DK
Nothing wrong with your input DK, nor would I expect there to be from your long past helpful history.
Wild camping is not my thing, need a few of life's luxuries at my age and a formal campsite suits better, but it's a popular topic and from what I can gather in the loosest terms, in Scotland wild camping is permitted as a legal right with a few places excluded (wild campers have abused the privilege too much with left behind rubbish and soiling and blighted certain popular spots to such an extent that they are now banned by law!), England is the opposite, wild camping is generally banned by law, and can only be done with express permission from the landowner. There are exceptions where a blanket acceptance exists, Dartmoor being one (after a legal skirmish this year where one landowner got it banned, but has now been overturned in the courts!), and the Lake District, where it is ONLY permitted above the highest fence/wall on the fells (believe me, that can be pretty inaccessible to anyone but the fittest and with lightest burden!).
Of course people camp anywhere and everywhere, but not necessarily legally, and are at risk of being moved on and/or having their kit removed if absent, I suppose they could be charged with Trespass!
As a fell walker, it is upsetting to find otherwise pristine wilderness despoiled by human litter and waste, and fire damage from open fires (that can SO easily turn into a massive wildfire in the right terrain!) that so many wild campers seem to find acceptable these days. I'd urge you to be one of the responsible campers who leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos/memories. If you can carry it out, you can carry it back and dispose of correctly! - EVEN your dog's waste if on grazing land as it can be seriously injurious to other animals! (I've got a dog, it's a bit of a pain to carry bags of poo for miles, but the right thing to do!) https://www.outdooraccess-scotland.scot/sites/default/files/2018-09/Risk%20of%20th........
If you can 'suffer' without the extreme isolation of true wild camping, there are formal camp sites that exist with the most basic of amenities, so it's much like wild camping in a technical sense. Possibly a good way of starting to hone your self sufficiency skills without putting yourself at immediate risk in a true wilderness.
I’d second for the Peak District - loads wild camp on there and as long as you stick by the ‘leave no trace’ principle it seems to be tolerated. I’d recommend watching channels like Paul Messner or SoloSarahB on you tube for some tips and confidence and location tips…
Don't go too far afield first time, then if it all goes wrong you're not too far from home. Maybe look at some maps and see where there's easy access to footpaths to open country from near railway stations.
Let us know how you get on. People sometimes come onto the boards just to ask for advice, members take time to make suggestions then we never hear from the people again, so we never know if it's been helpful or not.
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Shropshire Hills is an area for you , Long Mynd. Peak District. Don't pitch near building and stay out of sight high up.
I wild camp a lot, mainly out of season. what equipment you use, totally depends in which season you camp in. I have two lots of certain kit I use. This is essential as it can mean a big difference between life and death situation.
The biggest question is, what camping experience do you have. I do apologise if you are an old hand in camping, and you know exactly what equipment you need, either in warmer weather or in cold winter conditions.
I use a Koro stove all year round as this pre heat the gas in the cold, the gas I use is for specifically cold conditions, Otherwise one would be totally stuffed.
A high rating for a SIM and a High rating for a sleeping bag combo is essential.
don't forget about your dogs equipment also.
Good Luck
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
I agree, the Shropshire Hills is easily accessible by rail, via Church Stretton.
My favourite area is the seldom frequented Berwyns, with 24 summits over 2000ft. I regularly hike and occasionally free camp there. Accessible by train to Wrexham then bus to Cynwyd.
Quote: Originally posted by heath63 on 21/11/2023
A high rating for a SIM and a High rating for a sleeping bag combo is essential.
I have a modest rated bag (-2c) with extra width & zip - use it as a quilt in summer & wear thermals or down clothing inside in colder seasons. More versatile IMO. Suited up it's as warm as my old -18c bag.
Quote: Originally posted by spiritburner on 22/11/2023
Quote: Originally posted by heath63 on 21/11/2023
A high rating for a SIM and a High rating for a sleeping bag combo is essential.
I have a modest rated bag (-2c) with extra width & zip - use it as a quilt in summer & wear thermals or down clothing inside in colder seasons. More versatile IMO. Suited up it's as warm as my old -18c bag.
I am a cold sleeper, minus 2c would not suit me, even with my merino wool thermals. I use a down sleeping bag, which keeps me toasty warm, combined with my sim and thermals. I do eat before bed, great furnace.
No reply from OP, so far. I think he may have bitten off more than he could chew. with no camping experience.
I've just thought of something else. OP and dog are new to camping - what if the dog won't settle in the tent?! Another argument for trying it out close to home first. We had one dog who really didn't like it, he had to sleep in the car.
------------- Always edited for sloppy typing - when I spot it!
Quote: Originally posted by Hedgehugger on 04/12/2023
I've just thought of something else. OP and dog are new to camping - what if the dog won't settle in the tent?! Another argument for trying it out close to home first. We had one dog who really didn't like it, he had to sleep in the car.
Absolutely, also the wrong time of year, when anything can go wrong, placing both himself and his dog in danger. his companion would need a warm mat and own sleeping bag adapted, plus food. best advice is certainly try the kit out close to home, to solve any niggles.
------------- New Year: Hesketh Bank
Feb/March: Red Squirrel
March: lakes
June: Morecambe
Aug: Lake District(not camping camping)
October: Red Squirrel
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Wild camping
via mobile 18/11/2023 at 7:33pm
