Thanks for your help so far Ticker (and everyone else, of course).
I was going to ask about fires. From what I’ve read they’re legal (with the landowner’s permission) but they have to be responsible etc. A quick look at Google Maps makes trees seem a bit sparse in the area you mentioned. I do have a camp stove but we especially want a fire and I’d rather not carry more than I need to, so if possible we’d rather collect wood on the way but as late along the route as we can. To what extent are fires frowned upon? Is a very small fire away from anything it could spread to likely to upset anyone?
I will of course bring an OS map and compass, and as back up I’ll have GPS but that’s just for emergencies as it’s no fun at all (it will be off to avoid wasting batteries in case it’s needed anyway). I have planned layers of clothing etc. too, a good sleeping bag and insulating roll mat.
Not having to carry too much water would be helpful, since that would be the heaviest thing if we have to carry two days’ worth. Can we definitely rely on springs in summer? We will of course take some anyway, but I really don’t want to end up with none; I hate being thirsty. I tried to find out more about this with Google but it’s mostly finding references to the season “spring” or news stories about contaminated water. So is there anything I should look out for that is an indicator that water is potable or not? Should it be boiled? We were planning to just eat dried food and baked potatoes rather than using water for cooking so we have less to carry, but if water is freely available we could change those plans.
Oh, and I’m familiar with 999 thanks. I used to watch it all the time when I was a kid
I you’re camping low down in a field or a designated camp site then yes you could ask the owner if you could have a fire, though don’t be surprised if they say no. Up in the hills forget it. The land you are on will most likely belong to some huge estate so it is unlikely you will find the owner to ask them, the fragile ecology won’t thank you for it and finding the wood to burn is unlikely anyway. In Scotland you have the right to roam freely on private land. Be thankful for that privilege and treat it with respect.
I have found fast running streams to be safe to drink, especially those coming straight off the hillside rather than valley bottom, just check for dead sheep first :eek:. I generally carry enough for the day’s walking then choose a camp spot with a good stream nearby. You shouldn’t need to boil it.
I certainly don’t want to cause damage to the area so I will be sure not to have a fire if it will do so, but I don’t understand how a very small one would be damaging. Assuming it’s possible to find dead wood that’s not big enough to be important for beetles etc. and if we remove some turf for an area for the fire, then replace it afterwards, what would the harm be? I’m not arguing with you, just trying to understand (apart from my own interest I have to explain to my girlfriend why we can’t have a fire if that’s the case, and she will argue if I can’t give good reasons).
Otherwise I might try to find a place where a fire would be less harmful. Being able to do that is a big part of the point of the whole thing. A stove just isn’t the same.
The Highlands are a LONG way to go for one (or even two) night’s away, especially if you’re having to rely on public transport or Shank’s Pony to get to places. And after an overnight from London too, it’s going to be very tiring, before you even start to walk anywhere!
Edinburgh is on the ‘wrong’ coast for all my favourite camping spots, most of which are over in the Western Isles. Although still on (well, off) the west coast, I wonder if Arran Island might not be a good, easily accessible taster for you to visit? Ferry from Ardrossan, very hitchhiker friendly and quiet and peaceful at most times. Very easy to get away from it all. It’s known as ‘Scotland in minature’ as the geography mimics the country, with lowlands to the south and mountains to the north. It’s got a few mountain lakes if you fancy a bit of wild swimming too, although when I was last there we hiked up with wetsuits and still only lasted a few minutes in the water as it was exceptionally cold!! Nice local whiskys after though.
You are Swedish. As a Scot/English halfbreed thing that lives in Sweden I can honestly say that the midges in Scotland have nothing on the mosquitoes in northern Sweden or out in the archipaelago. They were probably there, but you just didn’t realise it was “bad”.
Thanks for your suggestion. I had a look at the idea of going to Arran but the journey from Edinburgh is slightly longer than to Dalwhinnie (it only takes 2-3 hours to get there from Edinburgh, and it’s just one train or bus). That doesn’t rule Arran out of course, especially if there are better fire opportunities there. Are there any beaches (by the sea or a lake) that come to mind where we could camp with a fire? I’d guess they’d be damaged less by fires.
Actually it seems I’ve underestimated the prices of hotels in Edinburgh. If I can’t find a good deal for a room the whole thing might have to be postponed anyway. I’m going to keep looking into that and see if I can find something, but if anyone happens to have any useful info on that subject feel free to share.
Sorry for so many questions - I am trying to find the answers to as many as possible on my own, just not doing very well
Have you tried looking at hostels in Edinburgh? Here is one I know of in a good central location, not far from both the bus and train stations. I can’t vouch for how good it is as my parents live 10 minutes walk away :). Should be way cheaper than regular hotels if you can live with the privations.
When are you planning on going? Edinburgh is very busy in August because of the festival and fringe so best avoided unless you actually want to do the fringe, which is rather cool.
Hopefully going in the next two weeks or so. I looked into hostels and am considering them, but I’m kind of attached to the idea of staying in a hotel after a night of travelling and 2-3 days camping and hiking.
