TRY YOUR LUCK, JUST CAR PARKS TO GET A NIGHT'S SLEEP.
A word of warning: This list contains mainly other people's info, therefore I cannot guarantee if these places are OK to stay. So please be careful when selecting a spot from this list. It is quite possible that parking lots have been closed; roads have been moved and luxury villa's built on that unique wild camping spot. But I really would like to hear from anyone who has corrections.
Just off the A64,on the B1249 Driffield Rd heading from Scarborough towards York this is a picnic area, but there are No overnite parking restrictions, although it is next to a fairly busy main rd, at the top of a 17% gradient hill, so not for light sleepers, it has got NO toilets .And somewhere to get level!(see pix) Most roadmaps will have it marked, as it is a picnic area, just look for this sign! You can see the toilets in the top of the picture,and, where the VW is ,somewhere to get level
RoseDale, North Yorks.
Just north of Pickering, on the very top of the moors, just above Rosedale, is a place marked on the O/S map called "RoseDale Abbey".This is one of the most fantastic places in the whole of the UK to wake up!
59J3 Suffolk - park on the sea defences to the south of Aldeburgh in East Anglia, drive past a car park up onto the wall/track. Yachts on one side, sand and sea on the other!
A truly spectacular site.
85F8 North Yorkshire - Ripon - Go to the “Victoria Grove” parking in the centre of town. Use the ‘lower parking’ as it’s more quit. It’s pay & display, £ 1.40 for more than four hours, free from 18.00 PM till 08.00 AM.
Cley-next-the-Sea itself has numerous attractions: a Windmill (now B&B accommodation) -- one of the best Smokehouses in England -- 'Picnic Fayre' which is actually a rather good delicatessen with scrummy ice-cream -- a dining pub -- 'The Cafe', which appears to be one of the best vegetarian restaurants I have seen (closed at my visit but even a confirmed carnivore was impressed by the menu) -- an interesting Church set a little away from the present village but with a lovely pub next door. MH can park in the Village Hall car park: turn off the A149 at the sharp bend by the smokehouse and deli, then turn left SP Village Hall; there is an overflow area to the left which is quite secluded, and a children's play area. Cley is well worth a visit, and the Coasthopper bus will get you back to Blakeney if you don't want to walk the (short) road distance or return again via the marshes.
The boat trips out to Blakeney Point to view common and grey seals and to land on the Point itself: the trips leave from Morston Quay, about 2km. W.of Blakeney, and three companies operate them; all follow a similar itinerary but check times as they depend on tides and not all trips are scheduled to land on the Point. They may not land on the Point anyway if the weather is foul.
06D4 - 127F2 Highland - The Ardnamurchan is pretty wild country, very rocky with lots of heather bracken and tussock. A few free camping areas on the A861 and B8007 if you don't mind a few midges and bit of true wilderness. A lot of the small villages are crofter style and the whole Ardnamurchan/Sunart/Moidart area is a great experience.
06C3 - 127F8 Highland - The Isle of Skye - Don't bother trying to camp anywhere near Elgol, it's very steep and there are few places you can even pull in.
07D7 - 132D3 Aberdeenshire - Fettercairn, there’s an 'Aire' at the Fettercairn Bowling Club.
06C3 – 134D4 Highland - The Isle of Skye has many opportunities for wild camping in lay-bys, picnic sites etc. Avoid areas too near a proper campsite, where they will try to discourage you, and of course avoid blocking the passing places on one-track roads.
06C3 – 134E7 Highland - The Isle of Skye - The coast road of the Trotternish peninsula has various pull-ins overlooking the sea. A couple of times we asked permission to camp outside a hotel/restaurant where we were eating or drinking. No problem (except midges).
06C3 - 127G2 Highland – A private car park at Ardtoe, right on the coast. It charges 40p for an unspecified time. I asked if we could stay overnight and we settled on 1 pound. There were rudimentary toilets but they were out of order at the time. Car park is partly grassy and we were the only vehicle there at night. It's just across a little road from the sea, with deserted coves, clear waters, and fantastic sunsets. And midges.
06C3 - 127G7 Highland - The Isle of Skye - A free camp on the Sleat Peninsula, the road doesn't have a number. It’s a loop road going through Tarskavaig and Tokavaig, off the A851 before you get to the clan Donald centre. The site is between the two villages but closer to Tokavaig - a nice flat and sheltered bit of green near a ruined Macdonald stronghold and right at the waterside. One of our 'best sites'.
08B5 - 116B2 Borders/Midlothian – On the A68 (the caravan route) between Carfraemill and Fala are two lay-bys on opposite sides of the road on the uphill drag. The one on the right goes right out of sight, the one on the left has a greasy spoon Mollies (hot and filling) but if you get next to Mollies van she starts her generator at 06.00Hrs. Don't use this spot if snow is forecast as it's between the snow barriers. If they close the road (regular when there is snow) you are trapped between the barriers. The chippie at Pathhead is great for a Haggis supper.
06D4 - 121J6 Highland – Parking on the A82 north to Glencoe (near Tulla Cott). Piper may wake you up if lucky. Great view to Bridge of Orchy.
Car parks at all Ski centres are ok. (Watch for snowgates closing - police may check on you, but are ok about it).
