Loch Linnhe is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland

This pull-in off the A82 is a popular spot for a picnic by the loch. Exceptionally photogenic, Loch Linnhe is a great place to take some snaps – whether you’re a novice or a pro photographer wanting to hone your skills.

How to get here

The picnic site is between Ballachulish and Fort William, about 2 miles (3km) north of Corran Ferry or 6 ¼ miles (10km) south of Fort William. Grid reference NN 040 656.
Stop here for a rest and take in the views. When the sun is out you can have a dip in the loch. Also a good spot for a bit of fishing. Lynne Grays, Thurrock
This picnic area about 15 minutes drive south of Forth William along Loch Linnhe is maintained by the Forestry Commission of Scotland (FCS) and is a lovely place to stretch your legs and look up and down the loch. There is ample parking and several picnic tables.

At low tide it’s possible to walk out onto the flat rocky bank of the lake and see the places where the seaweed has fastened itself to boulders that will disappear back under the water when the tide comes in. We didn’t see any, but some guidebooks say that seals and dolphins are sometimes present. M D London

Loch Linnhe is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland. The part upstream of Corran is known in Gaelic as An Linne Dhubh, and downstream as An Linne Sheileach. The name Linnhe is derived from the Gaelic word linne, meaning “pool”

Loch Linnhe in Scotland has a special attraction to photographers due to its fantastic scenery and sunsets. Not only photographers enjoy this unique location the area offers many other outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, sailing and walking.

At 31 miles long and about 1.2 miles wide it stretches past Fort William, fed from the North by Loch Eil and continues south as far as the Firth or Lorne, the Loch is fed from the East by Loch Creran and opens up into the Firth of Lorne at its South Western point.

Loch Linnhe Wildlife

Wildlife in the Loch is in abundance with many seals taking advantage of its small islands throughout its length; also popular are porpoises, Dolphins and many sea birds you could even see Golden Eagles souring above. A great way to take advantage of the scenery is to take a trip from Fort William with Crannog Cruises, the cruise will give you the chance to see Britain’s highest Mountain Ben Nevis from the loch, and will take you to Seal Island to see the Common and Grey Seals. Another good way to see the loch is to simply drive around and pull over at the many parking areas around the Loch.

Loch Linnhe follows the line of the Great Glen Fault, and is the only sea loch along the fault.[2] About 50 kilometres (31 mi) long, it opens onto the Firth of Lorne at its southwestern end. The part of the loch upstream of Corran is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) long and an average of about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) wide. The southern part of the loch is wider, and its branch southeast of the island of Lismore is known as the Lynn of Lorne.

Loch Eil feeds into Loch Linnhe at the latter’s northernmost point, while from the east Loch Leven feeds in the loch just downstream of Corran and Loch Creran feeds into the Lynn of Lorne. The town of Fort William lies at the northeast end of the loch, at the mouth of the River Lochy.

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Highway to Hell…

The Devils Staircase (Altnafeadh to Kinlochleven) is a famous walk and one of the highlights of the long distance West Highland Way.

Discover more here https://www.discoveringbritain.org/activities/scotland/trails/devils-staircase.html

The Devils Staircase was initially given its name by the soldiers who were part of the road building programme of General Wade. The carrying of building materials up that stretch of the road was not popular! The name was perpetuated when some of the workers building the Blackwater Dam chose to travel to the nearest pub after their wages had been paid out. For the workers at Kinlochleven the journey to the Kingshouse Hotel proved to be more difficult than many realised. The journey back was even worse as unsteady legs meant that many were unable to manage the return trip and, on a cold winter’s night, the devil often ”claimed his own“.

Mountain Bike route

The rather ominously named Devils Staircase is a classic, some would say legendary, off road mountain bike route which follows the route of the West Highland Way from Glencoe to Kinlochleven.
The quick way to do the route, so that you can squeeze it in after work on a sunny summer’s evening, is to park at the foot of the climb at Alltnafeadh and make some arrangements to have a car waiting in either Kinlochleven or Glencoe village.

However, improvements to the tracks in the glen of Glencoe have made doing this as a proper off road loop a more pleasant experience. From Clachaig Inn ride up to the A82 and cross over onto the short section of the old road by the photogenic Loch Achtriochtan. Pick up the new track which runs parallel to the main road as far as the farm and then rejoin the old road along the floor of the glen.

