Camping and Caravanning UK

Wild Camping In Scotland - Part 2

The Gateway to Scotland

Coming from the Midlands, Carlisle is the perfect halfway stepping stone and provides campers with the opportunity to pitch in an area steeped in history. After passing through Carlisle the land opens up briefly before splitting traffic into two directions, namely Glasgow and Edinburgh. Roughly 20 miles northeast of Carlisle lies Langholm. A small outpost with a population of about 3000 people this town offers wonderful photographic opportunities and a chance to stock up on supplies from the local shops before heading north into Eskdale Muir on the river Esk and the old Roman road.

Roman Fort I

Following the road north towards Holm (B709) it is worth pointing out that there exists the site of an old Roman Fort, something which wasn’t mentioned on our map at the time.

As you pass through Holm the entrance to the old fort, called Raeburnfoot, appears as the first right turn. A word of caution – unless you’re in a 4x4, you cross this ford at your peril.

map i (Click to enlarge)

Kagyu Samye Ling Tibetan Centre

Another surprising find along this route (approx. ½ a mile on) is this Tibetan Monastery which apparently is the only one of its kind in the west and is definitely worth a look. It’s also worth noting that they have pitches available for campers passing through, but unless you like being woken up by a gong at some ungodly hour then there are much better spots to be found further on.

map ii (Click to enlarge)

Observatory

The observatory is a few hundred metres past Davington and was built in 1904. This meteorological observatory was built specifically to take advantage of the clear unpolluted air of this region. This also makes it a great area for mounting your own telescope if you carry one.

Fingland

Although Fingland is not listed on most route maps there is a sign pointing out Fingland Hill approximately a mile north and this has proved to be both a great site for pitching and as a viewing spot. There is a building, possibly linked with the observatory and mostly unused, by the turning onto Fingland Hill which also serves as a good indicator for the right turn onto the dirt track. Be aware that this route is rough, and contains boulders and young spruce growth which can easily damage your vehicle, as we found to our cost on one occasion. There are also several gates which you must pass through in order to reach the summit and the wooded area. As you reach the summit the track comes to a conclusion and presents the perfect spot for a pitch. The ground is hard and stony in places, and you can expect to bend a few pegs so make sure you have plenty. Perseverance will pay off and the trees offer the perfect cover from the prevailing winds which sweep the hillsides.

Roman Fort II

Opposite Fingland there is a fort marked out below Cassock Hill and to get to it you’ll need to backtrack to the bridge which crosses the Esk before you get to Fingland. Due to this being the main route to the north the whole area is steeped in archaeology and you will see several sites which provide placards of information on each of the spots as you approach. Many of these form the basis of walks through the surrounding hills although there’s a distinct lack of civilisation it is always advisable to keep an eye out for park wardens passing through who may not appreciate fires being lit on their watch. Essentially this is why the cover of forest and some hard ground proves to be both safe, for open camp fires, and inconspicuous. Camping near the fort may seem like a good idea at the time but if it’s a weekend and you’re not in the habit of waking early, you could be in for an embarrassing time when the visitors arrive.

*note: while in the lowlands, and England it is best to avoid camping on sites of public interest as usually the grounds are supervised by council workers, and while some of them may turn a blind eye one must always respect their position.