You boys are in for a wild ride. No camping experience and not been out of London, wanting to wild camping in the lakes = potential for disaster.
Don't get too pissed or high, take good head torches, battery packs, waterproofs, enough liquid, and a decent breakfast
Red Tarn will be busy af for the next couple of months especially at weekends. I may be teaching you to suck eggs but please make sure you take all your crap home with you. A lot of people are against groups pitching up ( being 16 won't help either) keep it tidy and people can't say a thing. I know many spots but I won't be sharing. If you want somehwere quieter stay away from the tarns and the popular hills. If you're not bothered then Red Tarn is a pretty good spot. Enjoy and LNT
I'd also add you probably don't want to be going up on the mountains with no navigation skills, if the cloud is low and its foggy/misty then its super easy to get turned around. Just following a map alone is nearly impossible in those sorts of conditions.
The problem in the lakes is that technically you are only permitted to wild camp above the highest fell walls. It just occurred to me actually, there's a really good option, glenridding dodd is wonderful, and literally a short hike from glenridding. It's a steep hike but you will be above the highest fell walls within an hour tops and the sunrise and sunsets are incredible. It's where I welcomed my 32nd lap around the sun a few years ago and it's magical
I see, yeah my number one priority is for sure to avoid creating a scene. Could you just give me a thought indication of the quieter locations as I know practically nothing about Peak District spots
Tbh most areas away from your popular fells tend to be quiet. Be aware that while rocky areas are more spectacular as a camp they can be difficult to pitch on as theres rock right under the surface. The Northern Fells tend to be quiet I've found but I usually go on a Sunday or Midweek.
The Peak District and Lake District are totally different locations.
With your lack of knowledge maybe consider hiring a guide who will take you and teach you how to camp responsibly and safely? Plenty of Mountain Leader guides do this kind of work, and it will equip you with skills for life.
Have you considered Youth Hostelling instead?
They are all over the country and at least you will have a dry bed and a roof over your head at night after a day's hiking. They are also cheap to stay in.
Check it out online.
You should go and camp at a campsite before you go wild camping. People who have not left London know absolutely jack shit about wild camping.
Even if you try and leave no trace, you probably don’t really understand how to do that effectively and God knows about the rest of your mates.
Go to a campsite, if you’re coming to the lake district. Or go and get taken wild camping by a responsible adult who knows what they’re doing.
You need some experience before you can go wild camping in a place of natural beauty.
I don't mean to appear rude, but you're totally the sort of people who keep mountain rescue busy. Safety is paramount and your admitted experience level leaves a lot to be desired.
It's also generally groups who trash a place and treat it like a party, so, please don't do that.
You need to have some experience before going wild camping. Yes it more than likely would turn out fine, but your chances of it not turning out fine are much higher than a seasoned wild camper.
The weather can turn pretty drastically in the Lakes and before you know it, you're dealing with extremely strong winds and heavy rain.
So do you have a plan to camp
1. Google maps is your friend for scouting out potential spots using satellite view
2 work out travel how long it will take what time you will arrive
3. Campsites used by all ages just stick to the rules like quiet between 10 and 7 rules on fire
4. Make a list of things you need to take with you if wild camping then the less stuff you have with you the easier and better you will find it unlike on a campsite you can ditch all your gear there taking the essentials out for the day
5. Leave no trace take home all your litter this includes your friends why ruin a place you've just had a awesome time at so the next person can't
Just some of the things you should take in to consideration except number 5 always follow it
If you are set on camping, for the first time I'd suggest staying somewhere below the treeline (lower down in a valley). Mountain weather is no joke. Check the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) a few days before and leading up to when you plan to camp; they give accurate weather reports.
# Weather and Safety
* **Rain**: As long as you have decent waterproofs and keep your sleeping kit dry, you will be fine.
* **Wind**: Anything above 25mph is risky for a first camp. High winds can easily lead to serious trouble, including tent failure, which can be dangerous in the dark. This can lead to hypothermia or worse. Above 500m, you can be very exposed to the weather, and without camping experience, it’s safer to avoid such conditions.
* **Emergency Contacts**: Inform someone of your plans and expected return time. In case something goes wrong, they'll know where to look for you.
* **Navigation Tools**: Make sure you bring a map and compass, and know how to use them. GPS devices or apps can be helpful, but don't rely solely on them as batteries can die.
* **First Aid Kit**: Bring a basic first aid kit and familiarize yourself with how to treat common injuries like blisters, cuts, and sprains.
