General information:

Overnight Locations:

The following information is intended to be an addition to the existing literature on places to camp overnight in Great Britain.  It is by no means all-inclusive, but simply lists those places we utilized and can recommend to others.  Britain does not have the extensive network of Aires or Stellplatzë that are available on the continent.  Consequently, the excellent guide books to help us locate free or inexpensive places to overnight or to locate services are also unavailable.  While to our knowledge free camping is permitted in all areas of Britain, finding suitable locations has been more difficult for us so far.  We are in southern England and we have been told that this is the most difficult area of all; we’ll see and will update this information as needed.

In order to be able to access camping facilities and service points in Britain then, many travelers will decide to join either the Caravan Club (www.caravanclub.co.uk/) or the Camping & Caravanning Club (www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/).  The two are very similar in costs and services.  Your annual membership gives you access to various types of camping facilities that are either members only or give reduced rates at facilities that are open to the public.  We chose the Caravan Club and listings below that are for club facilities will be designated by a CC notation.

Listings are shown alphabetically by the name of the nearest town.  For England, county names are shown in parentheses in some countries.  The numbers in parentheses indicate the (month/year) we were there.

GPS Coordinates:  Both of the camping clubs utilize the British Postal Code system for location reference rather than latitude and longitude.  Our Garmin GPS will accept these numbers and will get us very close to our destination; utilizing the local directions provided in the directory will then help us find the camp site.  Both clubs also have downloadable files of GPS coordinates available, although care must be taken to set your GPS to the correct coordinate format to match these listings.  There are also other listings available online that provide locations where others have stayed in a variety of GPS formats.  So far we have had very mixed results using two such sets, with some excellent locations and others that we have been unable to find or found unsatisfactory.  Hopefully they will become more useful in less heavily populated regions.  Both of these were provided to us by other travelers so we cannot directly reference them here.  

Propane (LPG): 

RVs (like ours) with chassis mounted propane tanks may go to a different location or require different adapters than those with removable tanks. 

Britain uses a bayonet type fitting for propane that is different from other countries.  We had no problem picking up an adapter at a local RV dealer in England to connect our 1 3/4” Acme thread to the British bayonet fitting.  The Acme is the standard fitting on FIXED propane tanks in the US.  Removable tanks have different fittings. 

Good website for locating fill points throughout UK is www.autogas.ltd.uk

Important: before you leave your home country, you should acquire an adapter that will connect to the inlet on your propane tank and then terminates in a pipe thread (of any common size) so that another fitting can be connected to the adapter.  You should then obtain a 1 3/4” Acme adapter (if your tank does not already have this connection) for your first connection.  Depending on which countries you visit, you should then be able to acquire a fitting that is used in a particular country once you are in that country and connect it to the fitting that fits your tank. 

For an excellent article discussing propane systems and connection options Click Here.

For excellent information about propane adapters used throughout Europe Click Here.    

Fuel Prices:

These prices are the average for what we paid in each country.  We have a diesel engine; the diesel prices are actual.  We have included the estimated prices for regular unleaded gasoline.  All fuel prices are shown with both the actual local cost and with that cost converted into US Dollars and US Gallons.

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England:

Exchange rate in June/July 2010: one Pound to approximately $1.50 US.  When we returned in October, rate was up to $1.60.  When we returned in November 2011 and again in April 2012 it was $1.57. 

Overnight parking regulations:  Overnight stays in areas other than established campgrounds are allowed unless posted otherwise.  However, in southern England finding an open piece of ground to park on is very difficult, so a camping club membership is advisable. 

Fuel:  Fuel prices vary and are generally posted clearly; and most fuel stations are manned.  We have not seen the many automated locations we experienced on the continent.  Diesel fuel is readily available and in summer 2010 prices ranged from £1.16 to £1.22/liter ($6.59 to $6.93/gallon); Regular gasoline prices run about £.03 ($.16/gallon) less than diesel.  April 2012 Update: diesel ranged from £1.44 to 1.49/liter ($8.55 to $8.85/gallon); regular gasoline was about £.06/liter ($.035/gallon) less than diesel.

Propane:  Propane is available at some fuel stops, although not nearly as frequently as in France or Belgium.  Propane filling locations are self serve using the UK bayonet adapter.  Price runs between £.65 to £.70 per liter ($3.69 to $3.97/gallon).  Update: in April 2012, prices had increased to £.79 to £.82/liter ($4.69 to $4.87/gallon).

Location, Type/Cost and Description

Askrigg (N Yorkshire)    Possible Overnight    Free    N54 20.568  W002 05.473  1600 ft.

Nice spot at the top of the moors next to the cattle guard, between Meeker and Askrigg; no services (10/10)

Atherstone (Warwickshire)    Overnight    Free    N52 32.657  W001 33.067

We were aiming for the Hartshill Hayes Country Park, but it said no overnight parking; so we headed north up the same road, and found a maintenance yard on the left; quiet overnight but equipment came in starting about 8:30, although they didn’t seem to care.  If approaching from Atherstone, it about 2/10 mile after the turn onto Witherly Lane away from the road to Oldbury. (7/10)

Breedon-on-the-Hill (Leicestershire)    Overnight/Observed    Free    N52 48.443  W001 23.961

The church here is in a quiet, secluded spot with ample parking and we felt it should make a good overnight opportunity.  (7/10)

Bromyard (Herefordshire)    Overnight    Free    N52 13.394  W002  29.682

Stayed in parking lot of the Edvin Leach Old Church, an English Heritage Trust site in a quiet rural setting.  Very interesting ruins of 11th century church on site.  (6/10)

Canterbury (Kent)        Overnight stopping

The New Dover Road carpark on the edge of town allows overnight parking.  This includes dump and water, and use of the P&R bus into town -- a real deal.  Follow signage; as you enter, take a ticket, then turn left prior to arriving at the height barrier.  Closed on Sundays, so the first time we visited we stayed overnight at the pub next to the entrance.  Updated (4/12)

Capel-le-Ferne (Kent)    CC    Overnight    £8/night    N51 06.773  E001 13.115

Camping Club Certificated Location near Folkestone; very quiet and lovely; electric included; water and dump available.  (10/10)

Chedworth (Gloucestershire) CC    Overnight    £5.50/night    N51 47.610  W001. 54.472

Camping Club Certificated Location at Denfurlong Farm.  We had a very large, secluded open meadow surrounded by trees to enjoy, with water and dump.  Very quiet.  Farm shop on same property, with lovely ice cream.  (6/10)

Dover (Kent)    Overnight    Free    N51 07.245  E001 18.800

Coming out of the port, take the A20 going west for about ½ mile; it will pass apartment buildings on the ocean side; then find a turn left into parking areas along the street, the Marine Parade; they are free from 6 pm – 9 am.  (6/10)

Dover (Kent)    Possible Overnight    Free    N51 09.272  E001 17.894

Very large Tesco superstore on the A2 just west of town; open 24 hrs/daily; should be excellent for overnight (10/10)

East Garston (Berkshire) CC    Overnight    £8/night    N51 29.599  W001 28.161

Caravan Club Certificated Location at Lorne Hill Farm, about 1 mile from the village; this is a lovely, quiet setting with 5 sites, in horse country; beautiful. (6/10)

East Hoathly (East Sussex) CC    Overnight    £8/night    n/a

Broomfield Farm is a Caravan Club Site on Stalkers Lane about 1-1/2 miles east of the village.   Sites are level and have electricity; water and dump nearby.(6/10)

Fowlmere (Cambridgeshire)    Overnight    Free    N52 05.584  E000 03.245

Parking lot for the Fowlmere Nature Reserve (RSPB site) near town; quiet night among the birds. (7/10)

Frampton (Lincolnshire)    Overnight    Free    N52 55.905  E000 01.061

The Frampton Marsh RSPB site is about 1-1/2 miles east of Frampton with a visitor center and a large parking lot near the marsh; plenty of walking and birding; quiet at night.  (7/10)

Great Langdale (Cumbria)    Overnight    £13/night    N54 26.627  W003 05.864

A Lake District National Park campground with toilets and water available.  (10/10)

Hailsham (East Sussex)    Overnight    Free    N50 53.085  E000 12.356

We spent the night in the parking lot of a group of small businesses, including an auto repair shop and an auto upholstery business, on A271.  Businesses opened at 9 am. (6/10)

Hawes (North Yorkshire)    Overnight    Free    N54 12.617  W002 22.224

Parked under the Ribblehead Viaduct, off the B6255 at the junction with B6479, about 10 miles south of Hawes.  Numerous opportunities at this location.  (10/10)

Horningsea (Cambridgeshire) CC    Overnight    £5/night    N52 14.246  E000 11.205

Camping Club Certificated Location in small village; good spot to stay while visiting Cambridge.  Quiet secluded spot in apple orchard.   Water and dump.  Leaving the village and heading north on A1134, about a mile north there was a nice layby that should make a good overnight stop.  (7/10)

Harrowgate (N Yorkshire)    Overnight    Free    N53 59.045  W001 29.936

Sainsbury’s parking lot; asked/received permission.  Cannot say whether this is a company policy or local option.  (10/10)

Horsham (East Sussex)    Overnight    Free    N51 03.171  W000 18.466

Traveling west on A281, a short distance east of town, Horsham Business Park is on the left, with a large Camping World sign at the highway.  Plenty of room and quiet overnight; we obtained permission from Hillier’s Garden Center, owner of property. (6/10)

Kingthorpe (Lincolnshire)    Overnight    Free    N53 14.982  W000 16.810

Chambers Farm Wood Nature Reserve is south of town on B1202; atlas says Bardney Limewoods reserve.  Signage begins after you turn toward Langton. (7/10)

