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 needed to go along with a information to verify we did not get into bother. That is what I discovered…
You aren’t allowed to go wild tenting within the Lake District except you could have particular permission from the landowner. Identical guidelines for wild tenting in the remainder of England (apart from Dartmoor in fact).
The Lake District Nationwide Park Authority says:
“As a nationwide park authority we should not have the authority to permit tenting on personal 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 do this. I am not a Lake District native (I reside all the way in which down in Portsmouth) however I do know from good sources that folks camp within the Lake District. In truth, in the event you search phrases on Instagram, you will discover fairly just a few folks on it.
This judgment is a deterrent measure to cease outdated Tom, Dick or Harry turning up along with his tent, fireplace and music and ruining the ambiance. Additionally, it is unlawful, so you will get in bother. However do it the correct means, with a information, and naturally, go away no traces, and you’ll get pleasure from an evening or two within the wilderness of Jezera.
I need to use every little thing I discovered from the guides once 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 rules should be adopted to make sure that the atmosphere is preserved and that native communities are revered.
In case you are wild tenting, it’s best to pack every little thing you would possibly want and convey all of it again. There is no such thing as a content material!
Planning your wild tenting journey
Earlier than you set off in your Lake District wild tenting journey, that you must 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 tools we wanted and our plan, and we needed to be taught from them and comply with them. It was nice to know that no less than one in all us knew what we had been doing.
For those who’re planning your journey, that you must take into consideration the route, terrain, proximity to water sources, your gear, comfy mountain climbing sneakers, any wildlife that may be close by, and applicable clothes.
Do not forget to pack:
- A stable tent
- Sleeping bag
- Self-inflating mattress
- Cooking utensils
- Food and drinks
- Map and compass
- Every part that you must cut back your environmental impression
You’ll want to take a look at all of your gear earlier than you go!
A lesson I ought to have discovered after I went wild tenting within the Outer Hebrides, however I at all times have to be reminded of it.
Our journey was deliberate a number of weeks upfront, by educated folks. Nonetheless, that you must examine the climate earlier than you go, particularly in the event you 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 discovered I used to be pregnant a few week earlier than we left (whereas on vacation in Cornwall). I had so much to consider on that journey. 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 good place
You must positively make a free plan earlier than you permit the home or no less than the automobile. It is good to know the way far you possibly can anticipate to go in a day, so you possibly can go away some vitality in reserve to get residence.
There are infinite 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 places, you will need to respect native communities and the rights of landowners. At all times comply with Go away No Hint rules and go away your campsite as you discovered it.
It is best to camp excessive up, in order that nobody can see you, and if it rains, you will not get up in a muddy swamp. The Nationwide Belief has glorious recommendation on wilderness tenting guidelines for the Lake District.
We went to this lovely place, close to a heart-shaped pool on prime of a mountain. It was the primary week of June, a fantastic day and we did not see a soul besides our group.
The lakes are wonderful!
A wild tenting expertise
After discovering your good spot and organising camp, immerse your self in the great thing about the character that surrounds you. I used to be fairly drained once we received there, contemplating the 8 hours of mountain climbing it was. And every little thing is spinning in my head with the brand new life I used to be at present carrying!
We pulled out the tenting stoves and cooked dinner. These tenting meals packs that turned out fairly gross. Others appeared to get pleasure from 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 can be simple to arrange within the wild. Whether or not you are cooking over a campfire or utilizing a conveyable range, take correct security precautions and cling to the precept of no-trace cooking. Keep in mind to eliminate waste correctly and clear up after your self to scale back your impression on the atmosphere. Personally, I believe a packed lunch from residence will turn out to be useful for one night time. This alien meals was in all probability slightly OTT, however it’s at all times good to strive new meals.
Do not carry a disposable grill – it is banned for a cause. 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 received darkish fairly rapidly so all of us received prepared for mattress – three of us ladies in a single tent for heat – and crawled into our sleeping luggage.
I slept nicely!
Bogs in a wild camp
Properly, there are not any luxurious services – that is for certain!
For those who want some, simply go behind the rock or wherever you are feeling comfy. Simply do not do it close to streams, different hikers and campers prefer to drink it.
If that you must poop, nicely, you could have two selections. Both decide it up in a compost bag and carry it with you want canine poo, or carry a crappy shovel and bury it deep within the mountain.
Fortunately, I did not need to go get the poop, and I stored it for the remainder of the journey. The perks of a one-night wild tenting journey, hey?!
Packing your wild camp
One of many important causes wild tenting within the Lake District is tolerated despite the fact that 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.
You’ll want to 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. Keep in mind, you should be as discreet as doable.
Wild tenting within the Lake District
Wild tenting within the Lake District presents 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 rules of accountable tenting, you possibly can 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 have been on. It was a lot enjoyable doing it with buddies and it is so good to know that we’ve the talents and information of Dougie at Mammut Mountain Faculty.
I’d like to do it once more sooner or later – perhaps subsequent time with my son!
Wild swimming within the Lake District
And what higher technique to have fun wild tenting within the Lake District than with a wild swim?
My pal Sabina made this nice video about our wild swimming spot within the Lake District. I am glad she disregarded the half the place we did it bare!
And in the event you want an opulent place within the Lake District with a sizzling tub for after, try my itemizing!