Cumbria, Wild camping
Hello! The best Camping season is here!
Have you ever visited Lake District? Are you a camping lover?
Well, this is the right place if you are planning a wild camping weekend at Lake District! I will be sharing informations, tips and, last but not least, my own experience.
Camping is one of my favourite passions and I personally think there are no better ways to stay by the nature and enjoy its beauty. After a long hike, I love to look for a nice spot to stay for the night and be ready to see the sunrise the next day. Usually I camp between the trees, away from the noise of the surrounding towns, in the middle of the green, where the sounds of nature create an enchanting and delicate atmosphere.
Remember that wild camping is not allowed in the UK, but most of the times if you camp late and leave early, you pick up your rubbish and leave the place as you found it, no one will ever complain. So be respectful, don't leave rubbish behind and enjoy your adventure!
My Little trip to Lake District, Cumbria - Wild camping
I went in Cumbria with my husband, my little dog and two of our friends at the end of August two years ago and we were very lucky because that summer was very warm and sunny! We didn't plan anything, so we decided to get our tent and just be adventurers and it turned out to be amazing and very fun!
Ready! We started our trip from Tunbridge Wells, in Kent. We packed our car and we went from there. Our first stop was going to be Peak District, so we could sleep and rest for the second part of the driving up to Lake District.
We arrived at Lake District by the night, we parked the car nearby the entrance of the main park and we walked up the peak to find a spot for our wild camp. So touches in hands, bags and drinks and there we started walking. We found one spot eventually so we prepared everything ready for the night and, once finished, we went exploring just to end up the day with yet another Adventure!
It was deep night and we walked up 'till the highest peak of the park and started taking photographs of the Milky way and wild life there was there. We also spotted another wild camper there on the top who left as soon as he saw us.
Fun was over, we needed to rest for the second part of the driving which was in like.. 4 hours! Not much left to sleep really!
It's morning, we woke up after a pretty rough night, the spot we chose wasn't a perfect one, we were literally sleeping over a massive rock and let's say it wasn't that comfy for our back. So lesson learned: choose your spot with care, if you want to enjoy the night!
Don't let me start with the sand flies issue on wild camping. From 6am to 8am is usually full of those tiny and annoying insects which love to bother you 'till you leave. They sting and let me tell you, they can reach all places of your body. My husband will be more than happy to tell you his experience. So lesson learned number 2: bring insect repellent unless you like to be eaten alive.
There we went again, jumping on the car and driving up to Lake District. Pretty boring part so I will skip it here.
We arrived at Lake district eventually. The place we already showing its beauty just by driving. Lakes, woods, parks, hills, waterfalls.. Just amazing, couldn't wait to stop the car, jump off and go walking.
We found a car park and we went there, took all our bags and went for a hike going up to a lake at the top of a peak. It was a really nice, long and VERY WARM walk. The sun was hitting like never before in UK. Luckily there was a river just to feel a bit of cold water. We arrived at the top lake after an hour walking and it was beautiful. Stopped there for lunch and enjoyed the views.
We then moved up, to reach the second lake on an even higher peak, another hour walking up but this time me and my husband stopped as the road was to steep for our dog. Our 2 friends went up alone and managed to arrived there eventually!
All done, we reached the top.. Now what?!.. Well, going back down to where we started from!
Now the cool part! After a beer at the pub next to the car park, we needed to find a place for the wild camping night! We found an amazing spot, with a lake and an amazing surrounding woods. Many campers were there but the place was so big that you could not notice that. We took all our stuff and went in finding, once again, the perfect spot.
Found it and prepared everything for the night, prepared dinner with a portable grill and drank some beers. Now? Time to say good night, it was a very intense day and we needed to be ready for the early morning.
The beauty of Cumbria is the magical morning vibe.
When we woke up , very early, we were surrounded by a thick fog, unforgettable moment! I was very impressed how intense the green of forest was, the contrast with the white of the fog was stunning and so many beautiful mushrooms everywhere!
So I took the camera with me and I went taking pictures of that lovely moment! I couldn't resist!
So that morning we had a lovely breakfast, we made a coffee in the stovetop, had some biscuits and some bread with jam (cookies for my little dog of course) to get some energy for the next hike we had planned!
Later the day we packed everything back again in the car and, sadly, started our trip back home.
Camping Tips , Cumbria - Wild camping
The Weather matter!
Sometimes it's very hard to plan what to take with you if you don't know the place. The weather In Cumbria is mainly light winds throughout. Mist or fog form in the valleys early and late, but plenty of dry and sunny weather expected by day. The best time to go runs between March and June but in the last couple of years British summer weather changed a lot and now it gets warmer 'till September. Be ready for a rain shower at any time though!
Some little tips on what to bring with you for Cumbria - Wild camping :
Tent, go small but not cheap. Find a waterproof, stable and easy to install one.
Remember that if you don't like to sleep on the floor, you might want to bring a yoga mat or a camping inflatable bed (this last one is very bulky, so think if you are walking with it or not).
Sleeping bag.
Snacks, water and some food on your hiking back pack.
Bring your cup and camp stove to be able to boil water and drink teas and coffees under the stars.
Waterproof layers, you never know what's going to happen (especially in UK). Don't freeze please, can be very risky.
Hat and sunscreen, I know it's the UK but you never know. Our trip was very VERY warm and sunny through-out the entire hike.
Torch and head torch. One of the last thing you don't want, is being in the dark. Especially if you like to explore during the night. The phone flash won't last long :).
Bring a waste bag for your rubbish. Remember, leave the place like you found it. Do it for you but also for all other wild campers.
I know this will add a bit of weight, but bring your essential camera equipment, you won't regret it. Night and wild photography is one of the most beautiful things ever during camping.
Last but not least. BRING insects repellent or you will regret you didn't buy it. Bugs are likely to sting you and not one only, not two, MANY will do. I'm telling you by experience, my husband was full of stings in less then 10 minutes, so please bring it and enjoy you camping.
Just to end up this post, Cumbria - Wild camping is one of the most beautiful experiences we've had and I really encourage you to have a think and go there. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to comment below or contact me on the contact page.