09B5 - 107K5 Borders - Jedburgh on A68 (Scottish borders). Just off A68 there is a car park around which flows a small river. On the other side is Jedburgh Castle, which is beautifully illuminated at night-time. 5 minutes walk away is town centre and the house Mary Queen of Scots lived in. On car park is also toilets and small cafe and souvenir shop. Have seen many campers there. As far as I know there is no charge.
Also on A68 right on Scottish borders on top of big hill are 2 large lay-by’s with fantastic view to the north up to 8-10 mile on clear day. Burger van is there during day also to be seen is a Scottish piper busking.
09B5 - 108C8 Borders - A697 at Coldstream, car park about three-quarters of the way through the Borough. Toilets in the car park.
08B4 - 115H5 Edinburgh – City of Edinburgh, head towards Dean Bridge from Queensferry Road, hang a left at Church immediately on your right before bridge and head into crescent past residents spaces, don’t turn first right. Great views over Dean Village and free parking Friday night - Monday morning.
09D7 - 79H2 Lincolnshire - A15 south of Waddington - Go past the airbase until you come to tower lane on the right.1 mile down dead straight and then turn off on second bend. Recommended for Air spotters but if Waddington is flying this spot is at the end of the runway so be warned.
09D7 - 79H4 Lincolnshire - Scampton - Turn off A15 onto A1500 at the showground signposted Marton/Scampton/Gainsborough. Turn right towards Scampton village, there is a viewing area right on the junction. If the Red Arrows are flying this spot is spectacular. Also back towards the A15 there is a spot at the side of the showground. The last two spots are fine for the Xmas mart but use the park and ride which is five minutes away, sometimes there is a special park and ride on the showground.
09D7 - 80B5 Lincolnshire - on the A631 between Market Rasen and North Willingham is a picnic area on left just beyond the racecourse. If you are narrow enough you can get into the carpark section (I can just get in with my small coachbuilt)
08C5 - 83F7 Lancashire - Entering Lancaster from the south turn left at foot of bridge over river signposted as Industrial Estate. Go beyond the houses and you come to a large factory on the left. On the right there is a deep lay-by (or picnic spot as rubbish bin present). Quiet with view of river.
09C6 - 85H5 North Yorkshire - Between Leeds and York in centre of Tadcaster there is a carpark by the river where the buses turn round. Fills up with lorries of an evening.
09D6 - 85K6 York – Just outside York is a Park & Ride
09C7 - 87G8 East Riding of Yorkshire - A deep lay-by on left of the A165 coming out of Bridlington, as you exit town
09C6 - 91G8 Durham - Off the A1M Junction 58 Turn towards Bishop Auckland, about 4 miles on the right-hand side.
09C7 - 92E4 North Yorkshire - North York Moors - Hole of Horcum, A169 N. of Pickering on North Yorkshire Moors. Car Parks (2) at top of Blue Bank. Seems okay for overnights but probably not for longer stay.
11B5 - 65G3 Staffordshire - take turning left through Handsacre and Armitage. Just after Plum Pudding PH slight hill. Immediately over crest on left pull in to small canalside parking area - suitable for anything that can get off the road quickly - have even seen lorries parked there. Three pubs in vicinity - Plum Pudding (now also quite a good restaurant - but a bit pricey), Spode Cottage (Tom Cobleigh outfit), and Ash Tree - towards Rugeley.
11B5 - 65J3 Leicestershire - M42/A444/A5 - Just off junction 11 - M42/A444 where the M42 becomes the A42 - half a mile towards Measham on an unclassified road (used to be the A453 before the A42) there is a large lay-by (old road). Used by lorries some nights, but I've never seen it full and its empty at weekends. There is a McDonald's and fuel at the Motorway Island, and 2 miles beyond the lay-by, in Measham itself is a Cantonese takeaway next door to a fish and chip shop. There is also a hotel (the Metro) at the Motorway Island - which has a restaurant, so plenty to eat! The junction is half an hour from the NEC off peak (an hour plus between 7.30am and 8.30am).
11B6 - 67H4 Lincolnshire - Colsterworth - Just beyond the Colsterworth roundabout (junction with A151, where the fuel stations are) there is an off-road lay-by which was an old road. The Ram Jam Inn and the adjacent garage share a large car park which might be useful if you park discreetly (that's off the A1 at the slip road for Oakham, turn right under the A1 bridge, then left and immediately left again).
11B6 - 67H6 Lincolnshire - If you come off the A1 (left) soon after Grantham onto the B6403 there are a couple of areas that lorries use in the first 200 yards off the A1. Some of this is grass but on the South side there is a fairly long patch of concrete. It is quieter here than your average lay by and less busy. Alternatively there are various lay-bys on that route, again used by lorries. Some are set back from the road so will be that bit quieter.
11B7 - 70A7 Norfolk - Further down the road try Brancaster beach - parking on the right and toilets on the left. Good place to fill up with water.
11B7 - 70B7 Norfolk - Burnham Overy Staithe - National Trust and boating club car park, all right for staying one night.
11B8 - 71G3 Norfolk - A1151 (The Wroxham road out of Norwich) pass the Green Man pub at Rackheath, 1/4 mile on the left-hand side, where the old bends have been straightened.
