Top 5 wild camping destinations in the UK
With the promise of international travel still looking tentative and popular tourist hotspots often overrun with crowds perhaps you should be looking to the wild for your next adventure. Armed with the right kit you can test yourself as little or as much as you like, or just escape the chaos of life and reconnect with nature.
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Wild camping is only legal with the land owners permission so you will need to do your research, common advice is to arrive at dusk and aim to leave just after dawn leaving no trace of your stay, of course. We recommend getting back to basics with a handy OS map and some pre planning to pick a spot that ticks all the boxes, away from noise and light pollution.
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If you are not comfortable seeking land owners permission to camp there are certain areas in Scotland and Dartmoor where it is permitted which are marked with an asterix* below.
1 - Glenfeshie, Cairngorms* (334m)
With a wealth of outdoor pursuits at your disposal including skiing, mountain biking, hiking and rock climbing, the national park at Cairngorms has everything you need for a true adventure. Look to the Strava app and test yourself against other walkers, cyclists and runners and post your best time.
2 - Yes Tor, Dartmoor* (619m)
There are over 160 Tors on Dartmoor national park but Yes Tor is our top pick for wild camping for the stunning views and star gazing. Pitching up is permitted here, it is recommended you limit your stays to 1 night in the same area and try to give other campers space.
3 - Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons. (811m)
The black mountains make for fantastic walking, due to its topography once you climb high you tend to stay high with long meandering trails and flat summits to pitch up camp and get the mess tins out. With a wealth of areas to choose from to set up camp you are likely to spend a serene night without any neighbours.
4 - Cadair Idris, Snowdonia (893m)
Often featured in the top 10 views in the UK this lake and mountain at the southern end of Snowdonia should be on your hit list. There is a glacial lake at the foot of 400m high mountain walls which offers fantastic camping, alternatively you can also set up at the flat summit. Cadair Idris offers more challenging walks with a long, steep climb. Perfect for cardio conditioning whilst taking in breathtaking views.
5 - Loch Glass, Ben Wyvis, Highland* (350m)
For the more experienced camper, Loch Glass is often revered for offering all seasons in a day and, depending on the time of year, will offer limited daylight hours. If you're looking to rear your survival skills in challenging conditions it offers a beautiful escape in return, sitting at the lesser visited side of Ben Wyvis. Grab your map and compass and get walking, and get ready for some snow at the summit!
At Military Direct we offer everything you need to wild camp all the way down to your camping stove and mess tins. Sign up to our newsletter for further information.
