Waking up to a sunrise over a misty valley, with nothing but the sound of a distant skylark and the smell of fresh coffee—that is the magic of wild camping. Well, kind of, if you just live on Instagram. Wild camping does have its magical moments for sure, but the reality of the task is very different from posed images flooding the gram. It is the ultimate way to disconnect from the digital noise and reconnect with the rugged beauty of the UK. That is unless you take your phone not as a navigation, camera and emergency aid but as a prison to keep you online in the grid.
Sorry, not sorry. I may sound negative there, but wild camping for me is about getting out into nature, away from people, no matter the weather, finding a nice spot, hunkering down, enjoying my time with myself and nature. Be that the terrain, the weather, the birds, the cows, the noise of the wind, rain etc. But, on my last wild camping trip, not in a campsite, in the wilds, a team of wanna be famous instagramers arrived late late, and pitched up within one hundred metres of me. They would have seen my head torch/lamp, and I assume felt safe with the sight of another camper; they proceeded to be loud as fuck all night. NOT COOL. However, this was a one-off, but with more and more BS on Instagram promoting this behaviour, it may increase, hence why I am writing this guide.
So before you grab your pack and head for the hills, there are a few “unwritten” (and very much written) rules you need to know, for when you go wild camping about being cool in the hills. Here is your definitive guide to wild camping in the UK responsibly, legally, and comfortably. Follow these simple rules of wild camping and please don’t be a dick head.
The Wild Camping Legal Lowdown: Where Can You Actually Sleep?
The UK is a patchwork of different laws. “Wild camping” generally refers to camping outside of a designated campsite, usually in remote areas.
| Region | The Rule | The Reality |
| Scotland | Legal | Thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you can camp on most unenclosed land. Just follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Certain areas do have camping restrictions, like Loch Lomond. Always google your area beforehand. |
| England & Wales | Technically Illegal | You generally need landowner permission. Dartmoor national park is the only place with specific areas where it’s legally permitted (check their updated maps!). |
| Northern Ireland | Technically Illegal | Similar to England; you need permission. However, some Forestry Service sites allow it with a permit. |
The “Golden Rule” for England & Wales: While technically civil trespass, many hikers camp high in the fells (like the Lake District or Snowdonia). If you pitch late, leave early, stay above the highest “intake” wall, and are invisible, you are rarely disturbed. If asked to move, do so politely.
Become a “Leave No Trace” camp in the UK Legend
Wild camping is a privilege, not a right. To keep these spaces open, we have to be invisible.
Arrive Late, Leave Early: Pitch your tent as the sun sets and be packed up shortly after it rises.
No Fires: This is the big one. Use a small camping stove. Jetboil TrailCook is perfect for cooking. Scorched earth takes years to recover and is a major wildfire risk.
The Toilet Situation: If you have to go, do it at least 30m from water sources. Dig a hole 15cm deep and cover it. Pack out your toilet paper in a zip-lock bag—don’t bury it; animals will dig it up. Read our guide on pooping in the woods.
Trash Talk: If you carried it in, carry it out. This includes “biodegradable” litter items like banana skins or tea bags, which can take years to decompose in cold upland soil.
Noise: Noise carries on the open spaces. Be respectful of others and nature.
- Move On: if asked to move on by a landowner, respect it and move on.
How to Choose Your Camping Spot “Bedroom”
Finding the perfect spot is an art form. First, remember to check the rules for the area you are in. Here’s what to look for on your map and on the ground:
Flat & Dry: Avoid hollows where water might pool if it rains.
Shelter vs. View: A summit pitch looks great on Instagram, but it’s windy, exposed and cold. Use “lee sides” (the side protected from the wind) of hills or boulders.
Water Access: Being near a stream is handy for cooking, but stay at least 50m away to avoid damp air and midges (and to keep the water clean). Also, in the hills a stream can go from zero to hero in hours, you don’t want to wake up in the middle of it.
Discretion: Pick a spot that isn’t visible from major footpaths or local houses.
The “Must-Have” Kit List
Weight is your enemy, but comfort is your friend. Balance is key. Check out our Swim packing, Camping and Motorcycle Camping gear lists for lots of great kit recommendations.
Shelter: A lightweight, 1-2 person tent (muted colours like green or grey help you blend in). Other options include a bivvy bag, tarp and hammock set up.
Sleeping System: A 3-season sleeping bag and an insulated sleeping mat (the mat keeps you warm, not the bag!).
