Scotland in May June

[Richard Boulton]

Thinking of doing Scotland in May and June are motorhomes welcome,because I keep hearing stories about it being full of MH so would l have to book camping’s a long time in advance anybody got any suggestions

 

[Jake Royd]

We did most of the NC500 this May. No real problem with road traffic and parking ups.
Yes , plenty of people around but we were fine.

 

[CWH]

It's not so much the volume of m/h (though some areas do get over-run, and overwhelmed) as the number who aren't really up to driving the roads or understanding what is acceptable behaviour.
Lack of understanding of the law, and of local custom-and-practice, are major contributors to any bad feeling.

If you want campsites, you'd be well advised to book ahead as they do get full, during the English school holidays in particular.
Of course Scotland is quite big - roughly three-fifths the size of England - so it does depend a great deal on where you're planning to go.

 

[Jammi]

Beware of the midges come June!

 

[VXman]

We did 2/3 weeks in May last year and didn't book anything. We used off grid places found through Park4night and search for sites. There are also a lot of carparks in nice places that allow overnight camping for a small fee. We dumped waste in a few places found on park4night - one was a campsite that allowed dumping for a small fee. Water available in various spots including harbours.

It wasn't too busy with motorhomes in May.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[CRD]

It's not so much the volume of m/h (though some areas do get over-run, and overwhelmed) as the number who aren't really up to driving the roads or understanding what is acceptable behaviour.
Lack of understanding of the law, and of local custom-and-practice, are major contributors to any bad feeling.

We experienced this in September/October last year.

I've never seen so many hired motorhomes and many were obviously driven by people who didn't have a clue, or knew what to do in campsites. Seeing them all blasting around the NC500 put us off doing that route, which is a shame, however we had a great time in other parts of Scotland and generally just booked each site on the fly, depending on weather.

We never encountered any bad feeling towards MH's, once away from the NC500. In fact everyone we met was really friendly and helpful.

 

[CWH]

blasting around the NC500

There are also many, many cars and motorbikes doing the same - and these, of course, don't have on-board loos or space to store domestic waste, and are responsible for a lot of the damage and trashing of the countryside that motorhomes get blamed for.
I'm not saying motorhomes are blameless though - I've seen plenty of bad behaviour from all sectors.

 

[Kayak Kid]

Have a great time visiting our country.

I suggest that you miss out the ‘honeypot’ of the NC500 as there are so many other equally beautiful areas and routes to follow.

The comments from some of the above Funsters on the NC500 relate to the high volume of motorhome/ campers/ leisure vehicles and cars and vans (many who camp), the lack of suitability of many of the roads, poor driving by many drivers of a variety of vehicles and indeed poor behaviour by some in terms of inappropriate parking, disposal of grey and black waste - all combining to cause tensions and rising concerns by the locals who have to live, travel and work in the various areas on the route. Whilst the whole idea has been a marketing success the infrastructure currently is struggling to cope.

Please remember that ‘off site’ overnight parking is not permitted in Scotland - unless the landowner (Private or Public) has given permission or signposted accordingly. It pains me to use the words ‘Wild Camping’ for reasons stated elsewhere on this forum but ‘Wild Camping’ (in accordance with the Scottish Access Code in Scotland) is only permitted by access on the land on foot and using a small tent to camp. It is not permitted in or by vehicles of any type.

I hope this is helpful.

Jim

 

[Bear]

We experienced this in September/October last year.

I've never seen so many hired motorhomes and many were obviously driven by people who didn't have a clue, or knew what to do in campsites. Seeing them all blasting around the NC500 put us off doing that route, which is a shame, however we had a great time in other parts of Scotland and generally just booked each site on the fly, depending on weather.

Agree re the hired lot. I would gave thought that they would / should have a lesson or two when booking, not just the here's the headlights n hook up goes in here.

We never encountered any bad feeling towards MH's, once away from the NC500. In fact everyone we met was really friendly and hehelpful.

Nc500 is sadly just a tick box exercise for the majority as they speed around it.
Soooooo much else to see.

 

[poppycamper]

Agree 100% with Kayak Kid...
Contrary to what some think there IS much much more to our lovely country than the "Infamous" NC500.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[CWH]

‘Wild Camping’ (in accordance with the Scottish Access Code in Scotland) is only permitted by access on the land on foot

..... or horse, or bicycle, or water

 

[bigtwin]

Of course Scotland is quite big - roughly three-fifths the size of England - so it does depend a great deal on where you're planning to go.

And with only a tenth of the population of England.

Please remember that ‘off site’ overnight parking is not permitted in Scotland - unless the landowner (Private or Public) has given permission or signposted accordingly.

That rather depends on what you mean by ’off site’. It is perfectly legal to park in any designated parking area (unless there are specific prohibitions signposted) in the same was as any other vehicle can park in them.

Ian

 

[Kayak Kid]

..... or horse, or bicycle, or water

Yes, you are correct. I was trying not to complicate matters as the poster was looking to visit Scotland and I didn’t want to over egg things.The full detail and background to the Scottish Access Code based on the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003
is readily available to read online - if anyone is interested. In other threads I have referenced this also.

