Been doing this for years after rowdy campsites drove me to it, My rules/ travel light.pitch away from houses/ try the ground you lie on with your mat first,pitch your tent on top of ,remove mat. NO FIRES NO LIGHTS NO MUSIC .leave no litter or traces,so you can return one day. Pitch late,leave early.one night only move on.I have applied this for at least 10 years no problem.
I've 'secretly ' solo camped around a huge swathe of England over twenty or so years, also, stealth vanning and I have never had an issue with anyone, not once. The perception or actual fear of 'being discovered' is down to an individual and their lack of perspective more often than not. At times, I've knocked on a farmers door and asked to camp and been offered a spare room......an evening meal and even breakfast, shower etc etc. I sometimes pitch in the dark too, it hones skills and ability to perform under all conditions. However, your're right about dog walkers....there's something about some of those f******* than makes my skin crawl and their little black plastic bags they leave indiscriminately hanging from trees....like some blair witch doggie dos.
Yeah hats off to Scotland Danny, you have some good stuff going on for people to just be a bit more free. It naffs me off here in England that there's probably a bit more red tape but I've yet to investigate to be honest, tgeres probably a lot we can discuss but just don't know it . Getting some tips at the moment...watch this space 😊
I think if you "Wild Camp" on one of the national parks or camp near the beach at night after people have gone home or camp in woodlands in AONBs although not totally legal, you're not bothering people really as long as you clear up for yourself and pack up early in the morning... but for me camping on someone's land without their permission seems a bit wrong to me but each to their own I guess,lol
Most land in the UK is owned by someone making it “private land” unless it’s Open Access land which can also be owned by someone. There’s very little escaping it. So even camping by the sea or in the national parks you’re camping on “private” land. But as you said, just set up at dusk and pack up at dawn, leave no trace and be considerate of others and you’ll be fine. 👍
My tip: Be sure to pack a range of animal disguises so you can find the right disguise for any situation without fear of confrontation. Grizzly bear or moose for wooded areas, crocodile or beaver costumes work better for waterways and swamps. I haven't tested any of this yet myself.
My strategies on bicycle: I turn three times from the main road until try to find a good spot. Google Maps Satellite is your friend. A quarry in an option - especially on the weekends. Use the turning spot of a lumberjack's track. But once I was woken up in the morning by a friendly truckdriver who almost overrun me. So keep in sight and do not hide behind a bush (as I did). Use a green or camouflage tent. Mine is either a Hilleberg Akto and a VauDe Taurus UL 2P. But I love sleeping under a tarp much more. A Trangia stove almost casts no light. Otherwise a dark insulation matress bent to a circle keeps the light down. Be aware that nothing is above you, e.g. trees. They then works like a lighthouse. Under all circumsdances avoid banging metals together - including your spoon in your pot. This sound can be heard on a far distance and be clearly distinguished as unnatural. My head torch has a moonshine option, which is perfect to see the most but not to be seen the most. And last but not least: Leave no trace beside of a flat spot in the grass. Btw.: Be communicative to dog persons. They love to have a chat and tell them quite forward what you are doing here. I never had problems whith them as long you pet their dogs. They are nature lovers, too and they are the locals. And they are just afraid an alien person messing up "their" environment.
A sawn-off wooden cooking spoon is a great idea for minimising noise, you can hollow out the spoon part a bit before you go. Old army trick. Also I take a small back bike lamp - it's red which doesn't carry as far.
I've changed my routine now when canoeing and wild camping. I'll stop earlier in the evening to cook dinner, boil some water etc. Then get back in and carry on further to find a spot to spend the night. That way I don't have to light a stove or any kind of fire at my overnight location.
@@ImperialMindMusic Not many spots really. Some on the outskirts of Felixstowe, Woodbridge too, always found there's not too much to offer in Ipswich besides Rushmere, some decent spots up there!
Farmers are approachable. A knock at the farmhouse door in a friendly manner asking if you can camp for the night on their land often gets an approval from the farmer. Three of us asked for permission to rest in the barn in stormy weather on a cycle trip, resulted in the farmer saying yes. Not all farmers are grumpy shotgun wielding landowners.
In anything but the coldest weather ... ok, below freezing ... I love to use a bivvy bag and, if windy or wet, a small tarp supported by a trekking pole. So much nicer to be out in the elements and not tucked away in a tent. Love to stare up at the stars on a clear night - can’t do that under cover. If you don’t use a tarp and it starts to rain, just roll over so the rain doesn’t come into the bag. I prefer the slim bags (basically sleeping bag covers) to the bigger army type. Lie with the bag on top of the mat. Using this, it is much easier to find a site to pitch, much lower profile, and takes less space and weight in your bag. Alpkit.com do a good range of wild camp kit from small bivvies through to tents, sleeping bags, tarps, cook set, etc. Best tarp set up that I find is to pin down three corners and use the trekking pole to lift the fourth corner. You only need rain protection from your upper body and head, so your feet can stick out of the tarp and you still stay dry. You can use a second pole to give additional headroom further back in the tarp. I love to sit with this shelter from the wind and the rain as the elements fly over your head ☺️
I am happy enough to wild camp way out in the Highlands or high up in the Lake District, but in more cultivated & populated countryside I think it is unreasonable to pitch your tent without asking permission, even if you try to be discrete about it As a solo backpacker & camper I have always found that if you ask politely you are rarely refused. Try at a farm, a pub, the local shop or post office Even if they can't help you at the first call they will usually send you down the road to their neighbour, with something like...."tell them 'Arry sent you". Quite rightly, what landowners, farmers, wardens etc get annoyed at is when they're doing their rounds early in the morning, and find that someone has just stuck a tent up on their land without a by- your- leave
Very good point of view and thanks very much for adding to the comments. And I agree, honesty is always the best policy and it would be best to ask permission. I do feel for trails such as the South Downs Way or the South West Coastal Path, it’s very open and many hikers are on the trail who wish to have the convenience of wild camping where they wish and will continue to do so, which is very much what I prefer and is definitely my go-to. So, I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts here and make sure those who follow my methods do so in a considerate and discreet way. Thanks so much for watching my videos and again for your point of view. If you have any more questions or things to add, please don’t hesitate to fire them over. Russ
@Free Camp people should still be respectful, but judging what I have heard about gypsy communities, who can be quite crafty and cheeky in their use of land, they tend to be fully aware of how these laws work and how they can exploit them, I think in some cases they basically blackmail the landowner into paying them to leave, because it's either that or wait at least a month for the authorities to get them off their land. Like you say, it's a long process, and though I can't stand sheer arrogance and lack of respect when people completely ignore what laws and codes of behaviour there are, people prone to panicking about it only need to ask themselves "If I am caught what is the worst that can happen, really?" I can imagine that if you are caught lighting a fire in England you'll get in a bit of trouble, but simply being there on someone's land isn't going to get you thrown in a jail cell.
@@AndyWardle Yes Andrew Lord Farquaad tried to throw me off his land even though we have aright to roam in Scotland. He said his forefathers fought for this land so i fought him for it. He's recovered and my case comes up soon.
It’s annoying we have to be so secretive, and there’s so many restrictions here in England. The fact is though, if I were a land owner, I wouldn’t want random people trampling all over my property. It’s the dog walkers and “excuse me” people that I can’t stand, telling tales to teacher and reporting people, just because they don’t like the look of a tent.
Excellent video - thanks! I can recommend the Alpkit Gamma Head Torch - light weight, very good price, a decent head lamp for all general purposes - but best of all 3 LED small lights each independently switched, including Red and Green - so that makes for perfect Stealth Camping lighting!
