Wild Camping In England & The UK - How To - Where To? Discussion.

[paul4608]

I have never camped in the wild but you could say it,s safer than some of the dodgy neighbourhoods i,ve found myself in. trouble is most wild places in uk don,t like you so much as open a bag of crisps never mind lodge under canvas you can guarantee some clever twat in a landrover with a high vizz will tell you to f&^%k off this land belongs to lord twat.

[ipoogold]

I wanna go camping but dont wanna pay , register or get raped in the night dont mind payng but im going with my friend and im 13 and my friemnd 14

[Alloutdoor1]

@ipoogold Funny - I dont like registering, paying or getting raped either. There is safety in numbers so its good that there are two of you. If you are going to do any wild camping, be sure to prepare properly and let your parent/guardian know exactly where you will be. Take a phone with you. Do some research and scout out the area first, before you stay the night. Remember - don't take any sweets from strangers!

[funkyprepper]

the forestry commission do not have night patrols in england - so why not just go for it?

As long as your quiet, careful and respect nature.

Park away from your chosen wood/forest/copse etc & and tab in - arrive at least an hour before sundown to set up camp.

brew up, read, head down, breakfast, LNT the earlier the better.

DON'T REVEAL LOCATION TO NO ONE!!!

be happy ;)

[OriginalOwner777]

One place I wild camp is near the village of haborough in north east lincolnshire you can get permission to camp from the game keepers cottage and the land owner walks round dressed in old clothes looking like hes living rough on the land he compliments good campsites and those that are responsible he has his foresters leave piles of firewood around for people to protect the trees this mans name I dont know but his title is The Earl Of Yarbourough

[Alloutdoor1]

@OriginalOwner777 Thank you for the tip! Cheers.

[Bucephalas69]

If the police were called and you have agreed to leave then they can do nothing. Lets say your being a pain (because the land-owner is an A-hole), and you say your leaving when your good and ready, then your likely to get arrested to prevent a breach of the peace.

Trespass is a civil offence and not a criminal one.

Most wild campers have more respect for the land than the land owners do!

[Alloutdoor1]

@Bucephalas69 Good points. Thanks.

[Bucephalas69]

"Trespass" is quite misunderstood in the UK.

There is no offence being commited by being on someones private land. Signs saying "Trespassers will be prosecuted" mean absolutely NOTHING.

Trespass is only commited if the land owner or one of his appointed deputies asks you to leave. If you refuse, then you are trespassing; Not before.

[killertinytot]

I think that we are no longer free men in the UK. Free speach has gone and free camping is illegal. You can't camp on the national parks because you need permission off the farmers that have commoners rights.

[daniel23101982]

hi, can you make fire while camping in uk? i mean real open fire not some barbecue hehe

[TheArcanjosniper]

Hi, mate! You can't imagine how much I am looking for camping sites here in UK, cause I like (And only have practice) wild camping... Since I was a child, I have camped in a lot of places in Africa (exactly Namibia, South Africa and Angola), and in all of this places I did wild camping. Maybe you can help me, giving me some ideas of spots in here where I can be camping without any "law" problems... CAN YOU HELP PLEASE?

[Alloutdoor1]

@TheArcanjosniper I would be glad to help. Where in England are you based and do you drive?

[TheArcanjosniper]

@Alloutdoor1 I'm living in Birmingham, and yeah, I drive... It's not a UK full drive license, but allows me to drive during 1 year before I get the UK full drive license. But if I can reach some of this places with a bit of biking or hiking, it's better, cause I like that as well, :D

[66Bloodline66]

@TheArcanjosniper Go to Scotland mate! Try Galloway. :)

[fusilier45]

Hi mate could I ask why Gypos are only evicted with court order.I hope that the same rules apply for someone as yourself,otherwise I cant see why it is not discrimination

[bikenutter1]

Did I see you say you ride a motorbike? Any tips for getting all the kit on board a 125, with at least 50% of water needed for a 2-3 day trip? Subbed, would also like to chat some time. South East bloke here.

