Wild camping, especially on your own, can feel like a scary thing to do but you’re probably more safe than you think you are out in the mountains. If you don’t feel like you can take the step to wild camping solo in the mountains just yet, then head for a campsite solo first, so that you know what it feels like to do it all alone. Read on to find out some safety tips for wild camping.
Top safety tips for wild camping
Ensuring your safety is important when wild camping so here’s some top tips for any wild campers, solo or not;
Always research your chosen location thoroughly—understanding the terrain, weather conditions, and local wildlife will help you prepare accordingly
Tell someone you trust about your plans, including your intended camping spot and expected return time. Then remember to keep them posted about any changes if you have signal and let them know when you get back to your car the next day
Have some navigation skills and understanding of a map and route finding so you can navigate off the mountain if needed and to help find an alternative camp spot if your first one isn’t suitable
Make sure you have a first aid kit and enough food and warm clothes
Have a fully charged mobile phone and power bank
Safety tips for solo female wild campers
For solo female campers, extra precautions can offer more peace of mind. Choosing a discreet camping spot, away from paths or roads, reduces the chance of unwanted encounters.
Setting up camp late and leaving early can help maintain a low profile.
Trust your instincts—if a location doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to move on.
I even read about someone who used a tiny carabiner clip between her zips on her tent so that her tent couldn’t be unzipped from the outside while she was in it.
If you have any other safety tips for solo wild camping, pop them in the comments below.
If you’ve read up on the legalities to wild camping in the UK, then you’ll know that in most parts of the UK, it’s illegal without prior consent from the landowners. This excludes Scotland where they have the Right to Roam but this still doesn’t mean you can wild camp wherever you like. Wild camping, as long as you do it responsibly and respectfully, is often allowed. Therefore, it’s important that if you go wild camping, to always follow the Leave No Trace principle. This will ensure we can enjoy wild camping for many years to come.
What is the Leave No Trace principle
The Leave No Trace principle is a set of ethics designed to promote the conservation of the outdoors. It originally came from the United States in the 1960s as a response to increasing environmental damage from outdoor activities such as wild camping. Wild camping has really taken off in the UK and unfortunately, this has resulted in our beautiful outdoors being trashed, destroyed and treated in the most unforgiving ways. Just take a look at this article from the BBC to see how bad it has been lately;
Unfortunately, this isn’t an unusual occurrence with people littering, cutting down trees and leaving all their equipment, assuming others will tidy up after them. Rangers in our National Parks are not paid to tidy this mess up and this type of camping doesn’t follow the clear guidelines around wild camping.
The Leave No Trace principles are simple; wherever you go, there should be no trace that you have been there.
How does the Leave No Trace principle apply to wild camping?
Unlike in some countries, where wild camping is more regulated, many parts of the UK operate on a trust-based system. This assumes campers will act responsibly. By leaving no trace, we can help maintain the balance between enjoying the freedom of the outdoors and preserving nature. After spending a night out in the wild, there should be no sign you were ever there which means;
Taking all your rubbish and equipment home with you. Don’t leave wrappers, leftover food or peels, toilet roll, or your tent that didn’t withstand the rain. Take it ALL home with you.
Human waste – don’t leave it for everyone to see. Either dig a deep hole and bury it or better yet, pack it out with you in a sealable tube. Toilet roll should either be burned or packed out with you. If you bury it, animals will dig it up. You may think it sounds disgusting packing it out or burying it BUT, imagine how you would feel if you stepped in another human’s waste.
No fires on the ground – don’t leave behind scorch marks or ash
Arrive late and leave early
Keep noise down
Don’t disturb the natural environment. No cutting down trees. Don’t camp in areas of flowers or try pulling up shrubs or moving rocks to make way for your tent
If you are asked to move on by the landowner or someone representing them, then move on without fuss.
Leaving no trace is so important to allow us to enjoy wild camping long into the future. If you have any tips of your own for how to “Leave No Trace” then share them in the comments below for others to read.
If you’re reading this then you’re probably ready to embark on your first wild camping experience. You’ve checked the legal guidance on wild camping in the UK, researched and sorted all the equipment you’ll need and now it’s time to head out into the wild. But, how do you find the perfect pitch? This guide that will answer that question and will give you the confidence you need to find somewhere to wild camp.