Nice video. I've never actually 'wild camped' anywhere before, though I've used official sites and paid no more than a tenner. However, the last one was right near the M4 and I got a lousy nights sleep. My motivation will be different to most here, I love to watch football matches and also like pubs. With public transport limited for evening games and driving straight away not an option, my only choice is to stop over and a room is way too expensive. My plan was to scope out options on Google Maps, park nearby, leaving the stuff in my boot. Then pitch up after dark and leave first thing in the morning.
Your methodology also had use in the Stone Age. I use the surrounding sea and inland watershed for most of my travel. In a hull that's bigger than any pack my reader would carry as far. Yet easily portaged by detachable wheels. For hand pull to an outside table for drinks & food orders. Also offload my zip-lock bags of camping waste. Night repose is commonly over waterways. Away from vermin with 2 or more legs. Suspended under & between bridge support members or trees. Cordless 12v drill can install metal anchors into any vertical concrete of channeled waterways. Tunnels keep me out of bad weather & atop a net. Fitted to metal hooks that thread into the fitted wall anchors. Ditto. harbor wharf and other works built over tidal water. My human body waste is buried. I leave any fitted anchors on departure but remove hooks for my next wild camp site. I've suspended my touring kayak over soil or water to safeguard my property. Using 11mm UK-made static rope. With SRT & DdRT prusil/rappel hardware & harness to assist vertical transit. Hello ? See tree equipment retailers for further information. Cave exploring organizations freely gave me hands-on instruction in technical climbing applications. I prefer tidal zones. Floating inland with the flood. Departing on the ebb. Easy paddle use equals a shore trot speed . The UK is fortunate to be surrounded with sufficient wet to discourage the inept from going far. The reverse is true for land travel in my opinion. Here's a tropical farewell from Oceania: PAU, A HUI HOU.
Haha did exactly the same as that walking past a good campsite on the GR221 in Mallorca! We were shattered and thought we could camp on the far side of the town but it was so built up we ended up having to back track a full hour and camp in one of the sketchiest places I've ever tried to shoehorn a tarp into! Same as you on strategy though, keep light to a minimum, pitch up late/leave early and never underestimate just how far you can push it to have a campsite people would pay 000's for! People notice and care about wild campers much less than gut instinct usually tells you!
Ahh thanks so much mate. With popular topics like this I try to make sense of it as best I can, especially for those just starting out! Seriously, so many good campsites on the SDW, but would never share the exact location/coordinates as you’ll have everyone else out there looking for it! Cheers again dude. Let’s meet up soon. Give me a FB message some time, would love to hike mate.
Thanks for this video you've pushed me to try and wild camp. I live in Norfolk (UK) so there's hardly any place to do so but I will try and find some field or forest and camp. I really want to do this in somewhere like Dartmoor but it's so far away...
Had much experience of camping without a tent and just using a bivvy bag and/or tarp during the warm seasons? I am putting serious thought into planning a wild camping trip to Scotland this summer, as having freedom to roam makes it a lot easier, but these are all good common sense approaches anyway, even if it's legal people should still try to be considerate, follow the local outdoor code and I would argue try to use tents that aren't particularly garish or intrusive. Green and camo seem best to me. I will have to keep this and the comments below in mind for when I want to camp in the South Downs as they are very local to me.
Good Tips man😎, Personally i like to use camp fire but away from paths and people. Camp fire makes wild camping special. As long as u make the fire safe and make sure its fully gone before you leave.
Thanks very much fella, glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah totally fine in that respect. I do prefer to just make fires in a camp which is permitted or one with a pre-existing fire pit. I’d get too paranoid I would get asked to move on. Hay-ho!
Same, camping without a fire just isn't the same in my opinion. Don't be so anxious buddy! You'll be fine! I've never had any problems and I've camped on land where you could potentially spot the smoke from roads, do it! Be free man.
It's nice to acquire the eye to tuck in somewhere Russel - you know see a spot emerge out of seemingly nothing. I agree with keeping the sights secret. People sometimes just don't have the same standards - it's not worth the risk. Good points bro. Mark
Cheers, Mark. Yeah as long as people wild camp safely and respectfully, without sharing their spots it’s all good in the camping hood. What are your thoughts on Wild Camping safety? 👍 as always, thanks for watching my vids.
@@thetrailhunter4469 Yeah despite the temptation to show others Russel some just have to remain a secret. As for camp safety. Well, I've never been at elevation as such so no concerns there - I mean I'm not Jimmy Chin at 24,000 feet. Maybe there is ethics, which can be construed as a route to survival. Like you I don't like to leave anything behind. In a survival situation I would seek to move as lightly as possible. My father was in the SAS for many years and ran selection with Lofty Wiseman and I know what they would say. 'Take it all with you.' Fires - I don't build them on a hike - to much bother and to much energy and right there it makes sense not to spend your time building fires after a long day hiking - just rest is the key and conserving energy unless you need a fire having become frozen in Alaska that is. Well, I hope that's a good answer. Until next time have a good end to the week....
I stop in summer earlier, have dinner and then walk on to find a place to camp, have only a hot drink at the campsite. In the morning have a coffee and a cereal bar as I pack up, walk for a bit and then stop for breakfast if needed. A map is good to find possible camping sites, tend to use Google maps satellite view more now... look for woods and dense undergrowth along the route. Is also good to know where there are houses and roads so the direction of your view is away from them, and hence they cannot view you. Most importantly leave no trace of you ever being on the trail, just take memories and leave footprints.
Great tips! Highly recommended - Alpkit Gamma Head Torch - lightweight designed for runners - perfect for walkers - excellent for stealth camping - ×3 LED lights Red, White and Green, as well as the Main Beam. Also suggest use about 6 inches (15 cm) light weight coloured cord tied in a loop through the top of your tent pegs - preferably with reflecting strands built in - otherwise it's too easy to lose pegs in the leaf litter of woodland floor - I bought low cost aluminium 'Y' stakes Red colour on Amazon - light wt and super strong. Lastly - think about a Tarp and Bivvy instead of a tent, in the woods a ridge line strung between two trees provides good shelter stability, plenty of tarp layout options, a kit line to hang your stuff and most importantly - plenty of space to connect with the great outdoors! If you feel the need - use a separate lightweight ground sheet to have a clean place to sit and sleep - DD Hammocks sell the 3x3 m superlight tarp and also sell the ground sheet, Snug pack sell a good quality light weight bivvy - and the special forces three season centre zip synthetic sleeping bag (if wet down sleeping bags are not your thing...) - Papa Hiker RUclips videos shows endless Tarp set up cofigerations - think origami... Happy camping!
A good tip is to actually lie on the ground where you plan to sleep to ensure it is a comfy spot before setting up your shelter, tent or bivy bag. The comfy alternative is to make and use a hammock - 4 meters of lightweight nylon and a 2 meter length of rope tied on each end. Takes ten minutes to make and costs less than £20 for the material and rope.
