Camping on Iona
Camping in Scotland is governed by a very important set of Guidelines called the Outdoor Access Code. If you intend to wild camp anywhere is Scotland, these rules need studying. In general, if you walk in with your camping equipment and don't drive in, then these guidelines help you avoid any problems.
Having said all of that, Iona is a little different. Firstly, to be able to get to Iona with a vehicle is difficult, as you need special permission and a permit. Secondly, land on Iona is very precious to the local people. A nice green grassy field is not just a field, its also their winter fodder for their animals. Getting close to a property is all too easy and should be avoided etc.
Good Advice
Below the two listings is advice from the Mull and Iona Ranger, Emily Wilkins. This is good advice and you should think about it.
Also, some excellent general advice about wild camping is to be found at https://justgoexploring.com/destinations/wild-camping-in-scotland-the-ultimate-guide/
Listings for campsites
To respond to the demand, a campsite has been set up in the centre of the island and camping 'pods are now also available. Here are the details:
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Iona Campsite
(From their website)
Iona Campsite is a small family run business, situated on a working croft, sectioned area for camping.
Toilet and shower facilities. Tents and cooking equipment for hire. Group bookings are welcome. Situated at the west end of the island, near the four roads and golf course. Free Wi-Fi. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Once you come off the Iona ferry at the village, turn left and it's about a 20-minute walk to the campsite.
Address: Isle of Iona PA76 6SP
Tel: 01681 700112 or 07747 721275
Email: info@ionacampsite.co.uk
Web: https://www.ionacampsite.co.uk
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Camping pods
(from their website)
Our cosy camping pods are small, self-catering holiday accommodation units situated on the picturesque Island of Iona on the west coast of Scotland.
Our pods are made of timber and have a curved roof, giving the appearance of slate shingles. The comfy, cosy and spacious pods offer a unique base to explore Iona and the surrounding islands.
Internally, our pods consist of a single open space, with limited headroom, they offer sufficient space to allow for a maximum of four adults to rest and sleep – 1 double bed and 2 single beds.
hello@ionapods.com or call us on 07935 219079.
From the Mull and Iona Ranger
''The SOAC advice on wild camping is to avoid 'enclosed fields of crops or farm animals' which is what the Iona in-bye fields are.
If you are really keen to wild camp there are a number of things to bear in mind. You can find some general guidelines here: https://www.outdooraccess-
Good sources of fresh water are not easy to come by on Iona so you would need to carry all the water you need for drinking and cooking. You would need to take a trowel to bury toilet waste (or use a remote beach below high tide line) and make sure to take all other waste away with you. Be aware of fire risk when cooking - best to site a stove on rocky outcrop or beach, or make sure to scatter all traces of a beach fire if you cook with driftwood. Avoid enclosed fields with livestock or long grass, being too near roads, houses or main paths.''
Finally, from us all, 'Leave no trace'