Storms, Sheep & Solitude: What It’s Really Like Wild Camping in the UK
- Kate
- Sep 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 10
More Than a Tent on a Hill
At 3am, the wind shook my tent so hard that the fabric snapped against the poles like sails in a storm. I lay there wide-eyed, wondering if I’d wake up in a different valley entirely. Hours later, when the weather calmed, I unzipped the door to find a herd of sheep staring back at me — their bleats echoing across the fells like hecklers at a comedy gig. By sunrise, I was cradling a mug of coffee, watching mist roll across the hills, grateful I hadn’t let fear (or soggy socks) stop me from trying wild camping.
Wild camping in the UK is often portrayed as idyllic, featuring starlit skies, peaceful lakes, and Instagram-perfect tent views. But what’s it really like when you’re out there solo, off-grid, and under the stars?
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The Magic: What Makes It Worth It
Despite the storms and the sheep, there are moments that make wild camping unforgettable:
Solitude — the stillness of knowing you’re the only person on a ridge.
Simplicity — your whole world fits in a backpack.
Sunrises & stars — sights you’ll never catch from a hotel window.
Freedom — no check-in, no schedule, just you and the landscape.
These are the moments that make you whisper, this is why I came.
More Wild Camping Blog Posts:
The Reality Check: What Catches People Off Guard
Of course, it’s not all golden light and Instagram reels. A few things often surprise first-timers:
The Weather — Even in August, the Lake District can serve you four seasons in one night. I once hiked to Grisedale Tarn in blazing sun, only to spend the night in sideways rain, wringing out my socks by morning.
The Sheep — They’re not quiet, nor shy. Expect bleating, snuffling, and midnight inspections.
The Cold — Even with a decent sleeping bag, the British hills rarely stay warm after dark.
The Discomforts — Lumpy ground, condensation, midges, damp gear… small annoyances that become part of the story.
These challenges aren’t dealbreakers — they’re part of the package. They make the morning tea with a view that tastes even sweeter.
Fear & Freedom: Solo Wild Camping as a Woman
Let’s talk honestly: being alone at night in a tent can feel daunting. Every rustle sounds like a threat. Every sheep sounds like a stranger. But in reality, most of the fear lives in our heads, not in the hills.
What helped me feel secure:
Arriving before dark gives you time to choose a safe and discreet spot.
Picking your pitch carefully — away from paths, farms, or roads.
Trusting your instincts — if it doesn’t feel right, move on.
The more nights I’ve spent outside, the more my fears have melted into confidence. Solitude, I’ve found, is less about being “alone” and more about being free.
The Gear You Actually Need (And What You Don’t)
You don’t need an expedition kit to enjoy a night outdoors. Keep it simple:
Shelter: Tent or bivvy — a bivvy feels less faffy and more stealthy, but a tent offers comfort in bad weather.
Sleep: Insulated mat, decent sleeping bag, and liner. That’s your holy trinity for warmth.
Cooking: A tiny stove, a titanium pot, a lighter, and tea/coffee bags. Done.
Don’t Bother With: Camp chairs, heavy power banks, bulky extras.
👉 I’ll be sharing a full solo wild camp kit list in a separate post. Click Here.
Choosing a Spot: The Art of Blending In
Wild camping in the UK is tolerated, not “officially” allowed (with exceptions like Scotland and parts of Dartmoor). Respect for the land is everything.
Key principles:
Arrive late, leave early.
Stay away from livestock, fences, and paths.
Don’t camp right next to water or busy trails.
Leave absolutely no trace.
Some recommended spots:
Lake District: Sprinkling Tarn, Innominate Tarn.
Dartmoor: Still possible, but check the byelaw zones before you pitch.
Scotland: With freedom-to-roam rights, the Highlands are a dream.
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The Little Things That Stay With You
It’s never the perfect kit or the Instagram shot that lingers. It’s the intangibles:
Mist swirling over a valley at dawn.
The eerie call of curlews at dusk.
The ritual of brewing tea with numb fingers as the world wakes.
The silence — true, uninterrupted silence.
These are the reasons you’ll come back, despite the rain, the cold, and the occasional sheep stampede.
Final Tips for First-Time Wild Campers
Start small: one night, somewhere familiar.
Check the forecast — wind is worse than rain.
Don’t overpack — every gram counts.
Leave no trace — pack it in, pack it out.
Trust yourself — the fear fades, the freedom stays.
✔️ Wild Camping Kit Checklist PDF:
❓ Wild Camping in the UK: FAQs
Is wild camping legal in the UK?
Technically, wild camping is only fully legal in Scotland under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. In England and Wales, it’s not a guaranteed right, but it’s often tolerated in upland areas like the Lake District or Snowdonia if you arrive late, leave early, and leave no trace. Dartmoor has some permitted zones, but recent byelaw changes mean you need to check the official map before pitching your tent.
Is solo wild camping safe for women?
For most people, yes. The biggest fears tend to come from the imagination rather than real risks. Wildlife in the UK is harmless, and remote spots mean you’re unlikely to be disturbed by people. To feel safer, pick discreet pitches away from paths, arrive before dark, and trust your instincts — if a place doesn’t feel right, move on. Many solo women campers find the experience empowering rather than frightening.
What gear do I need for wild camping in the UK?
At minimum, you’ll need:
A tent or bivvy bag (for shelter)
A warm sleeping bag and an insulated mat
A lightweight stove + pot + lighter
Waterproofs and layered clothing
A headtorch and power bank
You don’t need to carry luxuries like camp chairs or heavy gadgets — simplicity is part of the charm.
👉 I’ll be sharing a full solo wild camp kit list in a separate post. Click Here.
How do I find a wild camping spot in the UK?
Look for secluded, high ground away from roads, paths, and farms. Some classic spots include:
Lake District: Sprinkling Tarn, Innominate Tarn
Dartmoor: In the designated camping zones
Scotland: The Cairngorms or Knoydart for a true wilderness feel
Golden rule: arrive late, leave early, blend in, and leave no trace.
What’s the hardest part of wild camping in the UK?
Most people are caught off guard by the weather. Even in summer, it can turn cold, wet, and windy on the fells. The ground is often lumpy, damp, or midgy, too. But these small discomforts are part of the adventure — and they make the simple joy of morning tea with a view even more rewarding.
Over to You
Have you tried wild camping yet? Or is it still on your “one day” list? Share your stories, fears, or questions in the comments — I’d love to hear them.
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