Torridon Camping Options

[jupe1407]

I've been trying with little success to find out what's available in Torridon. Does anyone know if the campsites at either Taagan or Torridon village itself are open yet? Potentially heading up with a couple of friends next week. The Hostel is booked and we don't fancy being ripped off by the hotel

[WalkWithWallace]

The hostel run the informal campsite next door, might be worth asking them?

[jupe1407]

The hostel run the informal campsite next door, might be worth asking them?

Ah didn't realise that. Cheers

[Skyelines]

According to Highland Council

https://www.highland.gov.uk/info/379/countryside_facilities_and_wildlife/44/our_camping_sites/2

[ness64]

Unfortunately, the Torridon campsite as well as the toilet/shower block are still closed.

I parked at the Countryside Centre on Friday night and walked up to the toilet block (hoping for a shower) but it's locked. A note on the door explains it's 'due to Covid' and that 'ignoring the closure and using the bushes as a toilet is not wild camping'.

However, during the evening I noticed the occupants of several cars parked around me climbing over the stile across the road from the Countryside Centre and setting up camp, one group even had an open fire going so the closure doesn't seem to be enforced.

The nearest toilets are in Kinlochewe, could you maybe sleep in your car in the village carpark or at Incheril?

I wouldn't recommend camping at the moment anyway - the midges are horrendous, not only at low level but also on the hills!

[Stevekerr188]

Used to be able to use the field owned by the community, above Sheildaig village. There was a cold water tap by the gate and toilets in the village. Payment was an honesty box. Last used this around 2013 so I don't know if that or the toilets are in use at the minute

[rabthecairnterrier]

The nearest toilets are in Kinlochewe, could you maybe sleep in your car in the village carpark ...?

I'd be wary of that. I last passed through Kinlochewe towards the end of March, just before "lockdown" officially kicked in. Even then the locals had a makeshift barrier across the entrance complete with sign saying "Toilets Closed, No Campervans." I haven't been through since, but if "wild campervanning" has caused the same problems there as in some other locations, even sleeping in the back of your car may cause friction.
Plenty of wild camping opportunities in the area if you can put in the effort required for a proper wild camp well away from the road and your car.

[jupe1407]

Cheers for the replies - I think we'll just sack it for this weekend tbh. I've slept in car numerous times prior to walks and it's no fun

I think we'll leave it until there are better accommodation options

[ness64]

I'd be wary of that. I last passed through Kinlochewe towards the end of March, just before "lockdown" officially kicked in. Even then the locals had a makeshift barrier across the entrance complete with sign saying "Toilets Closed, No Campervans."

The toilets are definitely open now, I used them several times over the weekend. There seem to be no objections to campervans staying overnight as the carpark was busy with cars, vans and motorhomes both day and night. In fact, it was so busy that I continued to the Beinn Eighe Visitor Centre carpark which I had all to myself on Thursday night.