 

[Kayak Kid]

And with only a tenth of the population of England.



That rather depends on what you mean by ’off site’. It is perfectly legal to park in any designated parking area (unless there are specific prohibitions signposted) in the same was as any other vehicle can park in them.

Ian

Equally, the same can be asked on what is meant by ‘Wild Camping’ a term which is incorrectly (in my view) used to describe when not stopping overnight in a Camper/ Motorhome on a formal campsite, aire or other area clearly designated for overnight stops (with or without any services). ‘Off site’ to me is a more appropriate term to describe the above, as is ‘off road‘ and ‘off grid’. The term ‘Wild Camping’ as I have said before on this forum is absolutely incorrect, misleading and confusing to some when they visit Scotland where ‘wild camping’ has a clear legal meaning.

Yes, parking a Campervan/ Motorhome in a designated parking area (unless prohibited by signage) is permitted just like a car is . However, for parking and sleeping overnight in a Campervan/ Motorhome or other Leisure Vehicle in a designated parking area - is not necessarily permissible (unless stipulated otherwise). I also include lay-bys in this. The situation varies by local authority throughout the UK.
Unless it clearly states that overnight stopping is permitted in a designated parking area the Police may have the right to ask you to move on - based on the the local authority area.

My apologies to Funsters for repeating some of the above from previous postings and threads.

 

[bigtwin]

Equally, the same can be asked on what is meant by ‘Wild Camping’ a term which is incorrectly (in my view) used to describe when not stopping overnight in a Camper/ Motorhome on a formal campsite, aire or other area clearly designated for overnight stops (with or without any services).

I understand where you are coming from BUT, as Jim mentioned earlier, in the context of motorhomers use of the term, it is an accepted, and understood, term for off-grid/site parking.

‘Off site’ to me is a more appropriate term to describe the above, as is ‘off road‘ and ‘off grid’. The term ‘Wild Camping’ as I have said before on this forum is absolutely incorrect, misleading and confusing to some when they visit Scotland where ‘wild camping’ has a clear legal meaning.

In that context then your earlier statement (copied below) below is simply not true.

‘off site’ overnight parking is not permitted in Scotland - unless the landowner (Private or Public) has given permission or signposted accordingly

As I stated in an earlier response, it is perfectly legal to stay (off-site) in any legal parking are (and parts of the highway) UNLESS a specific prohibition exists. No permission is required for this.

However, for parking and sleeping overnight in a Campervan/ Motorhome or other Leisure Vehicle in a designated parking area - is not necessarily permissible

Again, the above statement is not true. It is perfectly permissible provided that there is no specific prohibition.

is not necessarily permissible (unless stipulated otherwise).

If I’ve understood your meaning correctly, you're saying that signage must state that it’s ok to stay overnight for it to be permissible. This is not the case; if it is not permissible to stay overnight then the prohibition must be signed.

Unless it clearly states that overnight stopping is permitted in a designated parking area the Police may have the right to ask you to move on

There is no ambiguity in your meaning above but I note that you say the Police MAY have the right to ask you to move on. Either they have the right (if there is a prohibition), or they don’t (if no such prohibition exists).

Ian

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Dall]

Agree re the hired lot. I would gave thought that they would / should have a lesson or two when booking, not just the here's the headlights n hook up goes in here.


Nc500 is sadly just a tick box exercise for the majority as they speed around it.
Soooooo much else to see.

Once we were enjoying a few days near Dumfries when a hired T5 VW arrived late, having just picked up the van on hire in Birmingham and driven straight to Dumfries (Poor things, they hadn't a clue about the van, it's systems or what they should be doing while touring). The next day they were going to be in Inverness so they could start the "500" and be back in Brum in 4 days. Says it all.....
Scotland is a big and lovely country - keep clear of the 500 is my recommendation..

 

[Dall]

Thinking of doing Scotland in May and June are motorhomes welcome,because I keep hearing stories about it being full of MH so would l have to book camping’s a long time in advance anybody got any suggestions

On the rear of a friend's Bongo!

 

[Bear]

Once we were enjoying a few days near Dumfries when a hired T5 VW arrived late, having just picked up the van on hire in Birmingham and driven straight to Dumfries (Poor things, they hadn't a clue about the van, it's systems or what they should be doing while touring). The next day they were going to be in Inverness so they could start the "500" and be back in Brum in 4 days. Says it all.....

Exactly what I dislike about the nc500 lot, not all of course, I got 5 days can I do it. Claim my badge. And similar when I looked after a camp site, the amount of folks that didn't have a clue how things worked or even how to put up a tent

Scotland is a big and lovely country - keep clear of the 500 is my recommendation..

Yes soooo much to see. Take your time and just enjoy it rather than race around

 

[Kayak Kid]

I understand where you are coming from BUT, as Jim mentioned earlier, in the context of motorhomers use of the term, it is an accepted, and understood, term for off-grid/site parking.


In that context then your earlier statement (copied below) below is simply not true.


