The Kyle of Lochalsh (A830). Take the first right after the Bridge and wind your way up the road. On the right there is a narrow entrance which takes you on to the loch side. Parking is for 4 or 5 vehicles only. There is a much larger car park at the bottom. Water is available, but ask the lock keepers first. It is likely that a better parking can be had at the lower car park near the Moorings Hotel as you turn right off the main road. From 2009 there are signs for bothplaces: no overnight parking!
128D3 Highland - Fort William - Nice parking lot at top of 'Neptune's Staircase' locks N.E. of town built to service yacht owners at top of Locks on Caledonian Canal. Very picturesque setting and free toilet block for boaters run by Waterways. No charge or signs apparent. From 2009 there is a sign: no overnight parking!
128D3 Highland - Invergarry - Near Loch Garry on the A87 you have a choice of three off road laybys. Good places to use as a base, if you want to tour around Loch Ness for a few days.
128E5 Highland - Clunes - From Fort William take the A82 up to Spean Bridge; then take the B8004 from the Commando Memorial to Gairlochy and then the B8005 to Clunes. Through the Mile Dorcha (dark mile) to a car park on the right. Car park is level hardstanding.
129G7 Highland - Fort Augustus - South of Fort Augustus take the B862. Along that road there are two layby’s in which to park at the top of the hill. Road narrow at first.
130D1 Perth & Kinross - Pitlochry - North of Pitlochry turn left onto B8019; just past Queens View turn right into picnic area (Loch Tummel). There are toilets here.
131F6 Aberdeenshire - Linn of Dee, Cairngorm Mountains - Take the road west out of Braemar to the road end. There is a hard standing car park just over the Linn of Dee bridge which does not display any signs regarding overnight parking. Parking fee appr. £2 per day.
131F6 Aberdeenshire - Cairngorm Mountains - The sugar bowl car park. No facilities on site, local facilities at Glenmore 1 mile or at Aviemore 7 miles.
132D3 Aberdeenshire - Fettercairn, there’s an 'Aire' at the Fettercairn Bowling Club.
132E5 Aberdeenshire - Banchory - Try the car park at "Flemings Building Supplies" on the left travelling in from Aberdeen (A93). Keep the garden centre gate clear as they start at 06.30 in the morning.
133H7 Aberdeenshire - Aberdeen - You can park on the Aberdeen beach esplanade. The best places are across from the golf course. All the entertainment, cafes, funfair etc. is further along.
134D4 Highland - The Isle of Skye has many opportunities for wild camping in layby’s, picnic sites etc. Avoid areas too near a proper campsite, where they will try to discourage you, and of course avoid blocking the passing places on one-track roads.
134E7 Highland - The Isle of Skye - The coast road of the Trotternish peninsula has various pull-ins overlooking the sea. A couple of times we asked permission to camp outside a hotel/restaurant where we were eating or drinking. No problem (except midges).
135H4 Highland - Kyle of Lochalsh - If you go up the A890 from Kyle of Lochalsh there is a large layby overlooking Loch Carron where you can park.
You can also go up the mountain pass. It is ok for motorhomes; lots of passing places, just take your time, let cars pass you and keep everyone happy. You can park at the top (large view point).
Going down there’s a campsite just as you get to village on left.
Going round the bay you come up to a church park on left where it’s o.k. to park.
135J1 Highland - Glenelg - Take the A87 toward Glen Shiel; go right through the Glen until you see a petrol station on your left. Turn left just after this, following signs for Glenelg and the ferry. This is an old military road, single lane with passing places. Follow this road up the Ratagan pass, but beware as it is extremely steep! There is a picnic area about two thirds of the way up where you can stop. Carry on over the pass and descend into Glen More. Follow the road almost into Glenelg, but take a right turn (signposted to the ferry) before you reach the village. Drive about another half a mile until you see the sea, then just park up wherever you fancy.
136A3 Highland - Ardnaneaskan - Drive to Lochcarron village (Wester Ross) on the A896. Turn off the main road onto on the unclassified road which goes towards Strome Castle. Continue past the castle onto the end of the road, you are now at Ardnaneaskan. There are splendid views over the sea to Skye. Relatively flat, tarmac, parking space close to a few houses (but out of sight). (2009)
136C7 Highland - Kinlochewe - there’s a small long term carpark. Toilets with warm water open all night. (2009)
137H6 Highland - Contin - picnic area along the A835, appr. half a mile west of the village. Toilets are closed at night.
