Scotland Camping Trip

travelwithmil
Apr 17
4 min read

Getting There

We drove 7 hours from Chorley to the Campsite in Glencoe, with the journey itself being an adventure. And the excitement building as we headed towards one of Scotland’s most beautiful and iconic landscapes.

As we drove through the rolling hills of the English countryside and crossed into Scotland, the views only got more stunning. The winding roads took us through lush green fields, and towering mountains. Every mile brought us closer to the majestic beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

By the time we reached Glencoe, we were ready to set up camp and immerse ourselves in nature. The drive was long, but it was well worth it for the peaceful escape that awaited us at the campsite.

Accommodation

Red Squirrel Campsite

We camped at the Red Squirrel Campsite in Glencoe, a peaceful and scenic spot nestled in the heart of the Highlands. The campsite is surrounded by rivers, ancient woodland, and even has a nearby loch perfect for a refreshing dip or a quiet moment by the water.

One of the highlights? It’s just a short drive or walk from the filming location known to Harry Potter fans as "Hagrid’s Hut Hill" (Clachaig Gully). The iconic backdrop from the movies makes it feel like you're camping right in the middle of a magical world—especially when the mist rolls over the hills.

Day One: Setting Up & Settling In

We left Chorley at 10:30 a.m. and arrived at Red Squirrel Campsite around 5:30 p.m., just as the golden evening light settled over Glencoe. After the long drive, we unloaded the car, pitched our tents, and pulled out the camp chairs for a well-earned rest.

Dinner was a simple but satisfying meal—tortellini with pasta sauce, cooked on my trusty camp stove. As the rest of the group arrived, we gathered around the campfire, shared stories, toasted marshmallows, and soaked in the peaceful surroundings.

Of course, no Scottish camping trip would be complete without the infamous midges... and they definitely made their presence known. Despite the swarms, the laughter and campfire vibes made it a perfect first night in the Highlands.

Day Two: Chasing Trains & Dodging Rain

We knew the weather was going to be a bit temperamental, so after a quick breakfast, we set off toward Glenfinnan Viaduct—famous for its appearance in Harry Potter as the route of the Hogwarts Express.

Even with grey skies looming, the views were still magical. We explored the area, wandered through the visitor centre and gift shop, and made our way to the monument by the water’s edge. The dramatic scenery of the loch and surrounding hills made it worth the trip, even without catching the train on the tracks.

A little drizzle couldn’t dampen the adventure—it just added to the moody Highland atmosphere.

After exploring Glenfinnan Viaduct, we made a quick stop on the way back to the campsite to stock up on snacks, grab a meal deal for the next day, and pick up some drinks.

Once back at Red Squirrel, we decided to walk up to the filming location of Hagrid’s Hut—a must-see for any Harry Potter fan. The views over Glencoe were stunning, and standing where those iconic scenes were shot made the moment feel even more magical.

Later, we headed to a local pub for a couple of well-earned drinks before returning to camp. Some of us cooked dinner at our tents, while others grabbed food from the on-site food truck. As the evening chill crept in, we lit the fire and settled in for another relaxed night—listening to music, sharing stories, sipping drinks, and, of course, battling yet another round of midges. Classic Scotland.

Day Three: Ben Nevis and a Chilly Wild Swim

We had an early start—up at 6 a.m., quick breakfast, dressed, and out the door by 7 a.m. to head to the Ben Nevis Car Park. We took the Pony Track (Tourist Route) for our ascent. I’d originally planned to take the CMD route, but staying together as a group made more sense for the day.

We’d checked the weather the night before and knew we were in for a treat. The forecast promised excellent visibility at the summit, and thankfully, it delivered.

The hike started warm, but with the sun hidden behind clouds, we avoided overheating. We kept a steady pace, stopping only for a few short breaks. As we neared the top, a large patch of snow covered part of the trail—surprisingly easy to cross and a fun reminder that we were truly in the Highlands.

At the summit, the weather was perfect. No wind, clear skies, and unbelievable views. We were able to take our time—walking around, sitting, relaxing, and taking it all in. It's rare to find a mountaintop that lets you linger without freezing or being blown away, so we definitely made the most of it.

After the descent, we returned to camp and cooled off with a wild swim in the river that runs through the campsite. The water was icy, but it felt amazing after such a long hike. A hot shower later, and we were refreshed and ready to chill.

Dinner was casual and relaxed—some of us headed back to the pub, others grabbed something from the food truck, and a few cooked meals over their camp stoves. We wrapped up the day the best way we knew how: gathered around the fire, drinks in hand, chatting and laughing into the early hours under the stars.

Day Four: One Last Dip Before Home

On our final morning, we took things slow—coffee in hand, breakfast in the sun, and a bit of quiet before the pack-up began. We loaded everything into the cars, but with the weather being so unexpectedly beautiful, none of us were quite ready to say goodbye just yet.

Before heading home, we made a detour to the Meeting of Three Waters, a stunning spot surrounded by mountains and cascading streams. We spent the afternoon wild swimming, sunbathing on the rocks, and soaking in the last bit of Highland magic.

Eventually, it was time to part ways and begin the journey home, tired but so grateful for the time spent together in such an unforgettable place.