Free Camping for Motorhomes in the UK

Within the limits and restrictions given below, here is a list of possible places for free overnight parking for a motorhome in the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Contact Us with any amendments or further suggestions.

Maggi Bevis tells us of 2 other free-camping related websites. www.wildcamping.co.uk has a membership, a forum and lots of useful information. The www.motorhomestopover.co.uk website is in the process of development and is still recruiting premises, including pubs, where you may use the car park overnight. When it's up and running, you will have to be a member of the scheme, with a number to give the owner or landlord.

General Information

Multimap at www.multimap.com can be a great source of information and should be useful in identifying the sites given below. Find more information on: www.streetfinder.co.uk

In popular holiday areas, there may be restrictions on overnight parking in car parks or a road 'layby'. In quieter areas however, it may be acceptable to find some quiet area to park.

Upon entering a town look for the sign directing you to the "Long Stay Car Park", where you generally will be allowed to stay the night. It's always surprising where you'll end up, sometimes an ugly industrial area, sometimes a truly wonderful parking spot in the centre of town.

On many occasions it's possible to stay the odd night at a rural pub. If you ask the landlord/lady, mostly you're more than welcome to overnight in the car park. Always pick a place in the car park away from the main traffic in and out so as not to cause any inconvenience to the locals. All villages usually have a decent size pub car park and a lot in the country have wonderful views in the morning. Well worth a meal or few pints

The general ruling for Tesco is that they have no problem with motor homes "parked up" for the night IF the following is observed:

* Park in a discreet corner of the car park - i.e., not right outside the front door, blocking others!

* Do not set up BBQ and picnic tables! This also applies to chairs etc.

* If there is more than 2 at any one time they start to worry

* Never leave anything behind; including water on the tarmac because non-campers think it is from the loo. Seriously!

* Only stay one night.

If you follow the above rules you should be OK at most branches of Tesco. If you do some shopping before you leave, it would be a nice gesture to mention to the manager, who you are, and thank him for the use of the car park. (Although sometimes he probably wasn't even aware you were out there!) If he sees you are a customer in his store it could encourage him to keep letting us stay overnight!

The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 is now used with regard to wild camping. It was introduced on the back of raves and N.A.T.s and all the hassle that went on at Stonehenge a few years ago. Have a look at the government's own website containing the act.

Scroll down to the sections on trespass and especially the section headed "Powers to remove unauthorised campers" (77). Hope that gives a clearer definition of what's legal and what's not....

Basically there's no "right" to stay anywhere, other than on someone's land with their permission. Thanks to all those hippies 10-15 years ago, you can be asked to move on at any time and failure to comply can land you in a whole heap of trouble.

If you stay in a layby or any part of a highway, like a grass verge, then the local authority can ask you to move on. They first have to know you're there of course, but once you've been spotted and they ask you to move, then you have to move.

The Police have powers to move you from landowners land if there are two people camping and (a) you've damaged property or land or (b) you've been abusive to the landowner when asked to leave. In this instance, damage to the land could include ruts formed in the field by the tyres, so they can force you to leave under most circumstances. This also includes common land if asked to leave by a commoner. Of course, once asked, most people will comply and move on, so no problem, but it's as well to be aware that you've really no rights. Service stations started putting up the time limits for parking at the same time this legislation went through

The list is selected on the co-ordinates of the road map of the AA 2003 Maxi Scale Britain (1:160.000).

02A3 Cornwall - St Just - Large car park in centre of town - free and with no restrictions on overnight parking. Local pubs and shops. Close to lands End, Sennen Cove, Cape Cornwall and Penzance.

02A4 Cornwall - Levant Mine National Trust - The National Trust and Trevithick Trust own and run Levant mine, a working Cornish steam engine. Just above the site is a large level parking area with stunning views over the Cornish coast, engine houses and out towards Pendeen Watch lighthouse.

02B2 Cornwall - Porthcurno - Car park, all-day ticket app. £4. Toilets open over night.

02B3 Cornwall - Carn Brea - Just off the Penzance/St Just road near to the airport. Last hill in Cornwall - flat level site but very isolated.

02B3 Cornwall - Lamorna Cove - Spectacular parking area, but inaccessible for campers over 6 meters and overnight parking not allowed. Great position on edge of harbour wall - great views with walks on either side. Could be fantastic in a winter storm.

02C3 Cornwall - Marazion - Overnight parking is allowed at Kings Road car park. Owners of large motorhomes would be wise to check the availability of spaces before attempting to drive into the town. Price £4, no facilities.

02C3 Cornwall - Marazion - Two layby's, one either side of the road. Take A30 from Penzance and off on to the A394. Lay-by's are only a short distance along. They are well back from the road and are landscaped with bays. Bins are provided for rubbish and views are great.

02C3 Cornwall - Penzance - The parking layby on the coast road to Marazion. Once the pub traffic goes it is quiet. Outstanding views to St Micheals Mount.

02D4 Cornwall - Hayle - There are three car parks:

1. By the north Quay as you come into Hayle from the south. It is wide open and a little windy but only a very short walk to the shops. Park near the arches to get out of the wind.

2. As you go thru town there is a very narrow road across a bridge signposted swimming pool. There's a car park alongside with a nice view across the copper pool.

3. Instead of turning to swimming pool car park go straight on. It is signed as a private road but has access to a beach car park.

There are reports that these car parks are sometimes patrolled by Police and overnighters sent away.

02E1 Cornwall - Lizard - The National Trust car park by the Lizard lighthouse. Toilet block open all night. Lovely spot, but be warned, the lighthouse beam flicking across the fields may look pretty but if a fog comes in at night you'll be woken up by a loud fog horn that blasts for 5-10s every 45s or so and it is only a couple of hundred feet from the car park!

02E5 Cornwall - Redruth - A small lorry park

02E5 Cornwall - Portreath - A good place to wild camp is on the B 3301 coast road from Portreath to Hayle. Follow that road out of Portreath up the big hill, after about 2 miles from Portreath you will pass on the left hand side an entrance for Tehidy Country Park. Virtually opposite to the entrance there is a track leading to basset cove car park. Very good sea view.

02E6 Cornwall - Chapelporth Beach, near St Agnes - Part of the set of Blue Juice, a lovely little cove, owned by the National trust who don't seem to mind you parking up.

03F4 Cornwall - Falmouth - long stay Lorry and coach park

03G4 Cornwall - Portscatho on the Roseland Peninsula - idyllic small harbour with pubs. Come into the village off the main Tregony/St Mawes road - car park on left and short walk into town.

03J5 Cornwall - There are a number of free sites around Eden/Heligan.

03J6 Cornwall - Follow the A390 into St Austell from Liskeard, after large roundabout and before ASDA-supermarket, turn left towards Penrice Hospital and Porthpean. Road narrows, continue until cross road. Turn left towards Trenarren (Black Head). Great views over St Austell Bay and towards the Gribben (Fowey). Car park before houses. Take left hand lane - rather uneven but passable - until you come to large open space with level parking. Superb walks out to Black Head

03J6 Cornwall - A layby between St Austell and Mevagissey.

03J5 Cornwall - The car park in Mevagissey will allow you to overnight at a nominal charge and it is in the middle of town and handy for shops, quay, restaurants etc. Beware - Do not try to drive through Mevagissey as it is very narrow, just go straight into the huge car park on the left.

04B5 Cornwall - entering Cornwall over the Tamar bridge on the A390, onto dual carriageway after Trerulefoot Roundabout, up the hill past Menheniot turning, toilets and layby on the left. Alternatively, continue on for approx. 1/2 mile, turn left towards Looe and then immediately left again (Old road left abandoned).

05J6 Torbay - Paignton: on the seafront.

06D4 Cornwall - Tintagel: King Arthur's Car Park, opposite The Old Post Office, Fore Street. Large level car park in centre of Tintagel town, easy access for large motorhomes. Reasonably secluded at far end of car park. Officially licensed for motorhomes to stay overnight. £3 for the night (4.00pm to 10.00am approx). No services. Public toilet block in the car park closes at 10pm.

06E4 Cornwall - Very rural site at Rough Tor on Bodmin Moor. Just east of Camelford two roads head towards Rough Tor and Brown Willy (these are mountaintops). Narrow road and great switch back road - excellent at full speed but DO make sure road is clear. Great walks up to the Tors.

06E4 Cornwall - Bodmin Moor - Several layby's on the A30, but thet road is busy. One layby in particular: on top of moors 1 mile north of Bodmin approx layby on left (going south) with burger van in situ, sign posted to Temple Fishery. Parking in pull-ins of road loop.

07F6 Cornwall - Widemouth Bay -  A layby next to the Budemeadows campsite on the A39. The layby is used by loads of surfers, no reports of any problems.

07G4 Cornwall - Heading into the county on the A30, past Launceston, you come off the dual carriageway and, on the left-hand side, there is a small lake and fishing advertised. Pull in and turn to left but not down to the fishery. Empty moorland in front of you!

08B3 Devon - Dartmoor National Park - Dartmoor has loads of great parking spots. The bigger ones are generally marked on maps but there are also plenty which aren't. Just drive along a road and chances are you'll find a decent spot to park up. They don't usually have any facilities and the bigger spots can get fairly busy from early on in the morning with tourists.

09F3 Devon - Exmouth - The parking towards the end of the seafront (towards Orcombe Point). The parking faces the sea. Paid parking between 1st Oct and 30th Apr. Not sure if overnight staying is allowed during the summer months (1st May - 30th Sep).

09F3 Devon - Exmouth - It's possible to park on the harbour at Exmouth. £5.00 for the night to be paid in the fish shop.

09F4 Devon - Woodbury - Woodbury Common is situated between Exeter, Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. There are at least one or two parking areas where a motorcaravan can be parked. Although the land is owned by Devon Clinton Estates, It is not believed that an overnight stay would be frowned upon.

09K5 Dorset - Lyme Regis, out of Lyme heading towards Charmouth - turn right just before Timber Vale campsite - 100 metres and road veers around to the left - go straight on - footpath to the Spittles. This site is no longer accessible. There is now a gate there to stop you driving along the lane with a notice saying the land belongs to the National trust.

