Wild camping in the UK: what's legal, what's not, and how to do it properly

Wild camping has become a very popular, social-media-favourite activity. It can be dangerous if you don't prepare properly, and hard to get right in order to be comfortable. But when you do get it right, it's one of the most magical ways to explore nature. You'll get to see the stars. You'll likely wake up to an amazing mountain sunrise.

The most important thing is being respectful to the environment and to others. People are steadily ruining the freedom to wild camp across the UK and beyond. Wild camping was banned in Iceland only a few years ago because people couldn't respect the environment. Apologies if some of what follows sounds more like rules than tips — but get it right and the experience is extraordinary.

The legal situation

Wild camping is illegal across England (apart from on Dartmoor in certain areas) and Wales. In outdoor areas — Brecon, the Lakes, etc. — it's tolerated so long as you follow important principles. In Scotland, you can camp almost anywhere you like, though some areas do have restrictions. The Scottish access rights under the Land Reform Act 2003 make it the most permissive place in the UK for wild camping.

How to do it properly

Avoid others

Don't pitch your tent near houses, next to trails, or anywhere that might disturb others. Don't put your tent up during the day — wait until just before dark. Leave early in the morning. The less visible you are, the better.

Take everything with you

It's not acceptable to leave anything behind — including toilet tissue. Take a bin bag and put everything in it. This is non-negotiable. If you can't commit to this, don't go.

Start small

If you're doing this for the first time without expert guidance, start with something easy to get to and close to the road. Don't do your first wild camp in the middle of a multi-day expedition. Get used to your systems — setting up your tent, packing your kit, cooking efficiently.

On Jove Club trips that involve camping, we always start in a campsite. This allows people to practise setting up their tent and packing up in relative comfort — showers, near to the car — before committing to the wild version.

Keep groups small

If you're with a larger group, split up. Aim for no more than 6–8 tents in one spot — and even that's a lot.

Choosing a spot

There are two things that make a competent wild camper: being quick and efficient with your admin (setting up, cooking, packing away), and choosing a good spot. It's not just about the view.

• —Water: find a spot near a water source — you'll need a lot for cooking and drinking. But don't be so close you risk contaminating it, and avoid ground prone to flooding.
• —Rocks: avoid rocky ground and don't pitch under steep cliffs where there's a risk of rockfall.
• —Shelter: find a sheltered spot if the weather is poor — but make sure that shelter doesn't put you in danger from rockfall.
• —Visibility: aim to be out of sight from paths and other people.

Kit

Tents and sleeping systems are heavy. Pack as light as you can. You don't need lots of changes of clothes or toiletries — a toothbrush and hand sanitiser will keep you going a night or two. A good three-season tent, a sleeping bag rated for the conditions, and a sleeping mat are the essentials. For water, carry purification tablets or a filter — don't assume any stream is safe to drink from.

The experience of waking up on a hillside, making a brew, and watching the light change over the valley is difficult to describe. But it's worth doing properly — both for your own safety and to make sure the access we currently have stays available.