It is a shame that this article needs to be written, but as wild camping has gained in popularity over the last few years, unfortunately we are seeing more instances of poor behaviour, which tarnish the reputation of the responsible wild camper.
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| A lovely spot on Grasmoor |
Wild camping is essentially illegal in England. It is 'tolerated' because wild campers have historically been small in number and fairly inconspicuous. But as numbers increase, and behaviour worsens, it’s becoming an activity with an increasingly distasteful profile. And as wild camping draws more negative attention to itself, wild campers run the risk of becoming demonised by the general public.
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| Camping on the summit of Blencathra |
This is a real shame because the vast majority of wild campers are discreet and respectful to the degree where they are totally inconspicuous. Which is the whole point. As people who love the outdoors most wild campers appreciate the landscape and the privilege of being able to spend some precious time in it. It’s the thoughtless minority who threaten wild camping and its future in England.
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| Room with view of Wastwater |
The Wild Camping Code was written in an attempt to provide some ground rules and guidelines for wild campers so that we all know what is expected of us. Here is the code and the most common ways in which people ignore it !
1) Camp high on open hills, above the highest fell wall, away from main tracks, houses, farms and livestock
This should be easy enough. Its a simple case of being discreet, unobtrusive and out of sight. But we've all seen people camping within sight of roads or paths and I'm sure it annoys you as much as me. Unfortunately some folk don't like paying for campsites and think they can impose themselves wherever they like. 'Fly campers' openly flaunt everything that the responsible wild camper holds dear.
2) Minimise the numbers of people and tents
Another common code violation that we see time and time again. Large groups of tents, lots of people and usually therefore lots of noise, and often in conjunction with violation of rule 1.
3) Pitch your camp late in the evening and leave early in the morning
This is one which really irritates me and I see this happening all the time. I challenge anyone to hike up to Sprinkling Tarn, Scales Tarn or Angle Tarn in the middle of the day on any weekend without seeing at least one tent. This is just selfish behaviour. The fells aren't your personal camp site. Set up after the last day hikers have gone home, and pack up before they arrive again the next day. Wild campers should be invisible to all, with the occasional exception of other wild campers.
4) Don't dig drainage ditches, trample plants or move rocks
Just have some respect for the landscape. Its not yours to change to your taste. If you must move a rock to make way for your tent then put it back exactly where you found it.
5) If asked by a landowner move on, do so respectfully and without argument
We know we shouldn't really be there. If we are respectful and follow this code then it’s unlikely anyone will bother us but if we do get challenged, it’s likely because the landowner has had a previous bad experience with irresponsible wild campers and they, like us, are fed up of them. Try to project an image of respectfulness and understanding, in a manor which enhances the image of wild campers and doesn't erode it any further. If they still want you to leave, then apologise and do so without question.
6) Don't light any fires; use a proper camping stove for cooking
Fires scar the land, sometimes for many months or even years. They also pose a risk of causing wildfires in dry weather. Using a stove off the floor is fine but when you leave, there should be no signs of scorching.
7) Toileting should be well away from any water source or path (30 metres or more) and paper / sanitary items should be bagged up and carried out, not buried.
This is just common sense. Take a small lightweight trowel, dig a small hole at least 15cm deep, do your business and then recover the hole so the area looks as it did before. We've all seen human waste and toilet paper in the hills. It's completely unacceptable and selfish behaviour. If you've done this then go and have a serious word with yourself!
8) Do not use streams or rivers for washing with soaps or detergent
This doesn't need any further explanation. Keep your chemicals to yourself. Why anyone would bring detergent with them on a wild camp is beyond me. Just clean yourself with water or wet wipes (which you then pack up and take away) and have a proper wash when you get home.
9) Maintain the peace by aiming to be as quiet as possible during your camp.
A violation of this rule usually go's hand in hand with violations of rules 1 and 2. Noise travels remarkably far at night, so be respectful and keep quiet.
10) Leave no trace that you've camped. Leave the area exactly as you found it. Bag up all litter and take it home with you.
This is the one which boils the blood of anyone who has any sense of decency and respect for the outdoors. There is really nothing worse than coming across litter in the fells. Unfortunately the worst instances of littering tend be around popular wild camping sites. I've seen empty gas canisters, food packaging, toiler paper galore, uneaten food, guy lines and even a whole damaged tent. Leaving your rubbish in wild unspoiled areas is perhaps the ultimate expressive of lazyness, selfishness and a total disregard for others. I'm really not sure if anyone who does this can actually be rehabilitated but we have to live in hope.
So those are the rules. They are really just common sense values and are not difficult to follow. So please spread the word and continue to act in way which represents our hobby in the most positive light. We, of all the people who enjoy the great outdoors, should be the ones who hold our wonderful landscape in the highest regard. Our behaviour in the fells should be second to none, or we risk losing the access which we hold so dear.
