Shepherd's huts near Lanark, Lanarkshire

For an unassuming town surrounded by farmland in the Central Belt of Scotland, Lanark has an outsize place in Scottish history. It was here that William Wallace led a 1297 uprising against the English, while, just below the town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark tells the story of the utopian idealist Robert Owen, who created a model industrial community here in the early 19th century. Those with a love for the outdoors will find plenty of nearby opportunities for adventure, including the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, Lanark Loch and Corehouse Nature Reserve.

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Top-rated campgrounds

For an unassuming town surrounded by farmland in the Central Belt of Scotland, Lanark has an outsize place in Scottish history. It was here that William Wallace led a 1297 uprising against the English, while, just below the town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of New Lanark tells the story of the utopian idealist Robert Owen, who created a model industrial community here in the early 19th century. Those with a love for the outdoors will find plenty of nearby opportunities for adventure, including the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, Lanark Loch and Corehouse Nature Reserve.

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Top-rated campgrounds

1. Harebeck Holidays

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144km from Lanark · 8 units · Motorhomes, Glamping · Wasdale, England

Nestled between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea coast this site is situated on a working dairy and sheep farm. Farm tours can be arranged on arrival. A play hut with outdoor games, drying room with communal fridge and freezer (some units have their own small fridge). Natural hedges surround the site. Four fruit trees near the shower block Half a mile to Gosforth village with Shop, Bakery, Cafe, 4 Pubs providing food and an Italian restaurant. Gosforth and Seascale villages have play parks. Muncaster Castle, Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Wasdale, Scafell Pike and Sandy Beaches with Cafes selling local ice cream are nearby with most Lake District attractions within an hours drive and Edinburgh a three hour drive away. There are 5 campervan/motorhome pitches, a pod, a modern take on a shepherds hut with underfloor heating, a heated pod and two gypsy caravans with electricity to book. All pitches are on gravel positioned to enjoy views over farmland to Scafell Pike and other fells, they are surrounded by grassy areas with seating and a picnic table. A wooden play hut has outdoor games and toys inside. Awnings can be added on the 3 larger pitches. Tents can be pitched next to units for an extra £10 per night. Barbeques are allowed on gravel with our Gypsy Caravans having a campfire area. There is a communal fridge and freezer, outdoor drying space. Farm tours can be arranged. Wildlife and farm animals can be seen in the surrounding fields. Fresh vegetables and barbeque packs can be ordered with 24 to 48 hours notice. Grocery deliveries accepted from supermarkets. There is also a holiday cottage on the farm sleeping 6 over two rooms. Situated midway between the Western Lake District Fells and the Irish Sea Coast makes this site ideal for lower or higher level walks. Sandy beaches at Seascale and St Bees have cafes selling locally made ice cream alongside play areas to keep children happy. Scafell England's highest mountain is close by as are a number of Wainwrights. Nearby is Muncaster Castle and Gardens with its Hawk and Owl Centre, also Ravenglass (a Roman port with remains of a bath house), you can ride up the Eskdale Valley on the Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway (Laal Ratty). Perhaps take a stroll to Stanley Ghyll waterfall. They have a cafe at both terminuses with a museum in Ravenglass where nearby you can sample Ravenglass Ice Cream. Wasdale and Ennerdale are close by both valleys having cafes and pubs.

2. Muiredge

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67km from Lanark · 8 units · Glamping · Perth and Kinross, Central Scotland

Rural glamping in a converted railway carriage, shepherd's hut, or bell tent in blissful Scotland

3. Otter Moss Accommodation

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114km from Lanark · 4 units · Glamping · Brampton, England

Otter Moss Accommodation offers a variety of upscale camping options suitable for couples, families, and groups. Nestled within a picturesque 12-acre former farm, the majority of the site surrounds a spacious meadow. Additionally, the site boasts a charming small lake featuring three islands and a rowing boat for leisurely water activities. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Eden Valley, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the Cumbrian Fells, with visibility extending to the Solway Firth and the Lake District on clear days. The Lake District is a convenient 40-minute drive away, while various sections of Hadrian's Wall are even closer, reachable within a 15-minute drive. Carlisle and the M6 motorway to Scotland are both just 20 minutes away, with the picturesque market town of Brampton also within a 15-minute drive and offering its own attractions. Local pubs are plentiful in the area, with a diverse selection available within a five-mile radius. Accommodation units at Otter Moss come equipped with heating, kitchen utensils, and stoves, ensuring guests' comfort and convenience. Each unit also includes firepits or barbecues, as well as bedding and towels for a hassle-free stay.

