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 ensure 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 have got 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 do not need 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 just isn’t 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, folks do wild camp within the Lake District. In truth, should you 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This ruling is a deterent to cease any outdated Tom, Dick or Harry turning up with their tent, hearth and music, and ruining the vibe.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 suitable means, and with a information, and naturally, go away no hint, and you’ll get pleasure from an evening or two within the wilderness of the Lakes.
I wish to use all the things I realized from the guides once we went, that can assist 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 should be adopted to make sure the preservation of the atmosphere and respect for native communities.
In the event you’re wild tenting, you might want to pack all the things you would probably 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 in 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 Faculty. 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 observe. It was nice to know that a minimum of one in all us knew what we have been doing.
In the event you’re planning your journey, you might want to take into consideration the route, the terrain, the proximity to water sources, your tools, cozy mountaineering footwear, any wildlife that may very well 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 you might want 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 all the time want reminding of.
Our journey had been deliberate a superb few weeks prematurely, by folks within the know. However nonetheless, you might want to take a look at the climate earlier than you set out, particularly should 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 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 quite a bit to consider on that hike. Wild tenting within the Lake District once I’d by no means completed 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 positively make a unfastened plan earlier than you allow the home, or a minimum of your automotive. It’s good to understand how far you’ll be able to anticipate to go in a day, so you’ll be able to go away some power in reserves to get you house 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 probably the most picturesque areas, it’s important to respect native communities and landowners’ rights. All the time observe Go away No Hint rules and go away 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 form 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 center formed pool on high of the mountain. It was the primary week of June, a ravishing 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 great 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 things working by 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 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 relation to meals, pack light-weight, nutritious meals choices which can be straightforward to organize in a wilderness setting. Whether or not cooking over a campfire or utilizing a conveyable range, observe correct security precautions and cling to Go away No Hint cooking rules. Bear in mind to correctly eliminate waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental affect. Personally, I feel for one night time you’ll be high quality with a packed lunch from house. This spaceman meals was in all probability a bit OTT, however all the time good to attempt new meals.
Don’t carry 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 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 girls in a single tent for heat – and snuggled down in our sleeping luggage.
I slept properly!
Bathrooms on the wild camp
Properly, there are not any luxurious amenities – that’s for certain!
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 prefer to drink that.
In the event you want a poo, properly, you have got two decisions. 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 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 principal causes wild tenting within the Lake District is tolerated regardless that it’s unlawful is as a result of, nobody ought to actually know you’re doing it, or that you just’ve completed it. You don’t have to take music, or go away any form of particles that will even present you have 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. Bear in mind, you might want to be as discreet as attainable.
Wild camp within the Lake District
Wild tenting within the Lake District provides a novel 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 stunning space of the UK for years to return.
This wild tenting journey within the Lake District is among 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 talent and data of Dougie at Mammut Mountain Faculty.
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 technique to have fun 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 ignored the bit the place we did it bare although!
And should you want a luxurious place within the Lake District with a sizzling tub for after, take a look at my checklist!
