Weird Christmas Celebrations

Quite a few of my mates have started wild camping, they absolutely love it, they only use there phones for photo's and emergency, and just get off grid for a few nights to detox the mind as they say

 

It certainly works as a mind detox. Here's a few of my spots over the years:-

 

If you're going to sleep in a wheelie bin, you'd be safer with the lid shut.

 

Looks absolutely beautiful mate, definitley my kind of tonic and detox, off grid, lovely jubbly, my old army mate from Wath puts a blog on YouTube, " Wayne outdoors" its really good mate, if you enjoyed it give it a watch, btw you've got a decent tent there

 

I'll have a look later on. The tent is from Terra Nova and weighs about 800g, incredibly light as I'm carrying it all day.

I use my phone for navigation as well as for photos etc, so I do need to carry a power pack which bumps up the weight a bit. It's good fun but of course not for everyone.

 

What would you do for food while you're out there over night?

 

Good question. I used to cook on a meths stove, but it's a faff and fuel is difficult to get on a long multi day trip. And the stuff is heavy.

More recently I just take sandwiches, fruit, cake etc, but try to eat in a pub for a late lunch if possible.

Plus, those that know me are aware that I've got a large excess stock of calories anyway...

 

I'm tempted to try it but I saw in the peak District signs everywhere saying no BBQs and I guess any kind of stove counts as that? I couldn't do with Sandwiches etc but I do have an excess of stock calories myself

 

Technically wild camping is illegal, although it's a civil offence, not criminal. However, it's generally accepted in the Lakes and other wild areas, provided you don't pitch in someone's front garden (unless they give you permission). The general rules are, arrive late, leave early, leave no trace.

I generally arrive at dusk, and get up early, and usually nobody knows I've been there. However, one of the pictures above is my camp at High Cup Nick on the Pennine Way. I was woken by sheep farmers on quad bikes at 5am. They were good lads and we sat chatting, about my tent etc. Most people are reasonable if you treat them and the wilderness with respect.

 

My feet would stick out of the bottom of that tent.

 

I imagine it helps that you are a more mature gentleman on your own rather than being a group of 20 year old lads. The first impression there helps a lot when they see you.

How long does it take you to set up your tent? And how long would it take a novice to set up?

 

That does help, being of advanced years and alone. Apart from true wild camping, I've also camped in many pub beer gardens over the years. They've all been ok with me, but wouldn't allow a group of lads, rightly or wrongly.

As far as putting the tent up, in good weather it takes around 5 minutes. The biggest problem however is wind, as on my own it's difficult to hold it steady. I reckon the very first time it would be about 10 minutes, but you'd practise at home first of course.

 

In the famous words of Austrian ski instructors, "bent ze nees".