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Cool Camping Europe:

A Hand-Picked Selection of Campsites and Camping Experiences in Europe by Jonathan Knight

‘The best low-key picks from across Europe.’

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From Portugal to the Algarve, this handy little guide covers over 100 low-key locations across 12 European countries. Fall in love with the sprawling woodland of Portugal’s Peneda-Gerês National Park, or stow away on a spit of land in between two of the Black Forest’s most beautiful rivers. Looking for an Italian adventure? Watch out for the woodland site with direct access to the beach bordering the Ionian sea.

Yurts, tipis, safari tents and domes all feature in this edition, which covers rural France and Spain, as well. Leave the crowds behind and set up camp at some of Europe’s most idyllic, personality-rich campsites. The Cool Camping guide is typically entertaining and informative, and each site is backed up with great photography. Also included are a bunch of useful local phrases, to help you get along. Countries featured: Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland.

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Cool Camping Scotland:

A Hand-picked Selection of Exceptional Campsites and Camping Experiences

‘A guide to Scotland’s most stunning campsites.’

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Essential reading for all lovers of the outdoors, this updated edition of Cool Camping: Scotland features 50 of the country’s best and most hidden campsites. Discover a grassy oasis amid the lunar landscape of the Isle of Harris, hidden sites inside glens, and family farms, neatly tucked away.

From Scotland’s beautiful mess of highland islands, to the Atlantic shore and wild mountains, this is your guide to the most beautiful camping spots in the whole country. Let Cool Camping guide you through new walks and trails, as well as local events, plus how to travel, and where to eat and drink.

This is one of the best Secret Campsite Books we’ve read

Use the ‘At A Glance’ guide to easily find the kind of campsite you’re looking for, including ‘Cool For Campfires’, ‘Stunning Views’, ‘Middle of Nowhere’, ‘Lochside Chilling’, ‘Cool For Camper Vans’ and ‘Dog Friendly’. Highly recommended.

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Wild Guide:

Devon, Cornwall and South West by Daniel Start

‘Get down and out of the way in the UK’s most picturesque corner.’

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The one and only wild camping guide to Devon, Cornwall and the South West, features information on where to set up camp, as well as where to find the best food and drink on offer. Visit windy beaches, and woodlands which traverse ancient grounds, as well as gorgeous picnic spots and wildflower meadows. Visit lost ruins, castle, yurts and heritage sites on your way to some of the most secret campsites in the UK.

Engaging and written with great enthusiasm, the Wild Guide to Devon, Cornwall and the South West is a top pick for us at Camping Things.

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Wild Swimming:

Hidden Beaches by Daniel Start

‘Where to swim like the wild beast you are.’

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Britain’s beaches aren’t so inviting for swimmers most of the year, and when the sun does come out, the top picks are usually so packed with people, it’s hard to move, let alone enjoy your moment of peaceful tranquility.

Hidden Beaches from Punk Publishing is the ultimate guide to Great Britain’s secret coast. Find low-key alcoves and tiny, deserted beaches, from Devon, to the North-East coast. There are few more comprehensive, and well-photographed guides out there than this one, and we highly recommend it.

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Wilderness Weekends:

Wild adventures in Britain’s rugged corners by Phoebe Smith

‘The ultimate wilderness weekend guide from Britain’s most avid wild camper.’

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With practical advice and colour photos to help you along, Smith’s Wilderness Weekends guide takes the hassle out of actually finding somewhere out of the way, freeing you up to get out and enjoy yourself.

One of our favourite Secret Campsite Books

Covering 26 of the wildest weekend camping spots in Britain, from the southern tip of Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands, you’ve got everything you need right here, for a truly wild weekender.

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Best Secret Campsite Books

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Never did practice as a scout? Learn how to live off the land, and turn what looks like nothing, into something practical, and often fun. As always at Camping Things, we’re about combining great quality and value, and we only choose books we love. Great for yourself, and perfect as gifts.

Essential Bushcraft by Ray Mears

‘Practical bushcraft tips, condensed.’

