Some associates 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 ensure we didn’t get into hassle. That is what I learnt…
You’re not allowed to go wild tenting within the Lake District, except you’ve 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 shouldn’t have the ability to permit tenting on non-public land and we don’t allow tenting on the small quantity of land that we personal. Tenting in automobile 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 truth, when you seek for phrases on Instagram, you’ll discover fairly a couple of individuals at it.
This ruling is a deterent to cease any outdated Tom, Dick or Harry turning up with their tent, hearth and music, and ruining the vibe. Additionally, it’s unlawful, so you will get in hassle. However do it the proper means, 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 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 have to be adopted to make sure the preservation of the atmosphere and respect for native communities.
For those who’re wild tenting, it’s essential to pack every thing you could possibly presumably want on the market, and produce all of it again once more. There aren’t any services!
Planning your wild tenting journey
Earlier than you set off in 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 College. 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 not less than certainly one of us knew what we had been doing.
For those who’re planning your journey, it’s essential to take into consideration the route, the terrain, the proximity to water sources, your tools, comfortable mountaineering footwear, any wildlife that may very well be round and applicable clothes too.
Don’t neglect to pack:
- A sturdy tent
- A sleeping bag
- Self inflating mattress
- Cooking utensils
- Food and drinks
- A map and compass
- Something it’s essential to minimise the environmental impact
Make sure 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 superb few weeks prematurely, by individuals within the know. However nonetheless, it’s essential to take a look at the climate earlier than you set out, particularly when 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 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 after I’d by no means carried out 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
It is best to undoubtedly make a unfastened plan earlier than you permit the home, or not less than your automobile. It’s good to know the way far you possibly can count on to go in a day, so you possibly can go away some power in reserves to get you dwelling once more.
There are an infinite quantity of locations to wild camp within the Lake District, from in style websites with beautiful views to secluded spots off the crushed path. Whereas it’s tempting to hunt out essentially the most picturesque places, it’s important to respect native communities and landowners’ rights. All the time comply with Depart No Hint rules 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 prime 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 fantastic thing about the character surrounding you. I used to be fairly pooped by the point we obtained there, given the 8 hours I feel it was, of mountaineering. And every thing operating by way of my thoughts with the brand new life I used to be presently carrying!
We obtained 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!
On the subject of meals, pack light-weight, nutritious meals choices which might be simple 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 rules. Keep in mind to correctly get rid of waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental impression. Personally, I feel for one evening you’ll be tremendous with a packed lunch from dwelling. This spaceman meals was most likely slightly OTT, however at all times good to attempt new meals.
Don’t carry 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 wish to be the person who units hearth to the hills of the Lakes!
After dinner darkness was coming fairly rapidly so all of us obtained prepared for mattress – us three ladies in a single tent for heat – and snuggled down in our sleeping luggage.
I slept nicely!
Bathrooms on the wild camp
Nicely, there aren’t any luxurious services – that’s for certain!
For those who want a wee, simply go behind a rock, or wherever you’re feeling snug. Simply don’t do it close to a water stream, different hikers and campers prefer to drink that.
For those who want a poo, nicely, you’ve two selections. Both scoop it up in a compostable bag and carry it round with you want a doggy poo, or, carry 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 predominant causes wild tenting within the Lake District is tolerated despite the fact that it’s unlawful is as a result of, nobody ought to actually know you’re doing it, or that you simply’ve carried out 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. Keep in mind, it’s essential to be as discreet as doable.
Wild camp within the Lake District
Wild tenting within the Lake District gives a singular 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 possibly can 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 likely one of the greatest UK journey weekends I’ve been on. It was a lot enjoyable to do it with associates, and so good to know we had the ability and data of Dougie at Mammut Mountain College.
Would like to do it once more someday – possibly with my son subsequent time!
Wild swimming within the Lake District
And what higher option to rejoice wild tenting within the Lake District, than following up with some wild swimming?
My good friend Sabina made this nice video about our wild swim spot within the Lake District. I’m glad she omitted the bit the place we did it bare although!
And when you want a luxurious place within the Lake District with a scorching tub for after, try my record!
