Wild camping: the basics (because, let's face it, that's all there are)

The basics (because, let's face it, that's all there are)

1. 'Where is it OK to camp without permission?' In Scotland wild camping is legal if well away from dwellings and roads. In England and Wales there are two answers to this question: legally, nowhere; practically, almost anywhere. Landowners have the right to move you on, but in mountainous areas this is unlikely, especially if you follow these basic guidelines. The Backpackers Club (backpackersclub.co.uk) has a list of farm pitches. For more details on legality, see the links below.

2. Be discreet and unobtrusive You reduce your chances of being moved on, and have a minimal impact on the environment

3. Do not light fires Use a portable stove for cooking and heating water

4. Carry out everything you carry in With the exception of rapidly biodegradable wastes, which should always be buried

5. Carry enough water If taking water from a stream, check for possible sources of contamination for 30m above the point of extraction (for more advice on water sources and purification, see useful links below)

6. Pitch late, leave early BUT do plan the location of where you will pitch your tent in good time before nightfall; it can be difficult to find a flat spot in uplands, or a spot at all in farmed lowlands

7. Don't go to the toilet within 30m of a water source Excrement must be buried

8. Exercise good personal hygiene Stomach upsets are much more likely to be caused by handling food with dirty hands than by anything in the water

8. Don't carry more than you need With a tent, sleeping bag, stove and water, your pack will already be plenty heavy - wild camping is a minimalist art

9. Leave the pitch as you found it Literally, leave no stone turned

10. Visit these websites: v-g.me.uk/WildCamp/WildCamp.htm www.mountaineering-scotland.org.uk/leaflets/wildcamp.html