[Alloutdoor1]

@bikenutter1 Hello mate. To be honest, ive never done it on a 125. Smallest engine I have used to get me to a wild camping location is 400cc. Im a big guy though. I have a huge backpack called the Highlander 99. I have a review of it somewhere on my channel. I manage to get everything I need in there (or tied to the outside of it). It is a beast of a bag. Hope that helps you out. Let me know if you want to chat or know anything else.

[bikenutter1]

@Alloutdoor1 I'm a big bloke too, but I am talking about a Baby Dero (dual sport/super moto-sports tourer Honda) here, not some pizza hut special lol! Would be good to get some more tips about parking safe, alarms and the like. I'm nervous but excited. I'm sure like is supposed to be like this, yay! :)

[Alloutdoor1]

@bikenutter1 I know the bike. As far as security is concerned, try and chain it up to something solid. Look into Xena bike alarms (disc lock with alarm inside). They are not too expensive but work well. Alternatively, pay someone to park in their farm/garden etc. It is supposed to be exciting lol!

[VintageSG]

@bikenutter1 I toured England on a KH100 as a youth. Great fun. Fabric panniers, wrap everything in bin bags. Rack on the back, no topbox, for lightweight/bulky stuff. Bungee cords, spider nets and loading straps to hold everything down. For the tank, look for a pair of army surplus heavy fabric backpacks. They make great tank panniers, and your tankbag will hold stuff in place. Use a lightweight backpack or risk back pain.

HTH

[VintageSG]

@VintageSG Your tent and sleep stuff straps to the seat/rack. Clothing and food in the panniers, stove, fuel and water in the tank panniers, waterproofs, maps etc in the tankbag.

Swedish military stove kit with a civvy burner and a Trangia 500ml fuel bottle will cover your cooking needs. Petrol station water dispensers, supermarkets etc for additional water. Take baby wipes too!, they are great for a morning freshen up and unlike bog roll, can stand getting wet.

HTH

[bikenutter1]

@VintageSG I have an esbit stove for super light cooking, and maybe I'll take some sort of multi fuel burner, hobo stove maybe. I am planning on lighting a few fires in well chosen places. After I get some experieince, I would like to try and purify some water in the field for self reliance practice. Baby wipes are legend! Nuff said on that one hehe

[VintageSG]

@bikenutter1 Seriously, get a Swedish military kit. I did my tour with a Primus type 96 and mess tins, so I had a fuel option and a wood option. The mil kit gives you that flexibility if weight isn't an issue + it carries your sporks + firesteel + whatever else. It is not affected by water ( don't know if Esbit is, can't stand the stuff ), virtually windproof in use and you can actually cook with it. Trust me, more than 2 days of noodles and you're looking for a chippy.

[bikenutter1]

@VintageSG I knew I should have done this years ago, but hey ho. I'm knocking 40 and having a mid life crisis haha. What is it called when a 20 year old wants to get a motorbike an do the same thing? Getting on with life is what I call it, just took me longer to realise there was more to life then beer, clubs and other bad things...

[VintageSG]

@bikenutter1 I was 17, had recently passed my test and was unemployed. I took a total of 6 weeks. Bit of casual work here and there to cover fuel and food costs. I took the 100 instead of my new ( to me 400 ) because speed wasn't an issue + I could rebuild it with what I could carry. It never went wrong. A BabyDero is the perfect small capacity bike. Take a sidestand plate and keep it in your tankbag. Fit a loobman and join a recovery service. Enjoy.

[bikenutter1]

@MrFes888 here here!!!

[CragScrambler]

In the lakes your supposed to be above the highest boundary wall, tho across iron crag and caw fell the wall is across the top lol

[Alloutdoor1]

@Mutagenre A big knife and a good torch always help too lol!

[Alloutdoor1]

@Mutagenre As far as being "creepy" all I will say is this. The first night is always the worst lol. Try to arrive at your camping location well before it gets dark, this will give you time to aclimatise to your environment, if you are concerned.