137J3 Highland - Beauly - 9 miles west of Inverness, there is a truck stop behind the police station. Very quiet, good lighting, nice place for an overnight stop.
137K3 Highland - Inverness/Loch Ness/Dores - Coming out of Inverness on the B862 after 8 miles you come to a fork in the road; take right fork on B852. There is a pub on the t with a spot to park by the beach.
138C6 Highland - Rosemarkie - From Rosemarkie take the A832 towards Cromarty. Pass the turning onto the B9160. On the right hand side there is a large car park which goes well off the road. Good for overnight.
139F7 Moray - Findhorn - Beach area with plenty of space to camp. It is a very short walk into town. Toilets and water available on the beach. As of august 2007 this place now has "no overnight parking" and "no camping" signs all over the place.
139G1 Moray - Tomintoul - The car park of Tomintoul Bowling Club, Lecht Drive, Tomintoul, off the B9008. Continental type Aire de Service. The site is specifically for motorhomes. The cost is £5 per night, maximum stay 2 nights (2007). Drinking water available; toilets, including disabled, on site; shops within 200 yards. This site is no longer available (2008)
139G1 Moray - Tomintoul: A free parking can be found at the “Estate Office” towards the end of Mainstreet in Tomintoul.
139J6 Moray - (near Elgin) - Leave the A96 (Elgin to Keith) on to the B9015 (traveling inland), just before B9103 there is a Forestry Commission Car Park with plenty of space.
141H7 Aberdeenshire – Rosehearthy - at the small fishing harbour near pick-nick tables. (2009)
142C2 Highland - The Isle of Skye - A picnic layby near Flodigarry, north of Staffin. There were several places we could have stopped in that area.
143H3 Highland - Poolewe - Go from Poolewe on the B8057 towards Cove. Very nice beaches along that road with parking. Keep going until you come to a car park for old WW II base. Park there.
143H3 Highland - Poolewe - On the B8057 one mile past Primary School on left. Gate on right with NOTICE AND HONESTY BOX (£2.00 per night, all monies donated to Primary School). Bumpy track, no facilities, sheep on site, but the most beautiful place we've ever stayed. (2008)
144D3 Highland - Braemore - 12 miles south on A835 from Ullapool, there is a large layby with public toilets. That’s on the main track. From 2009 there are signs: "no overnight parking." If you go on the A832 there is a large layby overlooking the valley looking towards Ullapool (amazing view her) (2009)
146C2 - Highland - Try the ferry at Nigg, which has a large car park and although there is no fishing from the pier, if you have a good rod and a good casting arm a salmon or two can be taken in late August. Watch out for the school of porpoises and the occasional whale. While the porpoises are in the bay they drive the salmon into the shallows, making it easier for poor fishermen like me.
146D3 - Highland - A quiet camp site is the one at Portmahomack near Tain, the site is owned by The Kirk so there are rules about not putting out washing on Sundays etc, but any rules fade into insignificance beside the gently sloping beach where the waves only just lap the beach as it is almost directly facing Northwest and safe within the Dornoch Firth. It costs ₤7 per night: no arriving or leaving on a Sunday! (2009)
148D5 Highland - Kinlochbervie, plenty of space to stay near the harbour. One of the locals advised to stay on the north side, near the yacht harbour, close to the houses.
149F7 Highland - Durness - Lots of places to park on the A838 from Laxford Brige.
151G7 Highland - Thurso, a car park west along the river, in the direction of the Information Centre.
151H3 Highland - Lybster, a nice spot can be found in Lybster Harbour near the Waterlines-building. Access via the A99, junction Lybster.
151H5 Highland - Watten (between Wick and Thurso) - from Wick turn right at Watten crossroads. After half a mile, Lay By on right. Picnic site where Loch Watten drains towards Wick River, Pub in Watten. Absolutely lovely. (2008)
151H7 Highland - Castletown, the car park near the harbour (appr. 200 metres).
151J5 Highland - Wick, in Noss Head on the car park near the lighthouse at Castle Garnigoe & Sinclair. In Wick first follow the road signs Papigoe-Staxigoe, then Noss Head.
151K7 Highland - John O’Groats: the car park at Duncansby Head.
153A2 Western Isles - Barra Island - the best beaches in Scotland so well worth a trip. Take the ferry from Oban. When on Barra take the A888. It’s the only main road from Castlebay Head towards the airport. Planes land on the beach when the tide is out. Bread only comes to the island twice a week so take plenty.
153A3 Western Isles - Barra Island - Try the western side of the island of Barra. About one mile after the Barra hotel keep the sea on your left side; there's a nice pitch overlooking the bay with a fresh water tap on the roadside.
Northern Ireland
(not on the AA map) - Broughshane - The first continental parking was in the village of Broughshane in Co Antrim at the Houstons Mill at the Larne end of the village. Free parking, £1 for services, French style ‘sani-station’.
(not on the AA map) - Aghadowey - Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn, 209 Agivey Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine BT51 4AD. Phone 028 7086 8209. Free parking, fresh water available.
(not on the AA map) - Ballymoney - The Angler’s Rest, 139 The Vow Road, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. Phone 028 2954 0280. Free parking in pub car park; pub serves food in the evenings during the week and all day on the weekend.
(not on the AA map) - North Coast at Ballintoy Harbour - Midway between Bushmills and Ballycastle off B15 road. Approach via a narrow twisty road to flat car park right on shore beside small fishing harbour. Spectacular views towards Rathlin Island and North Channel. Toilets, outside taps for water and small cafe serving wonderful fresh local food. Great walks along shore. Very popular overnight (or longer) stop. Arrive early in morning if parking all day. Very quiet at night. (2009)
(not on the AA map) - Glenwherry - Ballyboley Inn, 125 Shanehill Road, Glenwherry, Ballymena BT42 3EP (on the main road from Larne to Ballymena). Phone 028 2583 1208. Free parking in pub car park.
(not on the AA map) - Newtownards - Daft Eddys, Sketrick Island, Newtownards, Co Down BT23 6QH. Phone 028 9754 1615. Free parking in restaurant car park.
Isle of Man
152M4 - Mooragh Park, Ramsey. Motorhomes are positively encouraged to park and enjoy the area, for no cost, but you require a permit. This is free and is available from the town hall in Ramsey. Just bring your insurance details. You may stay for up to 14 nights.
152M5 - Sulby Claddagh (in the north). This is quite a large site owned by the government NTrust. You may stay for up to 14 nights, then leave for a night then start again. There is toilets/washing & water available and if you lift the grid by the toilets you can deposit your waste. Lovely place to stop along side the river, some nice walks. Sulby is well used by locals but gets busy around TT race time. Two pubs & shop close by.
152M5 - Smeal Beach - This is on the north west side of the Island right alongside the sea NT land. Some nice spots to stay here, no facilities.
Republic of Ireland (compiled by Carol Weaver)
Wild Camping Spots found in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland during a trip from May - July 2003.
These may no longer be available but of course if goes without saying, do not block or cause a nuisance to anyone and do check with owners where there are any obvious ones. Leave nothing behind except your tyre marks. Bear in mind our route had been Pembroke - Rosslare and we took a route clockwise around Ireland, so these spots are following in that direction - you will need a map, I didn’t have GPS so can’t give these details.
1. We were told of a spot at Kilmore Quay, which would have been a spot to use, but we didn’t actually need this one, as we had stopped at St Margaret’s Caravan Site straight from the ferry, so were further along when we wished to halt for the night. There are toilets here and I was told a top but didn’t actually see it myself
2. Dunbrattin Head - no signs to say you cannot park, but there were people around looking. No facilities
3. Galtee Castle Woods - up to the right of the road, and follow the signs, very narrow and trees around, but a wonderful place to stop the night - no one else anywhere near - there are houses as you drive up this lane. It is signposted from the main road. No facilities
4. Mizen Head - again another wonderful spot, tucked back into a corner away from the entrance to the walkway and Tourist Information Spot. This was closed when we were here. Could be windy. No facilities
5. Gougane Barra National Park - This is a lovely park and we stopped down close to the toilet block. Water was also available here. There are lovely walks here. Well worth a visit
6. Bantry House - I hasten to add to this one, we did go into the Armada Exhibition and asked when paying if there was any chance of stopping overnight in the car park (we had been told by a local that it is sometimes possible). Whilst walking around the gardens, we were approached by what we then learned was the owner, who asked if we were the ones enquiring about stopping. He said, no problem there was a water tap behind the little chalet (used for paying). BUT do ask here, after all it is a private house
