Wild camping, a practice that forgoes traditional campsite amenities for direct immersion in nature, is gaining traction among enthusiasts. While legal in Scotland, it requires landowner permission in England and Wales, with exceptions like Dartmoor National Park where specific guidelines must be followed.
Ben Anthony, who began wild camping in 2021, has invested between £1,000 and £1,500 in gear for the hobby. He recounts an expedition in 2022 near Christmas, where temperatures dropped to -8C. Upon waking, he found the water in his insulated blender had frozen solid, and his own foot, which he had removed his boot from before sleeping, was also frozen. "It wasn't frostbite, it was just frozen, so I couldn't really bend my toes," he described. This condition made packing his gear difficult, requiring him to carry a 15-kilogram pack down the mountain with only one boot on. His foot thawed after about 45 minutes, but the experience did not deter him from future trips. In another instance, Anthony realized he had forgotten his tent poles after hiking for two hours to his chosen spot, forcing him to return home.
Anthony adheres to "Leave No Trace" principles, typically arriving late and leaving early, ensuring all his belongings are removed from the site.
Sam Weller, 27, took up wild camping in January of the current year after losing his job. Inspired by outdoor adventurer videos on YouTube, Weller, who had no prior camping experience, found his first trip on January 19 to be a "nightmare." He was "underprepared" and ended up "soaked through," realizing a significant gap between his expectations and the reality of the activity.
After returning home, Weller dedicated time to proper preparation and undertook local camping excursions. He credits wild camping with significantly improving his mental health, providing a sense of peace and grounding that contrasts with his previous "work mindset." Weller shared his experiences on social media and YouTube, connecting with a community of like-minded individuals.
Experts recommend a series of guidelines for wild camping, including careful site selection, adherence to "Leave No Trace" principles, pitching late and leaving early, and being considerate of the environment and other campers. They also advise respecting wildlife and livestock, checking regulations regarding campfires and cooking, pre-planning meals, being thoroughly prepared with necessary equipment, and informing someone of one's plans and intended location. Awareness of specific UK wild camping laws is also crucial.