11B5 - 54A8 Leicestershire - on the A444 between the M42 and the A5. There are about 6 'old road' lay-by’s, some screened from the road by shrubs. The council has recently put notices restricting parking to a max of 12 hours - so they would be OK for overnights. They are between Twycross and Fenny Drayton. The one nearest Fenny Drayton (just north of it) has a caravan cafe during the day - so could provide breakfast! It is only about 5 minutes off the A5 so is you are looking for somewhere there, it could be worth a short detour.
11B6 - 56A6 Cambridgeshire - An old road at Stibbington where the truckers' 'diner' is situated. About a mile after the main junction with the A47 (bridge over the road). You might find it somewhere here.
11B6 - 56B8 Cambridgeshire - Around Water Newton, just before the signs for East of England Showground and Alwalton, there is a bit of old road which sometimes has a cafe in it during the daytime. It's shielded from the road by a belt of trees, but there is usually a somewhat ramshackle 'Cafe' sign.
11B7 - 58A7 Norfolk - Thetford Forest has a good site near Santon Downham, over the River Bridge and Rail Bridge - parking in forest area on the right. Watch the weight limit on the bridge - 3 tonnes but you can get it to the site from the other direction. Lovely walks through the woods - deer seen last year.
11B8 - 59J3 Suffolk - park on the sea defences to the south of Aldeburgh in East Anglia, drive through a car park up onto the wall/track. Yachts on one side, sand and sea on the other! A truly spectacular site.
10B4 - 63J6 Stafford - Had problems finding anywhere running down A5 from Llangollen to Shrewsbury. Took the road to Whitchurch Truck Stop just outside Whitchurch. It says £2 overnight and HGV's only but spoke to friendly trucker he said no one pays and don't worry about the HGV sign. Parked in the Long stay and Lorry Park middle of Worcester one afternoon and came back to find lorries filling it up. Meter says if you have a ticket that expires after 6 PM you can stay overnight. Most truckers don't bother with this. Friendly lot suggested that if we parked under the Railway arch (where lorries are banned from parking) we would be better off when all the lorries arrived. Entertaining to see them getting as many lorries in as possible.
10B4 - 64B5 Shropshire - Market Drayton - There is a dedicated truck park just off the A53 at the junction with the A529. It is outside the livestock market and just behind a big Tom Cobleigh pub (family friendly, with a playbarn). You sometimes get refrigerator trucks here which can be noisy!
11B5 - 65G3 Staffordshire - North of Lichfield - A515 signposted Ashbourne At junction with road signposted Handsacre there is a lay-by (rough ground) where Motorhomes have parked up before now and been undisturbed. Often a passable breakfast served by chap with a mobile kitchen. Virtually opposite Seedy Mill Golf Club (takes all comers I believe - if you really feel you must have a pre-breakfast round!)
100C3 Durham - Castleside - The car park at Smelter Arms pub on the A 68. It is advertised as an overnight caravan stop (sign on A68 on approach to Castleside from Rowley). Could be used as an overnight by motor homes. Ask at the pub. Ideal stop for onwards to Scotland.
92E4 North Yorkshire - North York Moors - Hole of Horcum, A169 N. of Pickering on North Yorkshire Moors.
90B1 North Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales - Great wild camping at the Ribblehead viaduct on the common land adjacent to the Railway Inn. Popular spot for parking whilst walking in the three peaks area.
88B6 Cumbria - St. Bees - The car park by the beach at St Bees, near Whitehaven. £2.70 no overnight restriction.
47H5 Essex - Dovercourt (near Harwich) - there are several carparks on the coastal road. One is “Award Beach” parking. (pay & display).
18C4 North Devon - Hartland Point - The car park at Hartland Point looks OK to stay.
18E4 Devon - Westward Ho! - Go through Westward Ho! keeping the sea to your right, keep on going and you'll find an amazing car park site next to the Westward Ho! Tors. Public toilets and drinking water outside tap. There is a fantastic pathway leading from the car park that takes you to two secluded beaches.
19J7 Devon - Lynton - "The Valley of Rocks" car park, fantastic scenery and only £1.00 per night.
17F4 Kent - Dungeness - Denge Beach - Lots of places to park right on the beach at no charge.
17F6 Kent - St. Mary's Bay - Just off the A 259 Leaving Dymchurch heading towards New Romney, there is a lane on your left at the start of the golf course. Drive along this lane (100 yards) to the sea wall. There is parking for 3 or 4 motorhomes there. Used quite frequently and busy in summer periods (2007)
17F6 Kent - Dymchurch - The Town Centre carpark. Pay & Display from 8 am - 18 pm. (2007)
17J7 Kent - Dover, a small layby on the B road towards St Margaret’s. There is a monument to the first flight of the old RFC (now RAF).
17J7 Kent - Dover, in the town centre carpark, which is on the main road two minutes from the ferry terminal. It is free until 8 am and, if you park on the far side, reasonably quiet. The shops etc. are round the corner.
17J7 Kent - Dover - Motorhomes can overnight in the signposted area along the seafront at Dover, near to the Hoverspeed terminal. It’s pay & display.
15H2 East Sussex - Telscombe Cliffs - Heading east (appr. 5 miles) out of Brighton on the A259, after Rottingdean and Saltdean, is Telscombe Cliffs. As you enter Telscombe Cliffs there is a sign off to the right to a public car park (if you get to the roundabout by Stewart Mouland Motorcaravans you've gone too far and need to turn back). You can't get in the car park because of height barriers but you can park on the access road outside right on the cliff top, use the public toilets and admire the views to Brighton Marina and Worthing. There are frequent bus services into town.