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Woodland tracker of 2010 gunman Raoul Moat, and arch nemesis of fellow TV wildman Bear Grylls, Ray Mears is known as on the UK’s most outspoken bushcraft fanatics. Essential Bushcraft is a condensed edition of Bushcraft, in which Mears presents survival tips and tricks for some of the most tricky environments, as well as practical hints for how to live off the land, when your beef jerky runs out and your tent blows away.

One of the best bushcraft books we’ve read.

This pocket-sized guide will teach you how to start a fire responsibly, how to cook in the wild, and which wild-foraged foods are safe to eat. Designed to be packed away in your rucksack, or tucked into your pocket, Essential Bushcraft is less detailed than its parent edition, but filled with just as much practical and fun stuff. Great for campers, hikers and families.

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Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival by Dave Canterbury

‘Beyond bushcraft, learn how to thrive in the wild.’

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New York Times bestseller Dave Canterbury is back with Advanced Bushcraft, the follow-up to the wildly success Bushcraft 101. In this edition, Canterbury talks about how to navigate without the use of a map or compass, as well as how to start a fire with minimal resources, and which foods are safe to eat (as well as where to find them.)

Definitely on of our favourite bushcraft books

Learn how to track and hunt wildlife, getting closer than ever before, with Advanced Bushcraft, you’ll be able to go further and deeper into the the wilderness than you’d ever imagined. Even if you don’t end up stranded in the middle of the jungle, it’s still pretty cool to be able to impress your friends and family with all that you’ve learned. Build a fire, build a shelter, forage for food and cook it, all without spending a single penny.

Highly recommended for experienced outdoors-lovers and casual campers. This beautiful book makes a great coffee table conversation piece, too. Agreat contender in our list of best bushcraft books.

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Out On The Land by Ray Mears

‘Surviving and thriving in the frozen north.’

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Ray Mears is at it again, this time using the great northern Boreal forest as his setting. Out On The Land is an entertaining and informative journey into the great outdoors of the arctic circle, where temperatures can make even the most basic tasks next to impossible. Mears walks us through his experiences and joys of spending time in the Boreal forest, covering essentials including food, clothing, injury prevention and treatment, and navigation.

This is one of Mears’s most enjoyable books, a clear labour of love, packed with personal observations and practical tips for staying warm, dry, safe and fed. Check out the section on wild cooking for a fascinating insight into what really is possible, even in the most challenging environments.

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Living Wild: The Ultimate Guide to Scouting and Fieldcraft by Bear Grylls

‘Life lessons from the UK’s toughest boy scout.’

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Is it possible that Grylls calls it fieldcraft because Mears calls it bushcraft? Possibly, but we’re not here to weigh in on that battle. Living Wild is a treasure chest of hardcore survival skills, compiled and tested by Bear Grylls himself — and as the UK’s chief scout master, who are we to question? These tips and tricks are, if at times a little extreme, useful in a more general sense.

Perhaps better suited as an entertainment piece than a practical guide to staying alive on the Norfolk Broads, Living Wild is still a great book for both seasoned adventurers and casual campers.

Former army man Grylls has climbed Everest, and passed the rigorous 21 SAS testing criteria, so while you may find yourself scoffing at a few of his suggestions, he is a legitimate hardman, so this book comes highly recommended.

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The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering and Cooking in the Wild by Dave Canterbury

‘Cook up a storm, in a storm.’

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Ever been so hungry you’d eat your boots? Well, hunger no longer, because New York Times bestseller and bushcraft expert Dave Canterbury is back, with the ultimate guide to wild trapping, gathering and cooking.

In this hefty volume, Canterbury covers options for carnivores and vegetarians alike, explaining in entertaining detail, how to build and set up traps, and which plants, fruits and mushrooms are safe to eat. He also details how to prepare them, so that you not only stay safe and illness-free, but so that you can actually enjoy the food you’ve foraged.

One of the most challenging things when it comes to wild cooking is trapping and preparing food. It’s not something we ever have to do, and Canterbury explains in easy-to-understand language, exactly what’s involved. One of our favourite books in this collection, Canterbury’s guide makes for great reading, whether you’re experienced or not. Buy this one for yourself, or for someone you love; it’s a great read.

