Wild camping in the Lake District

Wild camping in the Lake District

Lake District Windermere Lake Ziba Adventures

Wild camping in the Lake District – Is it Legal?

Camping in the wild is not accepted in England unless the landowner approves. In the Lake District, it is allowed if you pitch your tent at a high altitude above the highest wall or fence away from any towns or villages. You must comply with the wild camping code: set up camp late afternoon and depart early in the morning, leaving no evidence of your stay.

The Lake District is a popular destination for wild camping, with many beautiful and remote locations to choose from. Some of the best areas for wild camping in the Lake District include the fells, such as Helvellyn, Scafell Pike, and Great Gable, as well as the Ullswater and Coniston Water valleys. 

What is the Lake District famous for?

The Lake District is a popular tourist destination in the north of England, known for its beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. It is famous for its lakes, forests, and mountains, which offer a range of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, climbing, and water sports. The Lake District is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with many historic houses, museums, and literary associations, including Wordsworth and Beatrix Potter. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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The Bests views in the lake district

The Lake District is known for its stunning scenery, with many beautiful views. Some of the best views in the Lake District include:

  • Skiddaw: This mountain offers panoramic views of the surrounding fells and lakes.
  • Catbells: This popular fell offers excellent views of Derwentwater and the surrounding area.
  • Ullswater: The lake offers stunning views, particularly from the iconic steamer pier at Glenridding.
  • The Old Man of Coniston: This famous peak offers panoramic views of the surrounding fells and Coniston Water.
  • Stickle Tarn: This small lake is situated at the base of Pavey Ark and offers beautiful views of the Langdale Pikes.

There are many other excellent viewpoints in the Lake District, so it’s worth exploring to find your favourites.

What are the best places in the Lake District?

The Lake District is a beautiful and diverse region with many attractions and activities to enjoy. Some of the best places to visit in the Lake District include:

  • Windermere: The largest and most famous lake in the Lake District, offering a range of water sports and boat trips.
  • Coniston Water: A beautiful lake with a rich cultural heritage, including connections to the writer and artist John Ruskin and the famous speedster Donald Campbell.
  • Ullswater: Often referred to as the “Queen of the Lakes,” Ullswater is one of the most scenic lakes in the Lake District.
  • The Old Man of Coniston: A famous hike and climbing peak with stunning views of the surrounding falls and lakes.
  • Tarn Hows: A picturesque tarn surrounded by beautiful forests and fells, with several walking trails to explore.

Where is it legal to wild camp in the UK?

In the UK, wild camping is only legal in certain areas and with the landowner’s permission. Wild camping is generally not allowed on designated sites or areas where it is explicitly prohibited. Some of the best places to wild camp in the UK include the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, and Dartmoor National Park. However, it’s always best to check with the local landowner or park authority before setting up camp to ensure that wild camping is allowed in the area. It’s also essential to follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact and ensure that the site is left as you found it.

Lake District cycling Ziba Adventures

Tips for Wild Camping

Here are some tips for wild camping:

  • Ensure wild camping is allowed in the area: In the UK, wild camping is only allowed in certain areas and with the landowner’s permission. It’s important to check with the local landowner or park authority before setting up camp to ensure that wild camping is allowed in the area.
  • It’s also essential to follow the Leave No Trace principles to minimize your environmental impact and ensure that the site is left as you found it. You can do your part by bringing a camping trashcan and being mindful of how you interact with your surroundings.
  • Choose a suitable campsite: Look for a flat, dry spot that is well-drained and sheltered from the wind. Avoid camping near water sources, as this can damage the environment and attract animals.
  • Be prepared for the weather: The weather in the UK can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for rain, wind, and cold. Bring warm, waterproof clothing and a good-quality tent that can withstand strong winds.
  • Be respectful of other campers and the local community: Wild camping is a privilege, not a right. It’s important to respect other campers and the local community and avoid making too much noise or causing any other disturbances.

Wild Camping Kit List – List of 12 Wild Camping Extras

Wild-Camping-Kit-List

List of 12 Wild Camping Kit List

Wild camping is all about finding a quiet spot, connecting with yourself as well as experiencing nature. It allows you to escape the busy cities and campsites, forcing you to disconnect from the stresses of your life and unwind. While in the UK, the only places you can wild camp without direct permission are Dartmoor or the Highlands, so asking for permission from landowners is critical. Once you’ve done this, you need to pack a bag making sure to include many of the items from our essentials and extras list to enjoy an uninterrupted escape away from the usual.

