Scotland is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rugged terrain, and wild beauty. As a new customer of our fully electric campervan, you are about to embark on an unforgettable adventure exploring Scotland’s countryside while enjoying the freedom and eco-friendliness of wild camping. To ensure a responsible and hassle-free trip, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code which provides guidelines for accessing the great outdoors while respecting the environment, landowners, and fellow campers.

In this post, we’ll break down the essentials of the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and offer practical tips for a successful wild camping experience with your EV Camper Company hire.

What is the Scottish Outdoor Access Code?

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is a set of principles that encourages responsible enjoyment of Scotland’s outdoors. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of individuals, land managers, and landowners when it comes to accessing the countryside, parks, and other green spaces. The code promotes a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Scotland’s natural beauty while preserving it for future generations.

Access Rights and Responsibilities

As a wild camper in Scotland, you have the right to access most land and inland water, including mountains, forests, beaches, and rivers, provided you do so responsibly. The following guidelines will help you adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code during your EV Camper trip:

1. Respect the environment: Leave no trace of your visit by taking away all litter and debris, and avoid lighting open fires in areas with a high risk of wildfires.
2. Keep your campervan on designated routes: Stick to established roads and tracks, and avoid driving on grass or sensitive areas to minimize damage to the environment.
3. Camp responsibly: Choose a discreet and unobtrusive site, away from buildings, roads, and main paths, and avoid staying in one spot for more than two nights.
4. Respect the needs of others: Give way to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders on shared paths, and keep noise levels to a minimum, especially during the evening and early morning hours.

Respecting Wildlife and Livestock

Scotland’s countryside is home to a diverse array of wildlife and livestock. To protect these creatures and their habitats, follow these guidelines:

1. Keep a safe distance: Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially during breeding seasons, and give livestock space to move around freely.
2. Keep your pets under control: If you bring a dog with you, ensure it is on a leash in areas with livestock and keep it under close control in other areas to prevent it from chasing or disturbing animals.
3. Avoid feeding animals: Feeding wild animals can harm their health and disrupt natural feeding patterns. Additionally, refrain from feeding livestock, as it may cause them to become aggressive or dependent on humans.

Respecting Private Property and Farmland

Respecting private property and farmland is essential when wild camping in Scotland. Landowners and farmers have the right to their privacy, and their lands play a vital role in the country’s agricultural industry. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a positive relationship with the local community:

1. Seek permission if necessary: While the Scottish Outdoor Access Code allows you to wild camp on most unenclosed land, always seek permission from the landowner if you are unsure or if you plan to stay for an extended period.
2. Keep clear of buildings and crops: Avoid camping close to homes, farm buildings, and cultivated fields. Instead, select a spot that is out of sight and at least 100 meters away from these areas to minimize your impact.
3. Leave gates as you find them: If you encounter gates, be sure to leave them as you found them. If a gate is closed, close it behind you; if it’s open, leave it open. This helps prevent livestock from escaping and preserves the land for future generations.
4. Minimize fire risk: Use a camping stove for cooking, and never light open fires, especially near forests or on peaty ground. If you must have a fire, use a fire pan or portable fire pit, and ensure it’s completely extinguished before you leave.

Responsible Waste Disposal

Proper waste disposal is crucial when wild camping to maintain the pristine beauty of Scotland’s countryside. Here are some best practices for managing waste while exploring the great outdoors with your electric campervan:

1. Carry it in, carry it out: Take all your trash with you when you leave. Use biodegradable bags to collect waste and dispose of it responsibly at designated waste disposal facilities.
2. Leave no trace: Be mindful of your impact on the environment, and ensure your camping area is left as you found it. Dismantle any makeshift structures and refill any holes or trenches you may have dug.
3. Dispose of human waste responsibly: If you need to go to the toilet while wild camping, dig a small hole at least 30 meters from water sources, and bury your waste. Pack out used toilet paper in a sealed bag to dispose of it properly later.
4. Grey and black water disposal: Empty the grey and black water tanks of your electric campervan only at designated waste disposal points. Never dump wastewater into the environment, as it can contaminate water sources and harm wildlife.

By following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, you can enjoy a responsible and sustainable wild camping experience with your electric campervan. Respecting wildlife, private property, and practising proper waste disposal will help preserve Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes for future generations to enjoy. Happy camping!