As I stated in an earlier response, it is perfectly legal to stay (off-site) in any legal parking are (and parts of the highway) UNLESS a specific prohibition exists. No permission is required for this.


Again, the above statement is not true. It is perfectly permissible provided that there is no specific prohibition.


If I’ve understood your meaning correctly, you're saying that signage must state that it’s ok to stay overnight for it to be permissible. This is not the case; if it is not permissible to stay overnight then the prohibition must be signed.


There is no ambiguity in your meaning above but I note that you say the Police MAY have the right to ask you to move on. Either they have the right (if there is a prohibition), or they don’t (if no such prohibition exists).

Ian

Don’t wish to bore people with us ping ponging back and forth - I am content with the accuracy of the specifics that I have outlined, and will leave it for people to interpret as they wish! I have outlined the situation in Scotland. The following link may be of interest to some https://www.motorhomeprotect.co.uk/...torhome-or-campervan-be-parked-on-the-street/ There are many more articles online.

Hope the original creator of this thread enjoys their visit to Scotland aided by the guidance and advice given by the Funsters on here.

Over and out!

 

[CWH]

Apologies for continuing down this side-track .....

I understand where you are coming from BUT, as @Jim mentioned earlier, in the context of motorhomers use of the term, it is an accepted, and understood, term for off-grid/site parking.

Unfortunately problems arise when people try to use the SOAC to justify their parking and overnighting on private land .....
..... literally screaming that they have the right to do so, verbally abusing and threatening even the rangers trying to inform them. (Rangers do not ask people to move.)

if it is not permissible to stay overnight then the prohibition must be signed

I know I've taken this slightly out of context, but for wider distribution ..... Signage prohibiting overnighting does not need to be posted on private land.

The following link may be of interest ..... There are many more articles online.

I find that article to be very weak, particularly in its references to 'camping rules' outwith the country of England.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[CWH]

Exactly what I dislike about the nc500 lot, not all of course, I got 5 days can I do it. Claim my badge.

Folks from outside the area can't appreciate how long some of these roads can take to drive ... and then there's the sight-seeing and rest breaks on top etc

 

[Kayak Kid]

Apologies for continuing down this side-track .....

Unfortunately problems arise when people try to use the SOAC to justify their parking and overnighting on private land .....
..... literally screaming that they have the right to do so, verbally abusing and threatening even the rangers trying to inform them. (Rangers do not ask people to move.)

I know I've taken this slightly out of context, but for wider distribution ..... Signage prohibiting overnighting does not need to be posted on private land.

I find that article to be very weak, particularly in its references to 'camping rules' outwith the country of England.

Re your last paragraph - the reason for posting was in relation to parking on public roads/car parks and the variations that exist throughout local authorities. I have probably said enough meantime on the so called ‘ wild camping’ issues.

 

[bigtwin]

Unfortunately problems arise when people try to use the SOAC to justify their parking and overnighting on private land .....

They can’t; the SOAC is largely irrelevant to motorhomers (unless they are of the hike into the hills variety) because it doesn’t apply to them.

I know I've taken this slightly out of context, but for wider distribution ..... Signage prohibiting overnighting does not need to be posted on private land.

No, that’s the key point of the earlier discussion; it related to legitimate (legal) parking areas and not private land. Contrary to @Kayak Kid’s statements, MHs can legally (off-site) park anywhere that a car can (unless there are specific prohibitions).

Ian

 

[L' Hobo]

Now!
To get back to what the OP was asking?

 

[Kayak Kid]

They can’t; the SOAC is largely irrelevant to motorhomers (unless they are of the hike into the hills variety) because it doesn’t apply to them.


No, that’s the key point of the earlier discussion; it related to legitimate (legal) parking areas and not private land. Contrary to @Kayak Kid’s statements, MHs can legally (off-site) park anywhere that a car can (unless there are specific prohibitions).

Ian

Oh dear - round and round the roundabout we go!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[CWH]

sorry...

They can’t; the SOAC is largely irrelevant to motorhomers (unless they are of the hike into the hills variety) because it doesn’t apply to them.

exactly what I said
problems arise when people TRY to justify etc

 

[ambulancekidd]

Thinking of doing Scotland in May and June are motorhomes welcome,because I keep hearing stories about it being full of MH so would l have to book camping’s a long time in advance anybody got any suggestions

My advice is simple. Just remember that Scotland starts at the border.
Do a sharp left at that border & explore Dumfries & Galloway, you wont regret it & you'll be certain to come back.
The highlands have a majesty that'll take your breath away, so head up there too.
Midge advice is available on the banner at the bottom of my page.

Above all, enjoy yourselves..Robert.

 

[CWH]

Now!
To get back to what the OP was asking?

haha yes you're right of course
my own thoughts in answer to OP's question was in Post #3 above

 

[BusyBuilder]

Here's a great resource for all things Scottish

Log in to Facebook

Log in to Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family and people you know.

www.facebook.com

 

[CWH]

Here's a great resource for all things Scottish

Log in to Facebook

Log in to Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family and people you know.

www.facebook.com

my absolute fb favourites, makes me hoot, real genius postings

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}