Some mates and I joined up with a neighborhood information to go wild tenting within the Lake District. We knew it wasn’t technically authorized (with out permission from the land proprietor) however that hikers nonetheless did it, so we needed to go along with a information to verify we didn’t get into hassle. That is what I learnt…
You’re not allowed to go wild tenting within the Lake District, except you’ve particular permission from the landowner. Identical guidelines for wild tenting in the remainder of England actually (apart from Dartmoor in fact).
The Lake District Nationwide Park Authority says:
“Because the Nationwide Park Authority we wouldn’t have the ability to permit tenting on personal land and we don’t allow tenting on the small quantity of land that we personal. Tenting in automobile parks or on roadside verges isn’t allowed at any time.”
– NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY
So, err, it appears they don’t need you to do it. I’m not a Lake District native (residing all the best way down in Portsmouth) however, I’ve it on good authority, individuals do wild camp within the Lake District. In truth, in case you seek for phrases on Instagram, you’ll discover fairly just a few individuals at it.
This ruling is a deterent to cease any previous Tom, Dick or Harry turning up with their tent, hearth and music, and ruining the vibe. Additionally, it’s unlawful, so you may get in hassle. However do it the precise method, and with a information, and naturally, go away no hint, and you may get pleasure from an evening or two within the wilderness of the Lakes.
I wish to use all the things I discovered from the guides after we went, that can assist you be a extra thoughtful wild camper within the Lake District.
Wild tenting within the Lake District
Wild tenting, merely put, is tenting in a location not designated as an official campsite. Within the Lake District Nationwide Park, sure rules should be adopted to make sure the preservation of the surroundings and respect for native communities.
In the event you’re wild tenting, you have to pack all the things you may probably want on the market, and convey all of it again once more. There aren’t any amenities!
Planning your wild tenting journey
Earlier than you set off on your journey to wild camp within the Lake District, you want plan your expedition. We had been signed up for a wild tenting journey with Dougie and Emma from Mammut Mountain College. Fortunately for us, that meant they knew all of the tools we wanted, and our plan, and we needed to be taught from them, and comply with. It was nice to know that no less than certainly one of us knew what we had been doing.
In the event you’re planning your journey, you have to take into consideration the route, the terrain, the proximity to water sources, your tools, cozy climbing sneakers, any wildlife that may very well be round and applicable clothes too.
Don’t overlook to pack:
- A sturdy tent
- A sleeping bag
- Self inflating mattress
- Cooking utensils
- Foods and drinks
- A map and compass
- Something you have to minimise the environmental impact
Be sure to check all of your tools earlier than you head out!
A lesson I ought to’ve discovered when I went wild tenting within the Outer Hebrides, however all the time want reminding of.
Our journey had been deliberate a superb few weeks prematurely, by individuals within the know. However nonetheless, you have to take a look at the climate earlier than you set out, particularly in case you’re planning on wild tenting for just a few days. Sudden rain showers and chilly nights are frequent within the Lake District. We simply went for the night time, and two full days.
That felt sufficient.
Largely, as a result of, a couple of week earlier than we set off (whereas I used to be on vacation in Cornwall), I discovered I used to be pregnant. I had loads to consider on that hike. Wild tenting within the Lake District after I’d by no means carried out it earlier than was not one thing I imagined doing at about six weeks into being pregnant, however, hey ho, let’s go!
Discovering your excellent spot
It’s best to positively make a unfastened plan earlier than you permit the home, or no less than your automobile. It’s good to understand how far you’ll be able to count on to go in a day, so you’ll be able to go away some power in reserves to get you residence once more.
There are an infinite quantity of locations to wild camp within the Lake District, from in style websites with gorgeous views to secluded spots off the overwhelmed path. Whereas it’s tempting to hunt out probably the most picturesque places, it’s important to respect native communities and landowners’ rights. At all times comply with Depart No Hint ideas and go away your campsite as you discovered it.
It’s greatest to camp excessive, so nobody can see you, and so if it does rain, you don’t get up in some type of muddy quagmire. The Nationwide Belief has some nice recommendation on wild tenting guidelines for the Lake District.
We had been headed to this lovely spot, close to the center formed pool on high of the mountain. It was the primary week of June, a fantastic day, and we didn’t see one other soul other than our group.
The Lakes are wonderful!
The wild tenting expertise
When you’ve discovered your excellent spot and arrange camp, immerse your self in the fantastic thing about the character surrounding you. I used to be fairly pooped by the point we bought there, given the 8 hours I believe it was, of climbing. And all the things working by my thoughts with the brand new life I used to be at the moment carrying!
We bought our tenting stoves out and cooked dinner. These packets of tenting meals which turned out to be fairly disgusting. Others appeared to get pleasure from them. I used to be glad I purchased a Tesco wrap with me!
I confirmed keen for just a few bites of the camp meals, and gave up. It was enjoyable cooking them although!
In terms of meals, pack light-weight, nutritious meals choices which might be simple to arrange in a wilderness setting. Whether or not cooking over a campfire or utilizing a conveyable range, follow correct security precautions and cling to Depart No Hint cooking ideas. Keep in mind to correctly get rid of waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental influence. Personally, I believe for one night time you’ll be advantageous with a packed lunch from residence. This spaceman meals was most likely a little bit OTT, however all the time good to attempt new meals.
Don’t carry a disposable BBQ – they’re banned for a cause. They’re truly attempting to cease the sale of them throughout the Lake District. You do NOT wish to be the individual that units hearth to the hills of the Lakes!
After dinner darkness was coming fairly shortly so all of us bought prepared for mattress – us three girls in a single tent for heat – and snuggled down in our sleeping luggage.
I slept properly!
Bathrooms on the wild camp
Properly, there aren’t any luxurious amenities – that’s for certain!
In the event you want a wee, simply go behind a rock, or wherever you’re feeling snug. Simply don’t do it close to a water stream, different hikers and campers prefer to drink that.
In the event you want a poo, properly, you’ve two selections. Both scoop it up in a compostable bag and carry it round with you want a doggy poo, or, carry a shit shovel and bury it deep on the mountain.
Fortunately I didn’t must go for a poo, and saved it till the journey was over. The advantages of a one night time wild tenting journey hey?!
Packing up your wild camp
One of many foremost causes wild tenting within the Lake District is tolerated though it’s unlawful is as a result of, nobody ought to actually know you’re doing it, or that you simply’ve carried out it. You don’t must take music, or go away any type of particles that might even present you had been there.
Take care to go away your campsite as you discovered it.
One other rule of untamed tenting is to place your tent up late, and take it down early. Keep in mind, you have to be as discreet as attainable.
Wild camp within the Lake District
Wild tenting within the Lake District gives a singular alternative to attach with nature on a deeper stage, immersing your self within the unimaginable landscapes and serene wilderness. By following the rules outlined on this complete information and embracing the ideas of accountable tenting, you’ll be able to get pleasure from sleeping on this lovely space of the UK for years to come back.
This wild tenting journey within the Lake District is among the greatest UK journey weekends I’ve been on. It was a lot enjoyable to do it with mates, and so good to know we had the talent and information of Dougie at Mammut Mountain College.
Would like to do it once more sooner or later – perhaps with my son subsequent time!
Wild swimming within the Lake District
And what higher approach to rejoice wild tenting within the Lake District, than following up with some wild swimming?
My good friend Sabina made this nice video about our wild swim spot within the Lake District. I’m glad she not noted the bit the place we did it bare although!
And in case you want a luxurious place within the Lake District with a scorching tub for after, try my listing!