The last time I went wild camping I awoke in the morning on my tent rather than in it I am following your tips and hoping I am more successful the next time
My Dad keeps saying Bobby life is only rock n roll He married my mum and she looks like Barbie Doll I will follow your tips even though I'm on the dole I'm pleased I made you smile now you will inspire others to walk and wander the next mile 🥰
Great video and topic to discuss! You made some very good points and hopefully peoole will take on board your sound advice!! Campfire question.....I am always mindful about my impact on ground and environment where I wildcamp and like you said leave no trace and its all good! Cheers mate 👍
What annoys me in England/Wales is that granted all land is owned by someone but does no body ask what about the enormous amount of land that the forestry commission own?? and what they are actually doing with it?.. Why don't they set up area's around the country just as you have in Dartmoor with detailed areas listed online and charge a yearly subscription fee of say 50 pounds to use these area's to wild camp?. Even have a barcode system where you need to scan into the area if you are wild camping and if you are found to not have this permit then they can use the full force of the law (granted very minimal). This would mean that the area is used by people that hopefully camp correctly whilst not leaving crap around and it is perfectly legal. It would produce local jobs for Rangers etc and small camping and supplies businesses would be set up. I cannot think of anyone that is pro wild camping and wanting open access that would be against such a scheme. It is fairly obvious that there is massive interest in wild camping, as there is also a mental health epidemic would it not be advantageous to get people out doing these activities?. Look at Scotland with it's full open access and that has not burnt down and Mountains have not disappeared because someone had a adventure there... Honestly in the England we restrict anything that is any fun...
What's sad is that the majority of land is owned by so few people. Go back a few hundred thousand years and the land belonged to everyone, where they were free to stay and nobody telling them they couldn't light a fire etc. So at some point the land must have been stolen from the people, probably by leaders and chiefs. Whichever way you look at it, the land the royal family own today is effectively stolen from the people. I accept that farmers need to own land, but it shouldn't be treated like their own garden. The public should still have access rights so that they can walk along the edge of fields to get from A to B. Rant over :)
Been homeless for a few years .. I do what is known as stealth camping in the U.S .. But I guess wild camping in stealth camping are the same thing by different name's..
There's stealth and there is thermal imaging hand-held detection. I carry same to located vented cave or mine air. It speeds a dug entry for exploration purposes. War zone video shows how easy body heat is discovered in kill boxes sanitized by aircraft or rifles. State & Federal land management are directed by aircraft or drone use to nightly interdiction of illicit grows, smuggling, etc.
For me it’s more that the experience is much more vibrant. I only have myself to rely on and the solitude helps me recharge. The trail brings out our best and worst but it’s all part of the experience and when hiking with others it’s great when you help each other by keeping the spirits high! Thanks for watching!
Civil trespass isn't a police matter, so even if the police came along you can remind them of that and tell them to trot on. As you are breaking zero laws arresting you would be illegal. Worth reminding people almost nobody cares that you are camping, I've had many conversations with dog walkers and even people who have simply got lost walking through the middle of nowhere
People forget tresspass isnt illegal only aggrevated tresspass so if that farmer asks you to move on you just say okay ill be on my way but if you said no that would be illegal and whats all this about no fires just make a small fire and perhaps think of making it inside a hole or something if ur really camping youve got some cooking to do in the morning and night
Had a farmer give us 2 barrels of birdshot one late afternoon, near Pickmere in Cheshire. He was 1/4 mile away sitting in a gate, we scurried over a hill, across a waist deep river Bollin and circled around him through some woods. We had missed the last bus home to Manchester, we made it across his land in about 90 minutes and walked a few miles to Altrincham where we got an all nighter bus. Don't walk across open fields.
Yeah, that's attempted murder or assault with deadly force. UK laws don't permit people to "defend" their land with lethal force unless their lives are in danger. You camping is not a danger to the farmer. He could get thrown in prison for that. Also trespassing isn't a criminal offence in the UK, just a civil one. So yeah, you could sue him and get them arrested for that
Private property is such a pain but I fully understand it. As a farmer’s daughter I love out private land because I can camp anywhere on it, me and my dad would be fine with anyone camping on our land as long as they don’t do any damage. Unfortunately we do have to be careful about who’s on our land, lots of people have set fires to the hedges, cut our fences and let the cows out. It’s such a shame...
Hey. Ahh thanks so much for your comment and for letting folks use your land to wild camp. This video was mainly for hikers along trails like the South Downs Way, Wiltshire Ridge Way and Thames Path where wild camping is only really possible in the fields along the trail. It’s difficult because myself and so many others would be really considerate. This video was aimed at educating newbies should they wish to camp in such locations. I always stick to my stove, camp discreetly and leave no trace. Thanks again and happy trails!
If dog walkers or other locals happen to come by or across your camp while setting up or first thing in the morning, be the first to give a cheery good evening or good morning and smile. Head down and avoiding eye contact comes across as suspicious and something to hide. Speak about something positive such as the stunning views and beautiful weather. You will come across as friendly and be more accepted. Some will even stop and chat. Have a reason for being there such as having had a long day, got blisters and didn’t get as far as you thought if they ask about camping. Leave no trace, and remove any litter that you find near your camp if you find any nearby.
I am currently hiking the te araroa trail in new Zealand. After paying way too much for noisy smelly overcrowded campgrounds I will now wild camp. Great video thank you
Thanks very much and so glad you liked the video. Nothing wrong with campgrounds if that’s your cup of tea, but yes, wild camping is a much more enjoyable and free-spirited way to spend time in the outdoors.
I walked the South Downs Way in 2018. It isn't worth descending from the ridge to campsites below - for what? a shower? Make sure you have enough food/water/alcohol and you can save yourself time and money and also have the wonderful experience of wild camping up on a ridge with wonderful views.
South West Coast Path has some insanely beautiful spots overlooking the seaside towns. Perfect sunrises and light cast along the palisades. Brecon Beacons can be nice, but very windy even in the woods. Wish I could tell you where they are, but I never share the coordinates or how to get to them on a map. 👍 thanks so much for watching ⛺️⛰
I'm thinking of spending a year just wild camping solo around the UK asking farmers to let me stay on their land a day or at last resort hoping someone will et me pitch in a garden or a woods. Would this cost much money to do and is it viable in general. I live in Hertfordshire and I'd probably aim to find the coast or just go in a general north direction
Can you do or do you have a video on tools for cooking? I worry i will get arrested, i take just a standard bushknife and know they are illegal to have in public but so hard to fish and cook without one so no idea what the laws are when camping in uk
Nice vid, all common sense tbh, tho I cant really see the police being arsed,the owner can ask you to leave,no violence or threats, as long as you do thats the worst it can get really.
Hey man, thank you so much for this upload. I am fairly new to creating yt videos and I’m planning to go wild camping in the next few weeks! All your advice in this video will be really helpful as it’s my first time doing a wild camp. Thank you so much! 👍
Thanks very much for your kind words and glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful. I’ll wish you all the best of luck on your adventures and look forward to seeing your videos. All the best. Russ
I live in the peak district but have never wild camped solo. Main reason is I'm sh*t scared of ghosts and other stuff that probably doesn't exist 😀 Maybe some mad axeman might be roaming about looking for wild campers to bump off. I'd be hearing allsorts and never get a wink of sleep.
How do you cope with noises in the night? I’ve never camped alone and that’s the only thing that bothers me. Especially camping in the states cos of wild animals. When I hear a twig crack near the tent my imagination goes into overdrive. I can’t even imagine what that’s like alone?
England, a country where you have to be worried about getting told on for camping outside with a fire and the police spoiling the fun, but where you also can camp on private land without being worried about getting legally shot dead, swings and round abouts.
I'm moving from probably one of the freest countries in the world to the UK soon for a while, and now I'm terrified of feeling jailed in. I was googling outdoors things to do and where the best places are for wild camping only to find out that it's not really legal. It's crazy that trying to spend time in nature can get you in trouble. Anyways, I guess I'll be doing a lot of this 😅
How do you stealth camp in winter when trees have no leaves? I am curious, because I want to camp in Autumn and Winter. Any tips would be gratefully received.
Camp in higher ground to that of buildings. Try places far away from any people. But most of all, just give it a go and see what happens. Don’t light a fire unless you have to. Likely that no one will care anyway.
