Discover wild camping
Take your first steps into wild camping on a relaxed and fun overnight trip. We’ll cover all of the essential skills from campsite selection and managing your kit to staying comfortable, safe and responsible in the mountains.
You might be completely new to camping, or wanting to refine your skills for multi-day hikes. Either way you’ll gain knowledge and confidence to enjoy nights under the stars in places that no-one else can get to.
At home in the hills
There’s something seriously magical about lying down in your tent and watching the sun slowly set across the hills, and realising that today you don’t need to get yourself home, because you are home. What better way is there to appreciate the mountains than to slow down, and spend the night amongst them?
With all that said, wild camping can very quickly become an extremely uncomfortable, if not downright dangerous experience if you don’t have a few important things figured out first. Worries about personal safety, bad weather, or what gear to take are all important. These worries definitely shouldn’t put you off before you’ve even tried though. This experience is all about making those first steps smoother, and finding out what works for you. The aim is to give you the confidence to head out on your own, whether that’s a quick overnighter on the closest hill to home, or on a multi-week adventure across the Alps.
Who’s it for?
These overnight trips are ideal for anyone curious about trying out wild camping for the first time, or for more experienced campers who want to build on their confidence and skills. You don’t need any prior camping experience, just some basic hill fitness and a willingness to give it a go. I can lend camping gear on request and we’ll figure out what’s best suited to you.
What you’ll learn
You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to plan your own wild camping trips, with a focus on low-impact, responsible travel. During our time together, we’ll cover:
How to plan your route and select a good campsite, factoring in the weather, terrain and discreetness
Understanding access laws and the ethics of Leave No Trace
Navigating kit overwhelm: what gear you actually need, and what you can safely leave at home
Making sensible bail-out plans in case something goes wrong
Sourcing and treating water, using a stove safely
Managing bad weather, keeping warm and feeling safe
Navigation refresher, integrating map, compass, and GPS use
Bivvy and tarp camping options for those who want to go lighter
Along the way, I’ll share insights from my own long-distance backpacking journeys across mountain ranges in the UK and abroad. The skills you’ll learn can open doors to much bigger playgrounds like the Alps or the Caucasus Mountains!
What to expect
We’ll meet in the afternoon for a short walk into the hills. Along the way, we’ll talk about how to use the landscape and a map to identify suitable camping spots. Then we’ll prepare for a night on the hill. As the sun sets, you’ll have a chance to put everything into practice: pitching your tent, cooking dinner and taking in your surroundings.
In the morning over coffee and (hopefully!) a nice sunrise, we’ll look at how to break camp responsibly, navigate off the hill and plan your next adventure.
I aim to make these trips as relaxed and flexible as possible. Depending on our location, we might be able to access some remote places that only campers can enjoy. Wild camping can also present some unforgettable opportunities for spotting wildlife.
Booking info
Duration: one afternoon and night, finishing by the following afternoon
Group size: One-to-one or private groups (max 4)
Locations: Lake District or other areas by request
Price: From £200 (or small-group rates available)
Needs-based discounts are available for those on lower incomes. Please get in touch if this would help you join.
Included: Loan of a tent, stove and other camping kit as required (please ask me in advance!). Advice on kit selection and trip planning before and after the trip.