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http://www.mercatos.co.uk/detail.asp?prod_id=26

We have been using the above for 3 or 4 years now and it is great in the van or in the awning but ofcourse it can be used as in the picture. One refill and one set of batteries will do the entire season.

However this year we came across THIS stuff and while I do not usually like stuff that goes on the skin, this was okay and it certainly worked.

There's plenty of first hand experience and advice out there, and here are a sample of links that might get you started.

http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/utn/1507/v/1/cp/1/

http://www.coast2coast.co.uk/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=7

http://www.livefortheoutdoors.com/Community-Landing/Forum-Landing/Forum-Categories/Topic/?topic-id=27931

UKCampsite is a wonderful site and does its job better than any other, but it probably isn't the best place to find out about the sort of camping trip you want to do  - wild camping is parking your palatial motorhome overnight in a layby.

Hope you get all your questions answered and get to do the walk - it'll be a great adventure.

>>>  - wild camping is parking your palatial motorhome overnight in a layby. <<<

Actually very few caravans/motorhomes use Lay Bys. No one wants to be buffeted by passing traffic and there are plenty of places where you can park up for the night, well off any road and out of site from passers by. Indeed, much the same as you would if you were in a tent.

Like here, on Harris, at a Peat Cutting vehicle park.

Or on the grass by Barra Airport.

Hi LD, sorry if I offended you by mentioning palatial motorhomes in laybys - having read your post and seen your photos, I can see that doesn't apply to you. Actually, in my original post I was going to say "laybys and carparks," but it seemed too wordy.

As a matter of interest, try searching the phrase "wild camping" in the Motorhomes and Campervans forum on this site, and the posts will frequently mention stopping overnight in laybys. 

But just to clarify, for many of us, wild camping is pitching your tent where a motor vehicle can't go. You would have to reach the site by non-motorised, low impact means - on foot, canoe, cycle etc. And that is what the OP wanted information on.

Essential reading for anyone planning to wild camp in Scotland is the online leaflet produced by the Mountaineering Council of Scotland. It is found at  www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/leaflets/wildcamp.html

Here is a small extract:

ROADSIDE CAMPING

• Although camping beside a road is not normally considered wild camping, it does take place and is lawful. Following a few simple guidelines can reduce any impacts.
• Whenever practicable use an official campsite with sanitation facilities.
• Ask nearby residents before pitching if you wish to camp near houses.
• Remember vehicles have a great impact on vegetation. Park on hard ground or on a safe metalled area. It is better to walk to your car than drive to your tent.
• Avoid sites that are at risk of being overused. Congregational roadside camping can cause significant problems.
• Take particular care with toilet hygiene.
• If you are just looking for a place for a few hours sleep, then pitch late, leave early and be unobtrusive.

>>>  But just to clarify, for many of us, wild camping is pitching your tent where a motor vehicle can't go. You would have to reach the site by non-motorised, low impact means - on foot, canoe, cycle etc. And that is what the OP wanted information on. <<<

I was doing this over 40 years ago, but back then it was not known as "wild camping". It was simply camping and I for one was totally unaware that there were places where other campers went that were designated fields that had real flush toilets and you had to pay to stay there.

The hills and the glens were our campsites and "to go to the toilet" you took a Trenching Tool and some Bumff.

However now that I am getting on a bit and some metalwork has replaced some bones, back-packing is no longer an option, but that does not stop me from enjoying the freedom of the Highlands, nor does it stop me seeking the solitude that wildcamping brings me.

Lay-bys tend to conjure up a picture of pull ins at the side of a busy road, but many modern Scottish roads have been re-routed, leaving behind the older twisty roads, well off the new road and these in turn have been turned into lay-bys and picnic spots, that can be used for a nightly stop-over.

But I would have to be stuck to use the like of these. There are far better places that can be reached with a small car and caravan or a campervan and the vistas that await those that know where to look, are just as spectacular and peaceful as any I witnessed from my tent door.

Wildcamping is not exclusive to those who only back pack, cycle or canoe. Wildcamping is there for anyone who chooses to do it and indeed there are places in Scotland where wildcamping is the only type of camping you can do and the local authority have set up CDPs, Toilets and Showers especially for the use of Wildcampers.
And by the by, when in those areas, you will be hard pushed to see a tent as they are mostly used by campervanners.

Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 14/12/2009

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Wildcamping is not exclusive to those who only back pack, cycle or canoe. Wildcamping is there for anyone who chooses to do it and indeed there are places in Scotland where wildcamping is the only type of camping you can do ... And by the by, when in those areas, you will be hard pushed to see a tent as they are mostly used by campervanners.

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Dear LD,

You are obviously an experienced and responsible camper who was able to enjoy truly getting away from it all when it was possible to do so.

If you look at my first posting, I was only suggesting that the OP try other sources of advice for his walk along the West Highland Way. My tongue in cheek remark about wild camping was not a criticism of UKCampsite or its members, for whom I have a very high regard.

Nevertheless there are issues that have been raised by your replies that you may be interested in considering, in this news article, for example:

http://news.scotsman.com/scotlandsholidayindustry/Campervans-ahoy---.5519520.jp