Wild camping is an experience I’d recommend to anyone who loves the great outdoors. When everyone else has gone home you have the place to yourself – and the chance to see spectacular sunsets, sunrises, mist filled valleys and the most amazing dark and stary night skies you’ll ever see.
Wild camping in the Lakes – a ‘bucket-list’ experience
Whilst I love my home comforts, it’s a good tonic for the soul going on a wild camp and gives you a chance to reset & recharge. There’s nothing quite like the chilled peace and quiet perched high up a mountain side, with no one else about, no mobile phone signal and the only sounds being the sound of the breeze and running water from distant waterfalls. As long as you’ve got the right kit to make it an enjoyable time (and get a good nights sleep 🙂 then its total bliss and an experience you’ll never forget.
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| If you choose your wild camping spots wisely then you’ll see some spectacular sights. |
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 Wild camping in the Lake District – is it allowed?
Technically speaking wild camping is not allowed anywhere in England without the land owners prior consent, in the Lake District however it is tolerated if you pitch your tent high in the fells above the highest fence line or wall away from any signs of civilisation. Just make sure you follow the wild camping code: pitch late and depart early morning and leave no trace of you ever being there – which includes leaving no rubbish whatsoever and no fire marks.Â
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Don’t be an idiot – be respectful and leave no trace!
Most wild campers are respectful but some absolute idiots are giving us a bad reputation by not following the wild camping code, often leaving a load of rubbish behind and remains of fires with scorched grass which spoil it for everyone else. Through my blog I’m trying to encourage people to enjoy the outdoors and go on wild camps – but please be respectful and once you’ve done your wild camp, leave nothing of you ever having been there. I’ve been on walks and come across the remnants of wild camps, which has included empty cans, bbq’s and I’ve even come across a tent just left behind! People are attracted to these natural places for their unspoilt beauty – so what numpty would want to trash it for others to come across?Â
Wherever you camp, it is vital to be responsible, which means being respectful to the environment (and definitely leaving no rubbish after your visit) and also considerate to locals. If we are responsible – it doesn’t tarnish the name of wild campers and avoids bad press and further crackdowns on wild camping! With more people getting intio the outdoors (a good thing!) unfortunately a minority of people are spoiling things – but trashing some places and peeing off locals – which we want to avoid! Before cracking on with my tips – if you are new to wild camping – please take note of the points below:
WILD CAMPING - THE BASIC RULES:
BE CONSIDERATE & LEAVE NO TRACE
- Leave no rubbish at all, if you can carry it with you - you can carry it back! This is becoming a big problem of a small minority - who are coming to be termed 'fly campers'. There is nobody to clean up after you out in the wilds - so your rubbish will stay for years & years, being not only an eye sore - but being a danger to wildlife and polluting natural areas an damming it more likely wild camping will be clamped down on further
- Camping at ground level, next to a lake or in a field, near a road or buildings IS NOT wild camping (locals really don’t like this and there is a good chance you will be moved on by police or wardens - and it's no fun looking for another camp spot in the dark!)
- In the Lake District, wild camping is tolerated above 400m, or above the highest fell wall - when you are well out the way from anyone else. If you can see people & houses and cars - they can see you and won’t be happy, so ensure you pitch in spots which are well out the way.
- Ensure you are considerate to others, which means pitching late and leaving early, and only stay for 1 night
- Don't be a nuisance to others which means keeping the noise down - people wild camp to get a bit of peace and quiet. If you want to have a bit of a drink and party - there are other places for that
- If you can’t fit everything in your rucksack - then it’s not really wild camping. For me, the stuff you take wild camping should be much less than when you go camping on a campsite - it's a different type of camping and the simplicity enhances the experience. I also think the most rewarding wild camping experiences are when you feel like you are remote, reaching those spots that are more of a challenge - so a hike of at least an hour is a must or you're cheating!
- Do not have fires or BBQ’s - it scorches the earth! BBQ's are difficult to dispose of so often get left (a big problem), and fires and scorched earth looks a right mess for others that follow, which takes years to recover. It’s also a potential cause of wild fires in dry conditions. I know people have the ideal of a wild camp next to a fire. But there's no need for it - you can't carry enough wood for a substantial fire, it stinks your clothes and leaves a big mess. Definitely do not chop down tree's for firewood too - this isn't sustainable.
- Above all - Follow the simple rule - leave no trace. This keeps natural beauty spots looking pristine, and stops giving wild campers a bad reputation (if we don’t look after these places - there’s a chance National Park Authorities will clamp down more strictly
- Finally, this can sound all negative. I think people getting into the great outdoors is a good thing - but a minority are spoiling it, trashing places and giving all wild campers a bad reputation. So it's up to all of us (most outdoorsy people are decent!) to encourage more responsibile & considerate use of the outdoors through our social media activity alongside photos of our outdoors adventures . If we each do our bit, it spreads like ripples through a pond and these natural places will stay pristine for everyone to enjoy
The above scene represents the trashing of a beauty spot and whilst it’s a minority of idiots doing this – it seems to be on the rise and definitely something that nobody wants to be encouraging – who do these people think cleans up after them??!!!??