Choosing the perfect pitch for wild camping
Finding somewhere to wild camp is definitely made easier with a bit of map reading knowledge. You can of course take inspiration from where others have wild camped on social media and blogs. However, responsible wild campers are unlikely to give away their locations and instead encourage you to find your own. That’s why if you have a map of the area you’re thinking of wild camping in, you’ll be able to locate flat spots, water sources and public footpaths.
What to look for in the perfect wild camping pitch
When looking for the perfect pitch for wild camping you’ll probably want to consider these points;
Is it a sheltered spot? You don’t want to be trying to sleep through winds buffeting your tent or trying to pitch or take your tent down in windy conditions
The location – it should be hidden and discreet. So, away from roads, footpaths and hidden from where people can see you
Is the ground flat- you don’t want to be rolling to either side or the end of your tent in the night. Choosing a flat site will give you a much more comfortable night’s sleep
Do you need a water source? Unless you’ve carried up all the water you’ll need then you probably want to find a spot next to some form of water source
How to find the perfect wild camping pitch
The best way to find the perfect wild camping pitch is to be observant. Next time you’re out hiking in a place you’d love to camp, keep an eye out for potential pitches. I like to pin locations on my phone onto Google Maps then I can research them when I’m home. I do this using Google satellite view and on OS maps.
If you aren’t planning on heading out for a hike to do some pre-checks, then this is where map reading comes in handy. You don’t need to be able to read a map fully to find a wild camping spot but the tips below will help.
Using OS maps to find the perfect wild camping pitch
Using OS (Ordnance Survey) map legends – imagine this to be like a little key that tells you what things are on a map. It will show you where footpaths are, how steep the land is and where water sources are as well as much more.
I would always recommend having a paper OS map to hand but if you don’t then you can use Bing’s mapping service. It has a free OS layer to scour the area you’re thinking of wild camping in. Looking at an area in the Lake District using that mapping service, you can see possible wild camping spots next to a small tarn.
I’d then cross-reference this with the satellite view to find potential wild camping spots around the tarn.
If you’re heading somewhere unknown for your wild camp, you need to be ready for plans to change without warning or to be faced with something different from what you expected.
In the UK, you’re also expected to follow a few simple rules when wild camping. These include;
Choosing a remote location away from built-up areas and private dwellings
Outside of Scotland, camping above the highest boundary wall such as a farm wall
Pitch your tent late (just before sunset) and leave early (just after sunrise)
Keep group sizes small.Tthis isn’t an opportunity for you and ten of your mates to live it up in the mountains
Avoid sensitive areas like wildlife hot-spots, nature reserves, farmlands, SSSI (Sites of Special Scientific Interest) areas
Finding somewhere to wild camp is part of the fun so try to enjoy the whole process and don’t worry if something doesn’t quite go to plan. For my next post I’ll be telling you all about the Leave No Trace principle and why it’s so important for wild camping.
If you’re at the start of your camping journey, you’ll no doubt have questions about the beginner wild camping equipment you need. Information out there is overwhelming and when you start researching the information yourself, it can feel daunting and expensive. It’s a good idea to consider your own needs before diving headfirst into buying expensive camping equipment. As part of my Beginner’s Journey into Wild Camping series, I’ve broken down how to choose the most important beginner wild camping equipment. There’s also some links for the equipment that I’ve bought myself after doing A LOT of research. There’s even a wild camping equipment checklist for you to download at the end to help you when packing.
What equipment do I need to go wild camping?
Tent
Sleeping mat
Sleeping bag
Water (or a filtration system)
A stove, food, cutlery
Headtorch
First aid kit (because you just never know)
Warm clothes (the temperature drops rapidly in the mountains at night)
A way of burying or removing human waste
Navigation techniques – map and compass, Ordnance Survey Map App or similar (Komoot, AllTrails)
A rucksack large enough to carry it all
Non-essential items that you should definitely consider and which might make your wild camp that bit more enjoyable and comfortable;
Evening entertainment especially if solo – my choice is a Kindle so I can read
Ear plugs
Sunscreen/insect repellent (depending on the time of year)
Personal wash kit/toiletries
Ultimately, a good water tight tent, a warm sleeping bag, a comfortable sleeping mat, some food, water and a light are all you really need. However, taking additional items will probably make the experience more enjoyable overall.