Letton (Herefordshire) CC    Overnight    £5/night    N52 06.671  W002 58.094

Camping Club Certificated Location next door to Swan Inn Pub; very quiet, however.  Lovely field at side of house.  If coming from the east, it’s a left turn directly after you pass the pub parking area entrance.  Note that the pub has its own camping facility; the CL is next door, not at the pub.  Water and dump.  (8/10)

Little Horkesley (Essex) CC    Overnight    £5/night    N51 51.665  E000 53.142

Camping Club Certificated Location near town; lovely quiet spot near orchards.  Water and Dump (7/10)

Loughborough (Leicestershire) CC    Overnight    £5/night    N52 45.645  W001 10.267

Camping Club Certificated Location in the courtyard of a small property near a canal.  Worked okay, but not recommended; parked in vehicle area of farm yard and somewhat noisey.  Water and dump.  (7/10)

Ludlow (Shropshire) CC    Overnight    €3/night    N52 19.445  W002 44.139

Camping Club Certificated Location on the edge of the village of Richards Castle; quiet field with sheep.  (7/10)

Lutterworth (Leicestershire) CC    Overnight    £8/night    N52 28.999  W001 12.840

Camping Club Certificated Location; do not recommend, as owner refuses to provide trash recepticles; otherwise a pretty and quiet spot.  Electricity included. (7/10)

Market Weighton (E Riding, Yorkshire)    CC    Overnight    £10/night    N53 52.758  W000 44.427

Caravan Club Certificated Location east of York; electricity included; water and dump available (10/10)

Marske (N Yorkshire)    Overnight    Free    N54 26.252  W001 51.642 

At the meeting of roads at the top of the hill north of town; this is on the edge of military training grounds – be aware and look for red flags flying, which are a warning of activity in the area; no services (10/10)

Pateley Bridge (N Yorkshire)    Overnight    Free    N54 07.460  W001 48.664

Private car park at Gouthwaite Reservoir off B6265 just outside town; asks for donations; nice views of water across the way; no services (10/10)

Penrith (Cumbria)    Overnight    Free    N54 34.318  W002 55.698

Carpark for the Aira Force Waterfall (National Trust site), southwest of town on the A592.  Pay and display; toilets (10/10)

Seaford  (East Sussex)    Overnight    Free    N50 46.062   E000 06.167

We parked right on the beach, along the Marine Promenade, just west of the Martello Tower; there is free 12-hour parking; quiet and clean. (6/10)

Sheen (Staffordshire) CC    Overnight    £5/night    N53 09.664  W001 50.081

Camping Club Certificated Location in a large field near the farm.  Water and dump available.  Very quiet.  Hard to get level, but the views are worth it.  (7/10)

Tewkesbury (Gloucestershire)    Overnight    Free*    N51 59.349  W002 09.472

In town, stayed adjacent to Bowling Club grounds, in a park & pay area, which was free(*)  between 5:30 pm -8:00 am.  Close to abbey and center of town.  Surprisingly quiet at night.  (6/10)

Upwood (Cambridgeshire)    Overnight    Free    N52 25.550   W000 09.707

Wildlife Reserve outside Upwood, off Meadow Road; fairly good signage; very small, one rig only (7/10)

Wigmore (Herefordshire)    Overnight    Free    N52 18.822  W002 51.172

We were looking for the parking area for the castle ruins in town, and came across this lovely playing field on the edge of town.  Folks walking dogs and generally enjoying the area, but no one seemed concerned.  Very quiet night.  (8/10)

Winchester (Hampshire)    Overnight    Free    N51 02.789   W001 14.752

We stayed in a View Point parking lot on the north side of A272 about 1 mile east of the junction with A31; this is a total of about 4 miles east of Winchester.  Hard to get level, but peaceful at night; next to the South Downs walking trail. (6/10)

Wootten Bassett (Wiltshire)    Overnight    Free    N51 33.348  W001 54.090

Slightly east of town at the Ballards Ash Sports Ground along the B4042 between Malmesbury and Swinden.  Arrived at about 4:30 and groundskeeper was there; he gave permission, locked us in, and returned mid-morning the next day to let us out.  Along a sports field with lots of room; dog walkers and joggers at various times.  Very quiet; plenty of room. (6/10)

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Northern Ireland:

Exchange rate in August 2010: one Pound to approximately $1.55 US.  The Republic of Ireland, the southern part of the island, uses the Euro, while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and uses the Pound.

Overnight parking regulations:  Overnight stays in areas other than established campgrounds are allowed unless posted otherwise.  We only spent a few days here, but wish we’d allowed longer.  The roads are much better than in the south, and we have not seen the parking barriers that were a problem in the Republic.  There are more nice laybys and picnic areas, and along the coast there are a number of parking areas at viewpoints that make excellent overnight stops.