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| Through my blog I want to encourage the right sort of wild camping, because if done right it will be an unforgettable experience! |
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Tips for Wild Camping in the Lake DistrictÂ
If you do decide to give wild camping in the Lakes a go, then it will be an experience you won’t forget – good or bad depends on you haha. But as long as you are prepared then I think you’ll enjoy it. The Lake District is my favourite place for wild camping and here’s a few tips and photos to inspire you..
#1. Get the right wild camping equipment
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The idea of doing a wild camp in the Lake District has probably already crossed your mind and that’s why you’ve ended up here. First things first though, you need to make sure you have the right Wild Camping Equipment and you’ve tried and tested it. When you are wild camping you are away from everything and completely reliant on your kit – you can’t just pop to the shop or the car for something. It can even be dangerous in the certain weather conditions or locations – so make sure you have the right kit. The key bits of kit to get right are obviously your tent – but also equally important are your sleeping bag & sleeping matt to keep you warm and your rucksack to get everything in. I’ve made a separate post that goes into more detail on Equipment Lists and what I like to take with me – have a read of the Beginners Guide to Wild Camping below
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#2. Plan the right location in accordance with the weather forecast
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| I love pitching my tents on elevated fells over looking amazing Lake District vistas. However I only do this when I know the weather is favourable, the wind is light and is not forecast to change significantly during the night (it happens often!). Learning about detailed weather forecasts specifically for the Lake District, and the likes of wind direction and temperature at different elevations is key to planning a good experience! Often when planning a wild camping trip to the Lakes on a free weekend – I have a few places in mind which I choose closer to the time based on what the weather is doing. If it’s windy I go for sheltered spots out of the prevailing wind, if rain forecast  I avoid next to streams and rivers (which might overflow), if there is zero wind I avoid next to water in summer (midges!)  There is plenty to consider really when choosing your wild camping location in the Lakes! |
#3. Build up your wild camping experienceÂ
#4. Enjoy spectacular Lake District sunsets
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| I’m a sucker for watching the sun go down – it’s natures best light show and every time it’s different. |
#5. Prepare for some amazing stary night skies
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| If you are very lucky and get some clear night skies in the Lake District – then prepare for a spectacular star show unlike no other you have seen. Â If a blanket of cloud moves away and leaves clear skies to roll in – it’s not time to get some sleep – just take some time to marvel at the stars! Just make sure you have plenty of warm layers to let you sit outsideÂ
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#6. Set your alarm to wake up early for incredible sunrise scenes
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| When you peak your head out of the tent you never know what to expect – sometimes you’ll wake up early expecting a sunrise but instead it may be a bit murky – still you’ll get some stunning views and a head start on the day! |
#7. Take enough food (& water) to fuel a good adventure
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| So you’ve done all the preparation, you’ve got to your ideal location and the views are incredible and you’ve got the right kit to keep you protected from the elements. But you’ll also want to have the right food to not only keep your hunger at bay and fuelled for your trip, but to also make it really enjoyable. You’ll want to pack light-weight non-perishable snacks full of carbohydrates, and for warm meals I prefer those that are easy to make by just adding water and don’t require much cleaning up after. There are loads of rehydrated meal options out there – so test a few at home and just go with what you will enjoy the most. If in doubt about amount to take, go for a bit more rather than a bit less. I also like to take a few treats, which usually involve a couple of cans of IPA and a bag of nuts! Through experience you’ll eventually learn what to take for your own needs and enjoyment.  And that is that for my tips, now onto some locations… |
Best Lake District Wild Camping spots?
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I won’t share too many wild camping spots as places can easily get overun and the best thing about wild camping is finding your own perfect little locations, often away from anyone else – but below is a link to Angle Tarn which is no secret really to get you started if you’ve not done one before and aren’t too familiar with the lakes. If you go in the warmer months on weekends, you might well come across others, which may make you feel a little more comfortable if it’s your first camp!
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I hope this blog post has now made you want to try a wild camp in the Lake District – honestly it’s bucket list stuff and something to do at least once (but I know you’ll get the bug and keep doing it). If this has inspired you to try a wild camp – then please please follow the wild camping code and Laeve No Trace! Pitch high and away from any forms of civilisation, pitch late and leave early and most importantly please leave no trace that you where ever there! That means don’t leave any rubbish at all, take everything back down with you, don’t scorch the earth with fires and BBQ’s and if you want to have an authentic wild camping experience – for me you need to be able to carry everything on your back in your rucksack and walk at least an hour up a fell to get into a remote spot. If you are camping near your car – that’s cheating and not really wild is it! Enjoy and get amongst it, share your photos by all means – but also promote responsible and considerate wild camping too. All the best, Stu!