[fastfoodfetish]

Try wild camping in Newcastle city centre, wake up with a KFC next to ur head... breakfast is served

[bombfUnK111]

I'm going to start the wainwrights soon and am planing to wild camp, think its legal above 600m! And I agree with the god comment lol

[Alloutdoor1]

@bombfUnK111 Nice one. Hope you have fun!

[jamie1234591]

@bombfUnK111 You should be ok wild camping in the lakes as long as your above farmland. I normally pitch my tent at dusk and pack up early to avoid getting spotted by tourists, but loads of people do it here and it's ok. Don't flash your torch around mind or you might get the mountain rescue out :S

[VeronicasMidget]

Great video, I just wanted to ask if you light fires? I know there are some pretty irresponsible people out there regarding fires and bbq's. Which is a shame as camp fires are such a pleasure and I hate feeling guilty about making one. Especially when I go to such lengths to make them responsably. I try never to leave any signs that I have camped in a spot before I leave it.

[MrFes888]

a notice to so called land owners,can i see the orig anal of the title dead that you got from GOD,all land own a ship is freud in the eyes of god,it belongs to us ALL

[Alloutdoor1]

@MrFes888 Here here! Well said!

[KelloggsMaria]

Does anyone have any suggestions on where to wild camp in Manchester? Would be appreciated so much!

[Alloutdoor1]

@KelloggsMaria Hello there! Do you mean in Manchester or near Manchester? Are you driving?

[KelloggsMaria]

@Alloutdoor1 Near Manchester or in Manchester, I don't mind, and my Mam will be driving.

[Alloutdoor1]

@KelloggsMaria Hello Maria, looking at a map an obvious location for you is the Peak District. Im not really familiar with the area, but looking at google earth and google maps I can see several possible locations. Try and find a spot that is remote, not close to any roads or building. Its always a good idea to scout out the area if possible, so you know what you are dealing with. Make a day trip out of it before your main trip.

[Alloutdoor1]

@KelloggsMaria As to actual locations, I would think a good bet would be somewhere around Kinder Resevoir and Edale, in the Peak District. Hope thats helpful.

[KelloggsMaria]

@Alloutdoor1 Thank you so much, it's so kind of you to even take the time to reply. I'll take note of that. Again, just thank you so much.

[3dsniper]

thanks on the video, lot of good sense in there. I also have a question, I will be trecking throught he UK on an old army bike and I might end up needing to wild camp. should I simply park my bike at a car park, walk for 10-20 mins and setup camp or go onto the smaller roads and park it behind a bush or something? (It is still an original army green and not some obnoxious yellow if that helps)

[Alloutdoor1]

@3dsniper I am also a biker so i know where you are coming from on this one. Personally, I would keep eyes on the bike if possible so generally I would choose going down some smaller roads. Saying that however, I have yet to have my bike stolen/damaged even after leaving unattended for up to three days more or less in the middle of nowhere. I have a very loud alarm on my bike. Im always a little worried. Ultimately, thats what insurance is for lol!? Hope that helps!

[3dsniper]

@Alloutdoor1 that kind of was the plan, I have this lovely 1976 swiss army bike, people can't steel it unless they know the machine or lift the damn thing (I have seen guys stand on the kickstart without the kickstart budging.) and the insurance thing, yeah, true, but not on holiday! I'd hate to cut my holiday short because my bike got destroyed. ;) and the loud alarm is a good idia, lets see if I can cobble something up ;)

[Alloutdoor1]

@3dsniper Im guessing your wheels have spokes, i would suggest getting a chain with an alarm fitted (less fuss and no drain on the battery). My current bike has discs and i use a Xena disc lock alarm. Look into them - they are well priced and solid. I think they make chain locks too! You could still use the disc lock alarm that i have by cliping it onto your spokes - obviously a thieving b@$*ard could easily break a few spokes to remove it but at least the alarm is still there!?

