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Remote UK suggestions

(51 Posts)
Basire Sun 23-Jun-24 08:33:43

I am looking for some suggestions for a break of three or four days in a remote area of the UK. I am not thinking of Cornwall, Lake District.

North of the Humber could be good.

Unless it’s accessible by public transport, I will be driving. The trouble is remote frequently means nought easily accessible by train.

J52 Sun 23-Jun-24 09:23:20

Dumfries and Galloway, try the area known as The Machars in the west of the area, just about as remote as you’d want. In the 16th Century the Kings army wouldn’t even venture there!

Sago Sun 23-Jun-24 09:42:15

Thixendale area on the Yorkshire Wolds is very beautiful, lots of dry valleys, stunning walks and scenery.
We did one walk there recently (Warter Circuit) we saw 2 people in over 3 hours.
It’s Hockney country.

henetha Sun 23-Jun-24 10:02:29

I don't think there is anywhere more beautiful than the west coast of Scotland. Plenty of remote places like the Knoydart, and you can drive across the Skye.

henetha Sun 23-Jun-24 10:03:51

Typo... drive across to Skye.... It would be fun to drive across the sky, but rather dangerous maybe. grin

Grandmabatty Sun 23-Jun-24 10:06:22

The problem with remote areas in Scotland is, many people have already discovered them! Skye is very busy. You might struggle to get booked someplace soon.

henetha Sun 23-Jun-24 10:09:09

That's true, sadly, Granmabatty. I was lucky enough to tour Scotland frequently in the 1990's before tourism became so immense.
These places are better out of season I think. October is a lovely time to tour Scotland. Also April I think.

Casdon Sun 23-Jun-24 10:12:00

Radnor in mid Wales is very remote, hardly any tourists and a beautiful area for walking. It borders Shropshire, which also has many lovely remote areas.

OldFrill Sun 23-Jun-24 10:12:00

Agree Grandmabatty, I can't think of anywhere in Scotland or it's Islands I'd consider remote unless on foot or boat. If transport can access it, it's not remote.

Aveline Sun 23-Jun-24 10:34:13

I was horrified recently to hear of 50 motorhomes parked at Luskentyre on Harris recently. So many areas spoilt by overtourism

Grammaretto Sun 23-Jun-24 10:50:31

You don't say where you're starting from and if you only have 4 days a lot of that could be taken up travelling.

Are you camping or hostelling, airbnb or hotel? When do you want to go?

How remote do you want?

Most tourists stick to the main roads and stick together so you can usually lose them quite easily by venturing up a side road.
We found a deserted beach just a mile ot 2 from Arisaig on the West Coast to pitch our tent.
Loch Ossian youth hostel on Ranoch Moor is accessible by train, Corrour Station. Stunning scenery and pure air.
As has already been said, Dumfries and Galloway can feel a long way from civilisation.

I would probably avoid the Isle of Skye unless you have somewhere booked and you like crowds. I'm going there in August by bus, train and ferry but I have booked already to a part less touristy.

Shelflife Sun 23-Jun-24 10:55:01

Dumfries and Galloway - excellent choice !

Aveline Sun 23-Jun-24 11:26:52

Sshhh! Keep Dumfries and Galloway a secret!

J52 Sun 23-Jun-24 11:29:23

Aveline

Sshhh! Keep Dumfries and Galloway a secret!

I agree, but the local businesses do need some customers.

OldFrill Sun 23-Jun-24 11:37:22

Dumfries and Galloway have been highlighted for a few years as a tourist destination. Given a named route for camper vans.

Aveline Sun 23-Jun-24 12:03:12

Nooooo camper vans ☹️

Grammaretto Sun 23-Jun-24 12:27:13

Skye 2 years ago: bumper to bumper traffic, huge motorhomes on single-track roads. One became stuck on a road down to a beach at Staffin.
The newly built toilet block and carpark at the Fairy Pools were full to overflowing.

pascal30 Sun 23-Jun-24 12:34:55

I too would suggest Wales, around Montgomery and south shropshire..

MissInterpreted Sun 23-Jun-24 12:50:09

OldFrill

Agree Grandmabatty, I can't think of anywhere in Scotland or it's Islands I'd consider remote unless on foot or boat. If transport can access it, it's not remote.

Depends what you mean by remote. I'm only 12 miles from Edinburgh, yet within a few miles of my house, you can walk for miles and rarely if ever see another soul.

M0nica Sun 23-Jun-24 15:45:25

Northumberland inland, north of the A69 that runs from Newcastle to Carlisle.

bridie54 Sun 23-Jun-24 16:15:58

When anyone mentions Scotland it’s usually the West coast. I do have to say my daughter loved the borders. But what about the east coast?
Can I recommend the Angus Glens. Beautiful scenery, walks aplenty.
Have a Google and see what you think.

MissInterpreted Sun 23-Jun-24 17:42:06

M0nica

Northumberland inland, north of the A69 that runs from Newcastle to Carlisle.

Northumberland is beautiful - Kielder Forest would be ideal for a bit of 'remoteness'.

LOUISA1523 Sun 23-Jun-24 18:50:46

Yorkshire wolds is never busy ... Robert Fuller Gallery is a good place to stop ...we actually met the man himself last time ! ...... Howardian Hills area is lovely .... again never too busy...mainly local folk

keepingquiet Sun 23-Jun-24 18:59:26

I would also recommend going inland away from the east coast of yorkshire-although I won't be specific as I don't want anyone else to go there lol!

OldFrill Sun 23-Jun-24 22:49:18

Today 12:50MissInterpreted

OldFrill

Agree Grandmabatty, I can't think of anywhere in Scotland or it's Islands I'd consider remote unless on foot or boat. If transport can access it, it's not remote.

Depends what you mean by remote. I'm only 12 miles from Edinburgh, yet within a few miles of my house, you can walk for miles and rarely if ever see another soul.

Can you see wind turbines?