@@thetrailhunter4469 Thank you so much! At the risk of being an annoying newbie, what do you think about occasionally hiding out in abandoned buildings? There is a huge abandoned grain store very close to where I live, and I'm thinking it has to beat setting up my tent in the pouring rain.
I’m thinking about starting to hike more inc South Downs- I’ve climbed snowdon at least ten times now and absolutely love it, unfortunately my Adidas flux have seen better days and I should really invest in some proper shoes for doing South Downs - any recommendations for a beginners shoe??
Hi, Nicholas. Happy to hear you’re out on the trail a lot! So depends on how often you’re going to be hiking and what types of trails you’ll be on. A nice cheap shoe I’ve warn are the Merrel Moab, but I wish I just went straight for the pricier Altra Lone Peak 4.0. My favourite shoes yet. But that’s just me. 👍
Actually red light is easier to see then a white or yellow light the reason red light is used is to maintain the individuals ability to see better in the dark just thought I would mention it good video otherwise
Good question! Camping would probably be where you pay for a designated campsite with facilities and lots of other campers in the same site. Wild camping is where you choose a spot out in the wilderness with no facilities. Hope that answers that. Thanks for watching. 👍
Thanks for the question and for watching! I’m afraid I’ve never used a hammock for wild camping, so can’t really comment much but yes, it would be more restrictive and a bivy bag would be a must for the wet weather.
Hey, thanks for the question! I would say it’s probably the better place to camp, so long as you’re not too close to a water source to minimise bugs and condensation. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for your video! I'm going to hike the Wales Coast Path this month and a little concerned about getting caught. Let's hope not, haha. If anyone has any tips and special considerations for Wales, much appreciated! :)
No problem! Thanks for watching! It’s such a grey area and yes it would be best if we all asked land owners for permission, however so long as you’re considerate, don’t make a mess and you’re not camped on someone’s lawn then no worries! User yer loaf and you’ll be fine. Happy hiking! 👍
camped on Snowdon area many times over the years yet to see a problem, I have pitched on football fields, village hall fields and even on York Race course! Only once someone had a go it was some posh snooty locals in a back water village in Norfolk the type of person parodied on little Britain actually saying something to me and my mate, we still stopped there even after a threat of the Police, needless to say they never turned up!. Its a case of who dares wins with wild camping
Good question and thanks for watching. I use a MSR pocket rocket, but unless it’s a campsite or I have permission to camp on private property I won’t light fires on my wild camps. Of course as the saying goes, hike your own hike. 👍🏔🏕⛰
Good advice for people who live in the South and cant get to National Parks - like the leave no trace - do you bag out your poop? ------ fair top tips for keen desperate folk who wanna do solo trips and cant get to wild places. Wild camped since 1995 cant remember ever camping on famers land but I lived in Fort William then Cumbria so spoilt for mountains I suppose.
I like the style of these videos. Most outdoors videos from UK campers are boring af. As for the trolls in these comments, what a bunch of melts! Keep doing your thing bro and have a sub
Naa, that tent you recommend is a copy of the Gelert Solo or Grand Canyon Richmond 1. That tent is crap for camping, no short and too low. Like a coffin. I dumped it after my first trip.
Dartmoor National Park has legal wild camping spots. Scotland also is pretty much all open access land where you’re free to roam and camp in the hills. 👍
Been doing this for years after rowdy campsites drove me to it, My rules/ travel light.pitch away from houses/ try the ground you lie on with your mat first,pitch your tent on top of ,remove mat. NO FIRES NO LIGHTS NO MUSIC .leave no litter or traces,so you can return one day. Pitch late,leave early.one night only move on.I have applied this for at least 10 years no problem.
Perfectly said Alan. Nice one. Couldn’t agree more.
I hate campsites they charge you a fortune some of them are as much as £18 pound a night
No fires or music? Shut up
I've 'secretly ' solo camped around a huge swathe of England over twenty or so years, also, stealth vanning and I have never had an issue with anyone, not once. The perception or actual fear of 'being discovered' is down to an individual and their lack of perspective more often than not. At times, I've knocked on a farmers door and asked to camp and been offered a spare room......an evening meal and even breakfast, shower etc etc.
I sometimes pitch in the dark too, it hones skills and ability to perform under all conditions. However, your're right about dog walkers....there's something about some of those f******* than makes my skin crawl and their little black plastic bags they leave indiscriminately hanging from trees....like some blair witch doggie dos.
Or to simplify all of that, just come to Scotland. Not only are we allowed to wild camp, we have a legal right to do so enshrined in statute.
Scotland is like my second home haha. Cheers!
Yeah hats off to Scotland Danny, you have some good stuff going on for people to just be a bit more free. It naffs me off here in England that there's probably a bit more red tape but I've yet to investigate to be honest, tgeres probably a lot we can discuss but just don't know it . Getting some tips at the moment...watch this space 😊
Sorry about the predictive text
I think if you "Wild Camp" on one of the national parks or camp near the beach at night after people have gone home or camp in woodlands in AONBs although not totally legal, you're not bothering people really as long as you clear up for yourself and pack up early in the morning... but for me camping on someone's land without their permission seems a bit wrong to me but each to their own I guess,lol
Most land in the UK is owned by someone making it “private land” unless it’s Open Access land which can also be owned by someone. There’s very little escaping it. So even camping by the sea or in the national parks you’re camping on “private” land. But as you said, just set up at dusk and pack up at dawn, leave no trace and be considerate of others and you’ll be fine. 👍
My tip: Be sure to pack a range of animal disguises so you can find the right disguise for any situation without fear of confrontation. Grizzly bear or moose for wooded areas, crocodile or beaver costumes work better for waterways and swamps. I haven't tested any of this yet myself.
My strategies on bicycle:
I turn three times from the main road until try to find a good spot.
Google Maps Satellite is your friend.
A quarry in an option - especially on the weekends.
Use the turning spot of a lumberjack's track. But once I was woken up in the morning by a friendly truckdriver who almost overrun me. So keep in sight and do not hide behind a bush (as I did).
Use a green or camouflage tent. Mine is either a Hilleberg Akto and a VauDe Taurus UL 2P. But I love sleeping under a tarp much more.
A Trangia stove almost casts no light. Otherwise a dark insulation matress bent to a circle keeps the light down. Be aware that nothing is above you, e.g. trees. They then works like a lighthouse.
Under all circumsdances avoid banging metals together - including your spoon in your pot. This sound can be heard on a far distance and be clearly distinguished as unnatural.
My head torch has a moonshine option, which is perfect to see the most but not to be seen the most.
And last but not least: Leave no trace beside of a flat spot in the grass.
Btw.: Be communicative to dog persons. They love to have a chat and tell them quite forward what you are doing here. I never had problems whith them as long you pet their dogs. They are nature lovers, too and they are the locals. And they are just afraid an alien person messing up "their" environment.
A sawn-off wooden cooking spoon is a great idea for minimising noise, you can hollow out the spoon part a bit before you go. Old army trick. Also I take a small back bike lamp - it's red which doesn't carry as far.
I've changed my routine now when canoeing and wild camping. I'll stop earlier in the evening to cook dinner, boil some water etc. Then get back in and carry on further to find a spot to spend the night. That way I don't have to light a stove or any kind of fire at my overnight location.
Take nothing but photos,
Leave nothing but footprints.
Second that.
pillage their crops, burn what you can't carry.
and no more kitkats.
I live in Norwich. All the trails that crisscross Norfolk I’ve done. I’ve wild camped all of them. No problem at any time.
Maryanne Bishop-Brown I’m from Norwich also. Always wondered what good spots there are to wild camp in Norfolk.
