Some mates and I joined up with an area 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 together 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, until you may have particular permission from the landowner. Similar 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 should not 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, for those who seek for phrases on Instagram, you’ll discover fairly a number 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 may get in hassle. However do it the suitable manner, and with a information, and naturally, depart no hint, and you’ll get pleasure from an evening or two within the wilderness of the Lakes.
I wish to use every thing I realized from the guides once 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 laws should be adopted to make sure the preservation of the surroundings and respect for native communities.
Should you’re wild tenting, you’ll want to pack every thing you can probably want on the market, and produce all of it again once more. There aren’t any amenities!
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 gear we wanted, and our plan, and we needed to be taught from them, and comply with. It was nice to know that not less than one in all us knew what we had been doing.
Should you’re planning your journey, you’ll want to take into consideration the route, the terrain, the proximity to water sources, your gear, comfortable mountaineering sneakers, any wildlife that could possibly be round and applicable clothes too.
Don’t neglect to pack:
- A sturdy tent
- A sleeping bag
- Self inflating mattress
- Cooking utensils
- Foods and drinks
- A map and compass
- Something you’ll want to minimise the environmental impact
Be sure to check all of your gear 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 an excellent few weeks prematurely, by individuals within the know. However nonetheless, you’ll want to take a look at the climate earlier than you set out, particularly for those who’re planning on wild tenting for a number of days. Sudden rain showers and chilly nights are frequent within the Lake District. We simply went for the evening, and two full days.
That felt sufficient.
Principally, as a result of, a couple of week earlier than we set off (whereas I used to be on vacation in Cornwall), I came upon I used to be pregnant. I had loads to consider on that hike. Wild tenting within the Lake District once I’d by no means accomplished 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 good spot
You must positively make a unfastened plan earlier than you permit the home, or not less than your automotive. It’s good to understand how far you may anticipate to go in a day, so you may depart 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 common websites with gorgeous views to secluded spots off the overwhelmed path. Whereas it’s tempting to hunt out probably the most picturesque areas, it’s important to respect native communities and landowners’ rights. All the time comply with Depart No Hint rules and depart 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 kind 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 guts formed pool on prime of the mountain. It was the primary week of June, a wonderful day, and we didn’t see one other soul aside from our group.
The Lakes are wonderful!
The wild tenting expertise
When you’ve discovered your good 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 bought there, given the 8 hours I believe it was, of mountaineering. And every thing working by my thoughts with the brand new life I used to be presently 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 a number of bites of the camp meals, and gave up. It was enjoyable cooking them although!
In relation to meals, pack light-weight, nutritious meals choices which are straightforward to organize in a wilderness setting. Whether or not cooking over a campfire or utilizing a conveyable range, observe correct security precautions and cling to Depart No Hint cooking rules. Keep in mind to correctly get rid of waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental impression. Personally, I believe for one evening you’ll be advantageous with a packed lunch from house. This spaceman meals was most likely a bit of OTT, however at all times good to attempt new meals.
Don’t deliver a disposable BBQ – they’re banned for a purpose. They’re truly attempting to cease the sale of them throughout the Lake District. You do NOT wish to be the person who units fireplace to the hills of the Lakes!
After dinner darkness was coming fairly rapidly so all of us bought prepared for mattress – us three girls in a single tent for heat – and snuggled down in our sleeping baggage.
I slept nicely!
Bogs on the wild camp
Nicely, there aren’t any luxurious amenities – that’s for certain!
Should you want a wee, simply go behind a rock, or wherever you are feeling comfy. Simply don’t do it close to a water stream, different hikers and campers wish to drink that.
Should you want a poo, nicely, you may have two decisions. 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 evening wild tenting journey hey?!
Packing up your wild camp
One of many important causes wild tenting within the Lake District is tolerated regardless that it’s unlawful is as a result of, nobody ought to actually know you’re doing it, or that you simply’ve accomplished it. You don’t must take music, or depart any kind of particles that may 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’ll want to be as discreet as doable.
Wild camp within the Lake District
Wild tenting within the Lake District presents 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 rules of accountable tenting, you may 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 likely one of 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 Faculty.
Would like to do it once more at some point – perhaps with my son subsequent time!
Wild swimming within the Lake District
And what higher method to rejoice wild tenting within the Lake District, than following up with some wild swimming?
My pal Sabina made this nice video about our wild swim spot within the Lake District. I’m glad she unnoticed the bit the place we did it bare although!
And for those who want a luxurious place within the Lake District with a sizzling tub for after, try my listing!