Beginner wild camping tents
What weight should my tent be for wild camping?
Ideally, you want to choose a lightweight tent that packs down quite small. This will leave you more space in your rucksack for everything else. It’s a good idea to find a tent that weighs no more than 2-2.5kg.
What size tent do I need for wild camping?
Wild camping should be a low key affair so try to stick to a 2-man or smaller so that the tent is harder to spot. It is also a good idea to choose a colour of tent that fits in with the surroundings such as green or brown.
What style of tent do I need for wild camping?
The style of tent you want is up to you – there are different shapes and designs and it’s always worth going into a shop to talk to the experts. I like a 2 man tent so that I have more space and for mine, I put the outer shell up first so that if it’s raining I don’t have to worry about the inner section getting wet.
Other aspects to look out for;
Waterproofing – check the HH (hydrostatic head) rating. A tent of around 2000 HH is ideal for our weather in the UK. However, if you think you’re going to be out in bad weather then look for a rating of 3000 HH.
Season – if you’re going to be a fair weather camper then a season 1 or 2 tent is fine. A 3 season tent is perfect for the UK whereas 4 and 5 season tents are for more extreme conditions.
I have a Vango Nova 200 2-man tent. It’s about 7 or 8 years old now but still does the job. It gets great reviews and is within the recommended kit list for the Duke of Edinburgh award too so perfect for beginner wild camping. It’s nice and affordable so it’s perfect for beginners if you don’t want to spend a fortune on a tent. Check it out here;
Best sleeping bags for beginner wild camping
A warm, comfy sleeping bag when paired with a suitable sleeping mat is really important when chooseing beginner wild camping equipment. A decent set up can make or break how comfortably you sleep. Sleeping bags are rated by seasons and in the warmer summer months a 1-2 season sleeping bag will do the trick. In winter, a 3-4 season sleeping bag will keep you much warmer.
How to choose a sleeping bag for wild camping
Temperature ratings – a sleeping bag will have an upper and lower temperature limit clearly displayed. The upper limit is the maximum temperature where you’ll be comfortable. The comfort temp is the temperature where you’ll be comfortable sleeping in that temperature. The extreme temperatures are considered the lowest temperatures where you should use the sleeping bag but you’re unlikely to be comfortable or get much sleep
Season ratings – just like the tents, sleeping bags are rated by seasons too. A 2 or 3 season sleeping bag should be a minimum for spring and summer camps.
Sleeping bag filling – to keep it simple, you can choose either synthetic or down (feathers). Down filling is much warmer and they pack down much smaller but lose their capability when wet. Synthetic fill is cheaper but they don’t pack down as small.
Sleeping bag shape – there are so many different shapes out there. I like the snug mummy shaped sleeping bags but they can be restrictive if you move around a lot. This is all down to personal preference.
I have a Vango Ultralite Pro 300; a 3-4 season, synthetic fill sleeping bag with a comfort rating of -1 celcius. It packs down relatively small and it’s lightweight at 1.4kg. Furthermore, it has an extra layer of insulation with an elasticated thread on the inner part to pull the bag in closer to you if it’s cold. This is perfect equipment for beginner wild camping as it will cover you for a range of weather conditions. Check it out here;
Best sleeping mats for beginner wild camping
Sleeping pads will provide extra cushioning and insulation and act as a protective layer between you and the cold ground. There’s plenty of choice out there so here’s some of the main factors to consider.
What are the differences between sleeping mats for wild camping?
Air pads – these are inflatable and some have inflating bags attached to them so you don’t have to use your breath. You can also buy mini pumps like this one. There is a huge variety of air pads out there from ultra lightweight to extra-thick ones. They are compact and comfortable but are often a bit more expensive.
Self-inflating pads – these inflate by opening the valve so that air is brought into the pad automatically. They are comfortable and more durable than air pads however they aren’t quite as compact.