[supermicrak11]

thanks for the advice fed up of stoping on campsites where people r making noise n cant realy get out in my own space realy want to start doing wild camping as i have all my gear down to a rucksack anyway do you no any good places in the midlands area thanks m8 jay

[Alloutdoor1]

@supermicrak11 Sorry mate but i dont know of anywhere in particular in your area. As i always say look to national parks and forests. Try and scout an area out before actually staying there overnight, it can save you a lot of grief. Try looking for large wild areas using google earth, i can almost guarantee that there will be somewhere within 20-30 miles of your house! Hopw that helps mate!

[Woodoak5962]

I loved your vid. thanks for sharing. i often go off on my own. its much easier to find a spot when you know that your not going to be making a load of noise. ive managed to get a couple of land owner to let me use their woods and that way i can have an open fire without having to worry about the law. ive also done loads of stealth camping without any problems, If your far from people they cant complain. leave no trace of your being there and you can come back again as noone knows youve stayed.

[Alloutdoor1]

@Woodoak5962 Its true, doing it solo has its advantages. Thanks for the comment. Cheers!

[SuperSpiderGoblin]

Hey, nice vid, thanks for the info :) I'm nervously looking into doing some solo wild camping as I normally go with a bunch of mates so I always have the feeling of some kind of security. But they aint always available when I get that urge to get out of the city for a few days on a days notice. But yea I think I'm goin to give it ago even tho it feels a bit weird goin by myself lol :)

[Alloutdoor1]

@SuperSpiderGoblin It felt a bit weird the first few times for me too. Now i just think of it as more of an adventure. Plus its a good way of teaching yourself to be a bit more self reliant. Thanks for the comment.

[SuperSpiderGoblin]

@Alloutdoor1 Yea thats very true :) cheers m8

[bulletheed1970]

Like it :)

I dare you to watch dog soldiers or the blair with on a potable dvd player by yourself lol

But seriously connecting with nature is in all of us its bread in to us nice post bud ;)

[robmochdre]

I camp in north Wales ,

And wild camp regulary.

I definitely subscribe to stealth camping!! Leave it as you found it, But When it comes to land owners permission , the classic line from croc Dundee comes to mind,,,,

Fleas on a dogs back ., pointless arguing who owns the dog cos it will be around long after the fleas are gone?!!

Go camp , be free , just respect the land

[mrMasterio]

@MrBEAST127 The lake district is always a good spot. It is huge and you can do some fishing or sleep out by the lakes or whatever. Really nice spot.

[mark1p1l]

good video, ive tried and tried to get permission off land owners and also tried to get permission from the forrestry comission and always drawn a blank, i'm very strick with camping ettequet (spelling sucks i know) and agree with you 100% with the 'leave as found rule'.thoughs that don't are affecting land owners trust. Keep it up.

[Alloutdoor1]

@mark1p1l Thanks for the comment. I suggest you get the land owners permission once they find you lol.

[Glinteye]

Been wild camping for about 6 years now mainly in north and south Wales, I love that feeling you get when you come back from a 5 day trip or more out in the sticks, its a strange feeling on your senses you get when you enter a conventional building with four walls, it feels abnormal....anyone get what I mean..?

[Alloutdoor1]

@Glinteye Totally. A little decompression is sometimes necessary after a long stay. Everything seems so noisy and confused upon first entry lol!

[PnutButter1986]

Great video man, very informative. I'm planning on a wild camp and you cleared it up for me.

[MINDWISEMAN]

Has anybody considered maybe people "stealth" camp or "private"? camp because they want to be away from other people for the solitude and not draw attention to themselves especially as there's so many restrictions to UK wildcamping. For living in the outdoors maybe the word stealth should be changed as it seems to denote some people interpret it as an attitude of military big boy games.

[Alloutdoor1]

@F08M A "boys own" thing, classic, lol.

[Alloutdoor1]

@F08M Interesting point, i hate sneaking around too. Im too old for that rubbish. I prefer to just do it quite blatantly, if they can be bothered to come and find me in the middle of nowhere then good luck to them lol.

