Wild Camping
THE LAW
mdc photography uk
THE WILD-CAMPING CODE
1
Leave no trace
2
Set up camp high on open fells, above the highest fell-wall, & away from paths
3
Keep numbers of people to a minimum with only one or two tents
4
Pack up & move on if the land-owner, or representative asks you to do so
5
Stay for only one night
6
Do not light fires - only use camping stoves
7
Do not use soaps or detergents in streams or lakes
8
Arrive late, leave early
9
Perform toilet duties at least 30 metres - 100 feet - from water and bury the results with a trowel.
10
Respect the landscape, maintain the peace & carry out all litter.
It may be a hard slog climbing the hills with a much heavier pack, but once you've set up camp, and have the stove on cooking your dinner, it's completely worth it.
There are some rules to abide by when wild camping to ensure your trip will be everything it can be, and making sure to respect the environment, and keep it as it is for others to enjoy.
I've included the 'Wild Campers Code' below which details all the points, and to be fair, these are pretty much all common sense anyway.
Wild camping does involve some discretion on behalf of the camper...especially as wild camping isn't strictly legal.
Scotland has its own wild camping laws, which allow the activity in certain areas as part of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, although eastern parts of Loch Lomand have recently been designated prohibited camping land following the introduction of new bye-laws.
In England and Wales you do not have the right to pitch a tent, tarp, hammock or bivvy bag on the land belonging to somebody else without the permission of that landowner. To do so without the permission could be classed as trespass – which is a civil offence. However, if you do not immediately leave when directed to do so by the landowner or somebody acting on their behalf (such as a gamekeeper, land agent, or security guard) then you may be committing a criminal offence (Aggravated Trespass) – something that a Police officer can arrest you for!
There are areas of Dartmoor where wild camping is 'legal' due to inclusion in the National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
In the Lake District, the National Park Authority does have a 'tolerance' of wild camping, as there is a tradition for the pastime in the area & they specifically highlight the 'joys of the wild camping experience' on their website.
The Snowdonia National Park Authority website states that camping within the park is 'not a permitted activity unless permission is specifically granted by the respective landowner'.
And this is the main rule which technically applies to all areas of England and Wales - that you must seek the land owners permission.
Unfortunately, trying to find the land owner of a specific patch of a mountain - especially if you're already on it - isn't that easy, so best bet is - if you are out wild camping and you do get asked to pack up & move on, then do so without hesitation or argument.
The following links will open in a new window...
Lake District National Park Website
Snowdonia National Park Website