Walking and camping in the UK - short trip

[bigdods]

My oldest son (13) wants to start going on short walking trips (overnight or long weekends). Now I am not an outdoors type but am generally fit and think its a great idea, but have no idea where to start.

I will of course google for advice but some real 'been there done that' help from PH would be appreciated.

As a starting point, I know we are going to need top quality walking boots, rucksacks, waterproof trousers and coats/jackets with hoods. Plus of course a lighweight 2 man tent and some of those thin foam rolls.

I guess the big question is where in the UK to go for an easy start ? We wont do this until summer so weather shouldnt be a big problem. I was thinking about the cotswolds ?

What do you do about overnight stays. I assume I would need to find a campsite then come up with a walk that would take us there in a day, Im guessing you cant just pitch a tent anywhere you fancy.

Andy advice or links to good website gratefully received.

THe plan is s=to start off with a few day walks (after wearing the boots in !) to see how our fitness leves are, ,what weight we can carry etc before we set off on any proper adventures.

[thegman]

Alternatively base yourself somewhere with access to different walks, then you dont have to carry your sleeping and cooking gear everywhere - much nicer IMO.

Just look online and find a campsite close to lots of walking.

[Red Cabbage]

Try the Derbyshire Peak District, I find walking is much more rewarding when you get up high and this is the easiest set of lumps to access from the midlands.

[condor]

For an easy start I'd suggest staying overnight in a b&b ( more for you than your lad ). Or, make it a main part of a week long holiday and rent a cottage somewhere.
Coastal walks - If you've watched the series Coast on TV that will give you an idea of what you're likely to see.
Hill walking - The Wainwright walks are good fun
Climbing Snowdon...or go up on the train and walk down.

[CO2000]

Pencil in Aviemore for the future, fantastic area.

http://www.visitaviemore.co.uk/
http://visitcairngorms.com/

[itsnotarace]

bigdods said:

I guess the big question is where in the UK to go for an easy start ?

Forest of Dean pretty close to you

http://www.royalforestofdean.info/wye-valley/symon...
http://www.visitforestofdean.co.uk/

Further south

http://www.thenewforest.co.uk/

Further south west

http://www.lynton-lynmouth-tourism.co.uk/ & Doone Valley

When you get more experienced, and can read a map / use compass then you have got Exmoor and Dartmoor, North Wales etc

[bigdods]

thegman said:

Alternatively base yourself somewhere with access to different walks, then you dont have to carry your sleeping and cooking gear everywhere - much nicer IMO.

Just look online and find a campsite close to lots of walking.

Ah but the camping bit is all part of the adventure . Apparently.

[thegman]

bigdods said:

thegman said:

Alternatively base yourself somewhere with access to different walks, then you dont have to carry your sleeping and cooking gear everywhere - much nicer IMO.

Just look online and find a campsite close to lots of walking.

Ah but the camping bit is all part of the adventure . Apparently.

I didnt mean don't camp - just camp and walk out - loop- back in. I have done this in Wales and Lake District on numerous occasions. If you really want, choose two different sites over a week. But walking everyday with all your gear is tiring and limits your 'luxuries' e.g. camp chairs, which after a hard day walking are a god send.

[bigdods]

thegman said:

bigdods said:

thegman said:

Alternatively base yourself somewhere with access to different walks, then you dont have to carry your sleeping and cooking gear everywhere - much nicer IMO.

Just look online and find a campsite close to lots of walking.

Ah but the camping bit is all part of the adventure . Apparently.

I didnt mean don't camp - just camp and walk out - loop- back in. I have done this in Wales and Lake District on numerous occasions. If you really want, choose two different sites over a week. But walking everyday with all your gear is tiring and limits your 'luxuries' e.g. camp chairs, which after a hard day walking are a god send.

I like this thinking ! I did a fair amount of orienteering in my youth so can get by with a map and compass so will ltake a look at some of the recomendations from this thread then dive right in.

[ewenm]

In England (and Wales?) you can't just pitch a tent anywhere you like. You need to use a campsite or have permission from the landowner to camp. There is a "gentleman's agreement" in some of the higher areas (of the Lake District for example) that you can wild camp above the last wall - the etiquette is that you don't leave any trace of your stay.

Anyway, to start with I'd do as others have suggested - book a campsite from where you can do day walks. That'll get you both used to full days of walking without the extra weight of the overnight kit.

Edited by ewenm on Monday 17th January 14:01