Along the peddars way is the obvious one, or north Norfolk coast path, check out Simon a bloke in the woods’ channel, he has wild camp videos for both
I live in Ipswich, I've never tried Norwich - anywhere you can suggest Maryanne?
Juice where’s good to go in Ipswich? It’s
@@ImperialMindMusic Not many spots really. Some on the outskirts of Felixstowe, Woodbridge too, always found there's not too much to offer in Ipswich besides Rushmere, some decent spots up there!
Farmers are approachable. A knock at the farmhouse door in a friendly manner asking if you can camp for the night on their land often gets an approval from the farmer. Three of us asked for permission to rest in the barn in stormy weather on a cycle trip, resulted in the farmer saying yes. Not all farmers are grumpy shotgun wielding landowners.
My experience in Scotland is more the grumpy shotgun wielding type which is a shame
Wait your allowed shotguns in the uk?
@@nibbigger5103 farmers are
@@jllo3624 Not just farmers tbf, or their mums...
Awesome. I hope more people find this channel as time goes on because your tips and footage are top notch. Keep it up!
In anything but the coldest weather ... ok, below freezing ... I love to use a bivvy bag and, if windy or wet, a small tarp supported by a trekking pole. So much nicer to be out in the elements and not tucked away in a tent. Love to stare up at the stars on a clear night - can’t do that under cover.
If you don’t use a tarp and it starts to rain, just roll over so the rain doesn’t come into the bag.
I prefer the slim bags (basically sleeping bag covers) to the bigger army type. Lie with the bag on top of the mat. Using this, it is much easier to find a site to pitch, much lower profile, and takes less space and weight in your bag.
Alpkit.com do a good range of wild camp kit from small bivvies through to tents, sleeping bags, tarps, cook set, etc.
Best tarp set up that I find is to pin down three corners and use the trekking pole to lift the fourth corner. You only need rain protection from your upper body and head, so your feet can stick out of the tarp and you still stay dry. You can use a second pole to give additional headroom further back in the tarp. I love to sit with this shelter from the wind and the rain as the elements fly over your head ☺️
I am happy enough to wild camp way out in the Highlands or high up in the Lake District, but in more cultivated & populated countryside I think it is unreasonable to pitch your tent without asking permission, even if you try to be discrete about it
As a solo backpacker & camper I have always found that if you ask politely you are rarely refused. Try at a farm, a pub, the local shop or post office
Even if they can't help you at the first call they will usually send you down the road to their neighbour, with something like...."tell them 'Arry sent you".
Quite rightly, what landowners, farmers, wardens etc get annoyed at is when they're doing their rounds early in the morning, and find that someone has just stuck a tent up on their land without a by- your- leave
Very good point of view and thanks very much for adding to the comments. And I agree, honesty is always the best policy and it would be best to ask permission. I do feel for trails such as the South Downs Way or the South West Coastal Path, it’s very open and many hikers are on the trail who wish to have the convenience of wild camping where they wish and will continue to do so, which is very much what I prefer and is definitely my go-to. So, I thought it would be a good idea to share my thoughts here and make sure those who follow my methods do so in a considerate and discreet way.
Thanks so much for watching my videos and again for your point of view. If you have any more questions or things to add, please don’t hesitate to fire them over.
Russ
@Free Camp people should still be respectful, but judging what I have heard about gypsy communities, who can be quite crafty and cheeky in their use of land, they tend to be fully aware of how these laws work and how they can exploit them, I think in some cases they basically blackmail the landowner into paying them to leave, because it's either that or wait at least a month for the authorities to get them off their land. Like you say, it's a long process, and though I can't stand sheer arrogance and lack of respect when people completely ignore what laws and codes of behaviour there are, people prone to panicking about it only need to ask themselves "If I am caught what is the worst that can happen, really?" I can imagine that if you are caught lighting a fire in England you'll get in a bit of trouble, but simply being there on someone's land isn't going to get you thrown in a jail cell.
Camp anywhere you want. It’s not called Wildcamping for nowt. Just don’t make a mess.
@@AndyWardle Yes Andrew Lord Farquaad tried to throw me off his land even though we have aright to roam in Scotland. He said his forefathers fought for this land so i fought him for it. He's recovered and my case comes up soon.
Fair point but what if the farmers a weirdo and decides to play the sound of screaming babies through a stereo in the night?
I'm in Scotland so can camp prity much anywhere great video
Yes but the downside is, there's a risk of meeting a Scottish person.
@@exiletsj2570 Really?
Was walking in the Arrochar Alps and met a wild camper, question is if you camp at tree level how do you deal with the midges?
Dave Henderson Don’t tell them Ian!!
There's a large part of Balmoral you can't camp in.... For the time being. 😁
It’s annoying we have to be so secretive, and there’s so many restrictions here in England. The fact is though, if I were a land owner, I wouldn’t want random people trampling all over my property. It’s the dog walkers and “excuse me” people that I can’t stand, telling tales to teacher and reporting people, just because they don’t like the look of a tent.
Exile 1 Thanks, it is annoying but it’s even worse when those excuse me people do that to me the land owners son 😂
Excellent video - thanks! I can recommend the Alpkit Gamma Head Torch - light weight, very good price, a decent head lamp for all general purposes - but best of all 3 LED small lights each independently switched, including Red and Green - so that makes for perfect Stealth Camping lighting!
Nice video. I've never actually 'wild camped' anywhere before, though I've used official sites and paid no more than a tenner.
However, the last one was right near the M4 and I got a lousy nights sleep.
My motivation will be different to most here, I love to watch football matches and also like pubs. With public transport limited for evening games and driving straight away not an option, my only choice is to stop over and a room is way too expensive.
My plan was to scope out options on Google Maps, park nearby, leaving the stuff in my boot. Then pitch up after dark and leave first thing in the morning.
You're my man hahaha! :D Thanks for the tips! It's just the way I like to camp! :D
Ahh haha thanks very much and cheers for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed the tips and thanks for watching!
Your methodology also had use in the Stone Age.
I use the surrounding sea and inland watershed
for most of my travel. In a hull that's bigger than
any pack my reader would carry as far. Yet easily
portaged by detachable wheels. For hand pull to
an outside table for drinks & food orders. Also
offload my zip-lock bags of camping waste. Night
repose is commonly over waterways. Away from
vermin with 2 or more legs. Suspended under &
between bridge support members or trees. Cordless
12v drill can install metal anchors into any vertical
concrete of channeled waterways. Tunnels keep
me out of bad weather & atop a net. Fitted to metal
hooks that thread into the fitted wall anchors. Ditto.
harbor wharf and other works built over tidal water.
My human body waste is buried. I leave any fitted
anchors on departure but remove hooks for my next
wild camp site. I've suspended my touring kayak over
soil or water to safeguard my property. Using 11mm
UK-made static rope. With SRT & DdRT prusil/rappel
hardware & harness to assist vertical transit. Hello ?
See tree equipment retailers for further information.
Cave exploring organizations freely gave me hands-on
instruction in technical climbing applications. I prefer
tidal zones. Floating inland with the flood. Departing
on the ebb. Easy paddle use equals a shore trot speed .
The UK is fortunate to be surrounded with sufficient
wet to discourage the inept from going far. The reverse
is true for land travel in my opinion. Here's a tropical
farewell from Oceania: PAU, A HUI HOU.
Haha did exactly the same as that walking past a good campsite on the GR221 in Mallorca! We were shattered and thought we could camp on the far side of the town but it was so built up we ended up having to back track a full hour and camp in one of the sketchiest places I've ever tried to shoehorn a tarp into! Same as you on strategy though, keep light to a minimum, pitch up late/leave early and never underestimate just how far you can push it to have a campsite people would pay 000's for! People notice and care about wild campers much less than gut instinct usually tells you!