15H3 East Sussex - Lewes - A town-centre car park with no height barrier! It's in Friars Walk, behind the Friends MeetingHouse (50.8735N; 0.014E). It’s a pay-and-display park but free after about 6:00 PM and at weekends.
15H3 East Sussex - Lewes - There's a car park with no barriers at Spring Gardens (off North St) in Lewes, it's pay-and-display but not at weekends. Just remember to park well away form the bottle banks, which can be noisy! (2007)
15H3 East Sussex - Lewes - The “North Street Car Park”. Pay & Display from 8 am - 18 pm. Very busy during daytime, quiet at night (2007)
15H6 East Sussex - Ashdown Forest - There are pull-ins to picnic areas each side of the A22 in Ashdown Forest, south of Wych Cross.
15J2 East Sussex - If anyone is catching a very early ferry from Newhaven, a good place to sleep overnight might be on the seafront at Seaford. Unrestricted parking, and about 10 minutes drive from the docks. There is a sign saying ‘No Overnight Parking’, but motorhomes have been seen there at night, probably OK if you arrive late and leave early.
16B3 East Sussex - Cooden - Try the beach at Cooden (near Bexhill). Access is from coast road at Bexhill towards Pevensey Bay or vice versa. Toilets and a shop at the train station, about half a mile.
16B5 East Sussex - Robertsbridge - On the A21 heading north just past the Robertsbridge by-pass roundabout, is an area on your left hand side. It has no restrictions but part of the area is marked out for HGV's. The local village is then back to the roundabout and turn right, Local food shop, butchers, post office, chemists etc, about 15 minutes slow walk. You even get the mobile burger van in the mornings.
16D4 East Sussex - Rye - The carpark of “The River Haven Hotel and Restaurant” on the A259 from Rye to Hastings. No facilities. Two pounds per day (2007)
16D4 East Sussex - Rye Harbour - At the end of the road opposite the H.M Coastguard building. Space for appr. 4 motorhomes. Toiletblock nearby (2007)
16E4 East Sussex - Jurys Gap (east of Camber by Camber Sands) - There is a road leading up onto the sea wall allowing you to park right on the beach. You can park two Motorhomes up there and if the MOD range is closed you can park another 3 vehicles. This is an excellent spot and you wake with the sound of the waves on the beach 20m away (at high tide). Also a great spot to watch the kite and wind surfers.
02A3 Cornwall - St Just - Large car park in centre of town - free and with no restrictions on overnight parking. Local pubs and shops. Close to lands End, Sennen Cove, Cape Cornwall and Penzance.
02A4 Cornwall - Levant Mine National Trust - The National Trust and Trevithick Trust own and run Levant mine, a working Cornish steam engine. Just above the site is a large level parking area with stunning views over the Cornish coast, engine houses and out towards Pendeen Watch lighthouse.
02B2 Cornwall - Porthcurno - Car park, all-day ticket app. £4. Toilets open over night.
02B3 Cornwall - Carn Brea - Just off the Penzance/St Just road near to the airport. Last hill in Cornwall - flat level site but very isolated.
02B3 Cornwall - Lamorna Cove - Spectacular parking area, but inaccessible for campers over 6 meters and overnight parking not allowed. Great position on edge of harbour wall - great views with walks on either side. Could be fantastic in a winter storm.
02C3 Cornwall - Marazion - Overnight parking is allowed at Kings Road car park. Owners of large motorhomes would be wise to check the availability of spaces before attempting to drive into the town. Price £4 (2007), no facilities.
02C3 Cornwall - Marazion - Two layby's, one either side of the road. Take A30 from Penzance and off on to the A394. Lay-by’s are only a short distance along. They are well back from the road and are landscaped with bays. Bins are provided for rubbish and views are great.
02C3 Cornwall - Penzance - The parking layby on the coast road to Marazion. Once the pub traffic goes it is quiet. Outstanding views to St Micheals Mount.
02D4 Cornwall - Hayle - There are three car parks:
1. By the north Quay as you come into Hayle from the south. It is wide open and a little windy but only a very short walk to the shops. Park near the arches to get out of the wind.
2. As you go thru town there is a very narrow road across a bridge signposted swimming pool. There’s a car park alongside with a nice view across the copper pool.
3. Instead of turning to swimming pool car park go straight on. It is signed as a private road but has access to a beach car park.
There are reports that these car parks are sometimes patrolled by Police and overnighters sent away.
02E1 Cornwall - Lizard - The National Trust car park by the Lizard lighthouse. Toilet block open all night. Lovely spot, but be warned, the lighthouse beam flicking across the fields may look pretty but if a fog comes in at night you'll be woken up by a loud fog horn that blasts for 5-10s every 45s or so and it is only a couple of hundred feet from the car park!
02E5 Cornwall - Redruth - A small lorry park
02E5 Cornwall - Portreath - A good place to wild camp is on the B 3301 coast road from Portreath to Hayle. Follow that road out of Portreath up the big hill, after about 2 miles from Portreath you will pass on the left hand side an entrance for Tehidy Country Park. Virtually opposite to the entrance there is a track leading to basset cove car park. Very good sea view.
02E6 Cornwall - Chapelporth Beach, near St Agnes - Part of the set of Blue Juice, a lovely little cove, owned by the National trust who don't seem to mind you parking up.
