9 places you must go camping

From serene loch-side pitches to rugged cliff-top spots, Scotland is full of incredible camp sites. It’s also one of the few places in the UK where wild camping is permitted. With so much stunning scenery to choose from throughout the country, no matter where you go you’re sure to have a memorable evening. And have that particular patch of Scotland pretty much to yourself.

Wild camping in Scotland (Phoebe Smith/Wild Weekends)

The Southern Uplands – including the tarns (small mountain lakes) around the highest peak, the Merrick – are great for stargazing, being the place in the UK furthest from light pollution.

The mountains around Glen Coe are steeped in legend and history – from the pyramidal Buachaille Etive Mòr to the Lost Valley, they are a perfect place to bed down surrounded by soaring peaks.

Or you could choose a beach like Sandwood Bay in the far north – it’s over a mile long and has no road access and its golden sand dunes offer a multitude of pitching opportunities – and if you’re lucky you might even spot the Northern Lights.

Masirah’s sprawling beaches – boundless stretches of untouched sand and towering dunes, are perfect for wild camping. The island is just 95km long and 14 km wide, circled by a single road – just throw caution to the wind and turn left, towards the waning sun. A vast empty beach and a cooling sea breeze will be your reward.

Wild camping on Masirah Island (Hazel Plush)

When the breeze drops and the moon rises, take the chance to stroll along the beach and admire the light show above your head. There is no light pollution here. Blankets of stars and constellations appear close enough to touch. Breakfast here is freshly brewed coffee, sweet dates and flat bread.

Not all great camping spots are to be found in isolated beauty spots. Right on the lake, and walking distance from one of Switzerland’s most picturesque and stylish cities, Camping International Lido Luzern lets you enjoy a champagne Swiss experience on a beer budget. Where the price of a hotel hotel in the city centre would have you scurrying away after one night, this camp site encourages a longer stay and the unique chance to get under this beautiful city’s skin.

Camping International Lido Luzern (CILL)

Lucerne’s famous lakeside Lido is only metres away. There’s superfast internet too. But it is the view from your tent that you’ll wake to each morning that you’ll remember most. A million-franc view for a miniscule fraction of that cost. It also makes a great base to explore other parts of the country, including the he Golden Round Trip up to Mt Pilatus.