Wilder Winter camping in the UK strips the outdoors back to a quieter, more elemental experience. Frosted mornings, long starlit nights and an absence of summer crowds make it uniquely rewarding, but the season also demands respect: shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures and unpredictable weather change the rules of simple overnight trips into a serious, safety-first outing.
Planning and location
Choose locations with shelter and escape routes in mind. Lower valleys, sheltered copses and ridges with leeward pitches reduce wind exposure. Where access rules differ across the UK, always check local guidance and, where required, seek landowner permission. Aim for shorter approaches so you avoid hauling heavy loads over long distances in cold conditions.
Essential kit
Prioritise warmth and shelter. A robust three or four-season tent, an insulated sleeping mat with high R-value and a sleeping bag rated for temperatures lower than you expect are non-negotiable. Layering clothing is key: base, insulating and waterproof outer layers allow quick adjustment as you move between effort and rest. Carry spare gloves, socks and a warm hat stored separately to avoid dampness. A reliable stove and fuel suited to cold weather, plus a wind shield and sturdy cookware make hot food and drinks possible even in freezing conditions.
Campcraft and safety
Site carefully: avoid hollows where cold air pools and places exposed to avalanche risk in upland, snowy terrain. Pitch on durable surfaces to limit environmental impact and stabilise your tent with extra guy lines and buried anchors if needed. Manage condensation by ventilating the tent while minimising heat loss; keep wet kit outside in a waterproof bag. Stay fuel-aware and practice stove use outside the tent to avoid carbon monoxide risk.
Carry navigation tools and plan for limited daylight. Tell someone your route and expected return time and carry spare batteries and a power bank. In snowy or icy terrain, add micro-spikes and an ice axe or crampons as appropriate and know how to use them.
Leave no trace and mindset
Winter amplifies both the landscape’s beauty and its fragility. Pack out all waste, avoid disturbing wildlife, and keep noise and light to a minimum. Accept slower travel and simpler plans: wilder winter camping rewards patience and careful preparation more than pushing limits.
A well-prepared wilder winter camp delivers solitude, clarity and a deeper connection to place. With the right equipment, sensible planning and respect for weather and land, it can be one of the most memorable ways to experience the UK outdoors.
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If you’re passionate about cooking in the great outdoors, Campfire Cookshop is a must-visit destination for all your alfresco culinary needs. Established with the aim of bringing together the best products and resources for outdoor cooking, Campfire Cookshop offers everything from robust cast iron cookware to innovative camp stoves, making it easier than ever to create delicious meals wherever your adventures take you.
Campfire Cookshop’s website is a treasure trove of inspiration for both seasoned outdoor chefs and those just getting started. Their curated selection includes skillets, fire pits, grills, and a host of clever accessories designed to make cooking outside as enjoyable and convenient as possible. Whether you’re planning a family camping trip or a solo bushcraft overnighter, you’ll find equipment to suit every scenario and budget.
Whether you’re a bushcraft enthusiast or simply enjoy a fireside meal under the stars, Campfire Cookshop is your companion for making every outdoor meal memorable. Visit their website and ignite your passion for campfire cooking today! www.campfirecookshop.com
As an organisation we set out to support primarily ‘bring your own’ tent camping but quickly realised there was a demand for campervan and hammock-suitable wilder locations. In more recent years we have been approached by a lot more hybrid types of camping setups. Traditional campsites can be a bit snobbish and refuse these as they don’t fit a standard category.
One of the main reasons we don’t support motorhomes or caravans in general is that quite a few of the wilder locations have access issues – narrow lanes, sharp bends, soft undulating land, low hanging trees etc. So what we suggest is that the number of locations suitable for hybrid setups will be limited to what the landowner sees as suitable for their location – just ask when booking. If the directory listing states that you have to park 100m away from the camping area and wheelbarrow your kit to your pitch then that location is probably not a suitable location.
On the other hand if a location accepts campervans they are much more likely to accept a micro-caravan, trailer pod or similar – just confirm when booking. Amongst the setups some of our members have include roof tents, motorbikes, trailer tents, larger campervans and car campers.
Plus we are still confirming details with:
Booking information to come soon, note these camps are members-only. But they offer so much value – it’s worth becoming a member just to get involved!
