Woodland camping near Leadhills
High in the Lowther Hills, the historic village of Leadhills offers access to the great outdoors.
- Leadhills
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12 top forest campsites near Leadhills
Under £50
Dog-friendly getaways
Woodland camping near Leadhills guide
Overview
Set in a high valley in the Lowther Hills, the Lanarkshire village of Leadhills has the distinction of being Scotland’s second-highest village. Leadhills is best-known for its strong mining history, but also has plenty to appeal to outdoor adventurers. You can hike and climb in the Lowther Hills, explore the Clyde Valley and play a round at Scotland’s highest golf course. Leadhills also attracts a steady stream of walkers following the Southern Upland Way long distance footpath, which passes through nearby Wanlockhead (which has the title of Scotland’s highest village).
Where to go
Around Leadhills
Staying close to Leadhills puts you within easy reach of Lanarkshire’s attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site at New Lanark, as well as Glasgow and Loch Lomond and the coast. A five-minute drive north of Leadhills, the small campsite at Lettershaws Farm welcomes Camping and Caravanning Club members.
Douglas
A 20-minute drive north of Leadhills takes you to another Lanarkshire village of historical significance: Douglas, former seat of the Lords of Douglas. The 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) Douglas Historic Walking Route takes you along streets filled with history and through rural landscapes. Four miles (6.4 kilometers) northeast of Douglas, the tranquil campsite at Collierhall Farm is situated on a small working farm.
Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve
A 45-minute drive east, Grey Mare’s Tail Nature Reserve is a highlight of the Southern Uplands, home to one of Britain’s highest waterfalls. Active visitors can summit the peaks of Lochcraig Head and White Coomb for views extending as far as the Lake District. A 30-minute drive from Leadhills, staying at the Moffat Camping and Caravanning Site puts you within easy reach of the reserve.
When to go
The summer months are the best time to visit Lanarkshire and the surrounding regions. While sunny days can’t be guaranteed, the long daylight hours mean you can pack multiple activities into each day. If you are planning to hike the Southern Upland Way or the West Highland Way, both of which begin nearby, spring or autumn is best for avoiding the biggest crowds.
Know before you go
- Wild camping is allowed throughout Scotland, as long as you adhere to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
- The weather in Scotland is always changeable, even in summer. Come prepared with warm, waterproof clothing.
- While you can get around using local buses, services around Leadhills are not comprehensive so you’d be better off with your own transport.