Ahh thanks so much mate. With popular topics like this I try to make sense of it as best I can, especially for those just starting out! Seriously, so many good campsites on the SDW, but would never share the exact location/coordinates as you’ll have everyone else out there looking for it! Cheers again dude. Let’s meet up soon. Give me a FB message some time, would love to hike mate.
Thanks for this video you've pushed me to try and wild camp. I live in Norfolk (UK) so there's hardly any place to do so but I will try and find some field or forest and camp. I really want to do this in somewhere like Dartmoor but it's so far away...
Just do it man. You won't regret it!
As are we (we live in Norwich). Going to start gearing up for a bikepacking trip abroad so need to get wild camp experience under our belts.
I’m going to Dartmoor on the 6th for some solo camping. Scotland the end of July!
This will be my first and second experience.
Try Boudicca Way. Plenty of possible spots along the route
Had much experience of camping without a tent and just using a bivvy bag and/or tarp during the warm seasons? I am putting serious thought into planning a wild camping trip to Scotland this summer, as having freedom to roam makes it a lot easier, but these are all good common sense approaches anyway, even if it's legal people should still try to be considerate, follow the local outdoor code and I would argue try to use tents that aren't particularly garish or intrusive. Green and camo seem best to me. I will have to keep this and the comments below in mind for when I want to camp in the South Downs as they are very local to me.
Good Tips man😎, Personally i like to use camp fire but away from paths and people. Camp fire makes wild camping special. As long as u make the fire safe and make sure its fully gone before you leave.
Thanks very much fella, glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah totally fine in that respect. I do prefer to just make fires in a camp which is permitted or one with a pre-existing fire pit. I’d get too paranoid I would get asked to move on. Hay-ho!
Thanks for watching my stuff btw!
Good video tho man keep on😎
Same, camping without a fire just isn't the same in my opinion. Don't be so anxious buddy! You'll be fine! I've never had any problems and I've camped on land where you could potentially spot the smoke from roads, do it! Be free man.
It's nice to acquire the eye to tuck in somewhere Russel - you know see a spot emerge out of seemingly nothing. I agree with keeping the sights secret. People sometimes just don't have the same standards - it's not worth the risk. Good points bro. Mark
Cheers, Mark. Yeah as long as people wild camp safely and respectfully, without sharing their spots it’s all good in the camping hood.
What are your thoughts on Wild Camping safety? 👍 as always, thanks for watching my vids.
@@thetrailhunter4469 Yeah despite the temptation to show others Russel some just have to remain a secret. As for camp safety. Well, I've never been at elevation as such so no concerns there - I mean I'm not Jimmy Chin at 24,000 feet. Maybe there is ethics, which can be construed as a route to survival. Like you I don't like to leave anything behind. In a survival situation I would seek to move as lightly as possible. My father was in the SAS for many years and ran selection with Lofty Wiseman and I know what they would say. 'Take it all with you.' Fires - I don't build them on a hike - to much bother and to much energy and right there it makes sense not to spend your time building fires after a long day hiking - just rest is the key and conserving energy unless you need a fire having become frozen in Alaska that is. Well, I hope that's a good answer. Until next time have a good end to the week....
Sound response there, Mark. Thanks very much.
@@thetrailhunter4469 I bet we talk a lot more though Russel....Peace!
Haha sure! All the best mate. Happy hikin’
Great video. We call that stealth camping in the USA. All my gear is subdued colors. No reflective material. I use my red light on my headlamp.
No we call it being a bum in the U.S .
@@jimbotheassclown lol
I stop in summer earlier, have dinner and then walk on to find a place to camp, have only a hot drink at the campsite. In the morning have a coffee and a cereal bar as I pack up, walk for a bit and then stop for breakfast if needed. A map is good to find possible camping sites, tend to use Google maps satellite view more now... look for woods and dense undergrowth along the route. Is also good to know where there are houses and roads so the direction of your view is away from them, and hence they cannot view you. Most importantly leave no trace of you ever being on the trail, just take memories and leave footprints.
Great tips! Highly recommended - Alpkit Gamma Head Torch - lightweight designed for runners - perfect for walkers - excellent for stealth camping - ×3 LED lights Red, White and Green, as well as the Main Beam. Also suggest use about 6 inches (15 cm) light weight coloured cord tied in a loop through the top of your tent pegs - preferably with reflecting strands built in - otherwise it's too easy to lose pegs in the leaf litter of woodland floor - I bought low cost aluminium 'Y' stakes Red colour on Amazon - light wt and super strong. Lastly - think about a Tarp and Bivvy instead of a tent, in the woods a ridge line strung between two trees provides good shelter stability, plenty of tarp layout options, a kit line to hang your stuff and most importantly - plenty of space to connect with the great outdoors! If you feel the need - use a separate lightweight ground sheet to have a clean place to sit and sleep - DD Hammocks sell the 3x3 m superlight tarp and also sell the ground sheet, Snug pack sell a good quality light weight bivvy - and the special forces three season centre zip synthetic sleeping bag (if wet down sleeping bags are not your thing...) - Papa Hiker RUclips videos shows endless Tarp set up cofigerations - think origami... Happy camping!
Awesome. Thanks very much for the recommendations and for watching!
A good tip is to actually lie on the ground where you plan to sleep to ensure it is a comfy spot before setting up your shelter, tent or bivy bag. The comfy alternative is to make and use a hammock - 4 meters of lightweight nylon and a 2 meter length of rope tied on each end. Takes ten minutes to make and costs less than £20 for the material and rope.
I’ve always wild camped I just like watching these videos and sometimes I’ll learn things
A great video but most of this dosnt apply to Scotland. I regularly camp on top of Munros. Right to roam is a beautiful thing.
The last time I went wild camping I awoke in the morning on my tent rather than in it I am following your tips and hoping I am more successful the next time
Haha ahh that’s brilliant. Love that. 😂 I hope the tips help haha.
My Dad keeps saying Bobby life is only rock n roll He married my mum and she looks like Barbie Doll I will follow your tips even though I'm on the dole I'm pleased I made you smile now you will inspire others to walk and wander the next mile 🥰
Great video and topic to discuss! You made some very good points and hopefully peoole will take on board your sound advice!! Campfire question.....I am always mindful about my impact on ground and environment where I wildcamp and like you said leave no trace and its all good! Cheers mate 👍
Ahh thanks very much dude. With such a popular topic I do try to make sense of it, especially for beginners. Thanks again fella. #wildcamp4evaaa
What a great bloke. I'm a beginner. Have been looking for a hobby for sometime. This is the one
What annoys me in England/Wales is that granted all land is owned by someone but does no body ask what about the enormous amount of land that the forestry commission own?? and what they are actually doing with it?.. Why don't they set up area's around the country just as you have in Dartmoor with detailed areas listed online and charge a yearly subscription fee of say 50 pounds to use these area's to wild camp?. Even have a barcode system where you need to scan into the area if you are wild camping and if you are found to not have this permit then they can use the full force of the law (granted very minimal). This would mean that the area is used by people that hopefully camp correctly whilst not leaving crap around and it is perfectly legal. It would produce local jobs for Rangers etc and small camping and supplies businesses would be set up. I cannot think of anyone that is pro wild camping and wanting open access that would be against such a scheme. It is fairly obvious that there is massive interest in wild camping, as there is also a mental health epidemic would it not be advantageous to get people out doing these activities?. Look at Scotland with it's full open access and that has not burnt down and Mountains have not disappeared because someone had a adventure there... Honestly in the England we restrict anything that is any fun...