Closed cell foam camping mats. These are basic foam filled mats which fold up, are lightweight, inexpensive and offer great insulation. The main drawbacks to this style of pad is that they aren’t as comfortable and are quite bulky.
I have the OEX Flux 5.0 sleeping mat which inflates using a bag to trap air and then force it into the mat. It gets great reviews for beginner wild camping equipment because it only takes a couple of minutes to inflate and has been designed to provide warmth in lower temperatures. As well as being lightweight, weighing only 500g, it packs down into a small case. It has an R-rating (find out more on the R-rating below) of 3 meaning it can be used most of the year. Check it out here;
What is an R-Rating on sleeping pads?
An R-rating shows you how well a sleeping pad resists the cold. Depending on the thickness and insulation of the pad, it will differ between sleeping pads. In simple terms;
The higher an R-rating, the greater it will protect you from the cold ground
R-rating for sleeping pads vary between 1-7 for backpackers and wild camping
For summer wild camping look for an R-rating of 1-3
For most of the year, a 3-5 R-rating will see you through
For winter, an R-rating of 5+ is ideal
Best stoves for beginner wild camping
A small stove that packs away is quick and convenient to boil water and cook food. As a minimum, you’ll need a gas burner stove, a gas canister, a pot, mug and obviously some food. Dehydrated meals are often the easiest but if you want to go full chef mode on the mountain then go for it. You’ll probably just need to adjust the cooking equipment you buy to suit your needs.
What are the different types of wild camping stoves?
There are a whole world of options out there for a cooking system. You might buy a separate stove, gas burner and cooking pots or one that packs away into itself with a pot that just attaches to the stove and gas. Some are ultralight, some have lightning fast boiling speeds. What you buy will ultimately depend on your needs and budget.
When I reached out for some advice, people told me to buy one of two stoves; the Jetboil Flash 2.0 with its fast boiling speed and packable capabilities (the gas even fits inside the cooking pot) and the lightweight MSR Pocket Rocket 2. This one can simmer your boiling water and has a pressure regulator which means it can maintain a steady flame.
In the end, I went to GoOutdoors to ask someone for advice. After deciding I didn’t really need anything too fancy, I went with the OEX Herio stove set. It’s perfect for one person with its 600ml pot as well as having an insulator sleeve so you don’t burn yourself holding the pot, it’s lightweight at only 370g, has a boil time of 2 mins and all packs down into the pot, including with the gas canister. In the end I decided it was very similar to the Jetboil Flash but much much cheaper. Check it out here;
Best water filtration system for beginner wild camping
You’re going to need water when you’re wild camping; be it for cooking, boiling or drinking. If you’re just wild camping for one night then you’ll most likely be able to carry what you need but water can get heavy to carry so if you’re doing long distance treks with wild camping, you’re more than likely going to need some kind of water filtration system to clean and purify the wild water you come across.
Why do I need a water filter for wild camping?
Drinking water directly from the source can cause some issues (bugs, parasites etc) and water filters work by effectively pushing dirty water through a filter which cleans, sterilises it and gets rid of most of the bad stuff that might be lingering.
Which water filters are the best for wild camping?
Water filters can be expensive and there’s lots of great technology on the market. Some of them even pack down small enough to fit into your jacket pocket much like the Katadyn BeFree and the filters are often at the top of the bottle so it filters as you drink it. Other options such as the Sawyer Mini and the Lifestraw Peak get excellent reviews and make it really easy to access clean water.
After extensive research, I finally decided on the Katadyn BeFree and so far I love it. It squashes down to a really small size when not full and you can either drink straight through the mouthpiece or squeeze it out into another bottle. It’s simple to clean the filter by swishing it in clean water and can be used 1000 times before it needs replacing.
You’re probably going to have a lot of stuff so you’ll need to make sure your rucksack is large enough to fit it all in. The size you’ll need will depend on the equipment you have and how much space it will take up as well as any extras you want to carry. I’ve seen some people say they multi-day wild camp successfully with a 40 litre rucksack or less, and other people saying they take a 70 litre one.