10C4 Dorset - West Bexington - Small car park at West Bexington overlooking Chesil Beach. Between Abbotsbury and West Bay. Charges £3 all day and 30p for the night from 9pm-8am.There is a toilet block and café.

10D3 Dorset - Fleet - on Chesil Beach.

10D4 Dorset - Abbotsbury - On the main Bridport to Weymouth road. Enter village; in the centre, opposite a pub, turn left. Follow road through the back of village and then up a hill, heading towards Hardy Monument. After approximately one mile there is a flat level parking/picnic area in front of a disused line kiln. The most stunning views over the Fleet towards Portland.

10C5 Dorset - Eggardon Hill - outside Bridport. Can be accessed off the A35 Dorchester/Bridport road - turn towards Askerswell - through village to road junction. Left is a pub - the Spyway Inn- turn right up the hill. Second turning on the right there are a number of secluded picnic bays ideal for an overnight stay.

11G3 Dorset - Of the A351 Wareham/Swanage road turn towards Steeple. Go past monastery (I think!) up the hill. Before you go through the Army controlled checkpoint there is a large car park on the left. Great views and, if timed correctly, excellent walks around Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay.

11G3 Dorset - Kimmeridge - main road into Kimmeridge. Before the road drops down into the village there is secluded parking in a disused quarry on the left. No pub in village but great beach and cliff walks.

11G5 Dorset - Take minor road from Bere Regis towards Wareham - 'Egdon Heath' in 'Return of the Native'. Various parking areas.

11H3 Dorset - pull in outside Corfe Castle. Nice views of castle & steam trains are a bonus

11H3 Dorset - On the B3351, the road from Studland to Corfe Castle, there's a layby on the right hand side, just past the Golf Course. It has spectacular views, but gets busy during the day.

11H4 Dorset - Poole Harbour - The car park near Poole Harbour - officially no camping but presumably no problem. Toilets nearby. If it's foggy be prepared to get woken up by the ferry very early. It's near the lifeboat station; the car park is probably the one marked 02 on the map.

11J4 Dorset - Studland on the isle of Purbeck - on side of the road leading to the Sandbanks chain ferry at the entrance to Poole Harbour, on the Swanage/Studland side of the ferry. A very nice spot and the road is surrounded by lovely moorland, but it gets busy in the summer. Sea 25 yards away. The road is quiet between 11pm & 7am as ferry doesn't run between those times. Go to the national trust car park at The Knoll to empty loo and fill up with water. BEWARE - The ferry company have applied for planning permission to erect signs banning overnight parking.

12A6 Hampshire - In the New Forest try the Avon Forest Country Park on the A31 outside Ringwood. Go past Ringwood towards Poole, under the Ashley Heath Roundabout and take the next roundabout left opposite a 'Little Chef' (park is signposted). There are toilets/water and it is quiet.

12B5 Hampshire - A Lorry park on the outskirts of Christchurch (It's possible this site doesn't exist anymore) Ended up in layby on A35 within sight of the "Welcome to Christchurch" sign.

12D6 Hampshire - From Lymington follow road to Beaulieu. Forestry commission car park on left (Bull Hill). Several other places in area, if you don't mind nosy cows.

12E4 Hampshire - Isle of Wight - Parking on the coast in the daytime has high parking charges. There are several places inland for overnight.

1. Next to Blackgang Chine there is a National Trust car park. 2. South of Bembridge follow signs to Culver Down. There is a width restriction. 3. There are several National Trust car parks suitable for overnight with good views.

13H6 Hampshire - Hayling Island - There are three spots within yards of the bridge to Hayling Island which are occasionally used by motorhomes. None of these is official, or could be described as quiet, but at least you'll have a nice view in the morning! (Watch out for the tide, especially if it's a really high spring tide)

1. On the mainland side of the bridge there's a public car park shared with the Ship pub, next to the slipway (public loos too). 2. Turn left immediately after crossing the bridge towards Northney marina. Parking for one or two vans only on seaside of road after about 100 meters. 3. Continue about 50 meters further on the main road after the turn to (2). There's a not too obvious turn on the right-signed 'Hayling Billy Trail'. There's a disused bit of road here, opposite the garage (Shell?) and screened from the main road a bit by trees. And if you carry on down the main road another half mile there's a track next to the Esso garage which leads to some parking and a slipway. Rather quieter, but busy if it's windy because of wind- and kitesurfers.

14C5 West Sussex - Petworth - Just before entering the village, coming from Midhurst on the A272, there's a parking on your right that looks suitable for an overnightstay with a motorhome.

15F2 East Sussex - At Hove Lagoon (3 miles west of Brighton) there is a slip road off from the A259 where lorries park next to some toilets, but continue following the road around to the port and you can park underneath the sea wall - much more secure.

15F2 East Sussex - Brighton/Hove beach front - next to Brighton beach - Follow this multimap link and zoom out to get your bearings. It's located on Hove Street South, behind the King Alfred leisure Centre car park opposite the bottom of Hove Street off the A259 coast road, West from Brighton pier and left at the traffic lights after the King Alfred.

15F2 East Sussex - Brighton/Hove beach front - Madeira Drive, which is on the seafront east side of Palace Pier on this multimap link They block the road off some nights, but will open it for motorhomes.

15G5 West Sussex - Horsted Keynes - A good place for staying is the small pull-in car park bay on the approach road to Horsted Keynes Station. Also you can contact the Bluebell Railway for permission to camp on the field overlooking the station. Charge £3 per night (including the key to the station to use their toilet and shower). A must for any steam, or retro enthusiast.

15H2 East Sussex - Telscombe Cliffs - Heading east (appr. 5 miles) out of Brighton on the A259, after Rottingdean and Saltdean, is Telscombe Cliffs. As you enter Telscombe Cliffs there is a sign off to the right to a public car park (if you get to the roundabout by Stewart Mouland Motorcaravans you've gone too far and need to turn back). You can't get in the car park because of height barriers but you can park on the access road outside right on the cliff top, use the public toilets and admire the views to Brighton Marina and Worthing. There are frequent bus services into town.

15H3 East Sussex - Lewes - A town-centre car park with no height barrier! It's in Friars Walk, behind the Friends MeetingHouse (50.8735N; 0.014E). It's a pay-and-display park but free after about 6:00 PM and at weekends.

15H3 East Sussex - Lewes - There's a car park with no barriers at Spring Gardens (off North St) in Lewes, it's pay-and-display but not at weekends. Just remember to park well away form the bottle banks, which can be noisy!

15H6 East Sussex - Ashdown Forest - There are pull-ins to picnic areas each side of the A22 in Ashdown Forest, south of Wych Cross.

15J2 East Sussex - If anyone is catching a very early ferry from Newhaven, a good place to sleep overnight might be on the seafront at Seaford. Unrestricted parking, and about 10 minutes drive from the docks. There is a sign saying 'No Overnight Parking', but motorhomes have been seen there at night, probably OK if you arrive late and leave early.

16B3 East Sussex - Cooden - Try the beach at Cooden (near Bexhill). Access is from coast road at Bexhill towards Pevensey Bay or vice versa. Toilets and a shop at the train station, about half a mile.

16B5 East Sussex - Robertsbridge - On the A21 heading north just past the Robertsbridge by-pass roundabout, is an area on your left hand side. It has no restrictions but part of the area is marked out for HGV's. The local village is then back to the roundabout and turn right, Local food shop, butchers, post office, chemists etc, about 15 minutes slow walk. You even get the mobile burger van in the mornings.

17F4 Kent - Dungeness - Denge Beach - Lots of places to park right on the beach at no charge.

17F6 Kent - Dymchurch - Just off the A 259 Leaving Dymchurch heading towards New Romney, there is a lane on your left at the start of the golf course. Drive along this lane (100 yards) to the sea wall. There is parking for 3 or 4 motorhomes there. Used quite frequently and busy in summer periods.

17J7 Kent - Dover, a small layby on the B road towards St Margaret's. There is a monument to the first flight of the old RFC (now RAF).

17J7 Kent - Dover, in the town centre carpark, which is on the main road two minutes from the ferry terminal. It is free until 8 am and, if you park on the far side, reasonably quiet. The shops etc. are round the corner.

17J7 Kent - Dover - Motorhomes can overnight in the signposted area along the seafront at Dover, near to the Hoverspeed terminal. It's pay & display.

18C4 North Devon - Hartland Point - The car park at Hartland Point looks OK to stay.

18E4 Devon - Westward Ho - Go through Westward Ho! keeping the sea to your right, follow the signs to the "Elizabethan Restaurant", keep on going and you'll find an amazing car park site next to the Westward Ho! Tors. Public toilets and drinking water outside tap.

19J7 Devon - Lynton - "The Valley of Rocks" car park, fantastic scenery and only £1.00 per night.

20B5 Somerset - Exmoor National Park - Exmoor has loads of great parking spots. Particularly around Dunkery Beacon way where there are some superb views to be had.

22E6 Wiltshire - near Frome - Heaven's Gate, Longleat Estate. To get there come of the A36 onto the A362 and follow the signs to Longleat. At the roundabout take the first exit signed to Centre Parcs but keep going along there past the wood mills etc. On your left you'll see a fair sized car park to use and Heaven's Gate is a short distance away.

24E4 Hampshire - Winchester - the town coach park in front of The Winchester Hotel, NW of centre. Metered parking. No overnight charge after 6. Only 5 minutes walk to City Centre and 2 minutes to Library with email access.

25J7 Hampshire - Fleet - From M3 Junction 5, take the A287 to the south of Fleet and turn left at the roundabout onto the B3013. Head down Beacon Hill and turn right at the Tweaseldown pub. Head along this road, passed the Tweaseldown racecourse, for about half a mile and there is a clearing on the left with hardstanding suitable for motorcaravans. However the entrance is on a slope and is rutted, so take care.

Another spot is to go past this one for another half a mile and there is a small car park on the right, but only suitable for small or medium size motorhomes (American RVs will definitely get stuck!).
The surrounding area is Ministry of Defence property with access to the public and is great for walking, running and mountain biking, but steer clear of any military exercises.

