Changes

Scotland has a [http://www.outdooraccess-scotland.com/outdoors-responsibly/access-code-and-advice/soac/ code of access] to all rural areas, particularly national parks such as the Cairngorms and - except in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, where camping is prohibited during summer months. 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 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.

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 the highlands can be uncomfortable less busy areas such as Lewis and Harris or in hiking areas. On the summerNC500 route, especially near pine forests and waterduring the summer, due to biting insects - midges, 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)

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