Top 5 Tips For Wild Camping

What do I need to take?

When planning your wild camping trip always think about what you really need. The most common mistake people make when wild camping is they take too much with them. If you keep to these core items you will be able to reduce your carrying weight:

• Tent / shelter
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat
• Cooking equipment
• Food
• Water bottle
• Torch
• Safety equipment (storm shelter, thermal blanket, first aid kit ect)
• Rucksack (between a 40 – 65 litre)

  Now we all know that everyone has a budget but you can get all the above compact and very lightweight but that will cost you.

Where can I wild camp?

Scotland is the only place in the UK that you are allowed to wild camp. When wild camping in England, Wales and northern Ireland you will need to ask the land owners permission. But don’t give up hope though because many hill areas such as the Lake District and Dartmoor National Park you are allowed to wild camp as long as it’s away from roads and cultivated land. If you need help find wild camping spots in the Lakes or Dartmoor then these two links will help you out:

1. Lake District - http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/wheretostay/wildcamping
2. Dartmoor -  http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/vi-enjoyingdartmoor/camping

 

Where do I set up my tent?

When you are looking for a good pitching spot when wild camping always look out for a flat (and hopefully dry) piece of ground and that is also sheltered from the wind. Try to pitch your tent near a water source (preferably running water) so you won’t have to walk far for your water. A very common mistake people make is looking at what the view will be like rather than whether the place you want to pitch up ticks all your criteria. Try to camp away from trails and popular walkways as you will get disturbed by other hikers! And most importantly pick a spot that feels secure and comfortable.

What are the ‘dos & don’ts’?

When pitching up for the night you should always have in the back of your mind “leave it how you came across it”. The idea is to have minimum effect and impact on the ground you are camping on. When you leave the site it should still look “wild” and “natural”. Try camping on bare ground so you don’t interfere with any vegetation. If you do move stones and twigs etc before you leave try to scatter them about so it’s not too obvious that people have been camping there.

Can I make a fire?

If you are carrying a stove then you shouldn’t need to make a fire! But if you really need to or want to then just be sensible about it. Start a camp fire that will leave either no or little trace, make sure you don’t pick a spot that could start a wild fire and if you’re unsure then don’t start one at all. Never build a camp fire on vegetation whether it’s dead or alive and when you leave make sure that any ash is one; burnt, and two; broken up and scattered. So that’s our top 5 tips for wild camping! What do you take when wild camping we would love to hear what you have to say so comment below.