Basic Wild Camping Course

Recently, there has been an increase in wild camping in the U.K. and with it an increase in effort to put a stop to it! Wild camping has always been a touchy subject but generally the landowners don't bother too much as long as there are no issues. The recent upsurge of what the authorities are calling 'wild camping' is no more than a few people going to a local beauty spot, pitching a tent and leaving a great big mess for someone else to clean-up, hence, the rest of us have to suffer; this isn't wild camping, it's just pitching a tent and leaving a mess! 

 So, what is wild camping and why do we do it? There are two main reasons, the first is to do with backpacking, where we cover much longer distances and need to spend one or more nights out along the way. The second is to do with being outside and getting plenty of peace & quiet! The real wild campers don't have any problems because they are too far off the beaten track to be found and they leave no trace that they've ever been there. All this sounds easy but as with most things there's much more to it!

 In fair conditions almost anyone can spend the night out in a remote location, albeit with a good deal of discomfort. Many think that being cold and uncomfortable is all part of it! We can assure you that this is certainly not the case and those who have mastered the skill will be as warm and comfortable spending a night out in -20 deg. C.  as others are tucked-up in their cosy, warm bedroom. Equipment plays an important role, as you'd expect, but knowing how to use it plays an even bigger one! We need to carry everything that's needed in our rucksack, so we don't want to be taking anything that isn't really necessary. This course looks at the equipment required and how to use it, along with the common sense rules to ensure your safety. 

Syllabus

• Equipment.

• Clothing.

• First-Aid.

• Food & Water.

• Waste.

• Where to stop.

• Weather.