Loch Ness 360° Trail

Tag: wild camping

  • Respecting Scotland’s Nature and Animals

    Respecting Scotland’s Nature and Animals

    The Scottish Highlands can be a little strange to people visiting from a loud and hectic city. To be suddenly enveloped in the absolute peace and tranquillity of Loch Ness can take people aback. Wild animals run through fields as rare birds fly overhead. It can feel liberating as if there is no-one else for miles. This, unfortunately, can lead some people to think they are free to act as they please and treat Loch Ness’ nature and general area however they would like.

    Of course, they can’t, but it has led to instances of littering, trespassing and rude behaviour by some. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code was drawn up as a response. It’s a way to share best practice of spending time in the countryside and near our animals with those unfamiliar with it. 

    cycling in a mountainous region in Scotland

    The Scottish Outdoor Access Code

    A person has access rights to most parts of Scotland if they act responsibly, asset out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. It means that most of Scotland’s amazing places and wildlife can be experienced by anyone. 

    The key to this, of course, is the “responsibly” bit. How can we make sure visitors know what is acceptable and what is irresponsible? This is where the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) comes in. It describes best practice in just about every instance of being outdoors. From air sports to camping; nature reserves to military lands, it’s the best source for making sure your visit to the Highlands goes without a hitch. 

    a woman stands next to her tent in the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands

    Wild Camping in Scotland

    A major difference between enjoying the outdoors in England and Scotland is that in Scotland, you can camp in the wild outdoors. In England and Wales, apart from a few special areas, you have to camp in designated campsites. This can lead to your enjoyment of the outdoors being ruined by smelly toilets and screaming children. 

    In Scotland, you are mostly free to camp up wherever you want – this is called wild camping. There are limits to this of course. You can’t simply walk into somebody’s garden, or a school field, or in a crop field. The landowner may ask you not to camp, in which case, you should leave. Wild camping does offer the outdoors enthusiast a way to experience the outdoors alone, away from civilization and under the stars. It can be the closest you’ll ever get to nature.

    As camping is such a popular activity here around Inverness and Loch Ness, there is plenty of information available to help you do so responsibly. One such resource is this guide to good practice. 

    A deer looks into the camera in the rain.

    Sharing Our Space

    Everyone is welcome to explore the Loch Ness 360° trail, and with just some consideration, we can make sure everyone has a fantastic visit. Treating our nature with respect can only enhance our love of it. If you are planning a trip to enjoy Loch Ness’ nature, please take a moment to read the access code. It could save you a lot of hassle down the road!

  • Preparing for an Emergency: A Jobby Bloggy

    Preparing for an Emergency: A Jobby Bloggy

    A man sits on a toilet in the outdoor wilderness.

    Loch Ness 360°’s Toilet Blog

    Sometimes, the call of nature is all too real. One minute you’re out on the Loch Ness 360° Trail having a run around, enjoying your hobby. The next, you’re running around because you need a jobby. And when we say jobby, we don’t mean a small DIY task…

    Suddenly needing the toilet is all too common (especially as we get older!) but it’s even worse when you’re outdoors and potentially miles from anything that flushes. Luckily, all around Loch Ness are various places you can stop to take care of business. There are also a few rules about wild-pooing that we’d like to explain to you, so that someone doesn’t go and put their foot in it. 

    A Scottish sign for the toilets, including an image of a man in a kilt.

    Toilets Around Loch Ness

    Many people going on the trail around Loch Ness will start at either Inverness in the north, or Fort Augustus at the southern tip. Luckily, there are public toilets available at both places. Inverness toilets include ones at the train station, and at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Fort Augustus toilets are in the Caledonian Canal Centre and at the main car park.

    Such was the sheer joy at new public toilets in Fort Augustus in 2009 that a news story about their construction was written!

    Along the southern shore of Loch Ness, whilst camping is a magnificent way to spend time, public amenities aren’t common so it’s useful to know where they are. This way, you can plan in advance and hopefully not be caught short. 

    The Dores Inn offers a rest stop, and whilst there why not enjoy a drink or bite to eat? Further south – around the half way point – there is a lovely toilet at Inverfarigaig. It’s actually one of Loch Ness’ best kept secrets, second only to the monster. There’s a car park, and some rather lovely wooden sculptures to admire post-relief. 

    On the northern shore, you can find toilets in Drumnadrochit car park. If you are able to get slightly further away from the lochside, the Abriachan Forest Trust Car Park has toilets you can use too. 

    The Great British Public Toilet Map is an excellent resource for everyone out and about who may wish to spend a penny. Although you don’t have to with this – it’s free!

    Jobby Bloggy

    Sometimes, however, we’re miles from the nearest porcelain throne and there’s nothing for it but to wild poo. And folks – that’s okay! Better out than in.

    There are a few guidelines you should follow though. Basic stuff really, like please don’t poop on the 360° route. It’s so true, it sort of rhymes. And if you will be out for the day, then plan ahead. Buy yourself a nice trowel (you’ll see why in a moment). 

    The Scottish Outdoor Access Code helps ensure that everyone has statutory access rights to most of Scotland’s outdoors.  With regards to pooping outdoors, it says “If you need to urinate, do so at least 30 metres from open water or rivers and streams. If you need to defecate, do so as far away as possible from buildings, from open water or rivers and streams, and from any farm animals. Bury faeces in a shallow hole and replace the turf.”

    That makes sense, doesn’t it? So for wild peeing, don’t wee into streams.  Don’t poo near anything that something might stand in, slip on or eat (urgh) your deposits. Digging a hole to go in is the best idea, if you can. Then just cover up your droppings and walk away whistling at a jobby well done. 

    Some even say that if you have a dog poo bag, you could poo into that, then perhaps double-bag it for everyone’s sake before disposing of it correctly. If you try this, do let us know how you get on…

    Three Scotsmen have a wee outdoors.

    Whatever way works for you, please please don’t just leave your waste lying around. People regularly use the Loch Ness 360° trail, with children going on adventures and dogs sniffing out smells. We don’t want them coming home with your smell on them, do we?

    So please share this toilet blog with anyone wild camping or that spends a lot of time outdoors. You never know, it may save someone’s brand new Size 11s from getting binned one day.