Scotland is as accessible as it gets when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. Scotland has free backcountry lodging (known locally as bothies) and generous public access legislation. This makes it easy to get up close and personal with those gorgeous Scottish landscapes that have been dominating social media lately.

Yes, bothies are as awesome as they sound.

A bothy is essential a hut that has been made freely accessible to the public. They are usually located in the backcountry, and getting there usually requires a hike. Bothies are popular across England, Scotland, and Wales, and the Mountain Bothy Association maintains most of the bothies in this region.

The first bothy I ever stayed at is called The Lookout. The building is a former World War Two lookout, and points northwest towards the Outer Hebrides Islands. It is located at a place called Rubha Hunish, which is on the northern tip of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. Getting there involves a three kilometer, partially unmarked hike through bog and mud. It was worth all the effort for the panoramic views and once-in-a-lifetime lodging.

The culture is one of respect, acceptance, and cooperation. I met a member of the Mountain Bothy Association while traveling around Scotland, and he was very passionate about ensuring that everyone who encounters a bothy feels welcome and included in the space.

Expect to have roommates when you use a bothy. There were a total of seven people who slept in the small Lookout building the night I stayed there. You’ll need to have an open mind about sleeping arrangements. You might need to get creative depending on the number of people sharing the space.

Have fun, share stories, bring something tasty to share. Be prepared to be friendly to strangers, and to leave with new friends. Always leave the place in better condition than you found it.

Also, be sure to read The Bothy Code before any visit to a bothy. Respecting these spaces is critical to continuing their accessibility. If you can, make a donation to the Mountain Bothy Association to help ensure these spaces remain available to all.

Bring a tent and camp wherever you find an appropriate space.

Scotland is all about “freedom to roam” rights. The Land Reform Act of 2003 secured these rights, and made wild spaces available to all who seek to explore responsibly. This essentially means you can set up camp anywhere you can find an appropriate space that won’t interfere with the livelihood of others.

The expectations are pretty basic. Don’t camp near buildings, amidst livestock, or on crops Be a decent and respectful person. When in doubt, contact the land owner.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code is a pretty quick and easy read. You should have a decent understanding of this document before random camping in Scotland. Respect the freedom to roam, so that others can continue to enjoy Scotland’s outdoor culture for years to come.

Now get out there and enjoy one of the most beautiful countries on earth.

Between bothies and freedom to roam legislation, it is hard to avoid having a great time outside in Scotland. You can put together a pretty lengthy trip and pay little to no money for lodging (although you will probably want to shower once in awhile).

Just make sure you come prepared with adequate rain gear, and a dry pair of socks! Have you stayed in any of Scotland’s bothies? Any highlights or cautions? Let me know in the comments!