Wild camping in the Lake District fells is an experience like no other

One of my favourite things in life is pitching your tent on a remote Lake District Fell, with panoramic views of a lake below and the peaks stretching out in every direction. As the sun sets, the sky fills with vibrant colors, reflecting off the water and casting a warm glow over the landscape. It’s a moment of pure peace and tranquility, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life feels worlds away. The sense of freedom and connection with nature I get is unmatched, and I find myself appreciating the simplicity of life—just you, your tent, a bit of food and drink and wild amazing beauty all around.

I’ve stayed in some some superb 5 star hotels around the world (that cost a fortune) and I’m equally satisfied in a free camping spot up in the Lakeland fells in my tent that cost a couple of hundred quid!

Henry David Thoreau once said “That man is richest whose pleasures are cheapest” well I certainly feel rich when I go wild camping in places like this!

Waking up in the Lake District mountains is equally magical. The early morning mist often hangs over the lakes, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere as you sip your first cup of coffee. The distant calls of birds, the gentle rustling of the wind and cascading water are the only sounds you’ll hear, making it easy to lose yourself in the peacefulness of the moment.

Whether you’re an experienced camper or trying wild camping for the first time, the Lake District offers a perfect blend of dramatic landscapes and serenity. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, unwind and recharge your spirit, and create memories that will stay with you long after you’ve packed up and headed home. I really recommend giving wild camping a go – here’s some of my photos/memories of a wild camp on the fells overlooking Ullswater – when the perfect conditions came together.

Shoutout to Rheged Services – my favourite service station haha – a place I alwasy stop at the lakes to fill the car up with fuel and pick up some lovely cooked food and a few cans of IPA for the camp!

MORNING PADDLEBOARDING SESH!

After a beauty night wild camping – it was a case of up early and after a bit of a chill – back down to the car at Glenridding. Being a beautiful morning – it was an opportunity not to be missed for a spot of paddleboarding on Ullswater at an ideal spot on Glencoyne Bay (small National Trust car park right on the lake – and even a handful of free lay-by spots if you get there early!) Glencoyne Bay tends to be more calmer and sheltered than other spots on Ullswater – and you can even paddle out to Norfolk Island for an explore!