26B7 Carmarthenshire - Just off the A484 in Burry Port. Follow the signposts to the harbour, one comes to a wide sea front overlooking the harbour. Although there are houses nearby, no one seemed to mind one or two motorhomes parked by the edge of the harbour. There is even a public toilet nearby, and a caravan selling hot and cold food and drinks. Quite a pleasant spot. Update: 10/1/04 There is a high charge to park in the day and overnight parking is forbidden.

28D4 North Somerset - Portishead. This town overlooks the Severn Estuary and is 15 miles drive from Bristol, 3 miles from the M5 motorway. From junction 19 of the M5 take the A369 to Portishead. As you enter the town go past the Co-op supermarket on your left, past the start of the High Street on your left and take the next left opposite the Waitrose Esso petrol Station. Take the second right signposted to the Seafront and Lake Grounds. You can park for free day and night anywhere along the promenade. There is a café, public toilets, and an open-air swimming pool, but the whole area is really a picnic site without noisy amusements. You cannot swim in the estuary due to very dangerous tides and soft mud, but the view across the sea to Wales from your camper is excellent.

29F4 Bristol - There is a location on the Downs area of Bristol (top of Parrys Lane just off the Downs) where you can park. This is in an area known as Saville Rd and normally during the day it's used as an unofficial truck stop, complete with a mobile burger bar.

30B3 Wiltshire - A useful stop on the way to (or from) the West Country is a layby on the A4 just over a quarter of a mile west of the roundabout at Beckhampton between Marlborough and Calne. There's only one entrance and you go up a slight rise to a level area at the top, above and fairly well screened from the main road. There are some good walks from here and it's quite near Silbury Hill.

31G7 Oxfordshire - Abingdon - The Rye Farm Pay & Display car park, on the A415 going south from Abingdon, on the left hand side just across the river bridge. £5 for 24 hours maximum. Public toilets (pay) are just across the road.

31J3 Reading - South of Reading - M4 Junction 11, head south on the A33 take the first left then left again heading back towards the Motorway, the road comes to a dead end with fields either side, some traffic noise.

32B5 Windsor & Maidenhead - Maidenhead - On the A4 1/2 Mile East of Maidenhead is a layby on the south side of the road, it is set about 20 yards back off the road with a grass verge between layby and the road. If heading out of Maidenhead it is on the right, straight after you go under the Railway Bridge as you approach Taplow. When approaching Maidenhead along the A4 from J7 of the M4 the layby is on the left after Taplow before you go under Railway Bridge.

32C4 Windsor & Maidenhead - Windsor - The Datchet Road Car park just towards R. Thames East from Castle a 10 minute walk. Excellent level gravel Coach Park at left entrance to Romney Lock / Tennis Courts road access. Reasonable metered hourly ticketing plus additional overnight rate.

32C6 Buckinghamshire - Gerrards Cross - After leaving the A40 onto the A413 there is a layby on the right hand side in about half a mile. There is also a layby on the opposite side of the road but it is exposed.

32D2 Surrey - On the M25 From Leatherhead to Byfleet, exit At junction 10. Do not take the main road (A3) to Guildford, but when on the roundabout take a small road immediately left to Martyr's Green. After approximately one mile go left on Old Lane. Immediately on your left there are two parkings, one with a loo, which I think are suitable for a motorhome.

33F3 Surrey - Malden - A large car park behind the High Street (at the rear of the frozen food shop).

33H1 London - M25 (South) Stopover en route to Dover - Layby on the A25, between Limpsfield & Westerham. Leave the M25 at J6 and follow the A25 for about 10 minutes max going steady. The entrance to layby is just before a large pub called The Grasshopper with huge height barriered car park. (Layby slopes and is only levelish at the bottom). To continue to Dover you need to go on to Junction 5 of the M25 but there is no access to the M26 from that junction. You have to go to Swanley to get onto the M20. Otherwise it's back to Junction 6 for the M26/M20 less miles route. A matter of personal choice, although, you could use the A25 to Wrotham and join the M20 there!

34A4 Kent - The Lorry Park beside the A2 just outside Gravesend (the one on the north side by the Cafe). Take the turning to Singlewell. If you are travelling west, come over bridge over top of A2 as if you are going into Gravesend but immediately you are over A2, turn left as if you are going back to A2 towards London. You will see entrance to Lorry park on left before reaching the bridge. Early morning Lorries in and out.

34B6 Essex - In the Basildon area of Essex there is a lorry park well sign posted if you head in the Southend direction from town centre. It is in an area called Burnt Oaks. The sign says only overnight sleeping in specially converted lorries for the purpose. Have had no trouble staying there.

34C2 Kent - Maidstone Services (M20) - You can stop at the Maidstone Services on the M20. They are several dedicated Motorhome parking bays. A £6 fee applies. There are shops, toilets and showers.

34F4 Kent - Isle of Sheppey - At Leysdown-on-Sea you can park along the seawall (but not at the carparks). Take the Shellness road out of Leysdown past the caravan site, past the closed and height barriered patch of grass called a 'park' (with no camping, caravans, overnight, etc., signs) and on to the sea wall which runs for ½ mile or so with varying parking alongside.

35F3 Kent - Whitstable - Marine Crescent, a dead end road by the shore just pull up and park up, no charge.

35G2 Kent - Canterbury - The Kingsmead coach park is open to motorhomes. On payment of a £5 fee, all day parking is allowed, and there is access to toilet waste disposal facilities - at road level so that onboard tanks can be emptied, and fresh water for refilling tanks. Overnight parking is not permitted.

35G2 Kent - Canterbury - The Dover Road Park & Ride facility, about 1 mile from Canterbury city centre along the A2, has dedicated spaces for motorhomes, the charge is £2 per day and includes bus fare. Water is available and there is a ground level dump station for black & grey waste (free on payment of parking fee). Overnight parking of motorhomes is allowed at 2x day daily rate. 24 large parking bays.

35G2 Kent - Canterbury - Canterbury offers drivers of motor caravans the facility to use the Coach Park in Kingsmead Road at £10 for 12 hours (7am - 7pm) including free use of a toilet drop and fresh water supply. No overnighting

35G2 Kent - Dover - Overnighting before Dover, past Canterbury on the A2 for about 2 miles. Look for a garage and campsite on your left-hand side and pull in. This also leads to a large layby. Have overnighted there many times HOWEVER, some lorries overnight there, and some have freezer engines running all night.

35G3 Kent - Tankerton - Past Whitstable at Tankerton there is a beach with all the beach huts on. The road that is just behind the beach huts is usually empty after 9 p.m. when the beach hut owners go home. There are usually a couple of campervans parked overnight.

35J1 Kent - Nearest place to Dover is the car park right in front of Walmer Castle (between Dover and Deal) with views of channel shipping.

35J2 Kent - Sandwich - Motorhomes overnight unofficially on the town quay with no problems, BUT in their wisdom Dover District Council are imposing pay parking on the town from 2003 so that may all change.

35J2 Kent - Sandwich - The Guildhall car park (long stay) is officially allowed for overnight parking (max. 24 hrs). £4.

40B7 Powys - Hay-on-Wye - Large town Car park at top of town. Only 2 Pounds a 24 hr.day. Level, paved, and right by excellent Info centre with email access and toilets.

41F3 Gloucestershire - Forest of Dean - There's a fair number of decent sized Forestry Commision car parks in the Forest of Dean. Some of the bigger ones have the gates closed at 7.30pm, if you don't mind being locked in for the night. There is a small charge (the general car park fee). There are a lot of picnic areas but most of them are locked at 7.30 pm. There are also some places on the Cinderford to Coleford road.

41J5 Gloucestershire - Tewkesbury - Follow A38 through Tewkesbury towards Gloucester, pass Abbey on the left and then coach park on right, as the road bends to the left there is small lane on right signed "Lower Load." Follow this lane for half mile down to River Severn. There is as small picnic area and old ferry here. The road stops here so exit is back the way you drove in, no houses very quiet at night.

41K4 Gloucestershire - Cheltenham - Look for Cheltenham pump rooms, signposted from Cheltenham racecourse, security camera's, nice park next to it, 10min walk into Cheltenham; a nice spot.

41K7 Worcestershire - Pershore - Follow signs to long stay car park. Free overnight parking 6pm to 8pm. Few minutes walk into town by a footpath.

42C4 Gloucestershire - A nice site in the Cotswolds next to a stream and about ten minutes walk from a couple of pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water. Go to Streetfinder, type in GL54 2PS, nice pull in as river crosses road.

42C6 Gloucestershire - Chipping Campden - From Chipping Campden take the B4035 towards Aston Subadge. Just outside of Chipping Campden there is a left turn, go up the hill, then it levels out go for about 1/2 mile till you come to cross roads your right of way. Turn right towards Weston Subadge up the lane 200 yards. Turn right into car park. Great views looking over Stratford on Avon and towards Birmingham.

46C4 Essex - Braintree - Lorry park at Springwood Industrial estate. Free, no height barrier, floodlit, not used by many truckers since by-pass opened. 20 minutes walk to town centre. 5 minutes walk to all night garage with shop.

46C5 Essex - Halstead - In the centre of town is a car park (no height barriers at time of writing) suitable for a stopover. Pub and Cafe' opposite and garage 1 minute walk offering usual newspapers groceries etc. Not sure of overnight charges if any. Check signs for By-laws and charges.

46C5 Essex - Halstead - On approach from Braintree on A131 take first available right into OAK road. If you pass turning named White Horse Avenue you have passed the turning so turn around. Once in Oak Road on left-hand side just a few yards in is grassy area. Ideal for a quick overnight. Garage within 10 mins walk down the hill. Walk toward large oak tree and continue straight across grass areas. Telephone box also on Grass Area.

47H5 Essex - Dovercourt (near Harwich) - there are several carparks on the coastal road. One is "Award Beach" parking. (pay & display).

51H3 Herefordshire - Leominster - Follow signs to long stay car park.

