Thinking of heading away with a friend for a few days camping in Scotland this summer. Might be driving up there or possibly getting the coach up. Hoping to be doing it on a fairly small budget so cheap campsites are in order

Looking for somewhere fairly quiet and picturesque but with good local walking, riding, fishing etc. A decent pub or two that serves good food would be very useful. Anyone have any recommendations?

Asking as the only place I have been to in Scotland is Thurso and thats a little far to go!

Ullapool

glen trool loch ken

Erm small things spring to mind…………….midges.

After July they get rampant north of loch lomond and are evil on the west highlands especially.

By the coast is good as anything over a 3 mph breeze sends them away.

Top spots are, malaig, applecross and Torridon, but as these midge top spots you do need that breeze.

I am sure loads will advise alternatives, just be prepared and perhaps seek out a few cheap bunk houses as an alternative.

If you need an inside track drop me a mail.

plockton, bunkhouse a station

Barisdale, Knoydart bit light on pubs though.

avoid the glenmore campsite, its the most expensive ive ever stayed at

>Top spots are, malaig<

Really – furryboots in Mallaig?

Morar and Arisaig further South are stunning though… 😉

Applecross is a good call – other quieter beach suggestions off the top of my head: Ardnamurchan, Gairloch ( not quiet but good) Redpoint /Opinan, Mellon Udrigle, Sannox ( Arran) Tayinloan (opp Gigha) Machrihanish, Benderloch, Achnahaird, Scourie, Badralloch, Poolewe and Isle of Harris must surely rank as worthy of a trip on it's own if you can make the effort/ distance / logistics.

All except Kintyre have great riding but you really need a car to make the best of short trip

Yer a good B&B to get away from the midges 💡

+1 for ullapool,, but beware the midges,, they are mean,,

last year we spent a week driving up the west coast to ullappool and the midges just got worse the further north we drove this was August

ullappol has it all some good cycling and walking you can even climb at the hotel buttress just 15mins walk from the town centre

Knoydart by boat would be doable (good pub too)

Big Sand in Gairloch or the Camping and Caravan Club site at Poolewe. Both on the coast so not too bad for midges.

The VisitScotland website is good for getting an idea of places to visit.

My personal recommendation it Tayvalliach in Knapdale. Good wee campsite and one pub ! One shop and one church too. Simply superb scenery and there is a bike route too.

Comrie Croft near Crieff is a great wee trail centre with camping 'on-site'

another vote for big sands – also findhorn near Inverness is a favourite. good sites down Knapdale – Kintyre way too…..

Dunkeld ticks all your boxes. Easy day tripsto the Cairngorms, by car or train, too. And the midges aren't a problem here. Camping at Inver just over the other side of the A9.

Big Sand +1

Alas, Achnahaird has now closed down. Was a fantastic campsite. 😥

wow thanks for all the recommendations folks. will look for some websites/prices tomorrow night

>Dunkeld ticks all your boxes……….
…….. And the midges aren't a problem here<

Wow – this thread is full of surprises! 😉

>Alas, Achnahaird has now closed down. Was a fantastic campsite<

That view takes a bit of beating doesnt it. Presumably wild camping isnt a problem?

This is looking back towards Gairloch from the roadside close to the Big Sands campsite:

And this is looking back towards Poolewe from one of the quiet side roads (the Inverewe Gardens campsite is in about the middle of this picture):

These were both taken a couple of weeks back.

+1 for Gairloch , Simply the most beautifull scenmery anywhere in Scotland.Couple of decent pubs local and totally quiet and tranquil.

Top spots are, malaig, applecross and Torridon,

+1 – Maybe not Mallaig itself, but round and about there's some nice places. we walked along Loch Morar then over to tarbet where there's a hostel you can stay in for around £1.50/night then ferry to Inverie and Maallaig. Trip is bikeable.
Also Knoydart – there's plenty camping and an allegedly good pub, check out the Old Forge's web site
Mallaig itself has the reputation as a drinking town with a bit of a fishing problem, so probably ok for a day or so to get oriented, but then just head out and check out the area.
Also, you might want to check out the Island of Rhum, i only spent a day there, but it looks like camping and biking a-plenty, but no boozing.
Finally, if you do want to splasha buit of cash, you can take a steam train from Ft William to Mallag – the one that was in the Harry potter films, and it does go over that viaduct.