Full details are listed on the members Community page. For non-members please visit: www.nearlywildcamping.org
Before discussing the benefits of joining the Nearly Wild Camping Club, it’s important to note that camping, in general, can offer a range of physical and mental health benefits. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase overall wellbeing. Additionally, camping provides an opportunity for physical activity such as hiking and swimming.
Now, when it comes to the Nearly Wild Camping Club, there are many benefits to consider. First and foremost, this club allows campers to experience nature in a more authentic and immersive way. Rather than staying at a crowded campsite with full amenities, Nearly Wild Camping facilitates camping in more remote and natural settings. This can offer a greater sense of peace and solitude, as well as a chance to connect more deeply with the environment.
Another benefit of joining the Nearly Wild Camping Club is the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge related to outdoor living. The club offers workshops and educational resources on topics such as bushcraft, wilderness survival, and sustainable living practices. This can be not only personally enriching but also empowering in terms of feeling more confident and capable in the outdoors.
In addition, Nearly Wild Camping prioritizes environmental responsibility and sustainability. The club operates in a way that minimizes harm to the natural areas where they camp, and they encourage others to do the same. This makes membership a worthwhile investment for those who value protecting and preserving the environment
Off grid camping is a type of camping where you are not connected to any utilities like water or electricity. This means that you will need to bring all of your own supplies with you and be prepared to camp in a more rustic setting. While this may sound like a lot of work, off grid camping can actually be a very rewarding experience. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re interested in trying it out.
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a new camping adventure, why not try off grid camping? It’s a great way to disconnect from technology and appreciate the natural world around us. Just remember to be prepared and practice Leave No Trace principles so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors for years to come.
Taking a solo camping trip can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. The fresh air, the natural beauty, and the feeling of independence can be a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you’ve never been wild camping before, though, it can be intimidating to take that first step into the unknown. Here are some tips to help make your first solo wild camping experience in the UK a safe and enjoyable one:
Pack Wisely
The key to successful wild camping is packing wisely. It’s important to bring everything you need – including food and water – and not overpack. Be sure to bring a good sleeping bag and mat so you’ll stay warm on chilly nights; if you plan on pitching a tent, make sure you bring all necessary poles, pegs, and other equipment too. Also consider bringing a gas stove so you can cook meals while out in nature. A small charge bank is also useful for keeping your phone charged while you’re away from home.
Speak with others who have wild camped alone and survived to tell the tale! Fear of the unknown can be quite off-putting – but don’t let it get to you. The UK is one of the safest parts of the world when it comes to wildlife encounters, almost everything will be scared of you. You may hear some twigs snap in the night but you will be lucky to see what caused it.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When planning your trip, do some research about where you’re going and what kind of terrain to expect. Are there any unusual animals or plants in the area? Are there any potential hazards like cliffs or uneven ground that could cause injury? Knowing what dangers exist can help keep you safe during your journey. A detailed Ordnance Survey map can be really useful for this. Additionally, always tell someone where you will be going before heading out on your adventure – this way if something goes wrong, someone will know how and where to find you quickly.
Bring a First Aid Kit
No matter where you go or what activity you are doing, it is always wise to bring along a well-stocked first aid kit just in case anything happens while out in nature. Include items such as bandages, antiseptic ointment, painkillers and antihistamines – these should cover most minor injuries that may occur while camping outdoors alone. Additionally, it may be wise to learn basic wilderness first aid so that you know how to handle more severe emergencies should they arise while out in nature.
Conclusion: With these tips under your belt, it’s time for adventure! If this is your first time wild camping alone in the UK remember to stay aware of your surroundings at all times, pack wisely for any contingencies that may arise during your trip and bring along a well-stocked first aid kit just in case something does go wrong! With preparation and mindfulness of safety protocols set up before embarking upon an adventure such as this one – great memories await! So get ready for an incredible experience…
Base Camp Food is an independent UK based business, offering the best range of freeze dried, dehydrated and ready to eat expedition and camping meals. Stocking the widest range of lightweight expedition meals in the UK, all with free delivery on all orders. You won’t find a better choice of freeze dried meals and expedition food.
