Anyone here into wildcamping? I'm thinking about giving it a go, and just seeing if there are any tips or things to consider before my first try.
I'm thinking the Galloway Forest sounds good for a first attempt.
So I convinced the girlfriend to come with me, packed up the car and headed for Galloway Forest and the Merrick (highest hill in Southern Uplands & Southern Scotland.
Great walk up the Merrick, found it tougher than Ben Venue and Ben Lomond but thoroughly enjoyed it. Now, on to find a campsite! There was an ever so slight breeze blowing south, so thought the south side of Loch Trool would be good. Off we go. Walked for 35 minutes or so, and found a good spot.
Dumped our stuff, and I went for a quick walk to see what was what. I came back three minutes later, my girlfriend was absolutely covered in midges.
Literally, all over.
We were both covered in Smidge but still they came. They then started on me. It was relentless. We stayed for around 10 minutes, but decided it just wasn't worth it and headed back to the car. We stopped a couple of times on the walk back to the car further from the loch but after 2 minutes the hoard had arrived.
I am covered in bites, as is she.
We could have stayed, but it wouldn't have been worth it and she was already looking pretty miserable. I think for my next attempt I'll seek some altitude.
Looking South West over Loch Enoch - which looks like a great place to camp! Nice sandy beaches.
Culsharg Bothy