Totally agree with you there mate. Trails like the South Downs are much more fun with wild camping. Thanks for watching. 👍
What's sad is that the majority of land is owned by so few people. Go back a few hundred thousand years and the land belonged to everyone, where they were free to stay and nobody telling them they couldn't light a fire etc. So at some point the land must have been stolen from the people, probably by leaders and chiefs. Whichever way you look at it, the land the royal family own today is effectively stolen from the people.
I accept that farmers need to own land, but it shouldn't be treated like their own garden. The public should still have access rights so that they can walk along the edge of fields to get from A to B. Rant over :)
@@DMC888 read about the enclosure act 1800,s
Been homeless for a few years ..
I do what is known as stealth camping in the U.S ..
But I guess wild camping in stealth camping are the same thing by different name's..
There's stealth and there is thermal imaging hand-held detection.
I carry same to located vented cave or mine air. It speeds a dug
entry for exploration purposes. War zone video shows how easy
body heat is discovered in kill boxes sanitized by aircraft or rifles.
State & Federal land management are directed by aircraft or drone
use to nightly interdiction of illicit grows, smuggling, etc.
@@toruko-ishibravo2zulu679 looks like th homless guys got the hang of it by a few years
I totally agree on the preference to do it alone because other people always complain so much
For me it’s more that the experience is much more vibrant. I only have myself to rely on and the solitude helps me recharge. The trail brings out our best and worst but it’s all part of the experience and when hiking with others it’s great when you help each other by keeping the spirits high! Thanks for watching!
The Trail Hunter every time someone goes with me they make me wish I hadn’t gone camping at all.
Civil trespass isn't a police matter, so even if the police came along you can remind them of that and tell them to trot on. As you are breaking zero laws arresting you would be illegal. Worth reminding people almost nobody cares that you are camping, I've had many conversations with dog walkers and even people who have simply got lost walking through the middle of nowhere
People forget tresspass isnt illegal only aggrevated tresspass so if that farmer asks you to move on you just say okay ill be on my way but if you said no that would be illegal and whats all this about no fires just make a small fire and perhaps think of making it inside a hole or something if ur really camping youve got some cooking to do in the morning and night
Recently got the phoxx 1 for 54p after they fucked up on the till and can’t wait to take it on my first solo camp.
Had a farmer give us 2 barrels of birdshot one late afternoon, near Pickmere in Cheshire.
He was 1/4 mile away sitting in a gate, we scurried over a hill, across a waist deep river Bollin and circled around him through some woods. We had missed the last bus home to Manchester, we made it across his land in about 90 minutes and walked a few miles to Altrincham where we got an all nighter bus. Don't walk across open fields.
Yeah, that's attempted murder or assault with deadly force. UK laws don't permit people to "defend" their land with lethal force unless their lives are in danger. You camping is not a danger to the farmer. He could get thrown in prison for that. Also trespassing isn't a criminal offence in the UK, just a civil one.
So yeah, you could sue him and get them arrested for that
@@supernoodles908 it was 50 yrs ago. I'm sure he's long dead.
Very good. Sensible advice , Thank you. Safe camping.
Private property is such a pain but I fully understand it. As a farmer’s daughter I love out private land because I can camp anywhere on it, me and my dad would be fine with anyone camping on our land as long as they don’t do any damage. Unfortunately we do have to be careful about who’s on our land, lots of people have set fires to the hedges, cut our fences and let the cows out. It’s such a shame...
Hey. Ahh thanks so much for your comment and for letting folks use your land to wild camp. This video was mainly for hikers along trails like the South Downs Way, Wiltshire Ridge Way and Thames Path where wild camping is only really possible in the fields along the trail. It’s difficult because myself and so many others would be really considerate. This video was aimed at educating newbies should they wish to camp in such locations. I always stick to my stove, camp discreetly and leave no trace. Thanks again and happy trails!
If near public areas; set up camp after dark, pack up and leave before sunrise. Be discreet and keep a low profile.
If dog walkers or other locals happen to come by or across your
camp while setting up or first thing in the morning, be the first to give a cheery
good evening or good morning and smile. Head down and avoiding eye contact
comes across as suspicious and something to hide. Speak about something
positive such as the stunning views and beautiful weather. You will come across
as friendly and be more accepted. Some will even stop and chat. Have a reason
for being there such as having had a long day, got blisters and didn’t get as
far as you thought if they ask about camping. Leave no trace, and remove any litter
that you find near your camp if you find any nearby.
I am currently hiking the te araroa trail in new Zealand. After paying way too much for noisy smelly overcrowded campgrounds I will now wild camp. Great video thank you
Thanks very much and so glad you liked the video. Nothing wrong with campgrounds if that’s your cup of tea, but yes, wild camping is a much more enjoyable and free-spirited way to spend time in the outdoors.
Rhys get an annual hut pass cheap and get off the great walks into the real wild NZ most huts you will have to yourself
Great video and sound advice 😀
Ahh thanks for the positive comment. 👍 Happy trails!
Once again, thanks for the great advice 😬☺️
I walked the South Downs Way in 2018. It isn't worth descending from the ridge to campsites below - for what? a shower? Make sure you have enough food/water/alcohol and you can save yourself time and money and also have the wonderful experience of wild camping up on a ridge with wonderful views.
I couldn’t agree more. Had no issues on the SDW. Best way to hike it. Thanks for watching.
What about your favourite Uk wild camping_hiking places?)
South West Coast Path has some insanely beautiful spots overlooking the seaside towns. Perfect sunrises and light cast along the palisades. Brecon Beacons can be nice, but very windy even in the woods. Wish I could tell you where they are, but I never share the coordinates or how to get to them on a map. 👍 thanks so much for watching ⛺️⛰
Wildcamp in France, most tolerant country for this. Also a huge hitchhiking culture.
Thanks for the info on trekking!
I'm thinking of spending a year just wild camping solo around the UK asking farmers to let me stay on their land a day or at last resort hoping someone will et me pitch in a garden or a woods. Would this cost much money to do and is it viable in general. I live in Hertfordshire and I'd probably aim to find the coast or just go in a general north direction
sooo...no fire, no torch but the flame from a stove is ok?
Can you do or do you have a video on tools for cooking? I worry i will get arrested, i take just a standard bushknife and know they are illegal to have in public but so hard to fish and cook without one so no idea what the laws are when camping in uk
Nice vid, all common sense tbh, tho I cant really see the police being arsed,the owner can ask you to leave,no violence or threats, as long as you do thats the worst it can get really.
Yeah fair point there Andy. I’ve never had an issue wild camping.
Hey man, thank you so much for this upload. I am fairly new to creating yt videos and I’m planning to go wild camping in the next few weeks! All your advice in this video will be really helpful as it’s my first time doing a wild camp. Thank you so much! 👍
Thanks very much for your kind words and glad you enjoyed the video and found it useful. I’ll wish you all the best of luck on your adventures and look forward to seeing your videos. All the best. Russ
People patrolling the coast in buggys sounds crap do u prefer wild camping Scotland or England
New subscriber here and new wild camper. I'm going on my first wild camp next week and I'm slightly worried about having the wrong tent.
i never gave the colour a thought but obviously green or grey would be the way to go. Mines blue bah! suppose there's over sheets to camo it
love your video problem is with a small tent I have 4 masstiffs that come with me thay love it any thoughts of what I could do?x
Haha amazing. Get a bigger tent and bring plenty of dog doodoo bags. Nice one 🤙
You could set up a marquee if you have those dogs: nobody will move you on!
