Beach Camping in Scottish Lowlands

The lowlands of Scotland stretch along the bottom half of the diagonal Highland Boundary Fault that runs from the Isle of Arran off the west coast to Stonehaven in the northeast. While the southern landscape is markedly less dramatic, it’s arguably just as beautiful. The diverse lowlands encompass the Central Belt, the far-flung Dumfries and Galloway, the wild rivers and winding roads of the Scottish Borders, and the eastern coast up to Aberdeen. Wherever in the Lowlands you camp, there is something to explore in every season, and with excellent public transport links, you can get a taste of urban culture one day before jumping off into a true Scottish adventure the next.

Where to go

Central Belt

Encompassing Scotland’s two largest cities, the Central Belt is the starting point for most Scottish adventures. It’s worth spending a couple days in both cities before you fly off to the countryside. In the capital of Edinburgh, tour the most iconic castle in Scotland, get lost along the winding streets of the mediaeval Old Town, and climb the extinct volcano of Arthur’s Seat for a view that stretches out to the Firth of Forth. August and Christmas are the busiest times, when the city explodes with visitors for the Edinburgh Festival and the Christmas markets. In Glasgow, stroll the green spaces dotted throughout the city, pop into some of the best live music venues in Britain, and walk the Glasgow Mural Trail. The west coast offers access to the islands of Arran and Bute. On the east, the thriving village of Dunbar is a great place to enjoy some North Sea surfing.

Dumfries and Galloway

In the southwestern corner of Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway is not on the traditional tourist circuit mostly because of the limited public transport to the region. All the more reason to pack up your tent and road-trip to the uncrowded Galloway Forest, a designated International Dark Sky Park. Four of the world-class 7 Stanes mountain bike parks are spread across the area, and from the coast enjoy views out toward the Isle of Man and Ireland.

Scottish Borders

Sandwiched between the Lammamuir and the Cheviot Hills at the northern edge of England, the Scottish Borders were once disputed territory and now one of Scotland’s hidden gems. It’s an area rich in Neolithic, Iron Age and early Christian history, which you can experience by walking the Borders Abbey Way or St Cuthbert’s Way. Explore the bustling village of Peebles and the nearby mountain bike park at Glentress Forest, escape to the seaside village of St Abbs, or to the banks of the River Tweed and scale the hills for views across the green gateway to the great North.

Fife and the East Coast

The Kingdom of Fife offers an idyllic countryside escape, just a hop and a skip over the Forth Bridge from Edinburgh. The Fife Coastal Path traces the North Sea through the fishing villages of the East Neuk and up through the buzzing town of St. Andrews. Northwest of Fife, Perth and Dundee offer a dose of small city life. Further north, the villages of Arbroath, Montros,e and Stonehaven are known for their beaches, fresh seafood, harbour town character, and castles.