What Is Wild Camping?

Wild camping is very similar to camping, except you’re not staying in a recognised camping site or caravan site. While most UK land is privately owned, you will need to get permission from landowners before pitching your tent. However, Dartmoor and Scotland are exceptions. You can pitch your tent (with permission) anywhere you like, whether that’s the woods, mountains or a beach. To ensure repeat visits, make sure to leave the place you pitch as you found it. What makes wild camping so special is leaving it as if you were never there, to begin with.

Wild Camping Kit list

While we’ve covered wild camping essentials https://www.zibaadventures.com/wild-camping-essentials-what-you-need-when-you-go/ previously, this list is things you could take to make your trip away that bit easier and more enjoyable. Here are twelve of our wild camping kit list extras:

First Aid Kit

It may not have been an essential previously, but if we’re taking extras, this is the first one we are grabbing. Ensuring you have space adding a first aid kit stocked with these as a base:

  • Antiseptic pads

  • Bandages/plasters

  • Micropore tape

  • Triangular sling bandage

  • Antiseptic cream

  • Antihistamine tablets

  • Paracetamol/Ibuprofen

  • Aloe vera gel

  • Scissors/Tweezers

  • Thermometer

Waterproof Case For Maps

Especially in the UK, the weather can change very rapidly, and the last thing you want wet and disintegrating in your hands is your maps. This Sea to Summit Waterproof Map Case Small is both water and dustproof, coming with an adjustable strap for wearing. It’ll keep any maps or documents waterproof.

Waterproof Matches

While we’re discussing waterproof items, add some waterproof matches to your bag as a backup, just in case. These are small and add very little weight but are handy to have.

Collapsible Lamp

If you want something less bright and fun, consider investing in the Goal Zero Crush Light Chroma, a collapsible solar lantern. Not only does it have six colour modes but also a candle flicker mode for those romantic evenings. It can easily be charged via USB or solar and brighten any campsite, wild or not.

Suncream

Depending on the time of year, packing a sun cream will have a considerable effect when walking or relaxing by the side of a camp. No one wants to get burnt while on vacation, so make sure to get a high factor and apply regularly.

Multi-Tool

Investing in a good multi-tool can be a lifesaver, whether for wild camping, camping or general day to day. A good multi-tool has many functions all in one place, saving on weight and size, such as the Swiss Champ Knife from Victorinox, which has 33 functions such as a small blade, tin opener, pliers, chisel and screwdriver, to name a few.

Rechargeable Hand Torch

Investing in an excellent rechargeable hand torch is both wise for inside the tent and for exploring. One such as the compact torch P5R CORE Rechargeable LED Torch weighs only 106g with the batteries and can easily fit in your bag.

Spork

You’ll thank us later for this one, but when camping, everyday cutlery just won’t do, and investing in a spork such as the Light My Fire Spork Original will be a sound investment. Not only does it come in a pack of four, but it has a shallow spoon and a fork side with a knife-edge. They’re lightweight, durable and heat resistant.

Folding Coffee Dripper

If you’re a massive fan of a morning coffee, you won’t want to skip this one. When out in the middle of nowhere, it can be challenging to get your caffeine boost, but Snow Peak Folding Coffee Dripper has provided an easy solution. It also folds down, making it easier to pack, while this coffee dripper can also fit over your favourite mug and become a staple in your wild camping morning ritual.

Portable Mosquito Repeller

When you’re out in the open, there’s a good chance you’ll encounter those minor itchy bugs, but using a portable mosquito repeller such as Lifesystems Portable Mosquito Killer to protect yourself. It has a single cartridge that, over time, releases an odourless scent and provides up to 7 nights of protection.

Foldable Table

Often not at the top of the list for a wild camping break, but with a folding down table that is light and durable, you’d be silly not to consider it. The Helinox Table One at Snow+Rock even has two drink holders, meaning you won’t have to balance your drink on a rock again, as well as weighing only 690g and being able to pack down to a size of 41 x 11cm.