03F4 Cornwall - Falmouth - long stay Lorry and coach park
03G4 Cornwall - Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsula - idyllic small harbour with pubs. Come into the village off the main Tregony/St Mawes road - car park on left and short walk into town.
03J5 Cornwall - There are a number of free sites around Eden/Heligan.
03J6 Cornwall - Follow the A390 into St Austell from Liskeard, after large roundabout and before ASDA-supermarket, turn left towards Penrice Hospital and Porthpean. Road narrows, continue until cross road. Turn left towards Trenarren (Black Head). Great views over St Austell Bay and towards the Gribben (Fowey). Car park before houses. Take left hand lane - rather uneven but passable - until you come to large open space with level parking. Superb walks out to Black Head
03J6 Cornwall - A layby between St Austell and Mevagissey.
03J5 Cornwall - The car park in Mevagissey will allow you to overnight at a nominal charge and it is in the middle of town and handy for shops, quay, restaurants etc. Beware - Do not try to drive through Mevagissey as it is very narrow, just go straight into the huge car park on the left.
04B5 Cornwall - entering Cornwall over the Tamar bridge on the A390, onto dual carriageway after Trerulefoot Roundabout, up the hill past Menheniot turning, toilets and layby on the left. Alternatively, continue on for approx. 1/2 mile, turn left towards Looe and then immediately left again (Old road left abandoned).
Car parks at all Ski centres are ok. (Watch for snowgates closing - police may check on you, but are ok about it).
95G7 Dumfries & Galloway - Glentrool Village - In Glentrool Village follow dead end road to Bruce's Memorial (Loch Trool). Several places along this road, There are toilets at the visitor centre. Keep going till road sign says ‘no unauthorised traffic’. Good place for overnight stay, very quiet.
96C4 Dumfries & Galloway - Kirkcudbright - In Kirkcudbright at the junction of A711 and B727 there is a forestry commission car park, good for overnight stop, 10 minutes walk into town.
96C4 Dumfries & Galloway - Kirkcudbright - In Kirkcudbright take the B727 towards Borgue. There is a picnic site on right next to sea. Toilet block.
96E5 Dumfries & Galloway - Dalbeattie - There are 2 forestry commission parking sites very close to one another. Both under a mile North East of Dalbeattie, just off the A711 Solway Coast Road. Both are well clear of the road and there are no signs to deter overnight parking. One of them has 2 water taps.
106C3 Dumfries & Galloway - Moffat - Overnight stop four and a half miles north of Moffat on the A701 for Edinburgh. Entrance is on the left, 30 yards short of the grey/white telephone exchange on the right. Notice board says Ericstane Forest. Follow good track about 60-70 yards, just room to turn a 16 foot van.
106E5 Dumfries & Galloway - Ettrick Valley, St Mary's Loch - Approaching St Mary's Loch from the Gordon Arms (Moffat) about half way along the loch is a small layby beside the loch, and a longer one on the opposite side. Both are close to the road but it is a very quiet road with little traffic.
107G4 Borders - Newmill - On the A7 there’s a layby going north just before Newmill. The layby is on the right side of the road 100yds before pub.
107K3 Borders - Carter Bar - On the A68 south of Jedburgh. There is a layby each side of the road.
107K5 Borders - Jedburgh on A68 (Scottish borders). Just off A68 there is a car park around which flows a small river. On the other side is Jedburgh Castle, which is beautifully illuminated at night-time. 5 minutes walk away is town centre and the house Mary Queen of Scots lived in. On car park is also toilets and small cafe and souvenir shop. Have seen many campers there. As far as I know there is no charge.
Also on A68 right on Scottish borders on top of big hill are 2 large layby’s with fantastic view to the north up to 8-10 mile on clear day.
108C8 Borders - Coldstream - On the A697 in Coldstream. A car park about three-quarters of the way through the Borough. Toilets in the car park.
112B3 Argyll & Bute - Skipness - On the north east of the Kintyre Peninsula. Take the B8001; then follow sign to Arran ferry. Go past the ferry; the road goes to Skipness which is a dead end. There are several places for overnighting next to the beach. In winter it could be possible to stay on the ferry car park because it is a seasonal service. The ferry car park is gravel, parking in the middle to the back is fine as the sides are deep with stones. If you stop on these parts you won’t get going again.
112B7 Argyll & Bute - Lochgilphead - Go north from Lochgilphead on the A816; take left fork on B841; go over canal bridge and on your right hand side is a car park. Ask lock keeper to park. There are two car parks along that road.
112D5 Argyll & Bute - Colintraive - Try the road by the side of the ferry, right on the waterfront. Two shops, a pub and a toilet.
112B7 Argyll & Bute - Lochgilphead - Go north from Lochgilphead on the A816; take left fork on B841; go over canal bridge and on your right hand side is a car park. Ask lock keeper to park. There are two car parks along that road.
112D5 Argyll & Bute - Colintraive - Try the road by the side of the ferry, right on the waterfront. Two shops, a pub and a toilet.
113F2 North Ayrshire - Fairlie - South of Largs, on the coast. On the south side of the village there are two picnic sites signed from the main road. One has a small toilet block. The other one has a main car parking area that is in view, but a few yards further on is a small spot just out of sight.
113F7 Argyll & Bute - Lochgoilhead. Take the road to Carrick Castle. In 3 miles there’s a turn off on left where you can stay overnight.
