Wild Camping

[Steve-G]

Hello

I'm returning to camping, and what i loved about camping was its isolation, as a result i intend to try my hand at wild camping. i'm slightly concerned its illegal in England and Wales and would love some comments on how the local constabulary view it? (I will be looking after any waste i produce!!)

Also whilst i know none of you will tell me your precious wild camping sites! I'd love to know some areas i could spend 2 days where i wouldn't have any bother.

Looking forward to your reply's

oh, BTW England Wales and Scotland are in play, in that order!!

Steve

[Helen M]

Steve - you really need to come to Scotland - know it's 3rd on your list! However, I have been seriously spoilt. I have lived here for the last 21 years. We have great access laws - and PROVIDED you leave it as you found it - we won't bring the heavy mob in!

Believe me - it's worth travelling that extra distance. Stunning scenery, no hassle.

H - x

ps - Having siad that we sea kayak and can get places that are not easily accessible. Look for sea kayaking clubs in your area - opens up a whole new ball game!

[MariaD]

Having a tent pitched for 2 days might be problematic, as there's nowhere in England that's so remote that no-one will see it during the day. You can get round this by taking the tent down each morning and carrying it with you.

However, as long as you go high up (300-400m+), pitch late, leave early, don't camp anywhere near a path/road & leave the site as you found it you're very unlikely to have problems. I never have.

There are quite a few places in the Lakes where I've wild camped without hassle - Great Moss near Scafell is lovely, and there are nice spots to be found near loads of the tarns. Basically anywhere with a bit of flat ground, a nice view & a nearby stream is ideal.

[Marmot]

scotlands tourist board also train little welcomers which buzz around you in greating usually around dawn and dusk, and just to show how affectionate thay are they might also give you a little bite if youre lucky!

[Special_K]

scotlands tourist board also train little welcomers which buzz around you in greating usually around dawn and dusk, and just to show how affectionate thay are they might also give you a little bite if youre lucky!

Ugh don't talk to me about midgies, hate the things. I was unlucky enough to arrive and leave the campsite on Mull at the time when the little blighters were out.

I also made the mistake of wearing shorts and t-shirt whilst pitching the tent. My OH counted over 100 bites on one arm alone. Luckily on the way home I think they had gotten bored of me.

Although has anyone found that the midges stop just at the England/Scotland border near Carlisle? :eek:

[Helen M]

Guys, guys, guys - you are serious wimps! The midges aren't around when it's blowing! And they don't like really hot weather (lol) and as for mega cold - forget it! So - sorted then - Scotland really can't have any midges!

Not a problem! lol

Come to Scotland - it rocks!

H - x

[cmorrell]

Ugh don't talk to me about midgies, hate the things. I was unlucky enough to arrive and leave the campsite on Mull at the time when the little blighters were out.

I also made the mistake of wearing shorts and t-shirt whilst pitching the tent. My OH counted over 100 bites on one arm alone. Luckily on the way home I think they had gotten bored of me.
Mull midges! Did you experience the normal Scottish midge or the ones that sting like you've been set on fire? I was trying to shoot a small waterfall just off the cliff path to the west of the harbour at Tobermory a few years ago and had to abandon the kit to get away from them every couple of mins .. not fun.

[Ant]

Whilst on Islay I walked through swarms without a problem....

Back home in Wales... Bitten like mad.

No repellent used on both occasions.

[Maurice]

Can an ignorant Yank ask exactly what you call Wild Camping? Most of my trips don’t involve a campsite mapped out and I was wondering what was called wild camping?MauriceTwo countries seperated by the same language

[MariaD]

A wild camp is anything that doesn't involve an 'official' campsite.

[macgl78]

Just eat lots of marmite the week before to get rid of the wee pests......thats midges i mean, hello again all its being a whille.

[MariaD]

Midges don't climb mountains - go higher than 400m or so and you won't see any!

[Ant]

Midges don't climb mountains - go higher than 400m or so and you won't see any!


Depends on the midge 102 This one was at over 1000m:D

Seriously tho. I've been at the top of Snowdon in the past whilst being surrounded by them.

[MariaD]

Ah, but on Snowdon they can take the train up!

[Ant]

I don't think I'll go wildcamping, not until the winter has passed. I'm not confidant enough to do it in the winter months.