7. We were told of a spot at Dursey Island (cable car) BUT we got there and were told in no uncertain terms that NO YOU CAN’T stop here. So we turned back down the road and as you return, on the right hand side up slightly from the road is a picnic spot. We stopped here for the night, lovely views over Garnish Point
8. We passed through Sneem and then we turned off on a road that goes up to meet the R566 Sneem to Kilarney road, it was signed “Blackwater Tavern 4km” We pulled in at a large area of waste ground on the left and stopped for the night
9. Another spot that was a possibility was Ballinskelligs Beach (CP) but it was too early, there was a loo - but it was awful
10. Back to Waterville and up again through the middle of the Ring of Kerry, where we have stopped for the night. We were in a picnic spot in the Ballaghisheen Forest. Looks quite nice and should be quite quiet - well it wasn’t, not because of noise but because of midges. We ended up evacuating it at 23.30 hrs! So use this one with caution. Lovely spot and fantastic drive through the middle but watch the season
11. If you take the road thru the middle and continue on towards Glencar you come across a large bit of gravel at the top of the pass. I think it was heading towards Moll’s Gap - still on the road up thru the middle of the Ring of Kerry
12. Another of those, not sure exactly where it is, but we drove out to Castlemaine and followed a route, scenic with a viewpoint. The view on one side was over Castlemaine and the harbour (which is a nature reserve) and a few hundred yards further on was another viewing point, and where you could see Tralee and Tralee Bay very clearly
13. Next stop might suit you, but it didn’t us! We got to Slea Head itself and there is a car park with a twisting road down to the beach - we went to the car park, I went to take photos as usual it was nice, we had decided to stop for the night. After about 90 minutes we could smell gas, and became a little concerned, we wondered if it was because we weren’t level - so decided to move on. We didn’t get it again, but we did discover we were nearly out of gas - and now think this was the smell…. we didn’t get so low again!
14. We went to Ballylongford where we have come down to a Castle, Carrigafoyle Castle, which is yet another ruin and seems to be popular by the number of cars that have pulled up, stopped between 5 and 10 minutes and then retraced their steps. We stopped here for the night. The sad bit is that they are repairing the castle, well making it safe
15. We stopped on a pier in Liscannor where the cruises to the Cliffs of Moher start
16. Noted this one: further on along the coast, there was a good parking spot at Bealaglugga but we were too early for a night stop
17. We continued on a tour and then around the coast to Roundstone. We stopped at in a car park just on the west side of the town, and we got in as well so the place was big, but it wasn’t a good place to stop at 23’. It would be a nice place to stop. Plenty of cafes/pubs all doing fresh fish. Lovely little harbour. Perhaps if you were a camper you could stop here
18. We followed the road with the intention of taking a couple of the little coastal roads that go off this main route, hoping to find a stopping place for the night. The first one we found, a sign to Errislannan Point, and we followed the road, just the width of the motorhome. Within a few hundred yards, we saw a large monument - and guess what: a viewing area. Fantastic views for 360 degrees. The monument is to Alcock and Brown - they landed here in 1919 on the first flight across the Atlantic at 109mph
Not a stopping place, but if you are here, do make sure you take in The Sky Road. Well worth it for the views alone. This goes west out of Clifden
19. This is on Achill Island - We continued around taking the Atlantic Drive to Keel and then turned to take the Atlantic Drive around the hills. We passed the deserted village, deserted due to the famine, all that remains are the walls of the houses laid out on the hillside, and then we came to Doogort where there are two beaches, one called Barnynagappul Strand and Goldren Strand. We decided to stop here the night overlooking the golden strand. Pub opposite which serves evening meals as well, so this was very convenient. The Anchor Bar & Lounge & Restaurant. It specialises in fish
20. We were on the main road R314 towards Sligo and continued passing what we have later learnt is a Neolithic centre (but it looked closed when we were there, we ear-marked it as a place to stop for the night if we didn’t find anything else, there was a coach park there). Shame really as it would probably have been very interesting, but I still haven’t found anything about it at the TI offices!
