Wild camping is one of the best ways to get back to the simple life and rediscover the joys of venturing off the beaten track.
Wild camping in a campervan or tent is a great way to inject some adventure back into your life. And the best part? It can all be done on a budget
Photo courtesy of Christian McLeod
Where Will Your Journey Take You?
The UK provides just about every type of camping environment you could wish for whether you’re after wooded forests, secluded beaches or rugged mountains.
If you want to fall asleep to the sound of waves then head for the coast. Wild camping on a beach provides you with the space and tranquillity that you need to clear your head, gather your thoughts and get away from it all. There’s 19,491 miles of coastline in the UK and we reckon the most idyllic spots have yet to be discovered. And what better opportunity to pack a surfboard in the event that there’s a decent swell on. If trees and plenty of greenery are more your thing, then why not venture into one of the country’s many forests? There’s plenty to choose from considering that around 12% of Britain’s land surface is woodland. Wild camping in a forest is a great way to gain some seclusion and explore some of the remotest parts of the country.
Photo courtesy of Christian McLeod
Or how about heading off towards the mountains? If you’re after breath-taking scenery and have a head for heights, then wild camping in the mountains could be just what you need to rise above the daily grind. If, however, you prefer to remain grounded when you’re out in the wilderness, then camping beside some of the country’s most scenic lakes can provide serenity and tranquillity - not to mention the opportunities for fishing, kayaking and swimming.
Photo courtesy of Christian McLeod
Taking your Camper? Make sure you prepare Your Van
If it’s been some time since you last ventured out with your camper, then it’s a good idea to make sure that everything’s still in working order. Take it for a test drive and ignore any rattling sounds at your peril. Make sure that you’ve cleared your van of anything that you don’t need and give it a good clean inside and out. Some bare essentials that you’ll need for your wild camping experience include: a first aid kit, a bungee rope, a couple of spare van batteries, jump leads and a fuel can in case you get caught short.
Photo courtesy of Christian McLeod
Making a hammock to sleep under the stars
Sleeping in a hammock is the ultimate wild camping experience and provides some luxury to an otherwise rough and ready adventure. You don’t need much in the way of tools or equipment to hang your own hammock. If you have a spread of material, some rope and a suitable hanging spot then there’s nothing to stop you from constructing your own hanging bed.
Photo courtesy of Christian McLeod
Solar Shower Bags and Salt Water Showers
It’s a common obstacle when camping in the wild, but showering needn’t be a problem if you buy a solar shower. One of wild camping’s bare essentials; solar showers typically cost between £5 and £10 and usually hold around 19 litres of water. A solar shower is basically a bag filled with water that heats up from the sun. They’re normally made from flexible PVC and come with a built-in spout for your showering convenience. The simple design means that it can be hung from practically anywhere – a tree, the side of a building, the back of your campervan – but the best part is that it provides you with a fresh shower whenever and wherever you need it.
Photo courtesy of Christian McLeod
Most importantly, make sure you leave nature how you found it and Leave No Trace that you were ever there