- Dry Bags: A simple roll top, RF welded dry bag is a must for all adventures.
Cooking: A compact stove (e.g., Jetboil Flash, Jetboil TrailCook, MSR Pocket Rocket), a spork, and a lightweight mug.
Hydration: A water filter (like a Sawyer Squeeze) so you can drink safely from streams.
- Toiletries: Items for a wash, toothbrush and a poop kit. At some point you will reenter civilisation, make the transition easier on yourself.
Navigation: A paper OS Map and compass (and the knowledge to use them!). Apps like AllTrails or OS Maps are great but don’t rely on battery life.
Safety: Mobile phone, A small first aid kit, a head torch (with spare batteries), and a power bank.
Top Tips for First-Timers
Check the Weather: Use the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS). Wind speeds on top of a mountain are much higher than in the valleys.
Test Your Gear: Don’t let your first time pitching your tent be in the dark on a windy hillside. Do it in your garden first. Tech can fail, batteries drain, signal is lost. Know your kit.
Tell Someone: Always let a friend know your planned route and when you expect to be back.
Beware the Midges: If camping in Scotland during summer, a head net and Smidge repellent are non-negotiable.
- Plan B: Always have a backup plan. Nature is unforgiving, and remember back up and heading home early is okay. Always safety first.
Conclusion: Adventure Awaits
Wild camping is about more than just a free place to sleep; it’s about the silence, the stars, and the satisfaction of carrying everything you need on your back. Respect the land, respect the locals, and you’ll have an experience that no 5-star hotel can match.
Safe adventures, hikers!
The “First Summit” Itinerary (2 Days, 1 Night)
This plan is designed for a Saturday-Sunday adventure, focusing on low mileage but high reward.
Day 1: The Ascent
14:00 – Start at the Trailhead: Begin your hike in the early afternoon. This ensures you aren’t rushing but also prevents you from reaching the summit too early (you don’t want to be sitting in a tent for 6 hours before dark).
16:30 – Scout the Spot: Aim for a “tarn” (mountain lake) or a plateau around 200m below the actual summit. This offers better wind protection than the peak itself.
18:00 – The Pitch: As the day-hikers head down, pitch your tent.
19:30 – Dinner with a View: Boil your water, prep your dehydrated meal, and enjoy the “Golden Hour” photography.
21:00 – Stargazing: Turn off your head torch and look up.
Day 2: The Sunrise & Descent
06:00 – Morning Coffee: Wake up for the sunrise. There is no feeling quite like opening your tent zip to a cloud inversion.
07:30 – Leave No Trace: Pack up everything. Do a “sweep” of your site to ensure not even a tiny piece of plastic is left behind.
08:30 – Peak Bagging: Hike the final stretch to the summit without the “Sunday crowds.”
11:00 – The Descent: Head back to the car/station.
13:00 – The Victory Pub Lunch: A mandatory tradition. You’ve earned that burger.
The Ultimate Wild Camp Checklist
Copy and paste this into your notes app to tick off as you pack.
The Big Three
[ ] Tent: Lightweight, double-walled, and mountain-ready.
[ ] Sleeping Bag: Rated for at least 2°C lower than the expected forecast.
[ ] Sleeping Mat: Inflatable or foam (R-value of 2.5+ for spring/summer).
Clothing (The Layering System)
[ ] Base Layer: Moisture-wicking (Merino wool is king).
[ ] Mid Layer: A warm fleece or “puffy” down jacket for when the sun goes down.
[ ] Outer Shell: Waterproof jacket and trousers (even if the sun is out!).
[ ] Spare Socks: Always keep one pair bone-dry, strictly for sleeping.
[ ] Beanie/Gloves: Essential for mountain nights, even in August.
The Kitchen
[ ] Stove & Fuel: Check your canister levels before you leave!
[ ] Lighter/Waterproof Matches: Plus a backup.
[ ] Water Filter/Tablets: To treat stream water.
[ ] Food: High-calorie, lightweight meals and plenty of “trail snacks” (nuts, chocolate).
Hygiene & Safety
[ ] The “Poo Kit“: Trowel, biodegradable wipes, and a zip-lock “trash bag.”
[ ] First Aid: Blister plasters, antiseptic, and any personal meds.
[ ] Navigation: Physical map, compass, and a fully charged phone with offline maps.
[ ] Power Bank: Cold weather kills phone batteries fast.
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