Wild camping in the UK, with its promise of solitude and serenity, has surged in popularity, inviting both seasoned outdoors enthusiasts and beginners alike to experience the countryside away from the hustle of crowded campsites. Understanding the basics, from the UK wild camping rules to the required essential gear, is crucial for a pleasant wild camping experiences UK.
From selecting the best wild camping spots UK to teaching you how to wild camp safely, this article aims to equip wild camping beginners and those looking for more secluded wild camping experiences in the UK with the knowledge needed for a successful adventure. We’ll cover wild camping essentials, beginner wild camping tips, a wild camping gear checklist, and explore the nuances of wild camping etiquette UK. With our UK wild camping guide, you’ll be fully prepared to safely and respectfully enjoy the beauty of wild camping.
Wild camping, primarily a UK term, refers to camping outside formal campsites in remote places without facilities. It’s about setting up a tent in the wilderness, perhaps during a multi-day hike or a spontaneous micro-adventure in nature. Unlike the structured environment of a campsite with toilets and showers, planning a wild camping trip UK offers a raw encounter with the outdoors.
Wild Camping Essentials – How to Wild Camp Safely?
Shelter
A lightweight and durable option, such as an ultralight tent or a bivvy bag, is essential for shelter. You might choose a tent with a footprint and pegs for stability, depending on your preference. For those new to wild camping, borrowing a bivvy bag or tent can help determine what suits you best before purchasing.
Sleeping Equipment
Ensure you have a comfortable sleeping system to combat the low nighttime temperatures. A high-quality sleeping bag with the right warmth-to-weight ratio, a sleeping mat, and possibly an air-filled or self-inflating mat is crucial. Consider a compact, lightweight pillow or use rolled-up clothes in a dry bag for head support.
Cooking Necessities
A reliable cooking stove is necessary for preparing meals. Don’t forget essential accessories like a fork, knife, spoon, and a lightweight cooking pot or mug. Ensure you have matches, a lighter for ignition, and a water purification method if sourcing water from natural environments.
Clothing and Personal Items
Pack weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproof jackets and trousers, technical base layers for sweat-wicking, and technical walking socks to minimise blisters. A woolly hat can provide extra warmth during colder nights. For personal hygiene and safety, include items like a pocket trowel or poop bags for waste, a first aid kit, and hand sanitiser.
Planning your next trip? Read our Essential Travel Gear Guide.
Wild Camping Laws UK
In the UK, wild camping is legally permitted in Scotland and parts of Dartmoor National Park. It’s generally tolerated if you follow the Leave No Trace principles and seek the landowner’s permission where possible.
Choosing a Campsite
When selecting a campsite, use a detailed map to identify dry, level ground with natural shelter. Avoid creating new paths or disturbing wildlife. High ground in the Lake District is often accepted for responsible wild camping.
Safety Tips
Prioritise safety by planning. Leave a route plan with someone, check weather forecasts, and ensure you have a personal first aid kit. Solo wild camping UK, especially women, minimise risks by being inconspicuous and carrying a personal alarm. Camp away from towns and avoid sharing specific plans with strangers.
Wild Camping UK Tips
Packing Efficiently
When we embark on wild camping, choosing the right backpack is essential. A 40-50 litre backpack is ideal as it balances capacity with easy carry, ensuring all camping essentials fit without overpacking. Pack heavy items like your sleeping bag and stove at the bottom, near your centre of gravity, to aid balance and reduce strain. Keep frequently used items like snacks and a rain jacket in pockets for easy access.
Additional Tips
Plan your route and check the weather before starting your journey so you know what to expect. Keep your group small to minimise disturbance to wildlife and the environment. Remember, when wild camping with family UK the essence is to enjoy nature and be adventurous. Enjoy the outdoors and always leave the site just how you found it.
Conclusion – Wild Camping in the UK
Through this exploration of wild camping in the UK, we’ve navigated the nuances of preparing for a journey into the untamed landscapes that promise adventure and tranquillity. From understanding the legal frameworks and selecting the perfect campsite to packing the essentials necessary for camping, from cooking necessities to sleeping gear, our goal has been to empower beginners and seasoned campers alike with the knowledge needed for a harmonious wild camping experience.
What are the best practices for wild camping in the UK?
Arrive late and leave early: This minimises your impact on the environment.
Stay only one night: Moving to a different location after a night.
Keep your group small: Smaller groups are less disruptive to wildlife and the environment.
Source clean water: Always ensure you have access to potable water.
Choose a remote spot: Opt for less frequented areas and inform someone of your whereabouts.
Pack the right equipment: Ensure you have all the necessary gear, including a durable, lightweight tent like the Jack Wolfskin Exolight 1.
What happens if you get caught wild camping in the UK?
Wild camping without permission is considered a civil offence in England. Typically, you will be asked to move on by the police. If you refuse or do not comply, the situation could escalate to aggravated trespassing. This criminal offence may lead to arrest.
What skills are essential for wild camping?
Building a fire: For warmth and cooking.
Constructing temporary shelters: To protect yourself from the elements.
Sourcing and purifying water: Ensuring you have access to drinkable water.
Identifying edible and medicinal plants: Useful for nutrition and health.
Administering first aid: Essential for addressing injuries or health issues.
What are the latest camping regulations in the UK?
As of 26 July 2023, new regulations allow camping sites to host up to 50 tents, motorhomes, or campervans. Landowners must provide on-site toilets and waste disposal facilities. Additionally, they are permitted to use any movable structure deemed necessary for the campsite’s operation.
Where can you legally wild camp in the UK?
As of right now Scotland is the only area that permits wild camping.