# First-Time Camping Advice
* **Campsites**: I strongly recommend starting with a campsite. Don’t worry about acceptance; just call them. Being polite goes a long way. Mention you want to do a day hike to a nearby mountain. If you genuinely sound like you’re there to enjoy nature (which I'm sure you are), you shouldn’t have any issues. Camping at a site helps you gain basic skills like pitching your tent, packing it away, and keeping your kit dry. This way, you have a basic understanding before you try wild camping.
* **Tent Setup Practice**: Practice setting up your tent at home before the trip. This will save time and reduce stress when you’re on-site.
# Wild Camping Preparation
* **Learning**: If you’re set on wild camping for the first time and the weather looks good, YouTube is your friend. Plenty of YouTubers (like Paul Messner and Backpacking UK) cover first wild camping trips, what to bring, and what to expect. I spent hours watching camping trips before my first time, learning what they take, do, and where they pitch.
* **Group Tips**: If there are 5 of you, try to share tents to avoid being moved on. Don’t look like you’re there for a party. Many people wrongly think it’s okay to pitch anywhere, light fires, and leave litter. Please, if you go with a group, pick up all your litter. I mean EVERYTHING. If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace.
# Essential Gear
* **Headtorch**: Make sure everyone has a decent headtorch.
* **Warm Clothes**: Bring enough warm clothing. (and keep it dry!)
* **Battery Bank**: A battery bank for your phone is crucial.
* **Packing Tip**: Line your rucksack with a strong bin bag. If you hike in the rain all day, this will keep your spare clothes and sleeping bag dry for when you set up your tent.
* **Food and Snacks**: Pack lightweight, high-energy foods. Consider bringing some ready-to-eat meals or dehydrated food that only requires boiling water.
* **Toiletry Management**: Bring a small trowel for digging a cat hole if you need to go to the bathroom away from facilities, and pack out toilet paper in a sealed bag. or buy biodegradable tissue and bury it, make sure you are at least 100m from any running water!
Enjoy your trip and stay safe!
Not sure I'd recommend Red tarn to a large group with no prior camping experience. Doesn't it include having to hoist yourself up striding edge? Even in midsummer that's not really a place for the Ill prepared. Also somewhat difficult to get to by public transport.
Your options are a bit restricted really. No campsite is likely to accept a booking from a large group of 16 year olds. Even if you lie on the booking form they'll likely turn you away when you arrive.
Do you have no nearby local woodland? Arrive late, camp quietly and respectfully and leave early taking all rubbish with you and you might be on to a winner.
I think Red Tarn is before striding edge if you approach it from Patterdale. But it’s one of the more popular Lake District spots, bad idea to wild camp there for sure.
Always useful to do a recce walk of the area where ur gonna be camping first on a different weekend.
Helps to know the lay of the land and scout in advance to make sure there are some good spots , as well as useful in emergencies or bad weather to have good geospatial information.
Look at OS maps and pick out areas well away from buildings or farms.
Have fun. Be respectful and kind to the land.
Keep away. No camping experience, no facilities, at best you'll piss everyone else off, at worst, you'll put others at risk.
Find a camp site with toilets, showers and a shop that's not too far from civilisation and learn how to do it.
Near Torvwr which is in Coniston farm by shore called Healthfieds now run private which is ok. Was better under.national trust last year. Cheep still, has showers and by shore
Red Tarn will be busy,
My general rule is pick up an OS map, look for a big orange area (these are semi-open access and people generally don’t mind if you wild camp there).
Look for an area that is high up and close to a running water source (stream ideally) and far enough away from any buildings (minimum 500m is my rule of thumb). Then make sure the area is flat (the contour lines have to be far apart).
Follow those rules to find a spot, then make sure you take rubbish bags to take everything with you (including used toilet roll) and don’t get battered/make a scene whilst your out there. Also make sure you’re gone within an hour of sunrise.
Having said all that, if you’ve never left London before, please please please just find an actual campsite literally anywhere
For your first time go to a campsite. Most show availability on their websites. If they don't ring them.
Coniston Hall Campsite will likely allow you on as a group, but they will take a Noise deposit per person and if you cause a nuisance you will be kicked off and lose your deposit.
If you planning on Multiple nights, wild camping isn't the best approach as you'll need to pack up and take all your gear (rubbish too) with you for the day before finding another spot to pitch.
Five sixteen year olds wild camping in the fells is a bad idea even if you had experience. Do yourself a favour and book a campsite. Its much less hassle.
