Discussion
Dartmoor is the only place in England it's legal without specific permission, turns out there is a very active wild camping community out there that work on 'arrive late, leave early & leave no trace' & find spots to camp all over the country.
Done a camp with each of my two kids so far, my daughters friends are keen to go this year. There is something great about camping in the middle of nowhere, fetching water from a river & cooking in the outdoors then chatting & having a drink under the stars before an early night.
Done a camp with each of my two kids so far, my daughters friends are keen to go this year. There is something great about camping in the middle of nowhere, fetching water from a river & cooking in the outdoors then chatting & having a drink under the stars before an early night.
blindswelledrat said:
Yes I can imagine.
SO whilst you say Dartmoor is the only place it is legal, is the reality that it is okay in other places despite theoretically not being allowed? Presumably there aren't wild-camping police running through the night over all our green-belt land?
Arrive late, leave early & leave no trace and who's ever going to know? Use common sense, don't camp in a farmers field or in sight of anybodys property or a road & you should be Ok. If you have a huge family tent that's a bright colour it may not be a good idea, we use green backpacking tents that are low profile & blend in well.SO whilst you say Dartmoor is the only place it is legal, is the reality that it is okay in other places despite theoretically not being allowed? Presumably there aren't wild-camping police running through the night over all our green-belt land?
battered said:
blindswelledrat said:
For reasons I can't adequately explain - that crosses the line from wild camping to tramp/army wanabee
Neither of the above. I'm a mountaineer. It can be planned or not, fortunately I've never had to do an unplanned one other than stretching 2 days out/1 night to 3 days/2 nights. The food got a bit thin on Day 3.battered said:
Go for it, it's great. You could call some of them mini-adventures, a mate and I once lugged MTBs up Ingleborough, slept on the top and then rode off at first light. Yeah, yeah, it's not legal, but we didn't damage the trails or get in anyone's way at that time so it's a victimless crime. What I like about it is the bag is light and you can sleep absolutely anywhere. Take some nice tasty food, it doesn't have to be dehydrated hand knitted porridge, there are loads of tasty things you can take up. When you wake up you are already in situ. and you can bash on for the next leg. Make a penny stove and take some meths, or take a hexi stove or a pocket rocket, you can brew up with virtually no weight penalty.
I've wild camped but with a tent rather than a bivvy. Bivvy is on my list though 
Spuffington said:
It's been on my bucket list for a while, but being recently single again and having a bit more time on my hands, I'm planning on taking myself off to Dartmoor to indulge in a bit of alone time in the great outdoors.
Also a great reason to buy some cool kit!
There is a Dartmoor wild camp map online showing you the areas that you are legally allowed to camp, not everybody takes notice mind you. Also a great reason to buy some cool kit!
Cool kit is always a bonus, I know have 5 tents, at least 5 rucksacks, 2 stoves & God knows what else!
Snowdon / Brecons or drive a bit further & come down to Dartmoor, loads of places to (legally) camp within 1hr walk of safe parking & lots near swimming spots (Foggintor Quarry).
There are some very active groups on Facebook if you venture on their, you'll get some great local responses.
There are some very active groups on Facebook if you venture on their, you'll get some great local responses.
lucido grigio said:
tenohfive said:
midges go up in some places. And they can really sour the experience. Walking distance from a fast moving stream for cooking is a good idea though.
Same goes from my experience of trying to pitch a tent way up north of Sweden.I actually gave up and slept in the car that night.
Insect repellent spray was useless.
Thought I'd share this from another forum:
'For those who don't fully appreciate the importance LEAVE NO TRACE..
New legislation around Loch lomond comes into force today that will restrict access for those wishing to wild camp in the area. This new legislation is a reaction to damage to the area caused by litter, fires, tree damage, fly tipping etc.
Most of the land we all enjoy access to around the UK is privately owned. If we treat it with respect then we will continue to enjoy that free access.
When a piece of new legislation comes into play it is likely to set a precedent that other land owners facing similar issues may follow. Please Don't get complacent.
It is now more important than ever to leave your pitch clean and unmarked.
'For those who don't fully appreciate the importance LEAVE NO TRACE..
New legislation around Loch lomond comes into force today that will restrict access for those wishing to wild camp in the area. This new legislation is a reaction to damage to the area caused by litter, fires, tree damage, fly tipping etc.
Most of the land we all enjoy access to around the UK is privately owned. If we treat it with respect then we will continue to enjoy that free access.
When a piece of new legislation comes into play it is likely to set a precedent that other land owners facing similar issues may follow. Please Don't get complacent.
It is now more important than ever to leave your pitch clean and unmarked.
mikeiow said:
Well, partly buoyed by this thread, my son & I went for a cheeky wild camp in Derbyshire yesterday: what a cracking evening!
Pub meal (& loos!) to fortify us, then about an hour hike to the tops....a bit more to find a decent sport nestling away from paths between big rocks, some time watching meteor showers and chatting, with a few snacks, followed by bed, and early start, another couple of hours hiking then a fine breakfast before driving home: highly recommended!
Looked like someone had used the spot before: we left it tidier than we found it, taking away the tent peg we found along with all our kit!
Great stuff, got any pics to share with us?Pub meal (& loos!) to fortify us, then about an hour hike to the tops....a bit more to find a decent sport nestling away from paths between big rocks, some time watching meteor showers and chatting, with a few snacks, followed by bed, and early start, another couple of hours hiking then a fine breakfast before driving home: highly recommended!
Looked like someone had used the spot before: we left it tidier than we found it, taking away the tent peg we found along with all our kit!
Well done. I haven't been out overnight yet this year. NuckyThompson said:
hoping to do a couple nights in snowdon the end of this month.
Any advice on essentials to carry as this will be my first wildcamp? Looking forward to a trip just me and the dog as we've just had a newborn and he's not number one anymore.
Something to sleep in (bag), something to sleep on (mat), something to sleep under (tent or tarp). Any advice on essentials to carry as this will be my first wildcamp? Looking forward to a trip just me and the dog as we've just had a newborn and he's not number one anymore.
Food & water, stove to heat them on & some spare undies & possibly a change of clothing.
A headtorch is useful as is a small light to hang in your shelter.
An inflatable pillow is nice or use your clothes folded up.
Map & compass obviously!
And a camera of course, we will require photos!
Gassing Station | Tents, Caravans & Motorhomes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff