The best views in the world are free
I know what some of you are thinking. Me? Really? Do I look like the kind of person that wants to walk for miles in scorching hot summers or camp in torrential rain, gale force winds and icy winters?
Well, you’re still here aren’t you?
Any hiker or wild camper will tell you that going out into the wilds and leaving the comforts of modern living behind is a rewarding and humbling experience. To get away from the stresses and worries of work and money and commitments is in itself relief. But there’s more than that. It’s difficult to put into words but time seems to slow down, things that played on our minds before seem less important and wild camping allows us to be more present with ourselves. With nothing but our thoughts, a little tent and a spectacular view. It is the ultimate dopamine detox. As with anything worth doing in life, there are risks. You are venturing out into nature and she very rarely plays well with others. Preparation, adaptability and fortitude are essential for wild camping and above all, always have a back-up plan.
The purpose of a base layer is to wick (remove) moisture from the skin and dry quickly, these are usually made from polyester, nylon or wool. DO NOT USE COTTON. Examples of base layers are underwear, sports bras, thermals, long/ short-sleeve t shirts, long johns and socks.
Your base layer is often considered to be your most important layer in cold climates as it’s not the cold that can catch you out, but when you start to sweat. While performing any strenuous activity outside in the cold if you don’t have a moisture wicking base layer your sweat can soak your clothes and make you freeze once you stop moving. That is why a layering system is so vital. Even in the most frigid environments you can get hot. If you start to sweat remove a layer and allow your body to ventilate. Once you start to cool put a layer back on. This is essential because it helps to keep you from becoming chilled or in the worst cases suffering from hypothermia.
Leave No Trace (LNT)
Every hiker and wild camper knows this rule. It means exactly what it says. Wherever you, your family or your pets walk or camp in the wild, you should leave nothing behind but footprints. Food, packaging, tissues and any other waste should be taken home with you. Always carry extra bags with you on hikes, and if you’re a particularly caring, incredible human being, pick up any rubbish you encounter along the way. Do your part. Nature will thank you for it and It will add up in the future.
Trespassing
Trespassing is classed as a civil offence not a criminal offence. This occurs when permission to access the land is removed by the land owner. There is no need for the trespasser to be aware he/ she is trespassing and no need for the claimant to experience harm or loss. Crazy right? However, the first legal step in dealing with a trespasser is to ask them to leave the property. If they refuse or become angry, this can be classed as aggravated trespassing which IS a criminal offence. So simply, if your asked to move by the land owner ….. move.
The CROW (Countryside and Rights of Way) ACT 2000
In England and Wales the CROW (Countryside and Rights of Way) ACT 2000, gives the public right of access to land mapped as ‘open country’ (mountain, moor, heath and down) or registered common land. These areas are known as “open access land”.
Now here’s the bad news.
Open access land has it’s own general restrictions. This means that unless authorized by the land owner you can't ride a horse or bicycle, drive a vehicle (except mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs), camp, use a metal detector, run commercial activities on the land, remove, damage, or destroy any plant-life, light, cause or risk a fire, damage hedges, fences, walls, crops or anything else on the land, leave gates open, disturb livestock, wildlife or habitats, post any notices or commit any criminal offence.
That’s quite a hefty list, and if you break any of these restrictions your right of access to open access land is automatically revoked, and you can be prosecuted for trespassing.
Ask & you shall receive
Firstly asking for permission solves all problems. Most land owners are more than happy to have wild campers on their land as long as they adhere to the Leave No Trace (LNT) rule and stay away from their crops and cattle.
Out of site, Out of mind
If you can’t be seen or heard then you can’t be told to leave, this includes leaving no trace that you were ever there. People are all self-entitled ego maniacs (mostly). If you’re not causing a nuisance most land owners will leave you to it.
Wild camping areas
Dartmoor national park, some parts of Wales and almost the whole of Scotland allow wild camping and the views are defiantly worth the millage.
A good backpack for a 3 day hike will have around 45 - 85 litre capacity, have a waterproof cover, a Hip belt and above all be comfortable for the wearer. Comfortability is really important as you will be wearing this backpack for long periods of the day, with all your essentials in it.
A backpack for a single day hike will have around 15 - 30 litre capacity, with a waterproof cover, with a hip strap to help ensure that it is comfortable for the wearer.