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 hassle. That is what I learnt…
You’re not allowed to go wild tenting within the Lake District, except you will have particular permission from the landowner. Identical guidelines for wild tenting in the remainder of England actually (apart from Dartmoor in fact).
The Lake District Nationwide Park Authority says:
“Because the Nationwide Park Authority we should not 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 is just not 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, folks do wild camp within the Lake District. Actually, if you happen to seek for phrases on Instagram, you’ll discover fairly a couple of folks at it.
This ruling is a deterent to cease any previous 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 correct approach, 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 need to use all the pieces 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 should be adopted to make sure the preservation of the atmosphere and respect for native communities.
In the event you’re wild tenting, it’s worthwhile to pack all the pieces you could possibly presumably want on the market, and convey all of it again once more. There are not any amenities!
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 gear we would have liked, and our plan, and we needed to be taught from them, and observe. It was nice to know that at the least one in all us knew what we had been doing.
In the event you’re planning your journey, it’s worthwhile to take into consideration the route, the terrain, the proximity to water sources, your gear, cozy mountaineering sneakers, any wildlife that might 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 worthwhile to minimise the environmental impact
Make certain to check all of your gear 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 a very good few weeks upfront, by folks within the know. However nonetheless, it’s worthwhile to have a look at the climate earlier than you set out, particularly if you happen to’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 night time, and two full days.
That felt sufficient.
Largely, as a result of, a few 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 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
It’s best to undoubtedly make a unfastened plan earlier than you permit the home, or at the least your automobile. It’s good to understand how far you’ll be able to count on to go in a day, so you’ll be able to 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 standard websites with gorgeous 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. At all times observe Go away 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 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 lovely spot, close to the center formed pool on high 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 wonderful!
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 all the pieces working via my thoughts with the brand new life I used to be at present 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!
In the case of meals, pack light-weight, nutritious meals choices which can be straightforward to arrange 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 rules. Bear in mind to correctly get rid of waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental influence. Personally, I feel for one night time you’ll be tremendous with a packed lunch from dwelling. This spaceman meals was in all probability a little bit OTT, however all the time good to attempt new meals.
Don’t deliver 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 need 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 baggage.
I slept properly!
Bathrooms on the wild camp
Nicely, there are not any luxurious amenities – that’s for positive!
In the event you want a wee, simply go behind a rock, or wherever you are feeling snug. Simply don’t do it close to a water stream, different hikers and campers wish to drink that.
In the event you want a poo, properly, you will have 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 have to 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 important causes wild tenting within the Lake District is tolerated although it’s unlawful is as a result of, nobody ought to actually know you’re doing it, or that you just’ve accomplished it. You don’t have to take music, or go away any kind of particles that might 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 affords a singular alternative to attach with nature on a deeper degree, 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 lovely space of the UK for years to return.
This wild tenting journey within the Lake District is without doubt 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 at some point – perhaps with my son subsequent time!
Wild swimming within the Lake District
And what higher solution to have a good time 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 ignored 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!
