We went backpacking last week, in the cairngorms. Two families, 3 tents, 6 kids!!
One of the highlights for the kids was to sit around a campfire.
Not only did it give a focal point, heat, and smoke to keep the dreaded midges away, it also provided the kids with a constant mission - to find more firewood!
Before anyone objects, we did it the safe way - on a beach, well away from anything it could set fire to, and when we were done we removed all traces of the fire, so the next visitors would never know it had been there.
I just wondered how many other backpackers made a point of having a campfire, how often they made one, and if they had run into any problems (i.e. trouble!) from having one?
Sounds fantastic . And yes weve had campfires while backpacking seakayaking as long as you leave no trace i dont see the problem . There is plenty of discusion in the seakayaking world regards campfires and the the other big issue toileting while wild camping . Ive got fond memories of cycling round scotland with my brother and dad and the times we could have a fire where great . As yet weve never had any trouble but we like you. Use our common sence and dont leave any sign apart from a batch of flattend grass . The golden rule for collecting fire wood is be only collect fallen dead wood or drift wood and not all of it so as not distrub the eco system to much .most of the dead wood and drift wood is allso home to allsort of life
I'd love to have a campfire but I'm still concerned about their environmental impact, both immediate (destroyed habitat) but also their carbon footprint. It doesn't seem the most efficient method of heating. But they are nice (I presume - never had one).
------------- We don't inherit the Earth from our parents; we borrow it from our children.
Have a read of Ray Mear's outdour survival handbook - "When spirits are high, a fire's flames provide a joyful light; when spirits are low, the consoling warmth of the embers will thaw a frozen heart. For me, life is inconceivable without a camp-fire".
Responsibly done, there is no impact on the environment - you are only burning dead wood, and the fire site is cleaned up and left as if there was never a fire there.
For some reason people have got the idea that a ring of rocks is needed around a fire - this serves NO practical purpose, and only leaves scorched rocks behind.
Again, a word from Ray Mears : "When you leave your campsite you have two overriding responsibilities : to extinguish your fire and to leave the site in good order....Take only memories, leave only footprints"
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: Campfire
