Some buddies and I joined an area information on a wild tenting journey within the Lake District. We knew it wasn’t technically authorized (with out permission from the landowner), however that hikers nonetheless do it, so we wished to go along with a information to verify we did not get into hassle. That is what I realized…
You aren’t 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 (apart from Dartmoor after all).
The Lake District Nationwide Park Authority says:
“As a nationwide park authority we do not need the authority to permit tenting on non-public land and we don’t permit tenting on the small portion of land we personal. Tenting in parking heaps or on roadsides is just not permitted at any time.”
– ADMINISTRATION OF THE NATIONAL PARK
So it appears they do not need you to try this. I am not a Lake District native (I dwell all the best way down in Portsmouth) however, I do know from good sources, folks camp within the Lake District. In truth, if you happen to search phrases on Instagram, you may discover fairly just a few folks on it.
This judgment is a deterrent measure to cease previous Tom, Dick or Harry turning up together with his tent, hearth and music and ruining the ambiance. Additionally, it is unlawful, so you may get in hassle. However do it the proper means, and with a information, and naturally, go away no traces, and you’ll take pleasure in an evening or two within the wilderness of the Lake.
I need to use every little thing I realized from the guides after we went, that can assist you be a extra thoughtful Lake District wilderness camper.
Wild tenting within the Lake District
Wild tenting, merely put, is tenting in a spot that isn’t designated as an official campsite. Within the Lake District Nationwide Park, sure laws should be adopted to make sure that the setting is preserved and that native communities are revered.
In case you are wild tenting, you need to pack every little thing you would possibly want and convey all of it again. There isn’t any content material!
Planning your wild tenting journey
Earlier than you set off in your Lake District wild tenting journey, you might want to plan your expedition. We had been signed up for wild tenting with Dougie and Emma from Mammut Mountain Faculty. Thankfully for us, this meant that they knew all of the gear we would have liked and our plan, and we needed to be taught from them and comply with them. It was nice to know that at the very least considered one of us knew what we had been doing.
Should you’re planning your journey, you might want to take into consideration the route, terrain, proximity to water sources, your gear, snug climbing sneakers, any wildlife that is likely to be close by, and acceptable clothes.
Remember to pack:
- A stable tent
- Sleeping bag
- Self-inflating mattress
- Cooking utensils
- Foods and drinks
- Map and compass
- Every little thing you might want to cut back your environmental influence
Be sure you take a look at all of your gear earlier than you go!
A lesson I ought to have realized after I went wild tenting within the Outer Hebrides, however I all the time should be reminded of it.
Our journey was deliberate a number of weeks upfront, by educated folks. Nevertheless, you might want to verify the climate earlier than you go, particularly if you happen to plan to wild camp for a number of days. Sudden showers and chilly nights are widespread within the Lake District. We solely went for the night time, and for 2 full days.
That was sufficient.
Primarily as a result of I came upon I used to be pregnant a few week earlier than we left (whereas on vacation in Cornwall). I had rather a lot to consider on that hike. Wild tenting within the Lake District, though I would by no means completed it earlier than, wasn’t one thing I would envisioned at about six weeks pregnant, however hey ho, right here we go!
Discovering your excellent place
You need to positively make a free plan earlier than you permit the home or at the very least the automobile. It is 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 reserve to get dwelling.
There are countless wild tenting spots within the Lake District, from standard spots with nice views to secluded spots off the overwhelmed observe. Though it’s tempting to search for essentially the most picturesque areas, you will need to respect native communities and the rights of landowners. All the time comply with Go away No Hint ideas and go away your campsite as you discovered it.
It’s best to camp excessive up, in order that nobody can see you, and even when it rains, you will not get up in a muddy swamp. The Nationwide Belief has wonderful recommendation on wilderness tenting guidelines for the Lake District.
We went to this stunning place, close to a heart-shaped pool on prime of a mountain. It was the primary week of June, a phenomenal day, and we did not see a soul however our group.
The lakes are wonderful!
A wild tenting expertise
After discovering your excellent spot and organising camp, immerse your self in the great thing about the character that surrounds you. I used to be fairly drained after we obtained there, contemplating the 8 hours of climbing it was. And every little thing is spinning in my head with the brand new life I used to be presently carrying!
We pulled out the tenting stoves and cooked dinner. These tenting meals packs that turned out fairly gross. Others appeared to take pleasure in them. I used to be glad I purchased a Tesco wrap with me!
I confirmed willingness for just a few bites of camp meals and gave up. It was enjoyable cooking them although!
In the case of meals, pack gentle, nutritious meals choices which might be straightforward to organize within the wild. Whether or not you are cooking over a campfire or utilizing a transportable range, take correct security precautions and cling to the precept of no-trace cooking. Bear in mind to get rid of waste correctly and clear up after your self to cut back your influence on the setting. Personally, I believe a packed lunch from dwelling will come in useful for one night time. This alien meals was most likely a bit OTT, nevertheless it’s all the time good to attempt new meals.
Do not deliver a disposable grill – it is banned for a purpose. They’re truly making an attempt to cease their sale throughout the Lake District. You do not need to be the one who burns the hills of Jezera!
After dinner it obtained darkish fairly shortly so all of us obtained prepared for mattress – three of us girls in a single tent for heat – and crawled into our sleeping baggage.
I slept nicely!
Bathrooms in a wild camp
Nicely, there are not any luxurious services – that is for certain!
Should you want some, simply go behind the rock or wherever you are feeling snug. Simply do not do it close to streams, different hikers and campers prefer to drink it.
If you might want to poop, nicely, you have got two selections. Both decide it up in a compost bag and carry it with you want canine poo, or deliver a crappy shovel and bury it deep within the mountain.
Fortunately, I did not must go get the poop, and I saved it for the remainder of the journey. The perks of a one-night wild tenting journey, hey?!
Packing your wild camp
One of many primary causes wild tenting within the Lake District is tolerated though it is unlawful is that nobody ought to know you are doing it or that you just’re did that. You do not have to take the music or go away any particles to even present you had been there.
Be sure you go away your campsite as you discovered it.
One other wild tenting rule is to place up your tent late and take it down early. Bear in mind, you should be as discreet as potential.
Wild tenting 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 in unbelievable surroundings and serene wilderness. By following the rules outlined on this complete information and embracing the ideas of accountable tenting, you’ll be able to take pleasure in sleeping on this stunning space of the UK for years to come back.
This wild tenting journey within the Lake District is among the greatest UK journey weekends I have been on. It was a lot enjoyable doing it with buddies and it is so good to know that we have now the abilities and information of Dougie at Mammut Mountain Faculty.
I’d like to do it once more at some point – perhaps subsequent time with my son!
Wild swimming within the Lake District
And what higher approach to rejoice wild tenting within the Lake District than with a wild swim?
My good friend Sabina made this nice video about our wild swimming spot within the Lake District. I am glad she unnoticed the half the place we did it bare!
And if you happen to want an opulent place within the Lake District with a sizzling tub for after, try my itemizing!