Wild Camping

From Guides

Wild Camping in open country is one of the best ways to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of the area.

Wild camping responsibly

Wild camping, when done responsibly, has little impact on the environment. However, increased numbers of campers means that people must now take more care than previously. A little thought and effort can pre-empt many of potential harmful impacts. The page on Wild Camping Etiquette gives a few examples, but there are plenty more. The important thing is to plan ahead; consider not only your own impact, but the repeated impact by others.

Tips for Beginners

• Try to pitch somewhere sheltered and out of the wind, although this may not be possible
• Make sure you're near a decent water source. You can work this out from maps to some extent, but be prepared to change your plans if the reality on the ground is different to what you envisaged. I usually have 2 or 3 campsites in mind and pick the best one.
• In stormy weather, try to use naturally sheltered spots to pitch your tent. Dips, mounds and crags can all create natural shelter and protect you from the worst of the wind. However, don't camp directly under a crag if there is any evidence of loose rock or recent rockfall.
• Take more warm clothing than you think you need as the nights can get very cold! You can always trim down your pack contents when you've figured out what works for you. A good rule of thumb is that you shouldn't have to wear every single layer you're carrying - have one spare for emergencies.
• Relax! The bizarre noises in the hills at night are NOT murderous trolls, just sheep or deer.
• Make sure you have more than enough gas - in a blowing gale it takes much longer to get a brew on than you'd expect. Running out of gas is pretty miserable first thing in the morning!
• Practice in your garden, or if possible somewhere close to home. Consider the things you'll have to do on the actual trip - for example you may be comfortable pitching your tent during the day, but if when you go out you will be pitching in the dark then you will need to know how to be able to do this too!
• When you come back from each trip go through all your kit and see what stuff you used, which stuff you didn't, and what stuff you really needed but didn't have, and use this information the next time you pack.
• Think long and hard about how you'll pack your bag - stuff you'll need first should go in last (e.g. on top), and stuff you'll need last goes on the bottom. Some people separate related equipment using bags to make it easier to find.
• Keep your dry kit dry - especially your sleeping bag. You don't want to be stuck out overnight without a warm bag to sleep in!!!