​A Guide To Wild Camping

If you're a keen camper and want to take your camping trips to the next level, wild camping might be exactly what you're looking for. There's nothing quite like finding a peaceful spot beneath the stars, in the middle of nowhere, with nothing and no one to disturb you. But, don't be fooled by this romanticised idea of what wild camping is actually like. Yes, it can be peaceful and beautiful being surrounded by nature, but if you're not prepared to experience the great outdoors in any weather or situation, wild camping could come as a bit of a shock.

In this guide, we answer your burning questions about wild camping and share some of our top tips so you can enjoy a fun, safe wild camping experience.

What is wild camping?

It's pretty simple. Wild camping, or sometimes called rough camping, is basically camping in the wild, without a campsite and with no facilities. So, you can forget a toilet or shower block, somewhere to wash your dishes and say goodbye to the electric hook up. It's just you, your tent and the great outdoors. This may seem like a huge step away from your usual creature comforts, but being alone in nature can be extremely liberating.

Is wild camping legal?

Wild camping (also known as dispersed camping) is generally not allowed in most of the UK. However, there are some variations depending on the region:

Wild camping in Scotland: The good news! Scotland offers the freedom to wild camp responsibly. You can pitch your tent in most uncultivated areas for up to three nights, as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This means camping away from private property, livestock, and open fires, and leaving absolutely no trace behind.

Wild camping in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: In these regions, wild camping is illegal if you don't have permission from the landowner. But don't fret! There are alternatives:

• Nearly Wild Camping: This network provides secluded campsites with basic facilities, offering a taste of wild camping without breaking the rules.
• Camping with Permission: Contact landowners directly to see if you can camp on their property.

Why is wild camping illegal?

Unfortunately, if you give some people an inch, they take a mile and ruin things for everyone else. When some campers don't respect the land, animals or locals and display anti-social behaviour, the privilege of wild camping is taken away. Additionally, almost all of the land in England and Wales is owned by someone so in most cases, you would be trespassing on private land if you do not have the land owner's permission.

What is the punishment for wild camping in the UK?

If you are caught trespassing on someone else's land, it's considered a civil offence. The landowner can ask you to leave and potentially take civil action against you if you refuse. If you are caught trespassing you should apologise, tidy up all of your belongings and leave immediately, leaving no trace.

However, things can escalate to a criminal offence (aggravated trespass) if your actions become disruptive. So, for example if you:

• Intimidate or obstruct someone who is lawfully on the land.
• Damage the property.
• Refuse to leave after being asked by the landowner or the police.

In cases of aggravated trespass, the police can arrest you and you could be issued a fine of up to £2,500 or face up to 3 months in prison.

Therefore, it's always best to not camp on private land if you don't have permission.

Is wild camping safe?

If you're well prepared for a multi-day wild camping trip, then it can be perfectly safe. Before you even think about setting off on your trip, and setting up camp, you should plan ahead and be aware of potential risks.

• Plan your route. Research the terrain, weather forecast, and potential hazards.
• Brush up on navigation skills. Make sure you know how to read a map and use a compass to avoid getting lost.
• Be weather-ready. Check forecasts regularly and pack appropriate clothing and gear for all potential conditions.
• Respect the wildlife. Research local wildlife and practise safe food storage to avoid attracting them.
• Know the fire safety laws. Always follow local regulations and practise responsible campfire techniques.
• Let someone know your plans. Inform family and friends about your trip and share your planned route and when they should expect to hear from you.

What to take wild camping

It is vital that you are well-prepared for your wild camping trip. You will likely be far away from your usual creature comforts and amenities so it is important to pack all of the wild camping essentials. Our must-haves for wild campers include:

• Lightweight tent or bivy bag & repair kit
• Season-appropriate sleeping bag and sleeping mat
• Cooking stove, pan, lighter or matches and cutlery
• Mug, water bottle and water filter or purification tablets (for water sources)
• Comfortable walking boots & socks
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Layers of clothing like base layers, jumper or mid-layer, hat and gloves
• Sunscreen and bug repellent
• First aid kit
• Map and compass
• High energy dried food like oats, pasta and trail mix
• Torch and spare batteries

10 top tips for wild camping

Before you hit the road, remember these wild camping tips to stay safe and respectful:

1. Check the laws of the land: Wild camping is not legal everywhere.
2. Choose your pitch carefully: Look for a flat surface, near water but not too close, avoid steep slopes and choose somewhere secluded.
3. Camp near fresh running water: You'll need water for drinking, cooking and cleaning.
4. Leave the land how you found it: Dispose of litter properly, avoid fires, and leave no trace.
5. Take enough food and drink: Pack enough for your entire trip.
6. Don't forget a map and compass: Don't rely solely on your phone's GPS.
7. Don't pack too much: Travel light for a more enjoyable experience.
8. Pack food and clothes in containers and bags: Use stackable containers to reduce waste and organise your clothes.
9. Get a good camping stove: It's more reliable and leaves no trace compared to a campfire.
10. Try to get a decent night sleep: Choose a comfortable sleeping spot and pack appropriate gear.

If there are a few of you travelling as a group on your wild camping trip, you may need some extra space in the car. So, why not add a towbar and trailer to carry your luggage to the starting point of your wild camping trip.

If you're ready to embark on a wild camping adventure, you really are in for a treat. As long as you have permission to camp on the land and are well prepared for your trip, wild camping is an amazing experience.