Some buddies 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 wished to go together with a information to verify we didn’t get into bother. That is what I learnt…
You’re not allowed to go wild tenting within the Lake District, except you have got particular permission from the landowner. Identical guidelines for wild tenting in the remainder of England actually (apart from Dartmoor after all).
The Lake District Nationwide Park Authority says:
“Because the Nationwide Park Authority we don’t have the facility to permit tenting on non-public land and we don’t allow tenting on the small quantity of land that we personal. Tenting in automotive parks or on roadside verges shouldn’t be 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 (dwelling all the way in which down in Portsmouth) however, I’ve it on good authority, individuals do wild camp within the Lake District. In actual fact, in case you seek for phrases on Instagram, you’ll discover fairly a couple of individuals at it.
This ruling is a deterent to cease any previous Tom, Dick or Harry turning up with their tent, fireplace and music, and ruining the vibe. Additionally, it’s unlawful, so you will get in bother. However do it the suitable 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 need to use all the things I realized from the guides after we went, that will help 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 have to 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 presumably want on the market, and convey all of it again once more. There aren’t any services!
Planning your wild tenting journey
Earlier than you set off to 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 Faculty. 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 one in every 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, comfortable mountaineering footwear, any wildlife that might be round and acceptable clothes too.
Don’t overlook to pack:
- A sturdy tent
- A sleeping bag
- Self inflating mattress
- Cooking utensils
- Food and drinks
- A map and compass
- Something you have to minimise the environmental impact
Ensure that to check all of your tools earlier than you head out!
A lesson I ought to’ve realized when I went wild tenting within the Outer Hebrides, however at all times want reminding of.
Our journey had been deliberate a great few weeks upfront, 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 a couple of 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 few week earlier than we set off (whereas I used to be on vacation in Cornwall), I discovered I used to be pregnant. I had quite a bit to consider on that hike. Wild tenting within the Lake District once I’d by no means performed 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
You must positively make a unfastened plan earlier than you permit the home, or no less than your automotive. It’s good to understand how far you’ll be able to anticipate to go in a day, so you’ll be able to go away some power in reserves to get you house once more.
There are an infinite quantity of locations to wild camp within the Lake District, from fashionable 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 stunning spot, close to the center formed pool on high of the mountain. It was the primary week of June, a good looking day, and we didn’t see one other soul other than our group.
The Lakes are superb!
The wild tenting expertise
When you’ve discovered your excellent spot and arrange camp, immerse your self in the great thing about the character surrounding you. I used to be fairly pooped by the point we acquired there, given the 8 hours I feel it was, of mountaineering. And all the things working by means of my thoughts with the brand new life I used to be presently carrying!
We acquired 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 a couple of bites of the camp meals, and gave up. It was enjoyable cooking them although!
In the case of meals, pack light-weight, nutritious meals choices which might be straightforward to organize in a wilderness setting. Whether or not cooking over a campfire or utilizing a transportable range, follow correct security precautions and cling to Depart No Hint cooking ideas. Bear in mind to correctly get rid of waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental influence. Personally, I feel for one night time you’ll be positive with a packed lunch from house. This spaceman meals was most likely just a little OTT, however at all times good to strive new meals.
Don’t deliver a disposable BBQ – they’re banned for a motive. They’re truly attempting to cease the sale of them throughout the Lake District. You do NOT need to be the individual that units fireplace to the hills of the Lakes!
After dinner darkness was coming fairly rapidly so all of us acquired prepared for mattress – us three ladies in a single tent for heat – and snuggled down in our sleeping baggage.
I slept effectively!
Bogs on the wild camp
Effectively, there aren’t any luxurious services – that’s for certain!
In the event you want a wee, simply go behind a rock, or wherever you’re feeling comfy. 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, effectively, you have got two selections. Both scoop it up in a compostable bag and carry it round with you want a doggy poo, or, deliver 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 primary 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 just’ve performed 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 depart your campsite as you discovered it.
One other rule of untamed tenting is to place your tent up late, and take it down early. Bear in mind, you have to be as discreet as doable.
Wild camp within the Lake District
Wild tenting within the Lake District provides a novel alternative to attach with nature on a deeper degree, 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 stunning space of the UK for years to come back.
This wild tenting journey within the Lake District is without doubt one of the greatest UK journey weekends I’ve been on. It was a lot enjoyable to do it with buddies, and so good to know we had the talent and data of Dougie at Mammut Mountain Faculty.
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 strategy to have a good time wild tenting within the Lake District, than following up with some wild swimming?
My buddy Sabina made this nice video about our wild swim spot within the Lake District. I’m glad she overlooked 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, take a look at my record!