53H3 Warwickshire - Stratford upon Avon has a Park and Ride with an area dedicated to motorhomes with about 20 places. Parking is free. The bus into town centre is £1.30 return per adult. The P&R car park is north of the town centre near the roundabout at the junction of the A3400 and A46 (Stratford northern bypass).

54A8 Leicestershire - on the A444 between the M42 and the A5. There are about 6 'old road' layby's, some screened from the road by shrubs. The council has recently put notices restricting parking to a max of 12 hours - so they would be OK for overnights. They are between Twycross and Fenny Drayton. The one nearest Fenny Drayton (just north of it) has a caravan cafe during the day - so could provide breakfast! It is only about 5 minutes off the A5 so is you are looking for somewhere there, it could be worth a short detour.

56A6 Cambridgeshire - An old road at Stibbington where the truckers' 'diner' is situated. About a mile after the main junction with the A47 (bridge over the road). You might find it somewhere here.

56B8 Cambridgeshire - Around Water Newton, just before the signs for East of England Showground and Alwalton, there is a bit of old road which sometimes has a cafe in it during the daytime. It's shielded from the road by a belt of trees, but there is usually a somewhat ramshackle 'Cafe' sign.

58A7 Norfolk - Thetford Forest has a good site near Santon Downham, over the River Bridge and Rail Bridge - parking in forest area on the right. Watch the weight limit on the bridge - 3 tonnes but you can get to the site from the other direction. Lovely walks through the woods - deer seen last year.

59H3 Suffolk - Snape, on the A1094 from Friday Street to Aldeburgh, there is a clearing at the crossroad to Tunstall that is an ideal spot to park.

59J3 Suffolk - park on the sea defences to the south of Aldeburgh in East Anglia, drive past a car park up onto the wall/track. Yachts on one side, sand and sea on the other!

A truly spectacular site.

63J6 Staffordshire - Whitchurch - Took the road to Whitchurch Truck Stop just outside Whitchurch. It says £2 overnight and HGV's only, but thisseems not to be a problem.

64B5 Shropshire - Market Drayton - There is a dedicated truck park just off the A53 at the junction with the A529. It is outside the livestock market and just behind a big Tom Cobleigh pub (family friendly, with a playbarn). You sometimes get refrigerator trucks here which can be noisy!

64D4 Staffordshire - A518 Stafford to Newport - From Stafford on A518 towards Gnosall and then onwards to Newport, a number of good layby's would be very good for occasional overnighting.

65G3 Staffordshire - North of Lichfield - A515 signposted Ashbourne At junction with road signposted Handsacre there is a layby (rough ground) where Motorhomes have parked up before now and been undisturbed. Often a passable breakfast served by chap with a mobile kitchen. Virtually opposite Seedy Mill Golf Club (takes all comers I believe - if you really feel you must have a pre-breakfast round!)

65G3 Staffordshire - take turning left through Handsacre and Armitage. Just after Plum Pudding PH slight hill. Immediately over crest on left pull in to small canalside parking area - suitable for anything that can get off the road quickly - have even seen lorries parked there. Three pubs in vicinity - Plum Pudding (now also quite a good restaurant - but a bit pricey), Spode Cottage (Tom Cobleigh outfit), and Ash Tree - towards Rugeley.

65J3 Leicestershire - M42/A444/A5 - Just off junction 11 - M42/A444 where the M42 becomes the A42 - half a mile towards Measham on an unclassified road (used to be the A453 before the A42) there is a large layby (old road). Used by lorries some nights, but I've never seen it full and its empty at weekends. There is a McDonald's and fuel at the Motorway Island, and 2 miles beyond the layby, in Measham itself is a Cantonese takeaway next door to a fish and chip shop. There is also a hotel (the Metro) at the Motorway Island - which has a restaurant, so plenty to eat! The junction is half an hour from the NEC off peak (an hour plus between 7.30am and 8.30am).

67H4 Lincolnshire - Colsterworth - Just beyond the Colsterworth roundabout (junction with A151, where the fuel stations are) there is an off-road layby which was an old road. The Ram Jam Inn and the adjacent garage share a large car park which might be useful if you park discreetly (that's off the A1 at the slip road for Oakham, turn right under the A1 bridge, then left and immediately left again).

67H6 Lincolnshire - If you come off the A1 (left) soon after Grantham onto the B6403 there are a couple of areas that lorries use in the first 200 yards off the A1. Some of this is grass but on the South side there is a fairly long patch of concrete. It is quieter here than your average lay by and less busy. Alternatively there are various layby's on that route, again used by lorries. Some are set back from the road so will be that bit quieter.

69J7 Norfolk - Thornham - At the salt marshes. Turn towards the coast off the A149, signposted towards a pub and keep going down. Fantastic views over the salt marshes. BEWARE of very high tides, then the road will flood. Check the tides!

70A7 Norfolk - Brancaster beach - parking on the right and toilets on the left. Good place to fill up with water.

70B7 Norfolk - Burnham Overy Staithe - National Trust and boating club car park, all right for staying one night.

71G3 Norfolk - A1151 (The Wroxham road out of Norwich) pass the Green Man pub at Rackheath, 1/4 mile on the left-hand side, where the old bends have been straightened.

72E2 Gwynedd - Exiting Caernarfon past the castle (on your left) you come to a roundabout immediately before Waitrose. Turn left at roundabout down to the end and turn right where it says Coach parking. Another Lorry congregating spot. Carpark is immediately beneath Waitrose.

73H1 Conwy - On the A5 between Betws-y-Coed and Bethesda. Near the lake is a large layby on the right hand side. Mountains on either side of the road.

75F2 Flintshire - Coming into North Wales via the Mersey tunnel and through Queensferry take the B5129 to Connah's Quay. In town turn right to signs of Industrial Estate, keep going till you reach the riverside. Turn right and park in layby by riverside. Only a few fishermen for company (rod & line). Quiet with a view of trawlermen trawling between two small boats. Spoke to a rod & lineman he said "no problems there with all night fishing also the trawlers are only after Salmon and have been know to give away anything else they catch".

75G2 Cheshire - Chester - Next to the river and near the race course. Big Long Stay Car park. £1 per night. Just outside city wall. Water taps outside toilets. Good spot backing on to river.

75G2 Cheshire - Chester - Overnighting is allowed in the Coach/car park next to castle. It's called Little Roodee. Cost £1 per night. At night the gates are locked at 22.30 till 06.00 but there is a number to ring if you need to get off in an emergency. CCTV covers the whole car park. There is a toilet emptying point and fresh water tap. The coach park is well sign posted. Going into Chester on the A483 (Wrexham road) it is on your right where the castle wall meets the river. Parking adjacent to the river is level compared to rest of car/coach park.

77H1 Derbyshire - Newhaven - The car park at the end of Fort Road. Be there before 3 pm and pay just £3 per night. The attendant goes home at 4pm and locks the height restrictor, so if you turn up late you will have to park up outside the car park and wait till the next day.

77J1 Derbyshire - Matlock - The train station car park is free.

77J1 Derbyshire - Matlock - The car park in Matlock Bath (but it can be crowded there)

79H2 Lincolnshire - A15 south of Waddington - Go past the airbase until you come to tower lane on the right.1 mile down dead straight and then turn off on second bend. Recommended for Air spotters but if Waddington is flying this spot is at the end of the runway so be warned.

79H3 Lincolnshire - Lincoln - Follow the signs to "Highstreet Long Stay Cart Park" near Brayford Pool. It's ideal for visiting town, cathedral and castle. Very steep climb though. It's pay & display, £ 2.00 per night from 18.00 till 08.00 or £ 7.80 per 24 hours.

79H3 Lincolnshire - Lincoln - Lincolnshire Showground. 5 miles north of Lincoln on A15. Just outside the main gate on the A15 is a large area of tarmac and gravel which is often used overnight by MH's although after 5am the A15 does get busy. For a quieter location go past the main gate travelling north and turn left onto the A1500 and use one of the smaller but quieter spots at one of the side gates. (Don't use the viewpoint at the top of the hill on the A1500 as has been suggested on other sites as it has become a meeting point for gentlemen looking for a male partner.

79H3 Lincolnshire - Lincoln - Leave Lincoln on the A57 and just as you exit the last few houses you come to the West Common which used to be the Race course. In the daytime you can park on the left at the north end of the grandstand in a small parking/ picnic area, no charges and no height restrictions. The city centre is about 10-15 minutes walk but you pass several bus stops on the way. You could stop here overnight but for a more private location take the turning on the city side of the grandstand complex just after the new pedestrian crossing as you leave town (150 meters south of the grandstand). This is an access road to the rear of the grandstand and golf course. Hear is an area you can use. The only restriction is you need to move before the golf club opens and don't drive on the golf course.

79H3 Lincolnshire - Lincoln - A location often used is on the A57 about 2 miles out of town. Leave the city on the A57, past the race course and over the Bypass still on the A57. In about 1/2 a mile just after the first right turn is a layby on the right before the road bends left. Don't park near the two houses; use the other end near the dog club. You can get some privacy and shelter from the road noise by going behind the trees.

79H4 Lincolnshire - Scampton - Turn off A15 onto A1500 at the showground signposted Marton/Scampton/Gainsborough. Turn right towards Scampton village, there is a viewing area right on the junction. If the Red Arrows are flying this spot is spectacular. Also back towards the A15 there is a spot at the side of the showground. The last two spots are fine for the Xmas mart but use the park and ride which is five minutes away, sometimes there is a special park and ride on the showground.

80B5 Lincolnshire - on the A631 between Market Rasen and North Willingham is a picnic area on left just beyond the racecourse. If you are narrow enough you can get into the car park section (I can just get in with my small coachbuilt).

83F7 Lancashire - Entering Lancaster from the south turn left at foot of bridge over river signposted as Industrial Estate. Go beyond the houses and you come to a large factory on the left. On the right there is a deep layby (or picnic spot as rubbish bin present). Quiet with view of river.

85F8 North Yorkshire - Ripon - Go to the "Victoria Grove" parking in the centre of town. Use the 'lower parking' as it's more quit. It's pay & display, £ 1.40 for more than four hours, free from 18.00 PM till 08.00 AM.