113F8 Argyll & Bute - Lochgoilhead - Try the main car park by the sea in the village.
113G7 - Argyll & Bute - On the A82 between Luss and Arrochar (121J1) are numerous large layby’s alongside Loch Lomond.
119F4 Argyll & Bute - Fionnphort: the car park at St. Columba Exhibition Centre.
120C1 Argyll & Bute - Ardfern/Aird - Go south from Oban on the A816 for about 27 miles. Then take the B8002. You go though a village called Ardfern. Keep going till you come up to a gate. Open gate and drive about 100yds in to small car park where you can stay. A nice spot overlooking Jura.
120E6 Argyll & Bute - Barcaldine - Go north on the A828 past Barcaldine camping caravan site (you can empty chemical and get fresh water there for small fee). North to first roundabout; then first left. Loch Creran is on your left. There are 6 or 7 layby’s on left.
121G2 Argyll & Bute - Inveraray - Try the car parks right of the pier on the seafront. Toilets open 6.00 am and there is a fresh water tap just at the side. The car parks next to water have signs saying no motorhomes or caravans. The big car park through the arches has a sign saying ‘no overnighting’. Not sure about the coach park.
121G2 Argyll & Bute - Inveraray - A few miles out of town on A 819 there is a picnic site on the right hand side of the road. It looks like an ordinary layby but it goes back off the road.
121H4 Argyll & Bute - Lochawe - On the A85, about 5 miles from Dalmally there is a dirt pull in layby on the left (from Dalmally) but behind it is another track hidden in the trees. There are 2 beaches only feet away.
122E4 Perth & Kinross - Lochearnhead - 24 miles west of Perth city on the A85 you can wildcamp virtually all the length of Loch Earn. Popular with fishermen, this area is used a lot but fairly clean if you pick your spot.
122E5 Perth & Kinross - Milton Morenish - On the A827 near Milton Morenish is a small lane towards the Bridge of Balgie. Go up the lane over cattle grids and keep climbing up the mountain till you come to the visitor centre for Ben Lawers Mountain. Use the car park. If you go further up the road, still climbing, you will come to a dam where you may also find a place to park.
122E5 Perth & Kinross - Milton Morenish - Overnight spot on the dam past the Ben Lawers visitors centre on the road down to Glen Lyon. At about 1200 feet it is quiet overnight and in a superb setting.
123G3 Perth & Kinross - Crieff - Crieff Visitors Centre car park. Shop opens in the morning at 9am and the shop has a nice toilet. Quiet spot.
123G7 Perth & Kinross - Aberfeldy - In Aberfeldy take the A826. In about a quarter of a mile there is a picnic area. Go onto top car park. OK for overnight stay. Few minutes walk into town.
On the same road, drive further on; ignore the first picnic site on right (no overnighting). There is another car park on the left off the main road used by walkers. There is a path leading onto Forestry Commission land.
127G2 Highland - A private car park at Ardtoe, right on the coast. It charges 40p for an unspecified time. I asked if we could stay overnight and we settled on 1 pound. There were rudimentary toilets but they were out of order at the time. Car park is partly grassy and we were the only vehicle there at night. It's just across a little road from the sea, with deserted coves, clear waters, and fantastic sunsets.
127G7 Highland - The Isle of Skye - A free camp on the Sleat Peninsula, the road doesn't have a number. It’s a loop road going through Tarskavaig and Tokavaig, off the A851 before you get to the clan Donald centre. The site is between the two villages but closer to Tokavaig - a nice flat and sheltered bit of green near a ruined Macdonald stronghold and right at the waterside.
127F2 Highland - The Ardnamurchan is pretty wild country, very rocky with lots of heather bracken and tussock. A few free camping areas on the A861 and B8007 if you don't mind a few midges and bit of true wilderness. A lot of the small villages are crofter style and the whole Ardnamurchan/Sunart/Moidart area is a great experience.
127F8 Highland - The Isle of Skye - Don't bother trying to camp anywhere near Elgol, it's very steep and there are few places you can even pull in.
127J1 Highland - Strontian: the car park at the Tourist Info.
127J1 Highland - Loch Sunart - On the A861 between Strontian and Salen there are two forestry commission car parks. One has a ‘no overnighting’ sign, the other does not.
128B4 Highland - Glenfinnan - The car park, just off the main road, at the start of the private road that leads under the viaduct.
128C1 Highland - Ardgour - Overnight stop at the base of the path to Garbh Bhien in Ardgour on the A861. Quiet spot. No passing traffic. Quickest way to get there is to use the Corran ferry from the A82, only a short crossing but saves about 60 miles.
128C1 Highland - Ardgour -Go north fom Ardgour; there’s a layby in the trees, about 1 mile up the road.
128C1 Highland - Ardgour - Go south from Ardgour on the A861. Keep the loch on left and you will see places to park on the old dead road.
128C1 Highland - Corran - The ferry terminal on the Fort William side.
128D2 Highland - Glen Nevis - Some excellent overnight stops in Glen Nevis on the roadside all the way down the Glen. Out of season is the best time as the Glen is fairly quiet.
128D3 Highland - Fort William - From Fort William go north on A82; about 2 miles on right hand side is the road to Ben Nevis. Loads of space in car park.