Fuel:  Fuel prices vary and are generally posted clearly; so far fuel stops have all been manned.   Diesel fuel is readily available and should be about the same price as in England or Wales.  During our brief stay, prices have ranged from £1.13 to £1.19/liter ($6.63 to $6.98/gallon); As in England, regular gasoline prices run £.01 to £.03/liter ($.06 to $.18/gallon) less than diesel.

Propane:  As in England, propane is available at fuel stops.  Propane filling locations are self serve using the UK Bayonet Connector.  A helpful website to help you locate LPG locations in Ireland is www.ilpga.ie/.

Location, Type/Cost and Description

Limavady area (Derry)    Overnight    Free    N55 06.737  W006 53.494

We left Derry on the A2, took the bypass around Limavady, and then took the B201 toward Coleraine.  Shortly we took a turn north toward Downhill (marked Gortmore) which climbed up the hill.  There were several possible pulloffs.  We stayed on a gravel pulloff at the top of the pass, directly across from the paved road that went up to the communications tower (the tower interfered with our GPS, by the way; we picked up signal again after we left the next morning).  A ways further on we came to the Gortmore Picnic Area (N55 08.938, W006 52.5688), a large pulloff with walks, picnic facilities, etc.  This location gives a lovely view out over the straits, although it was much more exposed on a very windy night.  (9/10)

Ballintoy (Antrim)    Overnight    Free    N55 13.616  W006 17.476

Along the Causeway Road, east of town, there is a sharp turn toward the water marked White Park Rd; it leads to the Kinbane Head carpark; there are toilets and picnic tables.  From here you can walk down to the castle ruins.  No adverse signage.  (9/10)

Murlough Bay area (Derry)    Possible Overnight    Free N55 12.535  W006 07.807

Follow Torr Head scenic road signage to Murlough Bay, it is a narrow and steep road; turn left just before the 3 Ton sign and drive along; nice wide spots good for overnight; very scenic.  (9/10)

Broughshane (Antrim)    Aire de Service    Free    N54 53.320  W006 12.120

Overnight camping provided; free dump; water available for small fee.  Beautiful little spot in a lovely small town; billed as only Aire in all of the UK and Ireland.  (9/10)

Glenarm   (Antrim)    Overnight    Free    N54 58.129  W005 57.175

Large unpaved parking area available; quiet night; right on harbor; level.  There is a separate paved lot that is not so level and is located right on the main road.  No services.  Great spot.  (9/10)

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Republic of Ireland:

Exchange rate in August 2010: one Euro to approximately $1.30 US.  The Republic of Ireland, the southern part of the island, uses the Euro, while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and uses the Pound.

Overnight parking regulations:  Overnight stays in areas other than established campgrounds are allowed unless posted otherwise.  While many parking lots have height barriers, we had been told that it is easier to find places to wild camp in Ireland than in England and so far we have found this to be true.

Fuel:  Fuel prices vary and are generally posted clearly; so far fuel stops have all been manned.  Diesel fuel is readily available and is about the same price as we paid in France or Germany.  It is considerably  less than in England (by about $.75/gallon).  Prices have ranged from €1.19 to €1.25/liter ($5.86 to $6.20/gallon); Regular gasoline prices run about €.08 to €.12/liter ($.40 to $.60/gallon) more than diesel.

Propane:  As in England, propane is available at some fuel stops, although not nearly as frequently as in France or Belgium, and not as frequently in Ireland as in England.  Propane filling locations are self serve using the 1 3/4” Acme thread, sometimes called the European adapter.  This is the standard thread on American motorhomes with fixed tanks.  Propane is more expensive here, with the price between €.85 and €1.00 per liter ($4.19 to $4.92/gallon).  A helpful website to help you locate LPG locations is www.ilpga.ie/.

Location, Type/Cost and Description

Ballylongford area (Kerry)    Overnight    Free    N52 34.185  W009 29.685

We spent a delightful night in the parking lot of the ruins of the Carrigafoyle Castle, right along the Shannon estuary.  Very quiet at night, although lots of folks visited the ruins during the early evening.  Birds, watching the tide come in; terrific!  (8/10)

Ballyvaughan (Clare)    Overnight    Free    N53 02.835  W009 08.412

Several miles south of town, on R480, there is a parking lot for the Poulnabrone Burial Tomb.  Very busy during the day, but quiet at night; we needed a day off so we stayed two nights.  No services.  (8/10)

Burt (Donegal)    Overnight    Free    N55 01.455  W007 26.046 

We had followed the signs up to the stone fort (Grianan Ailigh) at the top of the hill, hoping to spend the night there.  The official couldn’t let us, but directed us to a spot about 100 yards below the turn up to the site.  It’s a side road, graveled where it meets the paved road, on the downslope side.  It was terrific, and we spent two nights there, joined by a group of curious cows.  (9/10)

Castlecove (Kerry)    Overnight    Free    N51 46.196  W010 03.353

About a mile further west along the road there is a small road down to a pier; if you go too far you will come to the right turn toward Coad; you can turn around here!  No services.  (8/10)