 85H5 North Yorkshire - Tadcaster- Not possible anymore, the car park by the river now has height barriers.

83H6 Lancashire - Slaidburn - Trough of Bowland - The public car park at the end of the village allows overnight stops. Chargeable between 7am and 6pm. Maximum stay 24 hours. Facilities include public toilets and an outside tap.

84A7 North Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales - Try Streets Gate above Malham or the main car park in Malham.

85K6 York - Just outside the city of York are three Park & Ride parking places: A1079 (East); A1036 (Southwest) and near Rawcliffe (North). At each of the three areas listed it is necessary to stop at the Office ('Bureau') to ask for the barrier to be raised. There is a fourth P&R at the 'Designer Centre', signposted off the A64. There are no barriers here, and it is at a Factory Shop Outlet. Also frequent buses into the centre of York.

86E2 Lincolnshire - Barton-Upon-Humber - A picknick place (with toilets) with a fine view of the Humber Bridge. From the A15 take exit Barton, then follow signs "Bridge viewing Area".

87G8 East Riding of Yorkshire - A deep layby on left of the A165 coming out of Bridlington, as you exit town. When coming up from Beverly on the A165 about 7 miles before Bridlington on the right.

88B6 Cumbria - St. Bees - The car park by the beach at St Bees, near Whitehaven. £2.70 no overnight restriction.

88D5 Cumbria - Wasdale Head - Follow signs for Wasdale Head from the A595. At the side of Wast Water there are one or two reasonably good sized gravel layby's almost right on the waters edge, and no signs saying 'no overnight stays'. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and it's in the middle of nowhere so little chance of being bothered in the middle of the night.

88D6 Cumbria - Wasdale Head - There is a large triangular grassy parking area at Wasdale Head.

88E6 Cumbria - Buttermere - unofficial overnight stop on the Buttermere side of Honister pass by the Big Boulder, along the B5289 from Borrowdale to Buttermere. It's very isolated and no facilities. But cracking views.

88E8 Cumbria - Braithwaite - Follow A66 about 3 miles past Keswick West bound, turn into the village of Braithwaite, follow main road through village and signs for The Pass (Whinlatter Pass). The road number is the B5292, roughly 2 miles on the left is a lovely forestry location. The entrance has a couple of tight hairpin bends, but is worth negotiating. Each individual parking place has a little path to its own picnic table and the table has a slate square for the B.B.Q.

89G7 Cumbria - Ullswater - Unofficial overnight stop on the roadside down Ullswater about 3 miles short of Glennridding. Two big parking areas, the first does not have a "no overnight sign" (and must be the only one in the national park not to have one), the second one does.

89G7 Cumbria - Glenridding - Centre of village tourist information. No problem with coachbuilt van if tucked away in a corner, but it would probably help if taken advise in tourist office.

89H4 Cumbria - Kendal - Go through the town on the one way system with canal on left; go over little bridge; take first left, signed posted Ski slope and tip, follow road round to left behind council tip and in front of the ski slopes is a large quiet car park.  5 minutes walk from centre. There's a report that the car park had has now locked barriers.

89H8 Cumbria - Penrith - From the M6 Junction 40 (Penrith) Take the A66 West to the "Reghed" (Ullswater) Roundabout, then retrace towards the Motorway. On the Left just before the Motorway is the Cattle market. On Friday nights many traders for the Saturday market (400 stalls) sleep in their vans overnight. There is a gravel area as you enter the market that is used as a car park. Anybody camping on there is likely to be taken as a new trader waiting for the morning. Toilets open at 07:00 and one or more catering vans open from about the same time. Otherwise for those who do not mind staying on the road side there is a large area just before the Motorway when approaching from the East where truckers pull in.

89J5 Cumbria - Tebay - Exit M6 at junction 38, follow A685 for a couple of miles then shortly after a fairly steep incline there's a small car park ideally suited for an overnight stop. There are no signs saying you can't stay overnight and there's nothing nearby... no village, no shops, no anything, just fields. Perfect for those travelling to Scotland and in need of a quick stopover as it's only a few minutes off the M6.

90B1 North Yorkshire - Yorkshire Dales - Great wild camping at the Ribblehead viaduct on the common land adjacent to the Railway Inn. Popular spot for parking whilst walking in the three peaks area.

90B5 Cumbria - Near Kirkby Stephen - Four miles east of Kirkby Stephen on the B6270 to Keld and right on the county border is a decent sized layby.

91F5 North Yorkshire - Richmond - Follow signs to the "coach parking" Wonderful place to stay for the night. It's pay & display, but free from 18.00 PM till 08.00 AM. Steep climb to town centre though.

91G8 Durham - Off the A1M Junction 58 Turn towards Bishop Auckland, about 4 miles on the right-hand side.

92C7 East Yorkshire - Saltburn-By-The-Sea - The car park just over the road from the beach.

92E2 East Yorkshire - Thornton Le Dale - Nice safe car park, hidden from main road, no height barriers but unlit at night.

92E4 North Yorkshire - North York Moors - Hole of Horcum, A169 N. of Pickering on North Yorkshire Moors.

92E5 North Yorkshire - A169 Pickering to Whitby road just before 1 in 5 hill down to village of Sleights. Seems okay for overnights but probably not for longer stay. Car Parks (2) at top of Blue Bank.

92E6 East Yorkshire - Sandsend (north of Whitby) - The beach car park

93G3 North Yorkshire - Coast view parking at Scarborough to the North of town, good park and ride at Scarborough.

93G3 North Yorkshire - Scarborough - Coar Car park at Wrea Lane. Follow signs "Coach and Car parking". Overnight stay permitted. £ 3.50 for 24 hours (2003)

93F6 North Yorkshire - Coast view parking at Whitby to the North of town, head for West Cliff signs. Whitby has a strict policy banning overnight sleeping in vehicles, but the Town Centre car parks do not have barriers.

99F6 Northumberland - Gilsland - Try Gilsland, near Haltwhistle, where there is a Roman fort enclosed in a farm.

99G5 Northumberland - Haltwhistle - For those visiting Hadrians Wall: We stayed in the car park across the road from the Roman Army Museum (near Haltwhistle). There are toilets (locked at night). It's one of the few car parks in the area without a dreaded 'No Camping/Overnight parking' sign.

100C3 Durham - Castleside - The car park at Smelter Arms pub on the A 68. It is advertised as an overnight caravan stop (sign on A68 on approach to Castleside from Rowley). Could be used as an overnight by motor homes. Ask at the pub. Ideal stop for onwards to Scotland.

101H1 Hartlepool - around Hartlepool Marina plenty of good restaurants pubs and there is the Historic Quay on your doorstep, use the rough undeveloped land at the south side of the dock gates for peace and quiet as at weekends there's sometimes plenty happening.

108E8 Northumberland - Holy Island - The causeway to Holy Island (also known as Lindisfarne) is closed twice a day as the tides cover it. There is a car park on the left before the start of the causeway. There is no staying overnight on the island.

109G4 Northumberland - Alnmouth - Follow signs to car and coach park in Alnmouth. Car park on sea front is OK for overnighting. There is a charge in the day in summer, not sure about night time.

117H1 Northumberland - Scremerston - A good spot in the north-east is on the coast near Scremerston (south of Berwick-upon-Tweed): Turn off the A1, go through Scremerston and cross the railway, then follow the coast south, there are several good spots overlooking the sea before the road peters out.

154/155 London - Tower Bridge - There is a lorry park close to central London, just by Tower Bridge, parking for 24 hours is £20. It is frequently used by motorhomes and overnighting is allowed. Security is very good. Coming south over Tower Bridge, down the slope off the bridge will be first right and right again as is on river side with some of the park almost under the S-West corner of bridge. Phone No. is 020 7378 1147 (Tooley St.)

154/155 London - Lincoln's Inn Fields - Lincoln's Inn Fields, is about 150 yards from Holborne tube station & 500yards from Oxford St. or the Thames. The "fields" is a square just off Kingsway and has a large number of Company HQ's spaced so there is a single metered parking space between their gates, Lots of car parking plus room for about ten 25 foot motorhomes. Maximum stay is 2 hours between 8.30am & 6.30pm & free on Sundays & bank holidays. Cost is £2.40 per hour.

The list is selected on the co-ordinates of the road map of the AA 2003 Maxi Scale Britain (1:160.000). Car parks at all Ski centres are OK. (Watch for snowgates closing - police may check on you, but are OK about it).

95G7 Dumfries & Galloway - Glentrool Village - In Glentrool Village follow dead end road to Bruce's Memorial (Loch Trool). Several places along this road, There are toilets at the visitor centre. Keep going till road sign says 'no unauthorised traffic'. Good place for overnight stay, very quiet.

96C4 Dumfries & Galloway - Kirkcudbright - In Kirkcudbright at the junction of A711 and B727 there is a forestry commission car park, good for overnight stop, 10 minutes walk into town.

96C4 Dumfries & Galloway - Kirkcudbright - In Kirkcudbright take the B727 towards Borgue. There is a picnic site on right next to sea. Toilet block.

96E5 Dumfries & Galloway - Dalbeattie - There are 2 forestry commission parking sites very close to one another. Both under a mile North East of Dalbeattie, just off the A711 Solway Coast Road. Both are well clear of the road and there are no signs to deter overnight parking. One of them has 2 water taps.

106C3 Dumfries & Galloway - Moffat - Overnight stop four and a half miles north of Moffat on the A701 for Edinburgh. Entrance is on the left, 30 yards short of the grey/white telephone exchange on the right. Notice board says Ericstane Forest. Follow good track about 60-70 yards, just room to turn a 16 foot van.

106E5 Dumfries & Galloway - Ettrick Valley, St Mary's Loch - Approaching St Mary's Loch from the Gordon Arms (Moffat) about half way along the loch is a small layby beside the loch, and a longer one on the opposite side. Both are close to the road but it is a very quiet road with little traffic.

