FAQ

Qu: What is the legal situation on Wild Camping?

You can read the excellent article by Gayle E Bird on the legalities here. The Ramblers have also some advice about it, read the posting on this site about it here.

Qu: Where can I Wild Camp Legally?

The following places allow legal Wild Camping under certain conditions. Dartmoor National Park it is allowed. Read here to find out allowed locations. In The Lake District National Park, the National Trust allow wild camping if the following rules are followed:

The Trust does not generally allow camping on non-recognised sites without permission. ‘Wild camping’, where permitted (for example in the Lake District, in upland areas above 450m), should be out of sight of the public highway, entail only one-night stopovers with a maximum of two campers and leave no trace of their presence.

The above was quoted from here. There is also a location in the BBNP that Wild Camping is legally allowed. The following quote is from their Camping On Farms Leaflet.

Backpack Site This site is intended for use by individuals or small groups (of not more than 10 people) only. Llech Llia OS map ref. SN 922193 At the head of the Llia and Senni Valleys, west of Heol Senni – Ystradfellte minor road, just south of the hairpin bends. Free overnight camping by walkers allowed (at own risk) by Cnewr Estate, under agreement with the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, except during lambing season, 15th April – 10th May. No vehicles allowed on site and camping must be out of sight of the road, beside the ruins of Llech-Llia. Nearby stream and spring. No open fires allowed and dogs must be on leads. Organised groups must notify the National Park Authority in advance of use. Approach: From road at point opposite Maen-Llia standing stone, go through the gate and 275 yards north-west.

You can download the pdf from here.

Qu: What is the LDNP’s guidance on wild-camping?

Posted courtesy of Michael S. who  approached the LDNP for information under the Freedom of Information Act.

Although camping should be confined to authorised sites the Lake District National Park Authority accepts that wild camping on un-enclosed fell land, remote from the roads, is generally accepted if undertaken responsibly by small numbers of people.

Most land in the Lake District is privately owned and the attitude of most landowners is to tolerate wild camping unless damage or serious nuisance occurs. Unsanitary behaviour can be a particular problem. The Lake District National Park Authority’s Ranger Service continue to make regular routine visits to the more popular fell camping sites and encourage responsible use.

If you wish to camp on un-enclosed fell land you must:

seek the permission of the landowner
be out of sight of any road or dwelling
not leave any litter
not light any fires”

Qu: Is issue ever discussed in official meetings of LDNP?

Posted courtesy of Michael S. who  approached the LDNP for information under the Freedom of Information Act.

There has been no documented discussion in the last three years of wild camping at the lake District National Park Authority or any of its Committees.”

Qu: I also asked if any staff were there to look out for wild-campers and move them on:

Posted courtesy of Michael S. who  approached the LDNP for information under the Freedom of Information Act.

“We [LDNP] have 12 paid full-time Rangers and 4 paid full-time Field Rangers who could respond to reports of wild camping where either the public or landowners have concerns or are reporting such activity. This type of work is a minimal part of their work and tends to be reactive rather than proactive.

There are a number of general patrol routes that (approximately 175) unpaid Volunteer Rangers take part in – the activities carried out are rights of way maintenance, patrol of our property holdings, litter collection, and provide advice and guidance to the public and landowners. Some of this activity may include popular visitor sites including some known wild camping sites. Here the task would be to provide friendly advice and guidance to make sure campers meet the spirit of the guidance shown above. If evidence (for example litter and fires) of camping activity is left – this is usually cleaned up and taken away.”