The Osprey Renn 65l for women
I decided to buy an Osprey Renn 65 litre rucksack in the end simply because I know I’m someone who will definitely be taking more than I need on a wild camp and because I couldn’t afford to buy all the ultralight equipment that packs down tiny tiny. There’s a lot of space in it when everything is packed away and with my long term goals being to do some multi day, long distance treks, I decided that a larger one was right for me.
Osprey backpacks have ALWAYS been my favourite along with Mammut. They can be expensive but they have designs specifically for women that sit higher on the hips, have adjustable fits for different torso sizes and are so much more comfortable. This one also had multiple compartments, an emergency whistle built in and an easy to access waist pocket too.
My best advice is to buy the rucksack after you’ve got the equipment you want. You’ll then have a better idea of the size you need and you could even take your equipment into a shop to check it all fits and try it on when it’s fully packed. I did that exact thing in GoOutdoors and it really helped me make a decision on which rucksack to buy in the end.
Choosing beginner wild camping equipment
I really hope this was helpful and gives you a better idea of the type of equipment you will need for wild camping. Next, I’ll be sharing how to prepare and plan your first wild camp by choosing a location and the run-down on how my first wild camp in almost 8 years went!
For a handy, and more in-depth, wild camping equipment checklist, click on the link below to download it for free!
Did you know that wild camping is actually illegal in many parts of the UK? If you need more information on that and how to wild camp without facing problems, check out my blog post here.
I’ve decided to become a wild camper. When I say “become”, I have wild camped a few times before but the last time was around 7 or 8 years ago and my husband organised it all and carried most of the weight too. But I remember how much fun it was and it’s something I’ve wanted to get back into.
Why have I decided to start wild camping now?
We’ve all seen those gorgeous tent photos at sunrise and sunset, the perfect view and dinner on a mountain and thought; I want some of that. I love the outdoors, obviously, and owning a campervan means I never really get the opportunity to wild camp because it’s just easier to be in the warm, cosy van. Being outside camping, from what I remember was so peaceful and calming and as someone who suffers from massive FOMO, it only seems right to give it a go! I also love the idea of long distance treks in the wilderness where wild camping is the only option between long walking days.
But there’s another reason which is the main driver really. Wild camping is part of the learning for my upcoming Mountain Leader training later this year. I’ll have to complete a set number of wild camps on the training, before ssessment and then again during the assessment.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learnt about being a beginner wild camper it’s that the information out there in regards to where you can camp and the equipment you need is so overwhelming. So, I’m here to take you with me on my beginner wild camping journey over a series of blogs and YouTube videos which you can find here.
To read about a specific area of wild camping from my own journey, just click on one of the links below for all the information you need.
A beginners guide to choosing wild camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, stoves and more as well as links to good quality camping equipment.
Imagine; you’re snuggled up in your cosy sleeping bag, the first light of day flooding through your tent. Birds sing outside, signalling the start of a new day and as you unzip the tent door, the mountains stretch far in front of you. You have an unobstructed view down to the glistening lake below. The golden glow of the sun rises tentatively from behind the peaks, turning the sky all shades of candy floss. You clutch your morning brew, breathe in that fresh mountain air and feel free. Then it hits you; it’s actually illegal to wild camp in the UK. Oops.
What is wild camping?
It’s basically sleeping outside out in the wild of nature, rather than on a campsite where facilities are provided. With wild camping, you’re truly at one with nature. No showers, no toilets, possibly no phone signal, no electricity, no heating, no other people and no nearby pub. Just you and the outdoors. How you choose to camp will be up to you; in a tent, a bivvy (like a waterproof jacket for your sleeping bag), hammock camping or maybe even just under a tarp. Wild camping should be a low key affair; it’s not the time to be taking a big group of mates up a mountain to have a party. Think of solitude, peace and immersion into nature and you’ll be on the right track.
Is wild camping illegal in the UK?
In a nutshell, yes, sort of. It’s unfortunately illegal to wild camp in most of the UK. However, it is generally accepted as long as you follow some basic guidelines. Across most of England, Northern Ireland and Wales, there are generally no legal rights to wild camp and in some places you might find yourself needing a permit. Rules around wild camping in the UK are strict and confusing at times but they are there to protect the natural environment from unnecessary damage.