107G4 Borders - Newmill - On the A7 there's a layby going north just before Newmill. The layby is on the right side of the road 100yds before pub.

107K3 Borders - Carter Bar - On the A68 south of Jedburgh. There is a layby each side of the road.

107K5 Borders - Jedburgh on A68 (Scottish borders). Just off A68 there is a car park around which flows a small river. On the other side is Jedburgh Castle, which is beautifully illuminated at night-time. 5 minutes walk away is town centre and the house Mary Queen of Scots lived in. On car park is also toilets and small cafe and souvenir shop. Have seen many campers there. As far as I know there is no charge.

Also on A68 right on Scottish borders on top of big hill are 2 large layby's with fantastic view to the north up to 8-10 mile on clear day.

108C8 Borders - Coldstream - On the A697 in Coldstream. A car park about three-quarters of the way through the Borough. Toilets in the car park.

112B3 Argyll & Bute - Skipness - On the north east of the Kintyre Peninsula. Take the B8001; then follow sign to Arran ferry. Go past the ferry; the road goes to Skipness which is a dead end. There are several places for overnighting next to the beach. In winter it could be possible to stay on the ferry car park because it is a seasonal service.  The ferry car park is gravel, parking in the middle to the back is fine as the sides are deep with stones. If you stop on these parts you won't get going again.

112B7 Argyll & Bute - Lochgilphead - Go north from Lochgilphead on the A816; take left fork on B841; go over canal bridge and on your right hand side is a car park. Ask lock keeper to park. There are two car parks along that road.

112D5 Argyll & Bute - Colintraive - Try the road by the side of the ferry, right on the waterfront. Two shops, a pub and a toilet.

113F2 North Ayrshire - Fairlie - South of Largs, on the coast. On the south side of the village there are two picnic sites signed from the main road. One has a small toilet block. The other one has a main car parking area that is in view, but a few yards further on is a small spot just out of sight.

113F7 Argyll & Bute - Lochgoilhead. Take the road to Carrick Castle. In 3 miles there's a turn off on left where you can stay overnight.

113F8 Argyll & Bute - Lochgoilhead - Try the main car park by the sea in the village.

113G7 - Argyll & Bute - On the A82 between Luss and Arrochar (121J1) are numerous large layby's alongside Loch Lomond.

114C7 Stirling - Stirling - Try the Wallace Memorial car park in Stirling.

115H5 Edinburgh - City of Edinburgh, head towards Dean Bridge from Queensferry Road, hang a left at Church immediately on your right before bridge and head into crescent past residents spaces, don't turn first right. Great views over Dean Village and free parking Friday night - Monday morning.

115K2 Borders - Heriot - On the A7 watch for sign "Heriot layby" on left.

116B2 Borders - Carfraemill - Between Carfraemill and Fala on the A68 are two layby's on opposite sides of the road on the uphill drag. Don't use this spot if snow is forecast as it's between the snow barriers. If they close the road (regular when there is snow) you are trapped between the barriers.

119F4 Argyll & Bute - Fionnphort: the car park at St. Columba Exhibition Centre.

120C1 Argyll & Bute - Ardfern/Aird - Go south from Oban on the A816 for about 27 miles. Then take the B8002. You go though a village called Ardfern. Keep going till you come up to a gate. Open gate and drive about 100yds in to small car park where you can stay. A nice spot overlooking Jura.

120E6 Argyll & Bute - Barcaldine - Go north on the A828 past Barcaldine camping caravan site (you can empty chemical and get fresh water there for small fee). North to first roundabout; then first left. Loch Creran is on your left. There are 6 or 7 layby's on left.

121G2 Argyll & Bute - Inveraray - Try the car parks right of the pier on the seafront. Toilets open 6.00 am and there is a fresh water tap just at the side. The car parks next to water have signs saying no motorhomes or caravans. The big car park through the arches has a sign saying 'no overnighting'. Not sure about the coach park.

121G2 Argyll & Bute - Inveraray - A few miles out of town on A 819 there is a picnic site on the right hand side of the road. It looks like an ordinary layby but it goes back off the road.

121H4 Argyll & Bute - Lochawe - On the A85, about 5 miles from Dalmally there is a dirt pull in layby on the left (from Dalmally) but behind it is another track hidden in the trees. There are 2 beaches only feet away.

121J6 Highland - Parking on the A82 north to Glencoe (near Tulla Cott). Piper may wake you up if lucky. Great view to Bridge of Orchy.

121J6 Argyll & Bute - Bridge of Orchy - Over the old bridge at Bridge of Orchy there is plenty of gravel for parking on. If you feel like it drive on the back road for three miles to Inveroran Hotel where you can stay either before the hotel or in the car park about 1/2 mile further on.

121J6 Argyll & Bute - Inveroran Hotel - Three miles down the road is a choice of spots for a motorhome, before the pub or in the road end car park.

121J6 Argyll & Bute - Loch Tulla - On the A82, not long after Bridge of Orchy then Loch Tulla, after a hairpin bend that climbs up to Rannoch Moor, there is a layby on the left. Plenty of coaches pull in there for the view, from where you can see 24 mountain peaks, Loch Tulla and only 4 buildings.

122E4 Perth & Kinross - Lochearnhead - 24 miles west of Perth city on the A85 you can wildcamp virtually all the length of Loch Earn. Popular with fishermen, this area is used a lot but fairly clean if you pick your spot.

122E5 Perth & Kinross - Milton Morenish - On the A827 near Milton Morenish is a small lane towards the Bridge of Balgie. Go up the lane over cattle grids and keep climbing up the mountain till you come to the visitor centre for Ben Lawers Mountain. Use the car park. If you go further up the road, still climbing, you will come to a dam where you may also find a place to park.

122E5 Perth & Kinross - Milton Morenish - Overnight spot on the dam past the Ben Lawers visitors centre on the road down to Glen Lyon. At about 1200 feet it is quiet overnight and in a superb setting.

123G3 Perth & Kinross - Crieff - Crieff Visitors Centre car park. Shop opens in the morning at 9am and the shop has a nice toilet. Quiet spot.

123G7 Perth & Kinross - Aberfeldy - In Aberfeldy take the A826. In about a quarter of a mile there is a picnic area. Go onto top car park. OK for overnight stay. Few minutes walk into town.

On the same road, drive further on; ignore the first picnic site on right (no overnighting). There is another car park on the left off the main road used by walkers. There is a path leading onto Forestry Commission land.

127G2 Highland - A private car park at Ardtoe, right on the coast. It charges 40p for an unspecified time. I asked if we could stay overnight and we settled on 1 pound. There were rudimentary toilets but they were out of order at the time. Car park is partly grassy and we were the only vehicle there at night. It's just across a little road from the sea, with deserted coves, clear waters, and fantastic sunsets.

127G7 Highland - The Isle of Skye - A free camp on the Sleat Peninsula, the road doesn't have a number. It's a loop road going through Tarskavaig and Tokavaig, off the A851 before you get to the clan Donald centre. The site is between the two villages but closer to Tokavaig - a nice flat and sheltered bit of green near a ruined Macdonald stronghold and right at the waterside.

127F2 Highland - The Ardnamurchan is pretty wild country, very rocky with lots of heather bracken and tussock. A few free camping areas on the A861 and B8007 if you don't mind a few midges and bit of true wilderness. A lot of the small villages are crofter style and the whole Ardnamurchan/Sunart/Moidart area is a great experience.

127F8 Highland - The Isle of Skye - Don't bother trying to camp anywhere near Elgol, it's very steep and there are few places you can even pull in.

127J1 Highland - Strontian: the car park at the Tourist Info.

127J1 Highland - Loch Sunart - On the A861 between Strontian and Salen there are two forestry commission car parks. One has a 'no overnighting' sign, the other does not.

128B4 Highland - Glenfinnan - The car park, just off the main road, at the start of the private road that leads under the viaduct.

128C1 Highland - Ardgour - Overnight stop at the base of the path to Garbh Bhien in Ardgour on the A861. Quiet spot. No passing traffic. Quickest way to get there is to use the Corran ferry from the A82, only a short crossing but saves about 60 miles.

128C1 Highland - Ardgour -Go north fom Ardgour; there's a layby in the trees, about 1 mile up the road.

128C1 Highland - Ardgour - Go south from Ardgour on the A861. Keep the loch on left and you will see places to park on the old dead road.

128C1 Highland - Corran - The ferry terminal on the Fort William side.

128D2 Highland - Glen Nevis - Some excellent overnight stops in Glen Nevis on the roadside all the way down the Glen. Out of season is the best time as the Glen is fairly quiet.

128D3 Highland - Fort William - From Fort William go north on A82; about 2 miles on right hand side is the road to Ben Nevis. Loads of space in car park.

128D3 Highland - Fort William - Leave Fort William on the A82 towards Inverness and turn left at the lights signposted Corpach and the road to The Kyle of Lochalsh (A830). Take the first right after the Bridge and wind your way up the road. On the right there is a narrow entrance which takes you on to the loch side. Parking is for 4 or 5 vehicles only. There is a much larger car park at the bottom. Water is available, but ask the lock keepers first.

It is likely that a better parking can be had at the lower car park near the Moorings Hotel as you turn right off the main road.

128D3 Highland - Fort William - Nice parking lot at top of 'Neptune's Staircase' locks N.E. of town built to service yacht owners at top of Locks on Caledonian Canal. Very picturesque setting and free toilet block for boaters run by Waterways. No charge or signs apparent.

128D3 Highland - Invergarry - Near Lock Garry on the A87 you have a choice of three off road layby's. Good places to use as a base, if you want to tour around Lock Ness for a few days.

128E5 Highland - Clunes - From Fort William take the A82 up to Spean Bridge; then take the B8004 from the Commando Memorial to Gairlochy and then the B8005 to Clunes. Through the Mile Dorcha (dark mile) to a car park on the right. Car park is level hardstanding.

129G7 Highland - Fort Augustus - South of Fort Augustus take the B862. Along that road there are two layby's in which to park at the top of the hill. Road narrow at first.