Waterproof Socks

Something many may overlook, but waterproof socks should be considered when going out into the elements. We’ve all been there when we’ve had to cross a stream, and our boots have leaked. But, waterproof socks means your feet and toes will stay dry, even if the inside of your boot isn’t, helping significantly in those colder temperatures. Consider some from the brand Bridgedale, who have different lengths in their range at Cotswold Outdoors.

The beauty of wild camping is being able to do it wherever you fancy, only needing to pick a place, pitch your tent, and sit under the stars. From there, you can either enjoy a freshly brewed coffee or the light from your collapsible lamp as you stare at the view before you. Packing any of the items above, with the ones from our Wild Camping Essentials https://www.zibaadventures.com/wild-camping-essentials-what-you-need-when-you-go/, will help make your wild camping trip safe, relaxing and enjoyable.

Wild Camping Essentials – What you need when you go

Wild Camping Essentials – WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU GO

If you’ve always dreamt of sleeping under the stars, taking in the natural sights, going on an adventure, or setting up your tent in the wilderness, wild camping is the perfect activity. Whether you’re doing a multi-day hike, wild camping allows you to pitch your tent anywhere (legally, of course) and be one with nature.

So, if you want to get into wild camping, below are the essentials you’ll need to do so.

What Is Wild Camping?

If you’re wondering what wild camping is, it’s the same as camping, but just outside a recognised campsite or caravan site. What makes Wild Camping what it is, is by pitching your tent up anywhere else. Such as mountains, woods, or by the beach. It is worth remembering that most land is privately owned in the UK, so you may need to get permission from landowners before pitching a tent. The exceptions to this are Dartmoor and Scotland, where local laws allow wild camping.

When it comes to packing up, make sure to leave the place as you found it, that’s the beauty of wild camping, making it appear as though you weren’t even there in the first place.

You can see Wild Camping Tips here

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Wild Camping Essentials

Here is our list of wild camping essentials for those who are new or those who wish to check they’ve got all the gear.

Backpack

Before you get started, you’ll need a trusty backpack or rucksack to go camping with. You’ll need one with a lot of capacity, just because of the things you’ll need to pack in it. One to consider is the Regatta Survivor III, which has an 85L capacity with side zips, a hip belt, chest harness, and pole holders. When choosing a backpack or rucksack, make sure to try them on, as they’ll need to be comfortable on your shoulders and your back.

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Tent

When choosing a tent, not only do you need something lightweight and durable, but also small to keep yourself hidden. Consider something like the Wild Country Tents Zephyros Compact 2 Tent, which is weatherproof and weighs 1.7kg fitting two people inside. A good option is something under 2.5 kilograms. The one I use at the moment is a red Berghaus tent, does the trick but is not very well camouflaged.

Refillable/ Purification Device

Having a refillable purification device can help you avoid carrying numerous bottles with you on your travels, especially if it’s refillable, like the LifeStraw Go Water Filter. It allows you to fill up at a river, stream, or even a puddle; sipping through the filter, you’ll have fresh water. Make sure to pitch your tent nearly by a water source so you can fill up before embarking again.

Bivvy Sack

Especially when you’re unsure of what weather you’ll be sleeping in, investing in one allows you to give extra protection from the damp. You can either slip the bivvy sack over the top of your sleeping bag or place it on the floor of the tent if it’s a particularly wet night.

Sleeping Bag

A good sleeping bag will be essential to making sure you get a good night’s sleep. When choosing your sleeping bag, look at the temperature or comfort limit. A good option is the Mountain Hardwear Lamina Sleeping Bag, which is lightweight, weighing less than 2kg, and a comfort level of 4 degrees.

Head Torch

Whether you need to relieve yourself or set up camp as the sun is setting, investing in a good head torch will prove essential. When choosing a head torch, keep it light and battery-powered, especially for longer treks. For brightness, look for one which emits over 200+ lumens, which will cut through the pitch-black night, such as the Black Diamond Storm 400.

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black-diamond

Outdoor Stove

For food and drinking, you will need to invest in an outdoor stove. Having a practical stove that is resistant to weather will take you far. Finding one that collapses into itself and is a low weight, such as the MSR Windburner, which even has is insulated to avoid burning your hands. A good alternative is Jetboil

Foldaway Cup and Bowls

Lifesaving for both weight and packability, foldaway cups and bowls will be your best friend when you’re wild camping. Sea to Summit offers a great selection of lightweight spoons, forks, bowls, cups, and even pans.

