“There is no Wifi in the wild, but I promise you will find a better connection”
Wild camping isn’t a new phenomenon, but in recent years, it’s really picked up steam. There’s camping on sites and on designated plots, and there’s pitching up in wild areas – plots of grass, hilly points, cliff tops – where you can make sure to take in your breath-taking surroundings.
If you’re new to the idea of wild camping, you might be wondering what the fuss is all about. Where do you even start when it comes to learning how to wild camp? Camping wild is all about ensuring you look after the places you stay in, and making sure you take the essentials.
Here’s our quick beginner’s guide to everything you need to know about wild camping in the UK.
Are You Allowed to Wild Camp in the UK?
You are technically allowed to go wild camping across the UK, but you might have to ask permission.
Much wild camping in the UK revolves around whether or not the land you are pitching up on is privately owned. If so, always make sure to ask if you can put a tent up in your chosen spot. Otherwise, it might not be legal for you to do so. There will be wardens who check!
Therefore, it may even be a good idea to look at a list of legal wild camping spots in the UK. Some areas, such as the Dartmoor National Park, let you camp wild without the use of permission. But definitely check first!
What Should I Take When Wild Camping?
There are all kinds of bits and pieces you should pack for wild camping, in a bivvy bag – you’ll mainly need a pop up tent, a sleeping bag, something to eat and drink.
However, it’s always a good idea to try and keep things light. A lightweight pack is the best option for wild camping in general, as it’ll go some way to help save your back. Try and buy a bivvy bag that will keep your things dry in wet weather, too.
Here’s a quick list of what you might likely need on your trip towards your pitch.
- Spare Clothes: If you are going on a long day trip or for a few nights, you’ll need to change.
- First Aid Kit: You never know when you might find yourself in a scrape, so take the time to pack bandages, plasters and antiseptic.
- Battery Packs: Unless you are seriously roughing it without a phone, don’t go away anywhere without a portable battery.
- Dehydrated Food: You’ll need some sustenance while wild camping. Dehydrated food is the right choice most of the time, but do also think about energy and protein bars, too.
- Water Bottle and Converter: You will also want to take a water bottle with you. What might be worth doing is buying a filter, if you like, which you can fill with wild water to make it safe to drink. Take a look online.
- Cooking Utensils: Why not bring a pan and a gas burner? Try not to overload your pack, of course!
- A Tent and Sleeping Bag: These really go without saying!
- Head Torch: A wind up model is probably best!
The best rucksack for your own adventure will depend on a few things. Consider the people coming with you and the areas you are heading to. Try not to overload yourself or cram too much into your bag, either!
What is 'Leave No Trace'?
Leave no trace is one of the most important things to remember when you first go wild camping.
The whole point of camping wild responsibly is to show respect to the ground you walk on. Make sure to clean up after yourself, and never damage the grounds you stay on.
Even if you are staying in a National Park that freely lets you camp wild, always make sure to arrive late and leave early.
If you leave no trace, you can ensure that the next person can enjoy the same lovely walks and spots as if they are completely unspoilt. Whether it is your first wild camping trip or your 50th, always respect where you pitch.
Is Wild Camping Safe?
Yes – it is safe to wild camp providing you choose the right spot.
This wouldn’t be a good beginner’s guide if we didn’t go into what you should be looking for in that perfect pitch, so take a read below and clue yourself in!
Choose That Perfect Spot
The best wild camping spot is going to have flat terrain away from any chance of waterlogging.
What’s more, you need to find yourself a safe shelter point, one where you may be close enough to resources nearby, or where you can safely leave the park point if you need to in an emergency.
Do also look out for nature! Animals, rockery, trees – all kinds of things in the wild could pose you harm. Instead of risking the ire of an angry deer or two, make sure to scout out the area before you impede on anyone’s personal space.
Try and pitch your tent away from public footpaths or anywhere that you may disturb people on a day hike the next day. This is just as important for your own privacy, too!
Make sure to plan for access to running water if you need it, and consider your allergies, too. There are plenty of things to be careful with when you wild camp!
Get Camping!
For many people, exploring parkland and forestry through wild camping is a lot of fun.
However, do only consider this an opening guide to wild camping! There are loads of wild camp sites out there waiting for you to explore. Fancy Dartmoor or Loch Lomond? You could turn a day hike into a multi day wild camp with just a bivvy bag and a handful of essentials.
Make sure you pack light, research the area, and as always, respect wherever you go. Any guide to wild camping will tell you that Leave No Trace is the one vital point you always need to remember.