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 wished to go along 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’ve particular permission from the landowner. Identical guidelines for wild tenting in the remainder of England actually (aside from Dartmoor in fact).
The Lake District Nationwide Park Authority says:
“Because the Nationwide Park Authority we do not need 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 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 (residing all the way in which down in Portsmouth) however, I’ve it on good authority, folks do wild camp within the Lake District. In truth, for those who seek for phrases on Instagram, you’ll discover fairly a couple of folks 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This ruling is a deterent to cease any outdated Tom, Dick or Harry turning up with their tent, hearth and music, and ruining the vibe.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 may get in hassle. However do it the precise method, and with a information, and naturally, depart no hint, and you’ll take pleasure in an evening or two within the wilderness of the Lakes.
I wish to use every little thing I discovered 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 rules have to be adopted to make sure the preservation of the setting and respect for native communities.
If you happen to’re wild tenting, it’s good to pack every little thing you may probably 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 on your journey to wild camp within the Lake District, you want plan your expedition. We have 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 gear 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 certainly one of us knew what we have been doing.
If you happen to’re planning your journey, it’s good to take into consideration the route, the terrain, the proximity to water sources, your gear, comfortable climbing sneakers, 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
- Food and drinks
- A map and compass
- Something it’s good to minimise the environmental impact
Ensure to check all of your gear earlier than you head out!
A lesson I ought to’ve discovered 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 folks within the know. However nonetheless, it’s good to take a look at the climate earlier than you set out, particularly for those who’re planning on wild tenting for a couple of days. Sudden rain showers and chilly nights are widespread within the Lake District. We simply went for the night time, and two full days.
That felt sufficient.
Largely, 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 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 excellent spot
You need to positively make a unfastened plan earlier than you allow the home, or at the very least your automobile. It’s good to know the way far you may count on to go in a day, so you may depart some vitality in reserves to get you residence once more.
There are an infinite quantity of locations to wild camp within the Lake District, from in style websites with gorgeous 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 Go away No Hint ideas 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 type of muddy quagmire. The Nationwide Belief has some nice recommendation on wild tenting guidelines for the Lake District.
We have been headed to this stunning spot, close to the guts formed pool on prime of the mountain. It was the primary week of June, a gorgeous 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 fantastic thing about the character surrounding you. I used to be fairly pooped by the point we obtained there, given the 8 hours I believe it was, of climbing. And every little thing operating by means of my thoughts with the brand new life I used to be at the moment 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 take pleasure in them. I used to be glad I purchased a Tesco wrap with me!
I confirmed prepared for a couple of bites of the camp meals, and gave up. It was enjoyable cooking them although!
In the case of meals, pack light-weight, nutritious meals choices which can be simple to organize in a wilderness setting. Whether or not cooking over a campfire or utilizing a conveyable range, follow correct security precautions and cling to Go away No Hint cooking ideas. Bear in mind to correctly eliminate waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental impression. Personally, I believe for one night time you’ll be fantastic with a packed lunch from residence. This spaceman meals was in all probability just a little OTT, however at all times good to strive new meals.
Don’t deliver a disposable BBQ – they’re banned for a purpose. They’re truly making an attempt to cease the sale of them throughout the Lake District. You do NOT wish to be the individual that units hearth to the hills of the Lakes!
After dinner darkness was coming fairly shortly so all of us obtained prepared for mattress – us three girls in a single tent for heat – and snuggled down in our sleeping luggage.
I slept nicely!
Bathrooms on the wild camp
Effectively, there aren’t any luxurious services – that’s for positive!
If you happen to 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 wish to drink that.
If you happen to want a poo, nicely, you’ve 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 night time wild tenting journey hey?!
Packing up your wild camp
One of many primary 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 accomplished it. You don’t must take music, or depart any type of particles that may even present you have 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 good to be as discreet as attainable.
Wild camp within the Lake District
Wild tenting within the Lake District provides 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 ideas of accountable tenting, you may take pleasure in 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 talent and information 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 strategy to have a good time wild tenting within the Lake District, than following up with some wild swimming?
My buddy Sabina made this nice video about our wild swim spot within the Lake District. I’m glad she overlooked 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, take a look at my record!