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Best Bushcraft Books

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Welcome to Camping Things, lets go hiking…

Rediscover hiking – Swap the road to work for a forest river and season 4 of that box set for the changing seasons of a mountain valley.

Go alone and get a real life rush, go camping with a friend and double the experience – share the views, jokes, falls and that compulsory fireside beer outside under the starts or in the remotest of quirky pubs.

We set up “Camping Things” because we love adventure, hiking and getting lost in the great outdoors. We wanted to share our experiences, secret campsites and the very latest camping equipment – at camping things our aim is to simply help you get more out of getting out more.

From the Scottish Highlands to the waves of Britain’s wildest coasts, whatever sort of adventure you’re looking for you’ll find it at Camping Things

Go on have an adventure, put down the TV remote, log-out of Facebook go outside, explore and share your experiences on our message board :0)

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Loch Linnhe is a sea loch on the west coast of Scotland

At 31 miles long and about 1.2 miles wide it stretches past Fort William, fed from the North by Loch Eil and continues south as far as the Firth or Lorne, the Loch is fed from the East by Loch Creran and opens up into the Firth of Lorne at its South Western point.

The part upstream of Corran is known in Gaelic as An Linne Dhubh, and downstream as An Linne Sheileach. The name Linnhe is derived from the Gaelic word linne, meaning “pool”

Loch Linnhe in Scotland has a special attraction to photographers due to its fantastic scenery and sunsets. Not only photographers enjoy this unique location the area offers many other outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, sailing and walking.

Loch Linnhe Wildlife

Wildlife in the Loch is in abundance with many seals taking advantage of its small islands throughout its length; also popular are porpoises, Dolphins and many sea birds you could even see Golden Eagles souring above.

A great way to take advantage of the scenery is to take a trip from Fort William with Crannog Cruises, the cruise will give you the chance to see Britain’s highest Mountain Ben Nevis from the loch, and will take you to Seal Island to see the Common and Grey Seals. Another good way to see the loch is to simply drive around and pull over at the many parking areas around the Loch.

Loch Linnhe follows the line of the Great Glen Fault, and is the only sea loch along the fault.[2] About 50 kilometres (31 mi) long, it opens onto the Firth of Lorne at its southwestern end. The part of the loch upstream of Corran is 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) long and an average of about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) wide.

The southern part of the loch is wider, and its branch southeast of the island of Lismore is known as the Lynn of Lorne. Loch Eil feeds into Loch Linnhe at the latter’s northernmost point, while from the east Loch Leven feeds in the loch just downstream of Corran and Loch Creran feeds into the Lynn of Lorne. The town of Fort William lies at the northeast end of the loch, at the mouth of the River Lochy.

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Ben Nevis has to be climbed :0)

Ben Nevis is in the north west Highlands, near the town of Fort William and part of the Grampian Mountain range, the famous peak attracts 125k walkers a year. Whether you’re an avid ambler or you just love beautiful landscapes, bagging ‘the Ben’ is likely to feature near the top of your Scottish bucket list.

An ancient giant of the land, Ben Nevis was once a massive active volcano which exploded and collapsed inwards on itself millions of years ago. At the summit, there is evidence of an explosion in the form of light-coloured granite.

The name itself has two translations from the ancient Gaelic language, meaning ‘mountain with its head in the clouds’, thanks to its iconic mist-shrouded peak, or it can also mean ‘venomous mountain’ – you can decide which translation you prefer after the climb!

Visit Scotland is a great resource with maps and guides https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/iconic-scotland/ben-nevis/

Please take care on Ben Nevis

Thousands of people walk up Ben Nevis every year and the vast majority do so in safety, taking common sense measures to make sure they stay safe while on the mountain. We hope you enjoy your own experience of walking up Ben Nevis and have a great time ! Please be considerate and not waste Police time by not walking up Ben Nevis when there is a severe weather forecast warning of gale-force winds and torrential rain. There’s always another day to enjoy the experience safely and sensibly.

Before you start your walk up Ben Nevis, make sure you are properly prepared.  The most important item is proper footwear.  Trainers are not suitable footwear for this path as it can become very slippery when wet.  The temperature at the summit is just below freezing on average, so make sure you take warm clothing with you.

