The Three Lochs Way

This time last year, a group of us took a trip up to Scotland. We did the three lochs way; taking in Loch Lomond, Gareloch and Loch Long. We walked and camped wherever we ended up (in Scotland, this is legal). 

Now, if you ever plan on taking a trip to Scotland in September, it is important to be aware of the Scottish definition of summer. By summer, the Scots (and I can say this, having Scottish blood) mean the time when it stops raining and the temperature becomes such that you don't need to live in your woolly pully. That's on a good year. And in Scotland, by September, the summer is pretty much over. 

So, back to our lochs. 

If you have ever been wild camping you will know that the ideal situation is a flat piece of land where you are not too low that you will be flooded out, and no so high that you will be blown away. 

If you have ever been to Scotland, you will know that it pretty much consists of uneven land which is either very high or very low. 

If you have ever been wild camping in Scotland, you have probably only been once. 

Having said this, the whole experience was very character building, and this is one of the most stunning parts of the world. We started in Balloch, and the southern tip of Loch Lomond, went around to Helensburgh and up the east side of Gareloch, eventually reaching Arrochar on the northern tip of Loch Long. Without campsite fees, we didn't mind stopping at some of the great pubs along the way and the friendly Scottish welcome was much appreciated. If you are going to do Scotland on the cheap, this is definitely the way.