Topic

Wet ground (Scotish Highlands) without a bathtub?

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Theo Diekmann BPL Member
PostedSep 19, 2015 at 2:41 am

Hi everyone, I am currently planning for a trip to the Western Highlands in Scotland that I will undertake either this fall or upcoming spring. The area is known for the boggy and wet ground. I was under the impression that I might need a dedicated bathtub floor there. But then again, isn't the perception of what you think you need often very deceiving? I'd like to know: How do you camp in areas with wet and/or muddy ground? Does a water-resistant bivy (thinking Tigoat Ptarmigan and the like) suffice? Maybe in combination with a polycro groundsheet? What is your experience and what do you use? For maximum clarity, it would be awesome if you could state which hiking area you refer to with your experiences. Thanks, Theo

ed hyatt BPL Member
PostedSep 19, 2015 at 6:06 am

You can easily enough find dryish ground in Scotland; so a bivvy or just Polycryo can suffice (obviously you need to choose your pitch). I've camped extensively in the Cairngorms and less so in the Western highlands.

Charles Grier BPL Member
PostedSep 19, 2015 at 8:55 am

In my limited experience in Scotland (western Highlands, Skye) I believe that a bathtub floor might not be necessary but would give you more flexibility in choosing campsites. IMO, the small weight increase is worth the added flexibility. Keepin midges out of your sleeping quarters is pretty important BTW.

Roger Caffin BPL Member
PostedSep 19, 2015 at 6:11 pm

We usually managed to find somewhere better drained. Camping in mud or bog … not my cup of tea. Cheers

Stuart R BPL Member
PostedSep 20, 2015 at 2:57 am

The valleys in the West and North West Highlands are either boggy or tussocky or both. Higher up on ridges etc is rocky and dryier but more exposed. Good pitches can be found but it takes luck or prior knowledge. Also be aware that midges and ticks live in the undergrowth, altho' less of an issue in spring. You won't give a fig about UL if you are being eaten by midges! I always use a fully enclosed inner or single skin with bathtub floor.

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