Mountainous campsites in North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark with showers
In Scotland’s remote northwest, ancient rock formations unveil secrets of Europe’s oldest civilisations and cosmic events.
- North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark
Popular camping styles for North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark
2 top mountainous campsites in North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark with showers
Mountainous campsites in North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark with showers guide
Overview
Bordering the Moine Thrust Zone, Scotland’s North West Highlands Geopark is called the “cradle of geology” by experts in the field. The park stretches 770 square miles across some of Scotland’s most remote and stunning moorland, coasts, mountains, and lochs. In this vast terrain, geological wonders are abundant, but public transport is non-existent and the nearest large town is Ullapool to the south, so it’s best to come to the region well-stocked. The geopark is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts hoping for a true off-grid camping adventure.
Where to go
Coigach
Just north of Ullapool, Hipcampers can follow the Coigach peninsula’s geotrail to uncover Britain’s oldest rocks and markings of an asteroid strike. From the top of the short but steep Stac Pollaidh, take in the views across to the Summer Isles and north toward foreboding Assynt. Ben Mor Coigach is the highest peak in the area and can be summited along with neighbouring Sgùrr an Fhìdhleir in a challenging day hike.
Assynt
Torridonian sandstone peaks erupt from a stark, alien-like world. With each bend of the single-track road the views become more dramatic. Assynt is a hillwalkers' and climbers’ paradise. Suilven, with its bowler hat-shaped summit, is a prime feature of the landscape. On the road toward Loch Assynt, the Inchnadamph Bone Caves are a highlight. Follow the coastal road further north to discover Achmelvich, one of the UK’s best white-sand beaches with plenty of nearby camping options.
Cape Wrath and Scourie
In the northwest corner of Sutherland, Scourie gives name to the famous geological feature ‘Scourie Dykes’, and just off the coast, visitors can take a boat trip out to the Handa Island Nature Reserve. At Cape Wrath, the nearly impenetrable edge of mainland Britain, a four-mile walk in to the extremely isolated beach of Sandwood Bay is a must.
Durness and North Coast
When you reach Durness you have arrived on the far-flung north coast of Scotland. Walk out along Balnakeil Beach through dunes and white sand bordering the clear blue waters of the Kyle of Durness. From early autumn through spring this is an excellent spot for Aurora-hunting. Nearby, the amateur spelunker can enjoy a guided tour of Smoo Cave, the largest limestone cave in Scotland.