Clane (Kildare)    Overnight    Free    N53 17.576  W006 41.154

Spent the night in the parking lot of the pub The Village Inn; asked and got permission from the owner.  (8/10)

Clifden area (Galway)    Overnight    Free    N53 28.030  W010 01.964

South of town about 5 km there is a small turnoff to Errislannen Point and the Alcock-Brown Monument.  Terrific views, no services.  (8/10)

Clonmany (Donegal)    Possible Overnight    Free    N55 14.606  W007 30.070

On the scenic route around the peninsula, the small road that goes over Mamore Gap, between Clommany and Dunree Head, has a very good pullout shortly before you reach the bottom of the hill, coming down the north side of the gap.  (9/10)

Corlea (Longford)    Overnight    Free    N53 36.752  W007 50.592

We spent the night outside the gates for the Corlea Trackway Visitor Center about 5 miles from Ballymahon; very quiet; this is a wonderful place to visit.  We didn’t ask for any services, but the restrooms and some water should be available during the day.  (8/10)

Dingle (Kerry)    Overnight    Free    N52 10.399  W010 21.212

We were given permission to O/N at the Gallarus Oratory (which has free water), but later in the evening the owner came and told us the woman next door (who has a campground) comes late at night and pesters his guests.  He suggested it would be better for us to go to the An Brothar Pub near Ballydavid, owned by a friend, who will welcome us.  We did and it was quite pleasant; the owner and wife are very friendly and offered us breakfast in the morning.  The pub is at N52 13.574 W010 18.439; he said all motorhomers are welcome there.   We went back to the Oratory the next day and filled our water tank.  (8/10)

Fahan (Donegal)    Propane    N55 04.679  W007 27.235

We wanted to top up our propane before entering Northern Ireland, knowing that our adaptor would be a problem there.  This Topaz station used to be a Shell station, which is how it is still listed on the Irish LPG web site.  (9/10)

Glen of Aherlow (Tipperary)    Possible Overnight    N52 25.239  W008 10.908

The visitor center is at the junction of R663/664 no adverse signage.  Another location: also on R663 you should be able to overnight at the Lisvarrine cemetery.  (8/10)

Kilbride (Wicklow)    Overnight    Free    N53 09.247  W006 20.522    Elev. 1145 feet

East of Kilbride, R759 goes up over Sally Gap; a short distance before the top you will come to a parking area on the south side of the road, just below a small bridge; the coordinates are for this spot.   After arriving, we looked a little ways back down the hill and found a nicer, more secluded spot perhaps 100 feet away.  Lovely spot with nice views and a stream; no facilities.  Another location:  it would be quite possible to O/N a short distance north of the Sally Gap junction on the R115, tucked into the hillside on the east side of the road.  (8/10)

Kinnitty (Offaly)    Overnight    Free    N53 05.386  W007 38.951    Elev. 1000 feet

On R440 in the Slieve Bloom Mtns; pull off at spot with stairs and huge remains of brick oven.  Lots of available spots on this road on both the east and west slopes of these mountains.  (8/10)

Laragh (Wicklow)    Overnight    Free    N52 58.169  W006 19.052    1238 feet

On L2038 (the military road south of town) about 3 miles out of Laragh, along the road that goes over into Glenmalure Valley, there is a pullout at the top of the pass.  The pullout is just before the Shay-Elliott Forest Rec Area parking lot, which has a height barrier.  No services.  (8/10)

Newport area (Mayo)    Overnight    Free    N53 54.700  W009 35.033

This is a tricky one.  Heading west out of town on N59, in about 2 miles take the second small road to the north; it goes along the west side of Furnace Lough.  After one mile there’s a rough/grassy pulloff on the right where you should be able to get level.  Do not take the first small road, on the east side of the water; it goes over a very narrow bridge.  We spent the night with sheep for company.  Plenty of traffic on the little road, but no problem.  Further along N59, between Mallaranny and Bangor, we saw several possible overnight spots.  (8/10)

Quin (Clare)    Overnight    Free    N52 46.880  W008 50.241

About 4 miles southeast of Quin there is a parking spot across the road from a cemetery and alongside a small pond.  Lots of activity at the cemetery, but very quiet overnight.  No services  (8/10)

Robertstown (Kildare)    Overnight    Free    N53 16.289  W006 49.092

There is a launch ramp at the canal in this town; we had hoped it would be more of an official area, but it wasn’t, and the parking area had a height barrier.  We parked across the street, at a point when the road widens considerable before leaving town; it was quiet overnight.  (8/10)

Skibbereen (Cork)    Overnight    Free    N51 33.306  W009 15.788

As you enter town coming from the east on the N71 you’ll see a playground on the right; make a sharp right turn into the dead-end street beside it; plenty of parking; no adverse signage.  Toilets available at the playground.  (8/10)