130D1 Perth & Kinross - Pitlochry - North of Pitlochry turn left onto B8019; just past Queens View turn right into picnic area (Loch Tummel). There are toilets here.

131F6 Aberdeenshire - Linn of Dee, Cairngorm Mountains - Take the road west out of Braemar to the road end. There is a hard standing car park just over the Linn of Dee bridge which does not display any signs regarding overnight parking. Parking fee appr. £2 per day.

131F6 Aberdeenshire - Cairngorm Mountains - The sugar bowl car park. No facilities on site, local facilities at Glenmore 1 mile or at Aviemore 7 miles.

132D3 Aberdeenshire - Fettercairn, there's an 'Aire' at the Fettercairn Bowling Club.

132E5 Aberdeenshire - Banchory - Try the car park at "Flemings Building Supplies" on the left travelling in from Aberdeen (A93). Keep the garden centre gate clear as they start at 06.30 in the morning.

133H7 Aberdeenshire - Aberdeen - You can park on the Aberdeen beach esplanade. The best places are across from the golf course. All the entertainment, cafes, funfair etc. is further along.

134D4 Highland - The Isle of Skye has many opportunities for wild camping in layby's, picnic sites etc. Avoid areas too near a proper campsite, where they will try to discourage you, and of course avoid blocking the passing places on one-track roads.

134E7 Highland - The Isle of Skye - The coast road of the Trotternish peninsula has various pull-ins overlooking the sea. A couple of times we asked permission to camp outside a hotel/restaurant where we were eating or drinking. No problem (except midges).

135H4 Highland - Kyle of Lochalsh - If you go up the A890 from Kyle of Lochalsh there is a large layby overlooking Loch Carron where you can park.

You can also go up the mountain pass. It is OK for motorhomes; lots of passing places, just take your time, let cars pass you and keep everyone happy. You can park at the top (large viewpoint).

Going down there's a campsite just as you get to village on left.

Going round the bay you come up to a church park on left where it's OK to park.

135J1 Highland - Glenelg - Take the A87 toward Glen Shiel; go right through the Glen until you see a petrol station on your left. Turn left just after this, following signs for Glenelg and the ferry. This is an old military road, single lane with passing places. Follow this road up the Ratagan pass, but beware as it is extremely steep! There is a picnic area about two thirds of the way up where you can stop. Carry on over the pass and descend into Glen More. Follow the road almost into Glenelg, but take a right turn (signposted to the ferry) before you reach the village. Drive about another half a mile until you see the sea, then just park up wherever you fancy.

137H6 Highland - Contin, picnic area along the A835, appr. half a mile west of the village. The toilets are closed at night.

137J3 Highland - Beauly - 9 miles west of Inverness, there is a truck stop behind the police station. Very quiet, good lighting, nice place for an overnight stop.

137K3 Highland - Inverness/Loch Ness/Dores - Coming out of Inverness on the B862 after 8 miles you come to a fork in the road; take right fork on B852. There is a pub on the t with a spot to park by the beach.

138C6 Highland - Rosemarkie - From Rosemarkie take the A832 towards Cromarty. Pass the turning onto the B9160. On the right hand side there is a large car park which goes well off the road. Good for overnight.

139F7 Moray - Findhorn - Beach area with plenty of space to camp. It is a very short walk into town. Toilets and water available on the beach.

139G1 Moray - Tomintoul - The car park of Tomintoul Bowling Club, Lecht Drive, Tomintoul, off the B9008. Continental type Aire de Service. The site is specifically for motorhomes. The cost is £5 per night, maximum stay 2 nights.

139G1 Moray - Tomintoul: A free parking can be found at the "Estate Office" towards the end of Mainstreet in Tomintoul.

139J6 Moray - (near Elgin) - Leave the A96 (Elgin to Keith) on to the B9015 (travelling inland), just before B9103 there is a Forestry Commission Car Park with plenty of space.

142C2 Highland - The Isle of Skye - A picnic layby near Flodigarry, north of Staffin. There were several places we could have stopped in that area.

143H3 Highland - Poolewe - Go from Poolewe on the B8057 towards Cove. Very nice beaches along that road with parking. Keep going until you come to a car park for old WW II base. Park there.

144D3 Highland - Braemore - 12 miles south on A835 from Ullapool, there is a large layby with public toilets. That's on the main track, if you go on the A832 there is a large layby overlooking the valley looking towards Ullapool.

146C2 - Highland - Try the ferry at Nigg, which has a large car park and although there is no fishing from the pier, if you have a good rod and a good casting arm a salmon or two can be taken in late August. Watch out for the school of porpoises and the occasional whale. While the porpoises are in the bay they drive the salmon into the shallows, making it easier for poor fishermen like me.

146D3 - Highland - A quiet camp site is the one at Portmahomack near Tain, the site is owned by The Kirk so there are rules about not putting out washing on Sundays etc, but any rules fade into insignificance beside the gently sloping beach where the waves only just lap the beach as it is almost directly facing Northwest and safe within the Dornoch Firth.

148D5 Highland - Kinlochbervie, plenty of space to stay near the harbour. One of the locals advised to stay on the north side, near the yacht harbour, close to the houses.

149F7 Highland - Durness - Lots of places to park on the A838 from Laxford Brige.

151G7 Highland - Thurso, a car park west along the river, in the direction of the Information Centre.

151H3 Highland - Lybster, a nice spot can be found in Lybster Harbour near the Waterlines-building. Access via the A99, junction Lybster.

151H7 Highland - Castletown, the car park near the harbour (appr. 200 metres). Access via the A836, junction Castletown (between John O'Groats and Thurso).

151J5 Highland - Wick, in Noss Head on the car park near the lighthouse at Castle Garnigoe & Sinclair. In Wick first follow the road signs Papigoe-Staxigoe, then Noss Head.

151K7 Highland - John O'Groats: the car park at Duncansby Head.

153A2 Western Isles - Barra Island - the best beaches in Scotland so well worth a trip. Take the ferry from Oban. When on Barra take the A888. It's the only main road from Castlebay Head towards the airport. Planes land on the beach when the tide is out. Bread only comes to the island twice a week so take plenty. Park up by air strip. When the airport is closed you can get water at nearby ferry terminal. Be careful driving on beach as there are soft spots and you can get stuck, stick to runway and you should be OK.

However, in January 2010 Guy Harrison wrote to us with the following warning:

"You currently feature the beach by the airport on the Isle of Barra (Western Isles) 153A2 as a site for free camping. Due to the numbers of visitors there and the severe erosion caused, this area has now had to be protected and closed off. Western Isles Planning Dept have been forced to put up posts, and all vehicular access (parking or camping) is now not allowed.

This is designed to protect the area from flooding and safeguard the airport, a vital island resource. The Barra website (http://www.isleofbarra.com/) and tourist office can advise of other areas where camping with vehicles is permitted, but visitors should know that the number of pitches is, at present, limited."

153A3 Western Isles - Barra Island - Try the western side of the island of Barra. About one mile after the Barra hotel keep the sea on your left side; there's a nice pitch overlooking the bay with a fresh water tap on the roadside.

Broughshane - The first continental parking was in the village of Broughshane in Co Antrim at the Houstons Mill at the Larne end of the village. Free parking, £1 for services, French style 'sani-station'.

Aghadowey - Brown Trout Golf and Country Inn, 209 Agivey Road, Aghadowey, Coleraine BT51 4AD. Phone 028 7086 8209. Free parking, fresh water available.

Ballymoney - The Angler's Rest, 139 The Vow Road, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim. Phone 028 2954 0280. Free parking in pub car park; pub serves food in the evenings during the week and all day on the weekend

Glenwherry - Ballyboley Inn, 125 Shanehill Road, Glenwherry, Ballymena BT42 3EP (on the main road from Larne to Ballymena). Phone 028 2583 1208. Free parking in pub car park.

Newtownards - Daft Eddys, Sketrick Island, Newtownards, Co Down BT23 6QH. Phone 028 9754 1615. Free parking in restaurant car park.

152M4 - Mooragh Park, Ramsey. Motorhomes are positively encouraged to park and enjoy the area, for no cost, but you require a permit. This is free and is available from the town hall in Ramsey. Just bring your insurance details. You may stay for up to 14 nights.

152M5 - Sulby Claddagh (in the north). This is quite a large site owned by the government NTrust. You may stay for up to 14 nights, then leave for a night then start again. There is toilets/washing & water available and if you lift the grid by the toilets you can deposit your waste. Lovely place to stop along side the river, some nice walks. Sulby is well used by locals but gets busy around TT race time. Two pubs & shop close by.

152M5 - Smeal Beach - This is on the north west side of the Island right alongside the sea NT land. Some nice spots to stay here, no facilities.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (compiled by Carol Weaver)

Wild Camping Spots found in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland during a trip from May - July 2003. These may no longer be available but of course if goes without saying, do not block or cause a nuisance to anyone and do check with owners where there are any obvious ones. Leave nothing behind except your tyre marks. Bear in mind our route had been Pembroke - Rosslare and we took a route clockwise around Ireland, so these spots are following in that direction - you will need a map, I didn't have GPS so can't give these details.