I live in the peak district but have never wild camped solo.
Main reason is I'm sh*t scared of ghosts and other stuff that probably doesn't exist 😀
Maybe some mad axeman might be roaming about looking for wild campers to bump off.
I'd be hearing allsorts and never get a wink of sleep.
Hi great video but what if you get caught what would happen?
How do you cope with noises in the night? I’ve never camped alone and that’s the only thing that bothers me. Especially camping in the states cos of wild animals. When I hear a twig crack near the tent my imagination goes into overdrive. I can’t even imagine what that’s like alone?
England, a country where you have to be worried about getting told on for camping outside with a fire and the police spoiling the fun, but where you also can camp on private land without being worried about getting legally shot dead, swings and round abouts.
Really loving your videos btw. I would be keen to find out what you think of my hiking vlog I’ve just started.
Thanks very much, Jamie. Means a lot. Cool I’ll check it out! 👍👍👍
nice video mate, keep them coming
When do you use the cook stove though? surely after you set up your tent...
Depends on the weather. If it’s wet and windy always after 👍
@@thetrailhunter4469 i was wondering if you cook in the tent or outside of it when raining?
I'm moving from probably one of the freest countries in the world to the UK soon for a while, and now I'm terrified of feeling jailed in. I was googling outdoors things to do and where the best places are for wild camping only to find out that it's not really legal. It's crazy that trying to spend time in nature can get you in trouble. Anyways, I guess I'll be doing a lot of this 😅
Hello, in Scotland, the land is free (Scotland is in the UK lol). You can camp pretty much anywhere except a few very very very very small areas
Great video.Enjoyed it a lot !!!!
Could just camp in the Lake District or up in Scotland and not risk getting shot.
How do you stealth camp in winter when trees have no leaves? I am curious, because I want to camp in Autumn and Winter. Any tips would be gratefully received.
Camp in higher ground to that of buildings. Try places far away from any people. But most of all, just give it a go and see what happens. Don’t light a fire unless you have to. Likely that no one will care anyway.
@@thetrailhunter4469 Thank you so much! At the risk of being an annoying newbie, what do you think about occasionally hiding out in abandoned buildings? There is a huge abandoned grain store very close to where I live, and I'm thinking it has to beat setting up my tent in the pouring rain.
I’m thinking about starting to hike more inc South Downs- I’ve climbed snowdon at least ten times now and absolutely love it, unfortunately my Adidas flux have seen better days and I should really invest in some proper shoes for doing South Downs - any recommendations for a beginners shoe??
Hi, Nicholas. Happy to hear you’re out on the trail a lot! So depends on how often you’re going to be hiking and what types of trails you’ll be on. A nice cheap shoe I’ve warn are the Merrel Moab, but I wish I just went straight for the pricier Altra Lone Peak 4.0. My favourite shoes yet. But that’s just me. 👍
The Trail Hunter thanks I’ll look into them :)
Actually red light is easier to see then a white or yellow light the reason red light is used is to maintain the individuals ability to see better in the dark just thought I would mention it good video otherwise
Oh really? Well I be blown. Nice one.
What's the difference between 'wild camping' and just 'camping'?
Good question! Camping would probably be where you pay for a designated campsite with facilities and lots of other campers in the same site. Wild camping is where you choose a spot out in the wilderness with no facilities. Hope that answers that. Thanks for watching. 👍
Haha. Thanks. So I'm a 'wild' camper. Campsites are terrible places lol
Use national parks instead farmers fields particularly up north,lake district Yorkshire dales Peak District
What is your opinion on using a hammock for this? I fear it restricts you too much to wooded areas
Thanks for the question and for watching! I’m afraid I’ve never used a hammock for wild camping, so can’t really comment much but yes, it would be more restrictive and a bivy bag would be a must for the wet weather.
Quick question do you think it’s ok to wild camp in a forest area?
Hey, thanks for the question! I would say it’s probably the better place to camp, so long as you’re not too close to a water source to minimise bugs and condensation. Thanks for watching!
Being close to a water source means you’ll get more bugs and condensation 👍
Good video and great tips
Nice one James. Just subbed to your channel 👌
@@thetrailhunter4469 great mate thanks
Just me the nature and my smartphone 4G headphones and my bike
Brilliant mate 👍
Love your channel pal
Ahh thanks so much mate. Means a lot. Glad you’re enjoying the vids.
Thanks for your video! I'm going to hike the Wales Coast Path this month and a little concerned about getting caught. Let's hope not, haha. If anyone has any tips and special considerations for Wales, much appreciated! :)
No problem! Thanks for watching! It’s such a grey area and yes it would be best if we all asked land owners for permission, however so long as you’re considerate, don’t make a mess and you’re not camped on someone’s lawn then no worries! User yer loaf and you’ll be fine. Happy hiking! 👍
Thanks mate, surely it's going to be awesome :)
Ahh yeah it’ll be wicked. I wild camped the entire South Downs and it was amazing. Good luck!
camped on Snowdon area many times over the years yet to see a problem, I have pitched on football fields, village hall fields and even on York Race course! Only once someone had a go it was some posh snooty locals in a back water village in Norfolk the type of person parodied on little Britain actually saying something to me and my mate, we still stopped there even after a threat of the Police, needless to say they never turned up!. Its a case of who dares wins with wild camping
So you wouldn't use a stick stove like the firebox or a kelly kettle when you wildcamp?
Good question and thanks for watching. I use a MSR pocket rocket, but unless it’s a campsite or I have permission to camp on private property I won’t light fires on my wild camps. Of course as the saying goes, hike your own hike. 👍🏔🏕⛰
Good advice thanks, new sub👍
Thanks Dougie!
" we dont want to book anywhere, we dont want to camp with anybody"- brilliant
Very useful thanks
Ahh glad you found it useful. Any questions, let me know. 👍
Thanks dude
I live in the US. Here you don't mess with farmers. If you try this it will at your own peril.
Wild Camping by Stephen Neale is worth a read.
You shorts visit Sweden. You are basically Allowed to camp anywhere for one night at least.
Great stuff mate.
The phox 1 is to small if your over 6ft
Good advice for people who live in the South and cant get to National Parks - like the leave no trace - do you bag out your poop? ------ fair top tips for keen desperate folk who wanna do solo trips and cant get to wild places. Wild camped since 1995 cant remember ever camping on famers land but I lived in Fort William then Cumbria so spoilt for mountains I suppose.
Haha I don’t pack out the poop, always dig a good cat hole with a stick, but I do pack out the paper!
Yeah thanks for the cool comment, it’s basically all farm land down here in the south.
:) cheers for prompt reply - gonna have a go tonight see if I can do my own version - i'm crap at editing n performing but worth a try..
Does a bear shit in woods
U know what camping is my listing dream x
If your not local what do you do with your car
Find somewhere safe to park and cross my fingers haha. 👍 thanks for watching.
I like the style of these videos. Most outdoors videos from UK campers are boring af. As for the trolls in these comments, what a bunch of melts! Keep doing your thing bro and have a sub
Good vid , just done my first solo wild camp video , would appreciate you or anyone elses opinion .
Great video
Thanks Steve! If you have any questions, let me know. 👍
Naa, that tent you recommend is a copy of the Gelert Solo or Grand Canyon Richmond 1. That tent is crap for camping, no short and too low. Like a coffin. I dumped it after my first trip.
Is this nadeshots long lost brother
When I go solo camping I all ways take my Bluetooth speaker and play my music it help me out... Ady
wonderful
Best places in the UK to camp?
Dartmoor National Park has legal wild camping spots. Scotland also is pretty much all open access land where you’re free to roam and camp in the hills. 👍