Strandhill area (Sligo)    Overnight    Free    N54 14.884  W008 34.389

Take the scenic road off to the right off R292 after you go through Ballysalare; it’s the road up the mountain, marked Knocknarea; we found a signed parking area on the right.  Quiet.  (8/10)

Stroove (Donegal)    Possible Overnight    Free    N55 13.446  W007 00.836

On the scenic route around the peninsula, on a point overlooking Lough Foyle, a very nice paved parking/viewpoint area.  Not level, but should be able to manage.  (9/10)

Thomastown (Kilkenny)    Overnight    Free    N52 31.350  W007 07.492

Viewpoint toward castle about one mile out of town on R700 to Inistioge; quite noisy in evening, but quieted down.  No services.  (8/10)

Tullamore (Offaly)    Overnight    Free    N53 16.627  W007 29.255

Beside the canal, near downtown; €2.50 for all day; free between 5:30pm -9:00am and on Sundays; popular with motorhomers; water tap available.  Surprisingly quiet at night; canal area is popular during the day.  (8/10)

Tullamore    Propane   

Esso station on O’Moore Street, which becomes N80 going south out of town.

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Scotland:

Exchange rate in September 2010: one Pound to approximately $1.56 US.

Overnight parking regulations:  Overnight stays in areas other than established campgrounds are allowed unless posted otherwise. 

Fuel:  Fuel prices vary and are generally posted clearly; so far fuel stops have all been manned.  Diesel fuel is readily available.  Prices have ranged from £1.15 to £1.25/liter ($6.79 to $7.38/gallon); Regular gasoline prices run about £.03 ($.16/gallon) less than diesel.

Propane:  As in England, propane is available at some fuel stops, although not nearly as frequently as in France or Belgium.  Propane filling locations are self serve using the UK bayonet adapter.  Price runs between £.65 to £.70 per liter ($3.84 to $4.13/gallon).

Location, Type/Cost and Description

Aberfoyle    Overnight    Free    N56 14.510  W004 34.281 

West of town there is a road with no signage that goes on beyond the end of Loch Chon and heads toward Stronachlachar; shortly before the turn off to that location there is a nice pulloff on the south side, before the barrier; amazingly busy road, but quiet late at night.  (9/10)

Ardersier    Overnight    Free    N57 34.993  W004 03.341

Parking lot for the athletic field, across from the army base, along the road to Fort George; there is a beach further along this road, but there was no room on firm ground so we didn’t venture on. Large parking lot at the fort is posted no overnight. (9/10)

Balnacra    Overnight    Free    N57 28.059  W005 21.295

Secluded pulloff on north side of road just east of town on Loch Dughaill.  (9/10)

Coldbackie    Overnight    Free    N58 30.097  W004 20.537 

About 2 miles east of town along the A836 there is a small sheltered pulloff out of the way.  No view, no wind!  (9/10)

Cranshaws    Possible Overnight    Free    N55 51.686  W002 31.952

Large open grassy area with tables beside a stream; on B6355 just east of Whiteadder Reservoir; looked perfect.  (10/10)

Dornach    Overnight    Free    N57 52.083  W004 01.888

Enter town from the west, turn right in center toward the golf course; go through the course, past the airstrip and towards the dunes and the water.  Nice and quiet.  (9/10)

Dunkeld    Overnight    Free    N56 34.417  W003 33.753

Loch of Lowes Nature Reserve (RSPB) slightly east of town on A923; nice paved lot. (9/10)

Edinburgh    Daytime parking area    N55 56.860  W003 11.343

On Chambers Street, across from the Museum of Scotland, there is pretty good parking available; 4 hrs maximum, 2£/hour but free on Sunday.  Close enough to walk to castle.  Other than Sundays, it would be better to use one of the Park & Ride opportunities; parking is free and bus is 1.20£ return.  (9/10)

Falkirk    Overnight    Free    N56 00.142  W003 56.608

Parking area for buses, etc. for the Falkirk Wheel.  Very quiet.  No services at night.  (9/10)

Fort Augustus area    Overnight    Free    N57 09.569  W004 33.890

Take the B862 out of town, all the way to the top of the pass; there are laybys on both sides with terrific views; had to use blocks in order to get level; was so windy we left at 4:30 am and went about 2 miles further on, to N57 10.748  W004 32.305 where we found a large, quiet and protected layby; much better!  (9/10)

Glenfinnan    Overnight    Free    N56 52.296  W005 26.242

Immediately west of the visitor’s center there is a very nice carpark on the same side of the road; it’s at the start of the private road that leads under the viaduct. (9/10)

Glenshee Ski Area    Overnight possibilities

Could probably stay in parking lot for ski area, but it is quite close to the road and exposed to winds; better would be to head south, below the summit; there are 2-3 good pulloffs some distance from the road (A93).  (9/10)

Glentrool Village    Overnight    Free    N55 05.586  W004 29.048

About 5 miles out of town, there is a road to Bruce’s Stone, the Robert the Bruce Memorial; at the end of the road is a nice parking area; there are other possible spots along the way.  No services.  (9/10)

