Some buddies and I joined up with a neighborhood 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 together with a information to verify we didn’t get into bother. That is what I learnt…
You’re not allowed to go wild tenting within the Lake District, until you will have particular permission from the landowner. Similar 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 shouldn’t have the ability 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 will not 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 reality, for those who seek for phrases on Instagram, you’ll discover fairly a number 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This ruling is a deterent to cease any outdated Tom, Dick or Harry turning up with their tent, hearth and music, and ruining the vibe.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 bother. However do it the suitable 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 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 laws should be adopted to make sure the preservation of the surroundings and respect for native communities.
In case you’re wild tenting, you have to pack all the pieces 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 to 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 gear we wanted, and our plan, and we needed to be taught from them, and comply with. It was nice to know that not less than certainly one of us knew what we have been doing.
In case you’re planning your journey, you have to take into consideration the route, the terrain, the proximity to water sources, your gear, cozy mountain climbing sneakers, any wildlife that might be round and acceptable clothes too.
Don’t neglect to pack:
- A sturdy tent
- A sleeping bag
- Self inflating mattress
- Cooking utensils
- Foods and drinks
- A map and compass
- Something you have to minimise the environmental impact
Be 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 at all times want reminding of.
Our journey had been deliberate an excellent few weeks upfront, by folks within the know. However nonetheless, you have to take a look at the climate earlier than you set out, particularly for those who’re planning on wild tenting for a number 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 few week earlier than we set off (whereas I used to be on vacation in Cornwall), I discovered I used to be pregnant. I had lots to consider on that hike. Wild tenting within the Lake District after I’d by no means carried out 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 is best to undoubtedly make a free plan earlier than you permit the home, or not less than your automotive. It’s good to understand how far you may count on to go in a day, so you may 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 common websites with beautiful views to secluded spots off the overwhelmed path. Whereas it’s tempting to hunt out probably the most picturesque places, it’s important to respect native communities and landowners’ rights. All the time comply with Depart 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 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 guts formed pool on prime of the mountain. It was the primary week of June, an attractive 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 fantastic thing about the character surrounding you. I used to be fairly pooped by the point we acquired there, given the 8 hours I believe it was, of mountain climbing. And all the pieces operating by way of my thoughts with the brand new life I used to be at present carrying!
We acquired 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 number of bites of the camp meals, and gave up. It was enjoyable cooking them although!
In terms 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, observe correct security precautions and cling to Depart No Hint cooking rules. Keep in mind to correctly eliminate waste and clear up after your self to minimise your environmental affect. Personally, I believe for one night time you’ll be fantastic with a packed lunch from house. This spaceman meals was in all probability a bit OTT, however at all times good to strive new meals.
Don’t convey 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 shortly so all of us acquired prepared for mattress – us three ladies in a single tent for heat – and snuggled down in our sleeping baggage.
I slept nicely!
Bogs on the wild camp
Nicely, there are not any luxurious amenities – that’s for positive!
In case you 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 prefer to drink that.
In case you want a poo, nicely, you will have two decisions. Both scoop it up in a compostable bag and carry it round with you want a doggy poo, or, convey 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 foremost 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 carried out it. You don’t have to take music, or go away any form of particles that may 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. Keep in mind, you have to be as discreet as potential.
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 may 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 greatest UK journey weekends I’ve been on. It was a lot enjoyable to do it with buddies, and so good to know we had the ability and information of Dougie at Mammut Mountain Faculty.
Would like to do it once more sooner or later – possibly 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 for those who want a luxurious place within the Lake District with a sizzling tub for after, try my record!
