Ardentinney Beach Overnight Camping

Let's start with the parking and facilities before we share the rest of the riches this spot has to offer. The car park itself is a mixture of flat-level grass and gravel, offering bay parking overlooking the ocean with the shade of trees, giving this a really wild diverse feel. Along the bay front you will find plenty of picnic benches to enjoy alongside 24-hour toilets and bins at the entrance. Part of the forestry commission for Scotland's ‘stay the night’ scheme it only costs £7 to park overnight, given the fact there aren't any local businesses to support in the vicinity of the car park this provides a great way to give back. 

The water itself is a fabulous wild swimming spot with beautifully clear waters. Or for those not brave enough, a sandy beach on which to sit and seal spot, we have seen many a bobbing head which makes this a wildlife watchers haven. 

If you have more energy or a dog that needs walking like us then you are spoiled for choice with not one, not two, but three colour guided walks including the addition of a 7.6km path which leads you all the way to Carrick Castle.

The green coloured walk will take you along the waters edge of Glenfinart Burn with a variety of trees straight above as your shelter. This walk is 1.3km long, entirely flat and will take you approximately half an hour.

Alternatively if you want something a little further with expansive views then you can choose from either the red or yellow colour graded walks, both with some hills to climb which result in breath taking views from high above. The red birchwood trail is 1.6km and will take you approximately 45 mins, the yellow Lairds trail is the furthers at 3.3k and will take you approximately 1 hour. Having walked all three trails we can highly recommend them all.

With so many people heading straight to the NC500 these magical little gems are often missed, don't make the same mistake! This is a spot you have to add to your vanlife adventures, trust me you won't be disappointed. 

Don't forget to check out or other posts, where we share some of the best overnight vanlife spots we've discovered on our travels around the UK.

We hope you enjoy!