Is wild camping legal in England?
In England, most of the land is privately owned by somebody. This might be an individual landowner, company, organisation, charity or even the government. Although wild camping isn’t banned, the only way to wild camp legally is to get permission from the landowner. If you choose to wild camp on land without the landowners permission then you will be committing trespass. Trespass is a civil offence (this means it’s not an arrestable offence) as long as you leave the land as soon as you are asked to by the landowner or someone acting on their behalf.
This applies regardless of where you are. You could be on a remote part of a mountain but the chances are you will still be on someone’s land and will still need their permission to camp.
The only place that it’s not currently illegal to wild camp in the UK is in Dartmoor National Park. However, the current landowners are currently taking the case through the Supreme Court to have wild camping banned on their land.
Is wild camping legal in Wales?
The rules for Wales are pretty similar to that of England and permission must be gained from the landowner.
Is wild camping legal in Northern Ireland?
I bet you saw this coming; it’s the same story for Northern Ireland as in England and Wales. To wild camp legally, you need to get permission from the landowner. Northern Ireland Forestry Service does issue wild camping permits at some of its sites. You can book these through their website.
How do I find the landowner to get permission to wild camp in the UK?
Finding the landowner can be tricky but the best place to start is a quick Google Search. For example, say you wanted to wild camp on Scafell Pike, a quick search shows that the mountain is owned by The National Trust and they are easily contactable.
Asking local farmers is another good way of finding the landowner but don’t just turn up unannounced at their farm. Write a letter in advance and let them know who you are, where you’re planning on wild camping and wait for their permission.
You can also try the Land Registry service to see who the landowner is. This is available online however some of the information will require a fee to be paid.
Of course, this takes time and there is no guarantee that the landowner will get back to you or even that you’ll be able to find the landowner at all. Unfortunately, there are no complete, publicly accessible documents that will give you all the information you need.
How can I wild camp legally in the UK?
Gaining permission from the landowner is the main priority and many landowners will be happy for you to wild camp. Just be sure to get their permission first.
However, within the wild camping community, there are guidelines which, if you follow them, you should be able to wild camp without any issue. That is so long as you remain respectful of their land and the other land users. These include;
Camping up high on hills and mountains and away from homes, buildings, tracks and farm walls and fences
Reduce the number of people and tents (this isn’t a chance for a party up a hill)
Pitch your tent late at night and leave early in the morning so you don’t disturb other land users
Don’t trample on plants or move rocks
Don’t light open fires
If you need to the toilet, human waste needs to be packed away or dug into a deep hole. It should be at least 30m away from any water source or path. Don’t leave toilet roll on the ground either.
Don’t wash dishes or use soaps in rivers, lakes or any other body of water
Keep the site peaceful and minimise any noise
Carry all your litter away with you
There should be no trace that you’ve even camped (we’ll get into the nitty gritty of this in a later blog)
If a landowner, or someone on their behalf, asks you to move on, you should do so immediately
Is wild Camping in Scotland legal?
There’s a misconception that the right-to-roam laws in Scotland mean that you’re free to camp anywhere you’d like but this isn’t the case. With that said, Scotland does generally permit wild camping (can we get a “hooraaay”) on beaches, rivers, hills and mountains.
Rules for wild camping in Scotland
Wild camping should be done in small numbers. It should be for no more than two or three nights in the same place
Don’t cause problems for local people or land owners – avoid farms, crops and private land
Stay away from buildings, roads and historic structures
Avoid the disturbance of deer stalking and grouse shooting
In some areas of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park you must obtain a permit to wild camp. This applies between March and September
So, even though it is illegal to wild camp in most of the UK, it is still posible to do it. Wild camping, while it may seem like a great idea, actually needs a lot of care and attention if you are to do this legally. This doesn’t mean you should be put off; just do your research and consider your options carefully.
Now that you understand the laws around wild camping in the UK, you might have questions about the equipment you need. Check out my post here about choosing beginner wild camping equipment. Please remember to leave a commen below! I’d love to hear from anyone other wild campers or if you too are just starting out.
A beginners guide to choosing wild camping equipment including tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, stoves and more as well as links to good quality camping equipment.
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