by Scraggygoat » Tue Aug 23, 2016 7:52 pm
It's not strictly true that you can camp 'where you want'; a few abridged snippets from the access code
> WILD CAMPING
Access rights extend to wild camping. This type of camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and only for two or three nights in any one place. You can camp in this way wherever access rights apply but help to avoid causing problems for local people and land managers by not camping in enclosed fields of crops or farm animals and by keeping well away from buildings, roads or historic structures. Take extra care to avoid disturbing deer stalking or grouse shooting. If you wish to camp close to a house or building, seek the owner’s permission.
Also applicable is the general advice
Respect people's privacy and peace of mind. Which includes:
• taking care not to act in ways which might annoy or alarm people living in a house
So to your Knoydart pitch, and I think I know where you camped, it is a grand spot, and I have thought of camping there myself. Probably within both the wording and spirit of the 'act', but also possibly a grey area should your tent be overlooked by the big house which would potentially affect the privacy and enjoyment of the occupants, and as mentioned above possibly cause 'annoyance' to them. It could be outwith the act in the spring should the estate use the area to gather thier flock for lambing. Or in winter if they feed the deer there (and they do). Note that for the act an 'enclosed area' doesn't have to be fenced as crofters and farmers have historically used natural barriers such as rivers or coast line to hold stock. It could also be temporarily out with should the estate wish to shoot waterfowl in the area. As an aside if camping in an area with rough grazing stock it is good practice to ensure that you're presence doesn't get in the way of the stock accessing thier normal watering points (obviously not appropriate here).
Why haven't I camped there, well my own personal interpretation is that not only should a wild camp be away from buildings, but personally I also endeavour to be out of sight of them as well. It would feel to some degree like camping on thier front lawn, and I can see given regular use particularly where overlooked by the house would possibly cause annoyance. Given that there are plenty of other spots not far away, I use them instead.