128D3 Highland - Fort William - Leave Fort William on the A82 towards Inverness and turn left at the lights signposted Corpach and the road to The Kyle of Lochalsh (A830). Take the first right after the Bridge and wind your way up the road. On the right there is a narrow entrance which takes you on to the loch side. Parking is for 4 or 5 vehicles only. There is a much larger car park at the bottom. Water is available, but ask the lock keepers first.
It is likely that a better parking can be had at the lower car park near the Moorings Hotel as you turn right off the main road.
128D3 Highland - Fort William - Nice parking lot at top of 'Neptune's Staircase' locks N.E. of town built to service yacht owners at top of Locks on Caledonian Canal. Very picturesque setting and free toilet block for boaters run by Waterways. No charge or signs apparent.
128D3 Highland - Invergarry - Near Lock Garry on the A87 you have a choice of three off road layby’s. Good places to use as a base, if you want to tour around Lock Ness for a few days.
128E5 Highland - Clunes - From Fort William take the A82 up to Spean Bridge; then take the B8004 from the Commando Memorial to Gairlochy and then the B8005 to Clunes. Through the Mile Dorcha (dark mile) to a car park on the right. Car park is level hardstanding.
129G7 Highland - Fort Augustus - South of Fort Augustus take the B862. Along that road there are two layby’s in which to park at the top of the hill. Road narrow at first.
129G7 Highland - Fort Augustus - South of Fort Augustus take the B862. Along that road there are two layby’s in which to park at the top of the hill. Road narrow at first.
130D1 Perth & Kinross - Pitlochry - North of Pitlochry turn left onto B8019; just past Queens View turn right into picnic area (Loch Tummel). There are toilets here.
131F6 Aberdeenshire - Linn of Dee, Cairngorm Mountains - Take the road west out of Braemar to the road end. There is a hard standing car park just over the Linn of Dee bridge which does not display any signs regarding overnight parking. Parking fee appr. £2 per day.
131F6 Aberdeenshire - Cairngorm Mountains - The sugar bowl car park. No facilities on site, local facilities at Glenmore 1 mile or at Aviemore 7 miles.
132D3 Aberdeenshire - Fettercairn, there’s an 'Aire' at the Fettercairn Bowling Club.
132E5 Aberdeenshire - Banchory - Try the car park at "Flemings Building Supplies" on the left travelling in from Aberdeen (A93). Keep the garden centre gate clear as they start at 06.30 in the morning.
133H7 Aberdeenshire - Aberdeen - You can park on the Aberdeen beach esplanade. The best places are across from the golf course. All the entertainment, cafes, funfair etc. is further along.
134D4 Highland - The Isle of Skye has many opportunities for wild camping in layby’s, picnic sites etc. Avoid areas too near a proper campsite, where they will try to discourage you, and of course avoid blocking the passing places on one-track roads.
134E7 Highland - The Isle of Skye - The coast road of the Trotternish peninsula has various pull-ins overlooking the sea. A couple of times we asked permission to camp outside a hotel/restaurant where we were eating or drinking. No problem (except midges).
135H4 Highland - Kyle of Lochalsh - If you go up the A890 from Kyle of Lochalsh there is a large layby overlooking Loch Carron where you can park.
You can also go up the mountain pass. It is ok for motorhomes; lots of passing places, just take your time, let cars pass you and keep everyone happy. You can park at the top (large view point).
Going down there’s a campsite just as you get to village on left.
Going round the bay you come up to a church park on left where it’s o.k. to park.
135J1 Highland - Glenelg - Take the A87 toward Glen Shiel; go right through the Glen until you see a petrol station on your left. Turn left just after this, following signs for Glenelg and the ferry. This is an old military road, single lane with passing places. Follow this road up the Ratagan pass, but beware as it is extremely steep! There is a picnic area about two thirds of the way up where you can stop. Carry on over the pass and descend into Glen More. Follow the road almost into Glenelg, but take a right turn (signposted to the ferry) before you reach the village. Drive about another half a mile until you see the sea, then just park up wherever you fancy.
137H6 Highland - Contin, picnic area along the A835, appr. half a mile west of the village. The toilets are closed at night.
137J3 Highland - Beauly - 9 miles west of Inverness, there is a truck stop behind the police station. Very quiet, good lighting, nice place for an overnight stop.
137K3 Highland - Inverness/Loch Ness/Dores - Coming out of Inverness on the B862 after 8 miles you come to a fork in the road; take right fork on B852. There is a pub on the t with a spot to park by the beach.
138C6 Highland - Rosemarkie - From Rosemarkie take the A832 towards Cromarty. Pass the turning onto the B9160. On the right hand side there is a large car park which goes well off the road. Good for overnight.
139G1 Moray - Tomintoul - The car park of Tomintoul Bowling Club, Lecht Drive, Tomintoul, off the B9008. Continental type Aire de Service. The site is specifically for motorhomes. The cost is £5 per night, maximum stay 2 nights (2007). Drinking water available; toilets, including disabled, on site; shops within 200 yards.
139G1 Moray - Tomintoul: A free parking can be found at the “Estate Office” towards the end of Mainstreet in Tomintoul.
139J6 Moray - (near Elgin) - Leave the A96 (Elgin to Keith) on to the B9015 (travelling inland), just before B9103 there is a Forestry Commission Car Park with plenty of space.
