Five of the best wild(ish) campsites in Scotland
One for beach lovers, this basic campsite on the west coast of Harris overlooks a spectacular sweep of white sand. Toilets, showers and a communal fridge but no wi-fi or electric hook-ups. Popular with hikers (the Hebridean Way passes right by), this campsite has one other great selling point; the mobile Saltbox Sauna occasionally popping up right alongside.Details horgabostcampsite.co.uk
Making the most of 500 leafy acres outside Denholm, Ruberslaw caters to a diverse camping crowd with more conventional tent pitches in an Edwardian walled garden, swish safari tents and forest pitches that feel more like wild camping. Well run and quiet (cars are left in the car park), the site revolves around a campers' hub, with a barn-like communal lounge, a small shop, a kitchen area and bathrooms.Details ruberslaw.co.uk
Open from April to October, this cult campsite on Skye's west coast has space for 160 tents. In a spectacular location right at the water's edge with the Black Cuillins looming above, it keeps to the wild camping ethos with minimal landscaping (there are a few hardstanding pitches for small campervans) and a no-bookings policy. A café serving great coffee (and sourdough pizzas), showers, toilets and laundry facilities complete the picture.Details dunvegancastle.com
Reached only by fording the River Garry, this small off-grid riverside site has a semi-wild vibe, with just four pitches, firepits, a hot shower, compost toilet and honesty shop. All just 15 minutes' drive from Blair Athol with lifts arranged on request.Details pitchup.com
The views are the most lavish amenity at this simple, grassy site — the only campsite on Iona. An easy walk from the village, the dock for the Mull ferry and Iona's abbey, it's a pared-back, practical base for exploring the island. As well as 31 pitches there's a firepit and barbecue area, plus a handful of toilets and showers, but no electric hook-ups. Details ionacampsite.co.uk
Taken from Wild Guide Scotland by Kimberley Grant, Richard Gaston & David Cooper (£18.99 Wild Things Publishing). Buy from timesbookshop.co.uk. Discount for Times+ members
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