Hawick    Possible Overnight    Free    N55 25.359  W002 47.479

Large free public parking lot next to the river close to the woolen stores; time limit 60 hours; toilets.  This is THE town in which to shop for real Scottish woolens; they still mill the wool and make the garments right here.  (10/10)

Innerleithen    Overnight    Free    N55 38.140  W003 03.361

Just north of town there is a layby on the east side of B709, below the golf course and next to a stream; we stayed there and then the next day noticed another opportunity on the east side just north of the golf course. (10/10)

Invergloy area    Overnight    Free    N56 59.099  W004 52.403

Layby on A82 on Loch Lochy.  (9/10)

Inverness    Fuel and supplies    N57 29.290  W004 13.279

Several DIY-type stores and an ESSO station with good fuel prices, just west of the roundabout with the A9 (9/10)

Jedburgh    Overnight    Free    N55 28.605  W002 33.150

Parking lot below the information center, not the one next to the playing field, which is posted.  (10/10)

Kirkwall (Orkney)    Overnight    Free    N58 59.017  W002 57.780

Inexpensive Pay & Display lot, free after 5 pm.  Nice and quiet; directly behind tourist information office.  Toilets in TI building.  (9/10)

Kirriemuir    Overnight    Free    N56 40.352  W003 02.656

The Loch of Kinnordy Nature Reserve (RSPB) on the B951 west of town.  (9/10)

Langholm    Overnight    Free    N55 09.246  W003 00.027

Large parking lot beside the river; posted no overnight, but local said they aren’t enforcing it and there should be no problem; we had none and a trucker stayed the night as well.  Toilets.  (10/10)

Methleck    Overnight    Free    N57 24.056  W002 13.330

Parking lot for the Haddo House; pay & display until 6:00 pm.  There were gates at the entry, but never closed; no adverse signage.  This area is well used by people enjoying the woods and path; it’s quite lovely.  (9/10)

Newton Stewart area    Overnight    Free    N55 00.337  W004 31.971

In town, turn east over the bridge and then left following the river; quiet woodland spot several miles upriver at an RSPB site in the Wood of Cree.  No services (9/10)

Oban    Overnight    Free    N56 25.894  W005 28.938

Street parking on the road out to the castle ruins; go past the ruins for parking in a residential area; be sure to park where you aren’t disturbing anyone.  No services.  No signage.  (9/10)

Ratho    Overnight    Free    N55 55.465  W003 22.767

Small town about half hour west of Edinburgh.  We parked in a lot across the street from a church; currently there is a temporary sales office for canal moorings.  It is about 4 miles beyond the Hermiston Park & Ride on the A71.  (10/10)

Scapa Beach (Orkney)    Overnight    Free    N58 57.749  W002 58.539

Nice quiet night along the beach; windy.  (9/10)

Stirling    Overnight    Free    N56 09.950  W003 54.568

Amazingly close to the city, just about two miles north, up on a hilltop following a country road that leads to Sheriffmuir; parking area, possible trail head.  Another smaller area is about .8 miles closer to town. (9/10).

Stirling    Excellent Mechanic    N56 06.847  W003 55.463

Gray Commercials, owner is George, happy to work on American vehicles, very reasonable and just as nice as can be.  Located at Spring Kerse Rd, FK7 7SN; 01786-479-225.  Let us stay overnight and plugged in, had a water tap available.  (9/10)

Stromness (Orkney)    Overnight    £14/night    Ness Campground

Nice campground at the south end of town.  Electric/water/dump included; showers and laundry available.  (9/10)

Tarbet (Argyll, on Loch Lomond)    Overnight    Free    N56 12.693  W004 41.995

Just north of town on A82 there is a forestry car park up a slight incline; next to Loch Lomond.  No services.  (9/10)

Tarbet area (Western Highlands)    Overnight    Free    N58 21.831  W005 05.523

Pulloff just south of turnoff on A838.  We stayed the night, but there is a better spot; go on across the bridge and come up the other side (going south)  (9/10)

Thurso    Overnight    Free    N58 35.900  W003 32.386

The Weigh Inn Lodge; asked permission to stay in their parking lot.  (9/10)

Thurso Area - several spots for overnight along the road to Dunnett Head (9/10)

Tarland    Possible overnight    Free    N57 07.185  W002 50.721

South of town, at the Tommaverie Stone Circle on the B9094; no adverse signs (9/10)

Ullapool    Overnight    Free    N57 53.340  W005 08.410  (approximate)

As you leave town going south on A835, there’s a large unsigned pulloff on the right about halfway up the hill; plenty of room to maneuver to get level; paved.  (9/10)

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Wales:

Exchange rate in July/August 2010: one Pound to approximately $1.50 US.

Overnight parking regulations:  Overnight stays in areas other than established campgrounds are allowed unless posted otherwise. 