4. Herdie Hideaway

111km from Lanark · 2 units · Glamping · Scotland

Herdie hideaway is run by Charlotte and Alex and is nestled next to rolling hills of the the Lake District overlooking the Solway Firth, our shepherd’s hut offers a haven of tranquility. Lush woodlands surround the property, teeming with wildlife, creating a symphony of sights and sounds for nature enthusiasts. Here, on a working farm, you’ll find a quiet escape unlike any other. We hope you enjoy your stay in this beautiful part of the world which we hope you are able to switch off, unwind and have a relaxing time in this lovely secluded area.

5. Lake District Herdwick Huts

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148km from Lanark · 5 units · Glamping · Rydal, England

You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. These beautiful huts are nestled underneath the Fairfield horseshoe mountain range and Nab scar, so there is no need to drive anywhere for the finest mountain hikes. With Rydal Lake, a wild swimmers hot spot, and waterfalls and plunge pools on site, it really is hard to beat! You will not find a more stunning place to stay and explore within the UK. Set in the very heart of the Lake District National Park, there is good reason why this magnificent location inspired the poet William Wordsworth to commit some of his most world-renowned poetry to paper. Grasmere is on the doorstep, voted one of the top places to visit in the Lake District, with the famous '‘Coffin route’ walk offering a spectacular lake and mountain view stroll straight from your hut door. With low level to high level walks exploring the Lakes from Rydal caters for everyone. Ambleside and Grasmere are both walking distance for cafes, restaurants and cinemas and Rydal offers scenic off-road strolls to arrive by. Each with fresh linen, wood burning stove and cast iron gas hob, you are sure to be comfortable even in the thick of winter.

6. Garrison Shepherd's Huts

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90km from Lanark · 4 units · Glamping · Bowness On Solway, England

Shepherd’s hut glamping near Hadrian’s Wall and the Solway Firth.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Shepherd's huts near Lanark guide

Where to go

New Lanark

From its visitor center, you can explore the complex of cotton mills that formed the model community of New Lanark. It’s also the gateway to the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, which has a network of trails for viewing spectacular waterfalls and wildlife including badgers, otters and more than 100 bird species. Just a 15-minute drive north of New Lanark, Clyde Valley Caravan Park is mostly used for holiday homes and static caravans but also has room for motorhomes, caravans and tents.

Covington

The 25-mile (40-kilometer) Lanark, Tinto and Covington cycle route takes you along country roads, through rural landscapes and Lanarkshire’s best scenery. At the end of the route, Covington is an attractive hamlet of thatched cottages. A few miles east of Covington, Biggar Caravan Park has pitches for caravans, tourers and tents.

Douglas

A 20-minute drive south of Lanark, the village of Douglas has historical significance, due to its association with the Lords of Douglas. You can soak up the area’s history on the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) Douglas Historic Walking Route, which takes you along ancient streets and into the surrounding countryside. Four miles (6.4 kilometers) northeast of Douglas, Collierhall Farm is a tranquil campsite set on a small working farm with grass and hardstanding pitches for motorhomes and caravans.

When to go

For the best chance of good weather, mid-summer, from June through August, is the ideal time to visit Lanark, and the entire Central Lowland region. This is also a lovely time to explore the Clyde Valley, which is carpeted in wildflowers during the spring and summer, and the Falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve. If you’re passing through on your way to begin the West Highland Way, which begins nearby, spring or autumn is best for avoiding crowds.

Know before you go

Wild camping is allowed throughout Scotland, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
The weather in Scotland is always changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
Bus services connect Lanark to the surrounding area, as well as Glasgow. Lanark railway station also provides links to several destinations including Glasgow.
You’ll find a choice of supermarkets in the town center.