Road Tripping, Wild Camping And Hut Trekking In Scotland

Scotland In Early May

I ventured to Scotland in early May 2026 with my best mate Willow. Our route took a northern direction from our starting point in Edinburgh. We ventured briefly through the Cairngorms, bypassed Inverness, and made our way to Kinlochbervie, a small town in Scotland’s north-west.

There, we reconnected with some Scottish fellas we'd previously worked with in the Netherlands. From there, we followed the famous North Coast 500 south through the Highlands, camping and exploring the rugged coastline of north-west Scotland.

We cruised across to the Isle of Skye, ticking off historical castles and weaving our way through the seemingly endless mountains, lochs, and dramatic landscapes that make this part of the world so special.

While on Skye, we trekked to a mountain hut on the western coast and ticked off a wild coastal section of the Isle of Skye Trail. Following this, Fort William and the Glen Coe area became the final, and wildest, stop of our journey.

The Gear

The boys at Behind The Pines set us up with the perfect gear to tackle this style of travel. A lightweight tent, camp furniture, trekking pack, stove system, cookware, hiking boots, and merino hiking socks had us prepared for the immense variety of conditions we encountered throughout Scotland.

The Snow Peak Fal Pro Tent

At the centre of it all was the Snow Peak Fal Pro tent. It quickly became our home on the road.

Its lightweight design made it ideal for both car camping and overnight treks, while the intuitive setup meant we could have shelter ready within minutes, even when rain or fading light were working against us.

Despite its compact footprint, it felt surprisingly spacious inside and became the perfect nook to decompress after long days spent hiking, driving, and battling the Scottish elements.

Its low-profile design also blended naturally into the landscape, making it ideal for the discreet style of camping that became a hallmark of the trip.

You can find more tents and camp gear through Snow Peak and our camping outdoor essentials.

Helinox Tables And Chairs

Camp life was elevated by the Helinox lightweight table and chairs.

Portable enough to bring on shorter hikes yet comfortable enough to feel like a luxury after a long day, they quickly became one of our most used pieces of equipment.

Whether it was a morning coffee overlooking a Highland loch or a warm evening meal after setting up camp, they helped transform simple stops into memorable moments.

Best of all, they packed down effortlessly and were ready to go again within minutes.

Stove, Cookware And Hot Drinks

For food and hot drinks, the combination of the MSR Pocket Rocket 2 and Snow Peak ultralight cookware proved invaluable.

Everything packed down into a remarkably small footprint, making it easy to carry whether we were camped beside the car or heading into the mountains.

The Pocket Rocket had water boiling within minutes, providing a quick solution for coffee, dehydrated meals, pasta, and noodles after long days on the trail.

While the concentrated flame wasn't ideal for more involved cooking and could be challenged by stronger winds, its simplicity, reliability, and portability made it a perfect companion for the style of travel we were undertaking.

For broader cookware, stove systems, and camp essentials, browse our outdoor gear.

Behind The Pines Merino Hiking Socks

The Behind The Pines merino hiking socks were another unsung hero of the trip.

The wool blend provided excellent cushioning across everything from rocky coastal trails to alpine terrain, while naturally regulating temperature through Scotland's ever-changing conditions.

Their odour-resistant properties also meant we could comfortably get away with carrying fewer pairs, a small detail that becomes increasingly valuable when every item in your pack matters.

You can also browse more hiking and outdoor essentials through our outdoor collection.

The YETI Skala 40L Pack

Speaking of packs, the YETI Skala 40L was the perfect sidekick for both day hikes and overnight adventures.

Scotland's weather is famously unpredictable, and the water-resistant design gave peace of mind whenever dark clouds rolled in.

The intuitive three-zip layout made accessing gear deep inside the pack quick and painless, while the comfortable hip support and close-to-body fit helped reduce fatigue on longer days.

With plenty of attachment points, practical storage options, and room for everything required for overnight missions, it struck an impressive balance between capacity and versatility. And, if we're being honest, it doesn't hurt that it looks bloody good too.

For more backpacks and outdoor gear, browse our outdoor collection or the full YETI collection.

Danner Mountain 600 GTX Boots

During our day hikes and overnight adventures, I also had the perfect footwear to accompany the constantly changing terrain.

The Danner Mountain 600 GTX hiking boots had me cruising over slippery rocks, splashing through streams, trudging across muddy trails, and pushing through snowy alpine conditions without a hiccup.

From exposed coastal paths on Skye to the rugged alpine terrain of Glen Coe, they delivered no matter what Scotland threw at us.

In a landscape where the terrain seemed to change by the hour, having a boot that could comfortably handle everything from muddy tracks to rocky scrambles proved invaluable.

You can explore more Danner boots or browse all hiking shoes.

Everything comes together

The combination of dependable footwear, lightweight camping equipment, and a versatile pack meant we could move efficiently through every stage of the journey.

Whether we were chasing a sunset along the coast, setting up camp in fading light, or heading deeper into the mountains for an overnight adventure, the gear never felt like a limitation.

Instead, it became part of what allowed the trip to unfold so naturally.

Final Thoughts From The Highlands

The highlights of the trip were undoubtedly our overnight hike to Camasunary Bothy on the Isle of Skye and our trek through the Hidden Valley into the alpine terrain of Glen Coe.

Both felt like stepping into another world. The walk into Camasunary delivered dramatic coastal scenery, while Glen Coe greeted us with steep valley walls, lingering snow, and some of the most striking mountain landscapes either of us had ever experienced.

As memorable as those big moments were, it was the slower ones that stayed with me most: the winding roads, the constantly changing scenery, setting up camp at the end of the day, embracing the moodiness of the Highlands, and reconnecting with nature and some special pals along the way.

Those moments made the journey every bit as memorable as the destinations themselves.