You can go wild camping almost anywhere in Scotland as part of your right to roam, as long as the place is left exactly how you found it. Respect for our nature is of utmost importance, so, before we get into the most awesome wild camping spots near Glasgow, let’s get into responsible camping first.
How to be a responsible wild camper?
Before we even go wild camping, it is important to understand what responsible camping entails. To preserve our pristine, gorgeous landscapes, wild campers are encouraged to first avoid overcrowding and move on to the next beautiful spot if their first choice seems a wee bit crowded already.
What is more, when lighting fires, use a stove when possible instead of making the fire on the ground. While it may seem obvious to most, open fires during dry periods, on farmland or peaty ground, as well as in forests should always be avoided, as that can carry catastrophic consequences. Keep your wee fires small and controlled, while never leaving them unattended. Once leaving, always make sure there are no traces of the fireplace left.
As part of Scottish law, everyone has the right to roam and is allowed to camp almost anywhere. However, some bylaws exist in certain places due to overcrowding, such as at Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. Plus, if you see any residential houses nearby your desired camping spot, always ask the owners if it’s okay to camp near their homes. And remember wild camping laws do not apply to cars, so you can only park in appropriate areas like car parks.
Toilet hygiene is also an important factor when camping and can cause some significant discomfort for land owners and other campers if you know what we mean, so campers are always encouraged to find a public toilet where possible.
And lastly, just leave the spot how you found it, it’s not that hard: just bring a rubbish bag and a wee shovel and you’ll be grand. And now that we are done with the important part, let’s get into the prettiest wild camping spots near Glasgow that are less than two hours away.
The prettiest wild camping spots near Glasgow
1. Three Lochs Forest Drive
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour
This stunning wild camping spot is only an hour away from Glasgow offers beautiful views of three different lochs. All the designated parking spots are signposted, so guests do not need to wonder where they can legally park, but a permit is needed between March and September. To get a permit, simply apply up to four weeks in advance for a fee of £4 on the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs website. There are lots of campsites to choose from within the area, and any is just as good as the other, to be honest.
2. The Whangie, Kilpatrick Hills
Distance from Glasgow: 45 minutes
For those who like some more spontaneity, The Whangie walking trail at the Kilpatrick Hills offers offers plenty of wild camping spots you can pick while on the hike. You will find nice views of Campsie Fells, Loch Lomond and the Highlands. Make a start from the Queens View car park on the A809, and Walking Highlands has a detailed guide of the trail, so do screenshot it before you go just in case there is no internet. You will find the perfect camping spot just past The Whangie towards Auchineden Hill.
3. Duncolm
Distance from Glasgow: 50 minutes
Drumgyone and Earl’s Seat near Killearn is also a close on, a mere 50 minutes from Glasgow. Visitors can just scan the horizon to spot the perfect camping spot during their walk, with plenty of great options available. The trail offers some amazing views of Loch Lomond, as well as the city lights of Glasgow at night. You don’t even really need a car for this one, just get the train to Old Kilpatrick, then head to camp on Duncolm. After you are done camping, head on the John Muir Way and catch the train back from Milngavie. Sounds like a plan!
4. Great Cumbrae
Distance from Glasgow: 1 hour 30 minutes
Located just off the coast of Ayrshire, Great Cumbrae is a small island only two miles wide and four miles long. To get there, visitors will need to take the ferry from Largs. As part of the Right to Roam law, campers can set up pretty much anywhere on the island, as long as they leave the spot as they found it. Glaid Stone Viewpoint is probably the most picturesque place on the island offering 360-degree views, situated in the middle of Great Cumbrae. Campers are advised to pitch their tents away from the trig point to avoid other hikers.