Fuel:  Fuel prices vary and are generally posted clearly; so far fuel stops have all been manned.  Diesel fuel is readily available and seems to run about £.01/liter ($.06/gallon) higher than in England.  Prices have ranged from £1.17 to £1.23/liter ($6.64 to $6.98/gallon); Regular gasoline prices run about £.03 ($.16/gallon) less than diesel.

Propane:  As in England, propane is available at some fuel stops, although not nearly as frequently as in France or Belgium.  Propane filling locations are self serve using the UK bayonet adapter.  Price runs between £.65 to £.70 per liter ($3.69 to $3.97/gallon).

Location, Type/Cost and Description

Aberystwyth area (Ceredigion) Overnight/Observed – no GPS

Traveling west on A44 toward the town, after you pass Dyffryn Castell, take the B4343 shortcut to Devil’s Bridge; very shortly there will be a wide pulloff on the left; should be a good overnight spot (8/10)

Aberystwyth area Ceredigion)    Overnight    £5/night    N52 32.876  W003 56.677

Ynys-fir RSPB centre.  Site is a turn off A487 a short ways north of Dyfi Furnace; about 10 miles north of Aberystwyth.  Quiet night; toilets available, and possibly water; we hoped to stay gratis; they wanted the donation.  It was wet and not level.  Suggest that Dyfi Furnace parking area might have been a better idea.  (8/10)

Caerphilly (Caerphilly) CC    Overnight    €6/night    N51 38.585  W003 12.835

Camping Club Certificated Location about 4 miles north of town.  Lovely and quiet; water and dump but no electricity.  Tricky to find, follow directions in the book or use GPS, not postal code.   (6/10)

Crickhowell (Powys)    Overnight    Free    N51 51.498  W003 08.130

Parking lot of the visitors center.  Free between 6 pm – 8 am; hard to get level, but very quiet overnight.  (6/10)

Denbigh (Denbighshire)    Overnight    Free    N53 10.336  W003 22.748

Layby on the A525 about one mile south of town; lovely views and horses in the pasture.  Quiet at night.  (8/10)

Ffairfach (Pembrokeshire)    Overnight/Observed    Free    N51 52.523  W003 59.356

Large parking area on the edge of the national forest, on the east side of town.  No signage saying prohibited.  Nice area.  (7/10)

Hay-on-Wye (Powys)    Overnight    £2.50/24 hrs    N52 04.343  W003 07.517

Long-term parking lot at top of hill in town, next to the tourist office; welcome to stay overnight one night in seven.  Laundry facility nearby.  Suggest arriving before noon; busy town.  Along one side many spots for longer vehicles.  (8/10)

Knighton (Powys) CC    Overnight    €6/night    N52 19.695  W003 02.556

Caravan Club Certificated Location about 1 mile south of town; quiet area with sheep nearby and a charming owner/host.  (7/10)

Llys-y-fran (Pembrokeshire)    Overnight    Free    N51 53.063  W004 50.833

Country park with entrance next to town, along a reservoir.  Nice park; we asked permission to stay, and were directed to a field just outside the gates that are locked at night.  (7/10)

Maesybont (Carmarthenshire)    Overnight    Free    N51 50.171  W004 05.504

Roadside layby on B4297 a bit north of town.  Quiet overnight; no services (7/10)

Menai Bridge (Isle of Anglesey)    Overnight    Free    N53 12.287  W004 14.385

Parking lot of the Bryn Celli Ddu Burial Chamber off the A4080 southwest past the entrance to Plas Newydd; posted no O/N parking in fine print on small sign, but had no problems.  Very quiet.  (8/10)

Pentrefoelas area (Conwy) CC    Overnight    £9/night    N53 02.539  W003 39.409

Caravan Club Certificated Location off A5 about one mile west of Glasfryn; electricity included.  Lovely location with views of the mountains to the west; cows as neighbors.  (8/10)

St. Dogmaels (Ceredigion)    Overnight    Free    N52 04.846  W004  40.768

We stayed in the abbey parking lot; quiet and with great views of the ruins. (7/10)

Tregaron (Ceredigion)    Overnight/Observed    Free    N52 14.718  W003 55.024

The parking lot of the visitor center of the Cors Caron Wildlife Preserve should be very nice for an overnight; no adverse signage; bathroom facilities.  Located about 5 miles north of town on B4343.  There are several other pulloffs as you travel this road.  (7/10)

Tregaron (Ceredigion)    Overnight    Free    N52 12.004  W003.  50.927

Cym Berwyn Forestry Commission parking area about 5 miles east of Tregaron; as you go east on this beautiful though narrow road, it’s the first parking area you will come to.  Nice spot on the bluff overlooking the valley to the west.  Also, as you travel this road, there are many pull offs suitable for an overnight.  (7/10)

Welshpool  (Powys) CC    Overnight    €4/night    N52 37.328  W003 09.260

Caravan Club Certificated Location roughly 2 miles south of town; quiet field.  (7/10)

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