21. We then turned off to do yet another of our loops, this one taking us to Downpatrick Head. Road a bit iffy, but was OK if you were slow and careful, started with grass down the middle but got worse. We decided this was the place for the night and made ourselves comfortable. There were about four areas in which to park, we started at the first, ended on the second for the night, as it gave a view of the whole of the bay. Nice walks up on the Head with blow holes in the cliff, so do be careful, there are signs
22. We then drove through Ballysadare where the Bay encroaches on it, this then took us out on the R292 loop road to Strandhill. We found a scenic road leading off to the right, which made me hang on for dear life at the beginning. It gave brilliant views though of the surrounding area. Up here we found a mountain car park which we thought we would use to stop the night. We walked up the mountain, but I must admit we didn’t make it to the top, several others did though
23. Next we were into Co. Leitrim, and we passed through Manorhamilton and on to Glencar. We stopped here and walked up to the waterfalls. We decided to stop the night here; there are toilets and water available. It is a nice spot surrounded by mountains and a lake. Continuing along this loop road, we found three other parking spots that would have been useful
24. We had looked around Donegal, saw the castle and then returned to the car park. We then started a tour, drove through to Killibegs and decided to try Killibegs Motorvan Stop Over. It was only opened at Easter, the owner has flattened out the top of a hill and it is about 50ft circular, overlooking the entrance to Killibegs Harbour, It should be a lovely stop on a nice day that is for sure. Electricity, water and dumping facilities are available, no showers etc. Not strictly a wild spot - but one to add to your list
25. Noted this one when we continued around the R263 towards Glencolumbkille where there is a viewpoint overlooking the village with a picnic table etc.
26. Noted this as well: we drove on to Malin Beg (Head?) where there was a view point and car park, we arrived with an empty car park, stopped for lunch and then were joined by about 14 cars in total, coming and going. It was a nice spot for an overnight stay
27. This lovely spot was found with difficulty, when we followed a sign to Dooey Point and ended up for the night at Tra Beach, well that is what we think it is called. We were behind sand dunes, down a hill from the road, there is a bungalow at the top, and the beach is a long one used for surfing. Very quiet here. We continued on the track/road to rejoin the N56 to Dunglow
28. This was after going to Glenveagh National Park on the R254, we then came across Lough Barra which sits under another high mountain Slieve Snaght (683m). There is a small area to park and see this nature reserve. It is slightly sloping but we put out the levellers and watched a guy and his wife stacking their peat - for 3 hours - back breaking work. Back to Dunglow again
29. We carried on all the way down to Millford and back up around another peninsula to Fanad Head. This was a really good drive (road awful as usual) but interesting, this is where Tawny/Tamry is (they can’t seem to make up their minds either!). The road back down to Portsalon was good too, as we were high up and able to view the coastlines. At Fanad Head we could see Hord Head, Melmore Head, Rinmore Point to the West and then Dunaff Head and Malin Head to the East of us, really excellent viewpoint. We got to Portsalon and and then we found a beach, no camping…, and we were faced with a mountain climb with corkscrew bends. There were viewpoints, and what views, but they weren’t flat or suitable, more like pull ins - not proper viewpoints, so we found ourselves in Rathmullen. Seemed a dead place, but parked down by the pier/beach. Pubs, restaurants and toilets close, so not too bad
The next bit is the Inishowen Peninsula - make sure this is a MUST DO on your list - it is even signposted well - and we loved it
30. We then dropped down to Culdaff which had a lovely beach and parking area, but a sign saying no camping etc. So on we drove and came across a beach called Tramore Bay and stopped here for the night. It is a small beach and is rocky just off the beach that you can walk on. A few houses up on the hill and that is all. The parking area has recently (very) been tarmaced, and there is a picnic table
31. After Londonderry, we drove back to the main A2 and followed that through (bypassed) Limavaddy and to Downhill. I then saw a sign to Gortmore - with a viewpoint 3 miles. So here we are up on top of a 1 in 5 hill having driven around a mountain and drive a straight line and we are perched in a parking space right on top overlooking Magilligan Point with a fantastic view. Definitely a nice stop, no signs to say you can’t stop the night either, which is good
32. We wanted to see the Giant’s Causeway. Drove up and paid €5 to park, the car park and facilities are on Moyle District Council’s land and you have to pay, even as an NT member. €1 for the audio visual show too. In the car park, we had asked if we could stay the night, the parking attendant, just said, “I didn’t hear and winked at him”. Another motorhome was there as well. So ask, and it may be granted
33. Next afternoon we got to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (NT) and parked up and walked the 1km down to the bridge. When we got back, we asked if it was possible to stop the night. We were told it wouldn’t be a problem. Again ask, it is NT land
