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Hitchhiking in '''Scotland''' tends to be far easier than [[England]], and can be ''incredibly'' easy in the [[Highlands]] (specifically towards the west coast and islands), with where up to 1 in 5 cars stoppingwill stop. In Dumfries and Galloway, on the Isle of Arran the Scottish islands and on the Kintyre penninsula (south-west), hitching locally is reasonably easy.  

There's ferries from Ireland and Scandinaviaas well as to the islands of Scotland, but those can't be hitchhiked. There's always a chance of asking around in ports to find a small boat, though. Boats from the [[Faeroe Islands]] call at [[Scrabster]].

There are many bothies (semi-abandoned or converted shepherd huts, cottages, etc), many of which can be found on: https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/ . You can stay at these for a night or two, but remember to respect the bothy code - and check the website for restrictions. For example, some bothies are locked or not safe during stag stalking season, when hunters use the area. Bothies are often a long walk from the nearest road, sometimes up advanced hiking routes. Be careful, know your limits, and always carry a tent in case you find the bothy locked or already full. If you do find other people there, or others join you when you're already there, it's customary to make space and share something such as firewood, biscuits, and or conversation with them.

Scotland has a [http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/outdoors-responsibly/access-code-and-advice/soac/ outdoor access code ] for use of access] to all rural areasspaces, particularly national parks such as the Cairngorms which permists wild camping almost anywhere - except in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, where wild camping is prohibited only possible with a permit during summer months. Here there are plentiful campsites though. Generally, Camping is tolerated and allowed anywhere where public access applies, out of the way on farmland, out of sight of houses and public buildings and out of sight of roads. This includes beaches, you have very little light pollution on the west coast which means you are treated to a fast vast array of stars at night. One must take care not to damage the natural environment, and in upland and peat areas, open fires are discouraged due to the danger of peat fires and forest fires. Camping near A-Roads is not included under public access provisions, but it is well tolerated, making it easier to travel, as if you become stuck somewhere you can pitch camp as long as you are out of the way.

Asking people where the best camping spot might be is has often yielded great results - from good spots to being invited to stay with them instead. Just mention that you're not looking for a campsite, but for a patch of grass where you could pitch a tent.

The Scottish Highlands are very easy to hitchhike around, however you should be careful to avoid major trunk routes as people drive very quickly, and even when you can be seen they are unwilling to stop. During the summer, there are a lot of tourists in highland areas who are much less likely to stop for hitchhikers than locals.

Camping Locals stop very often, especially in less busy areas such as the highlands can be uncomfortable islands or in hiking areas. On the summerNC500 route, especially near pine forests and water, due to biting insects - midgesduring the summer, which are more than a match for mosquitoes; if you are not careful they will attack any area of exposed skin and bite repeatedly. Mosquito repellent and mosquito nets (particularly the can get picked up by tourists from all over-head nets) are a valuable asset for any trip to Scotland and will make your experience travelling around the country much more pleasantworld. Unfortunately Mosquito repellent is mostly ineffective against midges. A secret weapon against themDuring the winter, is to use areas like this can be quite empty and you may find yourself waiting for a skin lotion called "Skin so soft", which while before you can find in most of the camping-shops or in the shops of petrol stationssee a car. Its effectiveness is widely known among the locals (only little con: using it, makes you strongly smelling of lemon)Wear warm clothes and try to keep moving. (Edited by Ipog)

The weather in Scotland is very unpredictable, when visiting Camping in the Summer it is advisable to highlands can be prepared for both extremely warm and humid conditions but also uncomfortable in the cold summer, especially near pine forests and verywater, due to biting insects - midges, very wet. Thunderstorms which are almost a match for mosquitoes; if you are not uncommon at careful they will attack any time area of the year, exposed skin and unusually for bite repeatedly. Midge nets (particularly the British isles, some of the mountains will carry over-head nets) are a permanent snow cap which gives you an idea of some of the possible conditions. In the winter, it is very cold in central valuable asset for any trip to Scotland and will make your experience travelling around the highlands, and in country much more pleasant. Make sure the Caringormsnetting says 'midge-grade', further North and nearbybecause some nets do not have small enough holes. Unfortunately, snow Mosquito repellent is not unusual, and in colder winters the peaks are enjoyed by skiersmostly ineffective against midges. Some mountains and upland regions are renouned for their dangersA secret weapon against them, however with careis to use a skin lotion called "Avon Skin So Soft", preparation and proper maps these areas which you can be enjoyed at any time of find in most camping shops or petrol stations. Its effectiveness is widely known among the yearlocals (only little con: using it, and are particularly beautiful in the winter monthsmakes you strongly smelling of lemon).

A popular place to stay while The weather in Highland Scotland is very unpredictable. We say to pack for all 4 seasons. In summer it's advisable to be prepared for both extremely warm and humid conditions but also the cold and very, very wet. Thunderstorms are mountain bothiesnot uncommon at any time of the year, and unusually for the British isles, some of the mountains will carry a permanent snow cap which serve as both gives you an emergency shelter idea of some of the possible conditions. In the winter, it is very cold in the highalnds, and short-term unserviced accommodation snow is not unusual. In colder winters the peaks are enjoyed by skiers and snowboarders. Some of Scotland's mountains are renowned for hikerstheir dangers, hitchhikershowever with care, preparation, campers and explorers alike. [http://www.mountainbothies.orgproper maps, these areas can be enjoyed at any time of the year, and are particularly beautiful in the winter months.uk Mountain Bothies Association ]

* [[Aberdeen]]A large city on the north east coast. Has ferry connections to the Orkney and shetland islands. * [[Crianlarich]] Less a city and more a town. A hub in the west coast, this is a great place to catch rides across the western Highlands. * [[Dundee]]A city on the south west coast, an important transit link between fife and the eastern highlands. * [[Edinburgh]] - the capitalcity, and a magnet for tourists. Hard to hitch out of. * [[Fort William]] the outdoor capital of the country. A meca for climbing, hikers and skiers, and a fantastic location for hitchhiking.* [[Glasgow]] - the The largest cityin scotland, and a hub of activity. No matter what you are into you can find it here.* [[Inverness]] - the only city in the Highland region, and a starting point for the great glen way.* [[Perth (Scotland)]]An important junction where the path from Glasgow and Edinburgh head north together. * [[Stirling]]A historic town, and a important transit hub for loch Lomond and the Trossachs.