[animaltendencies]

@Alloutdoor1 I knew there was a reason I subbed you... 'just do it quite blatantly...' I'm sure you'll agree that doesn't have to mean a F.U. attitude or being rude if you are moved on but generally, just don't worry about it. I did winter solstice one year at Hadleigh Castle in Essex and the police turned up and asked me what I was doing. I explained, we chatted and they left, telling me to be safe. A respectful attitude if you're 'caught' (sounds like you're doing something wrong!) helps A LOT

[576ito1080p]

The whole point of wild camping is to enjoy the land without being told what you can or can not do,as long as you are out of the way keep your fire small and under coontrol,clear everything before you leave,so when you look back on your location it looks as if you were never there,There is nothing better than sitting by a fire in a bivvy bag with a hot cuppa and the Stars above,to be woken by the Dawn chorus after a great nights sleep,do this for 3-5 days and you are recharged for all lifes poo

[Alloutdoor1]

@576ito1080p Here here!

[animaltendencies]

@576ito1080p Right on! You've just listed everything I love about wild camping... I'm a hammock and basha man myself but everything else sounds perfect. Life's poo needs flushing sometimes...

[Alloutdoor1]

@576ito1080p I agree, well said!

[unlikelyadventure]

Wild camping is legal in Scotland so long as you're not within an enclosure with somebody's dwelling in. Even then, be courteous to the land owner; be discreet and tidy up after.

[Alloutdoor1]

@unlikelyadventure good tip. thanks mate!

[bricardiff1969]

my take on wild camping is STEALTH leave no trace stick to high ground,

[MINDWISEMAN]

In a nutshell my maxims....OOS Out Of Site, OOM Out Of Mind, & LNT Leave No Trace, love it..stealth/wild the only way forward. Nice one.

[animaltendencies]

@MINDWISEMAN You should put those on a t shirt - I'd wear one in the woods!

[phrayzar]

I was wondering what you guys do about the land problem. Just got to get creative I suppose, and look at the landscape from another perspective.

[phrayzar]

I've often wondered how you guys get over the land problem over there. Just got to get creative I suppose and look at the landscape from a different perspective.

[SouthSaturnDelta1]

I cant stand campsites,and nothing beats an open fire.

[chemicalcraig69]

Bandit camping FTW. Just tuck yourself in a place they can't find you.

[rscosworthfan]

lol i think you get my drift though sweetipie lol

[sweetypie000]

dartmoor is not bad but it's terrible getting there on the B roads from london. Exmoor is not much different. Personally i preffer scotland as the scenary always feels a lot greener and wilder

am toying toying with the idea of adding an Alpacka Denali Lama to my kit but damn it's expensive and can it be justified... omg

[Alloutdoor1]

@sweetypie000 Dartmoor is a bit of mission from london! Scotland is more fun (and more beautiful imo) but its even further. You may be surprised but there are places to wild camp much closer to home. Thanks for all the comments mate!

[mentalmonkey26]

@Alloutdoor1 I use google maps to find places and you can see who and what is nearby. :)

[sweetypie000]

north and south of guildford there is a lot of wood, it's recommended - check google earth

I wild camp often and you can't beat it. Usually alone for 2-5 nights. Wales (brecons), aberystwyth etc all over inc snowdonia. Scotland a few times

Trouble is living in london all these places (except Surrey) are a long long way off to get too and costly in fuel and time travel (would be nice lol)

i would rather die than use a commercial campsite and never would use one - that's not camping ts lame !

[Fetish4Blades]

hey man great vid

im gonna try wild camping in the peak district which is 5 mins away from me but i got kind of a stupid question... where the hell do you leave your car!! lol thanks

[Alloutdoor1]

@Fetish4Blades I park up in car parks, quiet country lanes, in a lay-by and on some occasions on private property. i have yet to have my car broken into or towed away and have left it for up to a week at a time. Wouldnt suggest doing that in London though lol! Thanks for the comments!

[sweetypie000]

@Fetish4Blades if you are 5 mins away i'd get a cheap old pushbike you don't mind losing and cycle to the nearest place, stash the bike / camoflauge it then hike the rest of the way.