Base Camp Food stock meals from the leading brands from across Europe including LYO Expedition Foods, Summit to Eat, Expedition Foods, BeWell, Bla Band, Real Turmat, Wayfayrer, TentMeals, Forestia and Extreme Adventure Food. There is a huge range of lightweight expedition breakfasts, main meals and snacks to choose from. They have a significant Vegan range of meals across various brands.
To complement the freeze dried meals and ready to eat meals, they have a fantastic range of lightweight cookware, stoves and utensils, including stoves from Optimus and titanium cookware from Evernew. Other well stocked popular brands include MSR, Jetboil, Solo Stove, JetBoil, SOTO and Vargo.
Base Camp Food supply Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions with DofE recommended ready to eat meals from Wayfayrer.
‘We have years of experience and expertise supporting expeditions across the globe and offer impartial, expert help for all adventures. We have a hand picked range of equipment including stoves, cookware, hydration solutions and tents.’ – Base Camp Food. Visit the website www.basecampfood.com
[ Members log-in to the NWC website to view discounts codes from Base Camp Food and other Business Partners ]
Bikepacking has become an increasingly popular adventure activity, combining the thrill of cycling with the freedom of self-supported travel. It involves traveling long distances on a bicycle, usually over multiple days and across different terrains, while carrying all necessary gear and supplies. This allows bikers to explore remote areas that are inaccessible by car, and experience the great outdoors in a unique way.
But what really sets bikepacking apart from traditional cycling or backpacking is the concept of wilder camping. This means choosing to camp in non-designated areas, such as a Nearly Wild Camping location. While this may sound intimidating at first, it can actually be one of the most rewarding aspects of bikepacking. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about wilder camping while bikepacking.
Wilder camping, also known as Nearly Wild Camping in England and Wales, allows you to experience the natural environment without any man-made structures or with limited facilities. This can include setting up a tent in the woods, sleeping under the stars, or even finding shelter in an open field.
Many bikepackers prefer wilder camping because it offers greater flexibility and immersion in nature. You can choose your own camp location based on personal preferences, such as proximity to water sources or scenic views. Plus, you have more freedom to spontaneously change your route or stay longer in a particular location without being moved on.
While wild camping offers many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience:
When bikepacking, you want to pack as light as possible while still being prepared for any situation. Here are some essential items to bring for wild camping:
Due to carrying all your camping equipment when bikepacking your bike is going to be much heavier than usual and therefore harder to pedal. Unless you are really fit you might find it almost impossible to travel any great distance and that might mean you will not reach your planned destination. This is where electric-assisted bikes come into their own. They make travelling longer distances much easier and make the hills seem less steep! You are much more likely to be able to travel from one camping location to another with an E-bike. Recent developments mean battery weight has reduced and they now last longer on a full charge. E-bikes make travelling by bike more enjoyable and allow you to get more miles in without worrying about arriving at your camp exhausted and too tired to setup camp for the night. Above: Cairn E-Adventure Rambler
Wilder camping adds an element of adventure and freedom to bikepacking. With the right planning and preparation, it can be a truly rewarding experience. Just remember to follow local laws and regulations, leave no trace, and be respectful of the natural environment. So grab your bike and gear, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the great outdoors! Go ahead and explore the world on two wheels, and discover the beauty of wild camping during your next bike packing trip. Happy bikepacking…!
Jackie was a young girl who always wanted to go wild camping but her mum was scared to do it. After lots of pestering and with a bit of research her mum found a solution that she was much happier to try. Jackie was so excited when her mum said that they could go Nearly Wild Camping. Jackie was happy to see that her mum was finally willing to try out something a bit more adventurous than going to a campsite full of people, noise and cars moving back and forth.
They packed up the car and set off for their camping location. It was a beautiful spot in the woods, and Jackie was excited to get started. They set up their tent, lit a fire in the fire pit provided and started cooking dinner. Jackie loved being outside and she was having a great time.
After dinner, they sat around the campfire telling stories and roasting marshmallows. Jackie felt like she was really getting to know her mum and they were having a lot of fun. As evening drew in they saw a deer in the distance and could hear the bird song settling down for the night. Jackie was so glad that her mum had finally given Nearly Wild Camping a try. Maybe next time they could try out an even wilder location using the Wildness Rating to judge which ones would be most suitable for them…