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One of Scotland’s famous castles

When visiting the Fort William area do stop off to look around Old Inverlochy Castle. Although now a ruin this was one of the most important castles in Scottish history and has been the backdrop for two major historical events, the first and second battles of Inverlochy.

Find out more at the Old Inverlochy Castle website https://www.inverlochycastle.co.uk/

The moat that surrounded the castle has long gone but the location at the western end of theGreat Glen and natural defensive postion against the River Lochy gave Inverlochy castle a superior advantage. The old Military Road built by General Wade passed right by the castle and can still be followed back in to Fort William.

Originally dating back to the 13th century, Old Inverlochy Castle last played a part in Scottish and English history during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s. In 1645 the royalist Earl of Montrose routed the roundhead forces of the Campbell Chief Duke of Argyll at the second Battle of Inverlochy.

In 1654 the Castle was abandoned in favour of a large timber fort built nearby by Oliver Cromwell which in 1690 was then replaced by a stone fort named “Fort William” after King William III. The town which grew around it was named Maryburgh after the Queen, Mary II, though eventually it took the same name as the fort.

In 1836 a new Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle was built in nearby Torlundy by the Hobbs familiy. This has since been converted into a luxury hotel.

The “Fort” in Fort William was fell into disuse by the mid 1860’s when the railway was built to Fort William, cutting though the land on which the Fort was built along the side of Loch Linnhe. However, some parts of the Old Inverlochy Castle ruins still remain by the side of the Loch, at the end of the by-pass.

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The Red Squirrel Campsite is a fantastic casual campsite in the heart of Glen Coe

Visit their website https://redsquirrelcampsite.co.uk/

What a location – alongside a stream and surrounded by mountains! There’s plenty of space to pick a spot – alongside the stream, amidst tree cover and there are plentiful prepared fire-circles, with wood available for a campfire. The facilities are simple – loos, hot showers, washing up station, visitor info – but plenty for a good camp. The manager of the red squirrel is friendly and helpful. Good pub food about a mile down the road at the Clacaigh Inn.
Martin and Abigail – Tripadvisor Review

We stayed at the red squirrel for one night during our trip to the Highlands and was very impressed. The pitches all have amazing views over the river or the mountains, the facilities were clean and comfortable with lovely hot running showers and it is only a 1 mile (very picturesque) walk from a cosy warm pub that serves lovely food and selection of great ales. This campsite was definitely one of our favourites during our trip.
Polkadot Rain – Tripadvisor Review

Glen Coe

Steeped in history and shaped by fire and ice Glen Coe boasts some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. These rugged and remote environments of volcanic origins are famous hunting grounds for the aspiring landscape photographer and perfect for a romantic getaway.

Recently voted as Scotland’s most romantic glen, it is the ideal location to explore the Scottish Highlands.

With its scenic views, it’s really no surprise that many movies from Harry Potter, to James Bond use the landscape for it’s dramatic backdrop. With each season, new waves of colour wash across the steep foothills up to the angular mountain peeks. Summer through to winter, the glen always has something beautiful to offer.

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Dare to turn off all those gadgets and just play

Camping can be a way to let your mind and body breathe, like, really breathe. To fully relax and let your ideas flow, if we stay plugged in for too long, it makes us sick, it makes us go crazy.

Why do we go camping? Well there needn’t be any other reason than because you enjoy the hell out of it, for you to go camping. If you just love the feeling of being outdoors, of climbing and hiking and taking in stunning views from the top of cliffs or the bottom of sweeping valleys, then that’s the reason you go.

At Camping Things we’re all about finding the right camping gear for the job, at a price that’s affordable. We love wild camping, and we believe that we’ve built up a solid knowledge of what’s good for accompanying you on your jaunts into the wilderness of the UK, USA and beyond.

There’s nothing quite like a camping trip to put you back in touch with who you really are, with the good, focused and relaxed person you know that you can be, and if you have the time (which you should), then we highly recommend putting on all of your best gear, and at least going out for a walk, without your phone.

Here are our picks for the right camping gear to help make your wild camping and trekking trips more enjoyable, more safe and more memorable.

So that’s us, do it alone and get a real life rush, go camping with a friend and double the experience – share the views, jokes, falls plus that compulsory fireside beer under the stars.

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