Food

It may seem obvious, but if you’re packing your bag using this list, we didn’t want to miss it off. Items such as instant noodles or soups will be lightweight, as well as crackers, granola bars and chilled sausage rolls. All of these won’t add too much to your backpack and last within the elements. You can also look at some great Dehydrated foods such as Summit to eat

Camping Mat

When wild camping, you’ll be sleeping on top of the elements, and unlike your mattress at home, the ground won’t be comfortable. Purchasing a camping mat will help you get a restful night’s sleep as well as provide warmth. One such as the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Sleeping Mat, which is both super lightweight and has a layer of thermal foam.

Insect repellent

So you don’t end up being bitten more than you cover from walking, packing an insect repellent will make your travel, camping and exploring more enjoyable. Consider something along the lines of the Smidge Insect Repellent, which repels mosquitos, horse flies, midges, and much more, making you not taste nice if they decide to get close.

Trowel

In addition to all of the above, make sure to take a trowel with you so you can relieve yourself out in the wild so you can bury or remove your toilet waste.

Extra Things To Pack When Wild Camping

While the list below isn’t made up of essentials to wild camping, they are things to consider:

  • Battery pack for your phone.

  • Map of the local area.

  • Gloves, hat and thermal socks (for the colder nights)

  • First aid kit.

  • Toiletries bag.

  • Walking poles (especially if the trip is a challenging hike).

Wild camping is a beautiful way to connect with the environment, yourself and unwind. Packing the above essentials will guarantee you have a safe time with the elements. Is there anything you think we’ve missed off from this list? Drop it below and let us know.

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Wild Camping Tips

Over the last couple of years, I have spent probably the best part of around three months Wild Camping. From Cycling across Europe in 2017 to Skiing to Afghanistan in 2018. Here are my wild camping tips.

Wild Camping can be in some of the most unique spots. The most important rule of Wild Camping is: Arrive late, leave early and leave no trace.

So what is Wild Camping?

Wild Camping pretty much refers to camping anywhere outside of a recognised campsite.

Why would you wild Camp?

You would wild camp to save money(it’s free), it is exciting to be sleeping in the wilderness and under the stars, and because of camping next to strangers in campsites is not that fun.

Is Wild Camping Legal?

Depends on where you are, so best to do a little research although I rarely do and rely on experience. If one does get caught by the authorities which have never happened, be friendly and say you are camping for one night and you will leave it as you found it.

 

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The Tent

When travelling by car as we did in 2018 it is a little easier to get further away from people and find the remotest spots. However, this is a luxury that is rarely afforded to a cyclist. When the night is falling sometimes you have to settle for what you can find

So it is best to have a low lying, green tent that can blend a little easier into the natural surrounding rather than a bright yellow one.

Set up at Dusk

The best way to avoid getting caught is to set up at dusk when it is getting dark, and people are heading out of the natural areas and back home.

Be Quiet

I mean this one is obvious but playing loud music as you make your dinner is always going to attract unwanted attention.

If in doubt ask people where you can camp or ask the local farmer

I have done this a few times, you are looking for a place and struggling, you might be in a sprawling town, and it is getting dark. Knock on the door and explain what you are doing, rarely do they say no.

Research Areas to camp

I do this more now, I look on google earth and find forests or areas where there are no buildings, chances are these are your best spots.

With a car, it is easier to find very remote places where you don’t have to be as careful.

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Don’t wild camp too near water

In 2018 we were camping near a lake in Kyrgyzstan. During the night, the lake rose by a few inches taking a load of our equipment, not fun.

Camp as unobtrusively as you can

That means away from roads, houses and other habitation.

Hide Food away

After you have finished your dinner, hide the food out of sight and reach of any local wildlife. Always more helpful not to have an unwelcome visitor in the night.

Gas stove

If you are hiding away from the locals best to avoid fires as they will attract attention and gas stove will cook most of your specialist dishes such as pasta and pesto!

Necessary Equipment

Touch on this with one but also a good mattress and sleeping bag that works for the climate you are sleeping.

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As a bonus here is a list of what I have used or like for like that will get you through your first-night wild Camping. These are the items I use.

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For posts on Central Asia check Out

https://www.zibaadventures.com/central-asia/

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