142C2 Highland - The Isle of Skye - A picnic layby near Flodigarry, north of Staffin. There were several places we could have stopped in that area.
143H3 Highland - Poolewe - Go from Poolewe on the B8057 towards Cove. Very nice beaches along that road with parking. Keep going until you come to a car park for old WW II base. Park there.
144D3 Highland - Braemore - 12 miles south on A835 from Ullapool, there is a large layby with public toilets. That’s on the main track, if you go on the A832 there is a large layby overlooking the valley looking towards Ullapool.
146C2 - Highland - Try the ferry at Nigg, which has a large car park and although there is no fishing from the pier, if you have a good rod and a good casting arm a salmon or two can be taken in late August. Watch out for the school of porpoises and the occasional whale. While the porpoises are in the bay they drive the salmon into the shallows, making it easier for poor fishermen like me.
146D3 - Highland - A quiet camp site is the one at Portmahomack near Tain, the site is owned by The Kirk so there are rules about not putting out washing on Sundays etc, but any rules fade into insignificance beside the gently sloping beach where the waves only just lap the beach as it is almost directly facing Northwest and safe within the Dornoch Firth.
148D5 Highland - Kinlochbervie, plenty of space to stay near the harbour. One of the locals advised to stay on the north side, near the yacht harbour, close to the houses.
149F7 Highland - Durness - Lots of places to park on the A838 from Laxford Brige.
151G7 Highland - Thurso, a car park west along the river, in the direction of the Information Centre.
151H3 Highland - Lybster, a nice spot can be found in Lybster Harbour near the Waterlines-building. Access via the A99, junction Lybster.
151H7 Highland - Castletown, the car park near the harbour (appr. 200 metres). Access via the A836, junction Castletown (between John O’Groats and Thurso).
151J5 Highland - Wick, in Noss Head on the car park near the lighthouse at Castle Garnigoe & Sinclair. In Wick first follow the road signs Papigoe-Staxigoe, then Noss Head.
151K7 Highland - John O’Groats: the car park at Duncansby Head.
153A2 Western Isles - Barra Island - the best beaches in Scotland so well worth a trip. Take the ferry from Oban. When on Barra take the A888. It’s the only main road from Castlebay Head towards the airport. Planes land on the beach when the tide is out. Bread only comes to the island twice a week so take plenty. Park up by air strip. When the airport is closed you can get water at nearby ferry terminal. Be careful driving on beach as there are soft spots and you can get stuck, stick to runway and you should be ok.
153A3 Western Isles - Barra Island - Try the western side of the island of Barra. About one mile after the Barra hotel keep the sea on your left side; there's a nice pitch overlooking the bay with a fresh water tap on the roadside.
Tesco (supermarket)
The general ruling for Tesco is that they have no problem with motor homes "parked up" for the night IF the following is observed:
- Park in a discreet corner of the car park - i.e., not right outside the front door, blocking others!
- Do not set up BBQ and picnic tables! This also applies to chairs etc.
- If there is more than 2 at any one time they start to worry
- Never leave anything behind; including water on the tarmac because non-campers think it is from the loo. Seriously!
- Only stay one night.
If you follow the above rules you should be ok at most branches of Tesco. If you do some shopping before you leave, it would be a nice gesture to mention to the manager, who you are, and thank him for the use of the car park. (Although sometimes he probably wasn't even aware you were out there!) If he sees you are a customer in his store it could encourage him to keep letting us stay overnight!
The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 is now used with regard to wild camping. It was introduced on the back of raves and N.A.T.s and all the hassle that went on at Stonehenge a few years ago. Have a look at the government’s own website containing the act.
Scroll down to the sections on trespass and especially the section headed "Powers to remove unauthorised campers"(77). Hope that gives a clearer definition of what’s legal and what’s not....
Basically there's no "right" to stay anywhere, other than on someone’s land with their permission. Thanks to all those hippies 10-15 years ago, you can be asked to move on at any time and failure to comply can land you in a whole heap of trouble.
If you stay in a layby or any part of a Highway, like a grass verge, then the local authority can ask you to move on. They first have to know you're there of course, but once you've been spotted and they ask you to move, then you have to move.
The Police have powers to move you from landowners land if there are two people camping and (a) you've damaged property or land or (b) you've been abusive to the landowner when asked to leave. In this instance, damage to the land could include ruts formed in the field by the tyres, so they can force you to leave under most circumstances. This also includes common land if asked to leave by a commoner. Of course, once asked, most people will comply and move on, so no problem, but it's as well to be aware that you've really no rights. Service stations started putting up the time limits for parking at the same time this legislation went through
The Drift Inn
looks like im the first one to post
the drift inn
front street
seaton burn
newcastle upon tyne
ne13 6bw
tel:-0191 2366780
landlord name :-kevin
manager name :-phil
facilities :- good level parking for aprox 10 vans up to 35foot
water on site
emergency electric
grey and black water disposal
good food served
friendly staff (or i sack em)
wifes not bad too
The Drift Inn
HI ALL
Great Hosts
THE CROWN INN HANDACRE
21 The Green
Handsacre
WS15 4DT
tel 01543 490003
Food, Canal Side, ATM, Free WIFI
The Oweners welcomed us as Motorhomers and offered free use of the water tap(as long as you take a beverage of course).
Very friendly I said that other motorhomers may turn up and they said we would be more than welcome.
Leek - pub stop over