Tenting and caravanning is among the hottest staycations within the UK. In actual fact, over 9 million journeys had been made to standard websites throughout the 4 nations in 2019, with that determine hopefully getting again to regular as soon as restrictions are eased.
However while these journeys are made to official campsites and vacation parks, there’s one thing referred to as wild tenting that’s additionally a preferred pastime for completely happy campers. It offers individuals the possibility to take a seat underneath the steps in gorgeous rural areas.
In the present day we’re going to share a necessary information on what it’s, the authorized facets of tenting within the wild, and the necessities you want must you determine to find the good open air.
What’s wild tenting?
Basically, wild tenting is an idea the place you arrange camp outdoors of a campsite or caravan park and sleeping within the wilderness. Folks typically camp within the wild in the event that they’re finishing a multi-day hike and want someplace to remain that provides peace and tranquillity.
It may be daunting course of when you’ve by no means finished it earlier than, so preserve studying beneath for extra data on easy methods to wild camp within the UK.
The authorized facet
Relating to the legalities of untamed tenting, it’s essential to recollect the place you’re earlier than you determine to arrange pitch. In England, Northern Eire and Wales, wild tenting is technically unlawful when you don’t search permission from the landowner — though there may be the odd exception to the rule.
In Scotland, the image is barely completely different. As a part of Scotland’s entry laws, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, campers can use most unenclosed land to get their heads down for the evening.
Though, there’s a larger degree of freedom in Scotland, there’s nonetheless areas the place you want search the landowner’s permission or have a allow. Areas of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs Nationwide Park are topic to wild tenting byelaws, which means that you should use designated campsites because of overuse.
It’s additionally essential to observe these tips whether or not you wild camp, whether or not that’s in England, Northern Eire, Scotland or Wales:
- Use a range as an alternative of a fireplace
- For those who gentle a fireplace, preserve it small
- Go away the world as you discovered it
- Use public bogs the place attainable
- Ask residents if it’s okay to camp close to their property
- Don’t litter and tidy up after your self
Most looked for spots
Identical to the most well-liked caravan websites, wild tenting has its favorite hotspots amongst eager campers. Based mostly on Google Tendencies information in 2020, these areas within the UK are the most well-liked locations for wild tenting.
Dartmoor wild tenting – 2400
Dartmoor is an upland space situated within the South of Devon. Its moorland and surrounding land have been protected by Nationwide Park standing since 1951. Its standing as a Nationwide Park makes it one of the vital standard and gorgeous locations to go to within the UK.
Dartmoor is among the solely spots in England the place you’ll be able to wild camp freely. Simply ensure you test which space of the Nationwide Park you’re in earlier than you arrange camp, as some areas are nonetheless restricted.
Lake District wild tenting – 2400 searches
The Lake District is one other space of the UK that’s identified for gorgeous magnificence and rural attraction – and holds the title for being the UK’s greatest Nationwide Park.
It sits in joint first place for wild tenting searches with Dartmoor. You’ll need to hunt permission from the landowner first to go wild tenting, however we are able to see why so many individuals seek for the world.
Peak District wild tenting – 1600 searches
Very similar to the Lake District, the Peak District doesn’t permit wild tenting in areas of the Nationwide Park with out in search of permission from the landowner.
Its central location and exquisite surroundings make it such a preferred place to go to, so when you do have the inexperienced gentle from the landowner you then’re in for memorable deal with.
Brecon beacons wild tenting – 880 searches
Third on our record and the third Nationwide Park that doesn’t legally permit individuals to camp freely with out in search of permission first.
Positioned in South Wales, when you do have permission to camp you then’ll get to expertise the beautiful mountain ranges and miles of open inexperienced area to stroll in. It’s actually a breath-taking space of the UK and one that everybody ought to expertise at the least as soon as.
Snowdonia wild tenting – 880 searches
Snowdonia makes up our record for the most well-liked wild tenting searches. Very similar to its counterparts, excluding Dartmoor, you’ll be able to’t simply flip up and pitch your tent, but when you may get permission you’re once more in for an expertise that can final a lifetime.
It’s the most important Nationwide Park in Wales and presents guests gorgeous views, lengthy stretches of inexperienced area and the problem of reaching the summit of the most important mountain in Wales.
Don’t neglect the necessities
So that you’ve picked your spot, sought the landowners permission, and now you’re able to go wild tenting. However what do you’re taking with you? Effectively, you want someplace to sleep, so that you’ll want a tent, together with a sleeping bag and different sleeping tools.
Relating to a tent, it’s sensible to have one which’s straightforward to hold, particularly when you’ve discovered multiple spot to relaxation your head. Ensure you analysis the perfect backpacker tents that fit your wants.
For cooking, it’s essential to recollect your trusty transportable range. It is going to permit you to prepare dinner every kind of meals and also you received’t have to depend on a fireplace — that may very well be damaging for the encircling space.
Don’t neglect your provide of bottled fuel and consuming tools or you could be left with a hungry stomach. Chances are you’ll battle for sign in rural areas too, so take a map with you. If solely to embrace nature as an alternative of expertise.
That completes our important information to wild tenting within the UK. All the time bear in mind to remain protected and if you could, search permission earlier than you set off in your travels.