Trust me, if you are wild camping and your car is in a country park or somewhere unattended etc you do end up worrying if someones having a go at it !

A friend of mine parked in a particular place to go wild camping a few times and once he returned all 4 tyres were stabbed in the side walls

it can happen

[rscosworthfan]

yeah its pretty much the same if you use a campervan/motorhome you cant seem to wild camp anywhere in the uk its a total discrace

[sweetypie000]

@rscosworthfan motorhome camping is called mild camping lol

[Alloutdoor1]

Im sure that is one of the reasons wild campers are frowned upon, apart from leaving rubbish some irrisponsible campers have also been known to leave their excrement in plain view!!!! I actually heard a story of a farmer finding one of his stones (from a dry wall on his property) lying next to the wall. It turned out that someone had emptied their bowels next to the wall and had then proceeded to cover it with the said stone. What a b@$&ard! Leave no trace!

[neo36uk]

@Alloutdoor1 lol u gottta laff but it is bloody disgusting, just not on!!

[neo36uk]

i have always fancied doing a wild camp myself but i have always been scared of pitching on private property. there are a few places where i live that seem to be open to the public for walking but i am not sure if camping would be allowed!

as for people leaving the rubbish i thinks it totally disgusting as well, this is probably one of the reasons why land owners try to stop wild campers because of the minority of dirty messy careless people.

Thanks for the video :-)

[Alloutdoor1]

@neo36uk As for finding locations for wild camping, as i said in the video, head out of the city, look to the National Parks and agricultural areas. Many farmers will let you stay on their land if you were to just ask. Sometimes a small fee may be involved. Set up camp later in the day and pack up early, you will be able to go pretty much unnoticed if you do this. Look at your location on Google Earth and then zoom out until you find lots of green areas.

[Alloutdoor1]

@neo36uk Look at those areas and try to find a location that is as far away from roads/buildings/pathways. You will easily find a place to crash for the night. If you want to stay in one location for several nights, you will have to find somewhere more remote. Let me know where you are close to and i can do a little research to give you some pointers!

[neo36uk]

I love camping but only ever gone on short weekend trips to sites but not been for a couple of years.

I am very tempted to get the Vango Halo 3 it looks like a great tent from your review, for the price and seems very spacious. A few years ago I had the Coleman Cobra2 but I was not comfy in it, I am a big guy so I need plenty of room.

I live in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the closest in my area is a place called Hanchurch, I am just so tempted to give it ago but just needs top get more equipment 1st

[Alloutdoor1]

@neo36uk The Vango Halo is a good tent but for solo camping might be a bit big and heavy.Im a big guy so i like lots of space too. If you want a very decent budget tent (£35-45) try the Vango Alpha. Its a good tent, will take a bashing from rain and wind no problem! I have used it in sub zero (-10C) temperatures with no problems! Its not as spacious as the Halo nor does it have quite as good a spec but did I mention its £45<. Ill look into Newcastle under lyme and ill get back to you asap.

[neo36uk]

@Alloutdoor1 cheers mate. do you have the vango alpha 300 as well then? i was looking at this one but love the dark green and orange colour of the halo, the halo also looks like a very good quality tent.

[Alloutdoor1]

@neo36uk Yes I also own the Vango Alpha 200. The quality of the Halo is higher. Thats not to say that the Alpha isnt a tough little tent!

[neo36uk]

@Alloutdoor1 what do you think of Coleman tents? like i say i used to have the Cobra2 but it was to small 4 me but seemed a well made tent, also did not really like the low end of it though really.

[Alloutdoor1]

@neo36uk I think Coleman tents are pretty good. Will be buying the Kraz next week as im looking for something really light weight with a small packsize. Seem to have good specifications. Ill be doing a review on it in the next couple of months.

[neo36uk]

@Alloutdoor1 the Kraz looks very similar to the cobra, i nice looking tent but i just wished i had bought the 3 man version instead of the 2 man. will look out 4 yaa review of the Kraz. thanks for all yaa advice btw.