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 along 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, until you will 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 shouldn’t have the facility to permit tenting on personal 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 (residing all the best way down in Portsmouth) however, I’ve it on good authority, individuals do wild camp within the Lake District. In truth, if you happen to seek for phrases on Instagram, you’ll discover fairly a number of individuals at it.
This ruling is a deterent to cease any outdated Tom, Dick or Harry turning up with their tent, fireplace and music, and ruining the vibe.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 bother. However do it the best approach, and with a information, and naturally, depart no hint, and you may get pleasure from an evening or two within the wilderness of the Lakes.
I need to use every thing 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 case you’re wild tenting, it’s worthwhile to pack every thing you might presumably want on the market, and produce all of it again once more. There are not 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 College. Fortunately for us, that meant they knew all of the tools we would have liked, and our plan, and we needed to be taught from them, and comply with. It was nice to know that at the very least considered one of us knew what we had been doing.
In case you’re planning your journey, it’s worthwhile to take into consideration the route, the terrain, the proximity to water sources, your tools, comfortable climbing footwear, any wildlife that could possibly be round and applicable clothes too.
Don’t overlook to pack:
- A sturdy tent
- A sleeping bag
- Self inflating mattress
- Cooking utensils
- Foods and drinks
- A map and compass
- Something it’s worthwhile to minimise the environmental impact
Ensure 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 all the time want reminding of.
Our journey had been deliberate few weeks prematurely, by individuals within the know. However nonetheless, it’s worthwhile to take a look at the climate earlier than you set out, particularly if you happen to’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 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 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 positively make a unfastened plan earlier than you allow the home, or at the very least your automotive. It’s good to know the way far you’ll be able to count on to go in a day, so you’ll be able to depart some power in reserves to get you residence once more.
There are an infinite quantity of locations to wild camp within the Lake District, from fashionable websites with beautiful views to secluded spots off the crushed path. Whereas it’s tempting to hunt out essentially the most picturesque areas, it’s important to respect native communities and landowners’ rights. At all times comply with Depart No Hint rules and depart your campsite as you discovered it.
It’s finest 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 stunning spot, close to the center formed pool on high of the mountain. It was the primary week of June, a stupendous day, and we didn’t see one other soul aside from 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 believe it was, of climbing. And every thing working by way of my thoughts with the brand new life I used to be at the moment 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 number 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 straightforward to arrange in a wilderness setting. Whether or not cooking over a campfire or utilizing a transportable range, apply correct security precautions and cling to Depart No Hint cooking rules. Bear in mind to correctly eliminate waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental affect. Personally, I believe for one evening you’ll be effective with a packed lunch from residence. This spaceman meals was in all probability a bit of OTT, however all the time good to strive new meals.
Don’t carry a disposable BBQ – they’re banned for a purpose. They’re really 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 girls in a single tent for heat – and snuggled down in our sleeping baggage.
I slept nicely!
Bogs on the wild camp
Nicely, there are not any luxurious services – that’s for positive!
In case 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 prefer to drink that.
In case you want a poo, nicely, you will have 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 major 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 simply’ve carried out it. You don’t must take music, or depart any kind of particles that will 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. Bear in mind, it’s worthwhile to be as discreet as doable.
Wild camp within the Lake District
Wild tenting within the Lake District presents a singular alternative to attach with nature on a deeper stage, immersing your self within the unbelievable landscapes and serene wilderness. By following the rules outlined on this complete information and embracing the rules of accountable tenting, you’ll be able to get pleasure from sleeping on this stunning space of the UK for years to return.
This wild tenting journey within the Lake District is without doubt one of the finest 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 at some point – possibly with my son subsequent time!
Wild swimming within the Lake District
And what higher approach 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 if you happen to want a luxurious place within the Lake District with a scorching tub for after, take a look at my record!