34. We then drove down through Larne and Carrickfergus to Belfast, having decided to visit the National Ulster Folk and Transport Museum which is on the road to Bangor. We got here at 15.00 hrs and asked if it would be possible to stop the night in the car park as after speaking to the guy at the reception two hours would not be enough, he let us in for free then and we stopped in the car park (did get a knock later to check we were OK, explained we had asked) and he said he would be locking us in, we said no problem. We went to both museums the next day. Definitely worth a visit, very well done
35. Did Mount Stewart (NT) and returned to near Mount Stewart to the Conningsbury Picnic Spot to stop for the night. It is very nice, but close to the A21, so somewhat noisier than usual as on that evening some young lads decided it was a race track for their motorbikes
36. We decided to drive part of a tour and as there was a parking viewpoint at Spelga Dam, we would detour to that and stop the night. There were no signs saying no overnight camping
37. From the Silent Valley (Belfast Water Reservoir, worth another visit) we drove some more around the Mourne Mountains and then back down to the coast. We went to Newcastle and then we drove back up into them again via another road, and found a night stop at a place called Slieve Meelmore
38. Back into the South again now. Next stop for the night was a very breezy beach spot facing the Irish sea, somewhere between Dunany Point and Clogher Head, probably close to a place called Port
General information:
Now that the law in Scotland allows open access to the countryside it is permissible to wild camp anywhere that is not specifically designated as private or carries a notice stating 'No Overnight Camping' or similar wording. Also do not use designated passing places on singletrack roads. (2009)
Multimap at www.multimap.com can be a great source of information and should be useful in identifying these sites. Also more information on: www.streetfinder.co.uk
In popular holiday areas, there may be restrictions on overnight parking in car parks or a road ‘layby’. In quieter areas however, it may be acceptable to find some quiet area to park.
Upon entering a town look for the sign directing you to the “Long Stay Car Park”, where you generally will be allowed to stay the night. It’s always surprising where you’ll end up, sometimes an ugly industrial area, sometimes a truly wonderful parking spot in the centre of town.
In popular holiday areas, there may be restrictions on overnight parking in car parks or a road ‘layby’. In quieter areas however, it may be acceptable to find some quiet area to park.
On many occasions it’s possible to stay the odd night at a rural pub. If you ask the landlord/lady, mostly you’re more than welcome to overnight in the car park. Always pick a place in the car park away from the main traffic in and out so as not to cause any inconvenience to the locals. All villages usually have a decent size pub car park and a lot in the country have wonderful views in the morning. Well worth a meal or few pints.
There is also a website that lists more than 200 pubs where you can stay overnight, see www.motorhomestopover.co.uk
Tesco (supermarket)
The general ruling for Tesco is that they have no problem with motor homes "parked up" for the night IF the following is observed:
- Park in a discreet corner of the car park - i.e., not right outside the front door, blocking others!
- Do not set up BBQ and picnic tables! This also applies to chairs etc.
- If there is more than 2 at any one time they start to worry
- Never leave anything behind; including water on the tarmac because non-campers think it is from the loo. Seriously!
- Only stay one night.
If you follow the above rules you should be ok at most branches of Tesco. If you do some shopping before you leave, it would be a nice gesture to mention to the manager, who you are, and thank him for the use of the car park. (Although sometimes he probably wasn't even aware you were out there!) If he sees you are a customer in his store it could encourage him to keep letting us stay overnight!
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 is now used with regard to wild camping. It was introduced on the back of raves and N.A.T.s and all the hassle that went on at Stonehenge a few years ago. Have a look at the government’s own website containing the act.
Scroll down to the sections on trespass and especially the section headed "Powers to remove unauthorised campers"(77). Hope that gives a clearer definition of what’s legal and what’s not....
Basically there's no "right" to stay anywhere, other than on someone’s land with their permission. Thanks to all those hippies 10-15 years ago, you can be asked to move on at any time and failure to comply can land you in a whole heap of trouble.
If you stay in a layby or any part of a Highway, like a grass verge, then the local authority can ask you to move on. They first have to know you're there of course, but once you've been spotted and they ask you to move, then you have to move.
The Police have powers to move you from landowners land if there are two people camping and (a) you've damaged property or land or (b) you've been abusive to the landowner when asked to leave. In this instance, damage to the land could include ruts formed in the field by the tyres, so they can force you to leave under most circumstances. This also includes common land if asked to leave by a commoner. Of course, once asked, most people will comply and move on, so no problem, but it's as well to be aware that you've really no rights. Service stations started putting up the time limits for parking at the same time this legislation went through.
Link to other page for England & Wales