1. We were told of a spot at Kilmore Quay, which would have been a spot to use, but we didn't actually need this one, as we had stopped at St Margaret's Caravan Site straight from the ferry, so were further along when we wished to halt for the night. There are toilets here and I was told a top but didn't actually see it myself

2. Dunbrattin Head - no signs to say you cannot park, but there were people around looking. No facilities

3. Galtee Castle Woods - up to the right of the road, and follow the signs, very narrow and trees around, but a wonderful place to stop the night - no one else anywhere near - there are houses as you drive up this lane. It is signposted from the main road. No facilities

4. Mizen Head - again another wonderful spot, tucked back into a corner away from the entrance to the walkway and Tourist Information Spot. This was closed when we were here. Could be windy. No facilities

5. Gougane Barra National Park - This is a lovely park and we stopped down close to the toilet block. Water was also available here. There are lovely walks here. Well worth a visit

6. Bantry House - I hasten to add to this one, we did go into the Armada Exhibition and asked when paying if there was any chance of stopping overnight in the car park (we had been told by a local that it is sometimes possible). Whilst walking around the gardens, we were approached by what we then learned was the owner, who asked if we were the ones enquiring about stopping. He said, no problem there was a water tap behind the little chalet (used for paying). BUT do ask here, after all it is a private house

7. We were told of a spot at Dursey Island (cable car) BUT we got there and were told in no uncertain terms that NO YOU CAN'T stop here. So we turned back down the road and as you return, on the right hand side up slightly from the road is a picnic spot. We stopped here for the night, lovely views over Garnish Point

8. We passed through Sneem and then we turned off on a road that goes up to meet the R566 Sneem to Kilarney road, it was signed "Blackwater Tavern 4km" We pulled in at a large area of waste ground on the left and stopped for the night

9. Another spot that was a possibility was Ballinskelligs Beach (CP) but it was too early, there was a loo - but it was awful

10. Back to Waterville and up again through the middle of the Ring of Kerry, where we have stopped for the night. We were in a picnic spot in the Ballaghisheen Forest. Looks quite nice and should be quite quiet - well it wasn't, not because of noise but because of midges. We ended up evacuating it at 23.30 hrs! So use this one with caution. Lovely spot and fantastic drive through the middle but watch the season

11. If you take the road thru the middle and continue on towards Glencar you come across a large bit of gravel at the top of the pass. I think it was heading towards Moll's Gap - still on the road up thru the middle of the Ring of Kerry

12. Another of those, not sure exactly where it is, but we drove out to Castlemaine and followed a route, scenic with a viewpoint. The view on one side was over Castlemaine and the harbour (which is a nature reserve) and a few hundred yards further on was another viewing point, and where you could see Tralee and Tralee Bay very clearly

13. Next stop might suit you, but it didn't us! We got to Slea Head itself and there is a car park with a twisting road down to the beach - we went to the car park, I went to take photos as usual it was nice, we had decided to stop for the night. After about 90 minutes we could smell gas, and became a little concerned, we wondered if it was because we weren't level - so decided to move on. We didn't get it again, but we did discover we were nearly out of gas - and now think this was the smell…. we didn't get so low again!

14. We went to Ballylongford where we have come down to a Castle, Carrigafoyle Castle, which is yet another ruin and seems to be popular by the number of cars that have pulled up, stopped between 5 and 10 minutes and then retraced their steps. We stopped here for the night. The sad bit is that they are repairing the castle, well making it safe

15. We stopped on a pier in Liscannor where the cruises to the Cliffs of Moher start

16. Noted this one: further on along the coast, there was a good parking spot at Bealaglugga but we were too early for a night stop

17. We continued on a tour and then around the coast to Roundstone. We stopped at in a car park just on the west side of the town, and we got in as well so the place was big, but it wasn't a good place to stop at 23'. It would be a nice place to stop. Plenty of cafes/pubs all doing fresh fish. Lovely little harbour. Perhaps if you were a camper you could stop here

18. We followed the road with the intention of taking a couple of the little coastal roads that go off this main route, hoping to find a stopping place for the night. The first one we found, a sign to Errislannan Point, and we followed the road, just the width of the motorhome. Within a few hundred yards, we saw a large monument - and guess what: a viewing area. Fantastic views for 360 degrees. The monument is to Alcock and Brown - they landed here in 1919 on the first flight across the Atlantic at 109mph

Not a stopping place, but if you are here, do make sure you take in The Sky Road. Well worth it for the views alone. This goes west out of Clifden

19. This is on Achill Island - We continued around taking the Atlantic Drive to Keel and then turned to take the Atlantic Drive around the hills. We passed the deserted village, deserted due to the famine, all that remains are the walls of the houses laid out on the hillside, and then we came to Doogort where there are two beaches, one called Barnynagappul Strand and Goldren Strand. We decided to stop here the night overlooking the golden strand. Pub opposite which serves evening meals as well, so this was very convenient. The Anchor Bar & Lounge & Restaurant. It specialises in fish

20. We were on the main road R314 towards Sligo and continued passing what we have later learnt is a Neolithic centre (but it looked closed when we were there, we ear-marked it as a place to stop for the night if we didn't find anything else, there was a coach park there). Shame really as it would probably have been very interesting, but I still haven't found anything about it at the TI offices!

21. We then turned off to do yet another of our loops, this one taking us to Downpatrick Head. Road a bit iffy, but was OK if you were slow and careful, started with grass down the middle but got worse. We decided this was the place for the night and made ourselves comfortable. There were about four areas in which to park, we started at the first, ended on the second for the night, as it gave a view of the whole of the bay. Nice walks up on the Head with blow holes in the cliff, so do be careful, there are signs

22. We then drove through Ballysadare where the Bay encroaches on it, this then took us out on the R292 loop road to Strandhill. We found a scenic road leading off to the right, which made me hang on for dear life at the beginning. It gave brilliant views though of the surrounding area. Up here we found a mountain car park which we thought we would use to stop the night. We walked up the mountain, but I must admit we didn't make it to the top, several others did though

23. Next we were into Co. Leitrim, and we passed through Manorhamilton and on to Glencar. We stopped here and walked up to the waterfalls. We decided to stop the night here; there are toilets and water available. It is a nice spot surrounded by mountains and a lake. Continuing along this loop road, we found three other parking spots that would have been useful

24. We had looked around Donegal, saw the castle and then returned to the car park. We then started a tour, drove through to Killibegs and decided to try Killibegs Motorvan Stop Over. It was only opened at Easter, the owner has flattened out the top of a hill and it is about 50ft circular, overlooking the entrance to Killibegs Harbour, It should be a lovely stop on a nice day that is for sure. Electricity, water and dumping facilities are available, no showers etc. Not strictly a wild spot - but one to add to your list

25. Noted this one when we continued around the R263 towards Glencolumbkille where there is a viewpoint overlooking the village with a picnic table etc.

26. Noted this as well: we drove on to Malin Beg (Head?) where there was a view point and car park, we arrived with an empty car park, stopped for lunch and then were joined by about 14 cars in total, coming and going. It was a nice spot for an overnight stay

27. This lovely spot was found with difficulty, when we followed a sign to Dooey Point and ended up for the night at Tra Beach, well that is what we think it is called. We were behind sand dunes, down a hill from the road, there is a bungalow at the top, and the beach is a long one used for surfing. Very quiet here. We continued on the track/road to rejoin the N56 to Dunglow

28. This was after going to Glenveagh National Park on the R254, we then came across Lough Barra which sits under another high mountain Slieve Snaght (683m). There is a small area to park and see this nature reserve. It is slightly sloping but we put out the levellers and watched a guy and his wife stacking their peat - for 3 hours - back breaking work. Back to Dunglow again

29. We carried on all the way down to Millford and back up around another peninsula to Fanad Head. This was a really good drive (road awful as usual) but interesting, this is where Tawny/Tamry is (they can't seem to make up their minds either!). The road back down to Portsalon was good too, as we were high up and able to view the coastlines. At Fanad Head we could see Hord Head, Melmore Head, Rinmore Point to the West and then Dunaff Head and Malin Head to the East of us, really excellent viewpoint. We got to Portsalon and and then we found a beach, no camping…, and we were faced with a mountain climb with corkscrew bends. There were viewpoints, and what views, but they weren't flat or suitable, more like pull ins - not proper viewpoints, so we found ourselves in Rathmullen. Seemed a dead place, but parked down by the pier/beach. Pubs, restaurants and toilets close, so not too bad

The next bit is the Inishowen Peninsula - make sure this is a MUST DO on your list - it is even signposted well - and we loved it

30. We then dropped down to Culdaff which had a lovely beach and parking area, but a sign saying no camping etc. So on we drove and came across a beach called Tramore Bay and stopped here for the night. It is a small beach and is rocky just off the beach that you can walk on. A few houses up on the hill and that is all. The parking area has recently (very) been tarmaced, and there is a picnic table

31. After Londonderry, we drove back to the main A2 and followed that through (bypassed) Limavaddy and to Downhill. I then saw a sign to Gortmore - with a viewpoint 3 miles. So here we are up on top of a 1 in 5 hill having driven around a mountain and drive a straight line and we are perched in a parking space right on top overlooking Magilligan Point with a fantastic view. Definitely a nice stop, no signs to say you can't stop the night either, which is good

32. We wanted to see the Giant's Causeway. Drove up and paid €5 to park, the car park and facilities are on Moyle District Council's land and you have to pay, even as an NT member. €1 for the audio visual show too. In the car park, we had asked if we could stay the night, the parking attendant, just said, "I didn't hear and winked at him". Another motorhome was there as well. So ask, and it may be granted

33. Next afternoon we got to the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge (NT) and parked up and walked the 1km down to the bridge. When we got back, we asked if it was possible to stop the night. We were told it wouldn't be a problem. Again ask, it is NT land

34. We then drove down through Larne and Carrickfergus to Belfast, having decided to visit the National Ulster Folk and Transport Museum which is on the road to Bangor. We got here at 15.00 hrs and asked if it would be possible to stop the night in the car park as after speaking to the guy at the reception two hours would not be enough, he let us in for free then and we stopped in the car park (did get a knock later to check we were OK, explained we had asked) and he said he would be locking us in, we said no problem. We went to both museums the next day. Definitely worth a visit, very well done

35. Did Mount Stewart (NT) and returned to near Mount Stewart to the Conningsbury Picnic Spot to stop for the night. It is very nice, but close to the A21, so somewhat noisier than usual as on that evening some young lads decided it was a race track for their motorbikes

36. We decided to drive part of a tour and as there was a parking viewpoint at Spelga Dam, we would detour to that and stop the night. There were no signs saying no overnight camping

37. From the Silent Valley (Belfast Water Reservoir, worth another visit) we drove some more around the Mourne Mountains and then back down to the coast. We went to Newcastle and then we drove back up into them again via another road, and found a night stop at a place called Slieve Meelmore

38. Back into the South again now. Next stop for the night was a very breezy beach spot facing the Irish sea, somewhere between Dunany Point and Clogher Head, probably close to a place called Port