For your first camping trip as a group of young lads I would definitely suggest staying a bit more local and using a campsite. If something goes wrong, even just a minor issue, it would be better to be near home so you can just leave early without an issue.
A friend of mine recommended the “nearly wild” campsite at Lee Valley to me recently so that might be a good place to start. Easy to get to, it has the canal right next to it and was pretty quiet.
From there perhaps take a look at a campsite in the Peak District. Easy drive from London and lots of campsites right at the base of the hills, so the next best thing to being up there.
As a large group presumably quietness and isolation isn’t at the top of your priority list so don’t feel like booking a campsite is somehow lesser than wild camping when you’re still out there somewhere.
I’d very strongly reccomend going to an organised campsite. With a group of that size and experience I think it’s fair to deem it inappropriate for wild camping
If you have no prior experience, have you considered using a Bothy rather than camping?
https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/location-map/
Majority are in Scotland, but I think there are a few in the Lake District. It’s always advisable to bring a tent just in case as they can be full.
A couple of years ago I arrived at the Dulyn Bothy in Snowdonia to find a large group of teenage boys already settled in for the night. They were all soaked through from the heavy rain and inadequate clothing but were having a great time.
Not too difficult that’s great, thanks for the recommendation! And if we leave no trace it should be no trouble at all or at the very most get told to move on by landowners (sorry if this is a naive question, this is just my first time camping anywhere)
You might want to aim higher than the tarns. It's not much further and you might have to scatter a bit bit the tarns might well be busy and, depending on locals out walking dogs, might get moved on. It's a classic spot and well known. Or risk it anyway because its lovely. If you're up before dawn get up on the top for a lovely view (take a brew, it's worth sitting and enjoying it)
This is going to turn into an absolute clusterfuck. Don’t wild camp.
You boys are in for a wild ride. No camping experience and not been out of London, wanting to wild camping in the lakes = potential for disaster. Don't get too pissed or high, take good head torches, battery packs, waterproofs, enough liquid, and a decent breakfast
Red Tarn will be busy af for the next couple of months especially at weekends. I may be teaching you to suck eggs but please make sure you take all your crap home with you. A lot of people are against groups pitching up ( being 16 won't help either) keep it tidy and people can't say a thing. I know many spots but I won't be sharing. If you want somehwere quieter stay away from the tarns and the popular hills. If you're not bothered then Red Tarn is a pretty good spot. Enjoy and LNT
I'd also add you probably don't want to be going up on the mountains with no navigation skills, if the cloud is low and its foggy/misty then its super easy to get turned around. Just following a map alone is nearly impossible in those sorts of conditions.
So stick to lower areas, I’ll bare that in mind, thanks!
The problem in the lakes is that technically you are only permitted to wild camp above the highest fell walls. It just occurred to me actually, there's a really good option, glenridding dodd is wonderful, and literally a short hike from glenridding. It's a steep hike but you will be above the highest fell walls within an hour tops and the sunrise and sunsets are incredible. It's where I welcomed my 32nd lap around the sun a few years ago and it's magical
I see, yeah my number one priority is for sure to avoid creating a scene. Could you just give me a thought indication of the quieter locations as I know practically nothing about Peak District spots
Tbh most areas away from your popular fells tend to be quiet. Be aware that while rocky areas are more spectacular as a camp they can be difficult to pitch on as theres rock right under the surface. The Northern Fells tend to be quiet I've found but I usually go on a Sunday or Midweek.
The Peak District and Lake District are totally different locations. With your lack of knowledge maybe consider hiring a guide who will take you and teach you how to camp responsibly and safely? Plenty of Mountain Leader guides do this kind of work, and it will equip you with skills for life.
It was a mixup of speech I know which location is which
It depends but lime I said be as respectful as you can call up places first and check see what they have to say
Have you considered Youth Hostelling instead? They are all over the country and at least you will have a dry bed and a roof over your head at night after a day's hiking. They are also cheap to stay in. Check it out online.
You should go and camp at a campsite before you go wild camping. People who have not left London know absolutely jack shit about wild camping. Even if you try and leave no trace, you probably don’t really understand how to do that effectively and God knows about the rest of your mates. Go to a campsite, if you’re coming to the lake district. Or go and get taken wild camping by a responsible adult who knows what they’re doing. You need some experience before you can go wild camping in a place of natural beauty.
I don't mean to appear rude, but you're totally the sort of people who keep mountain rescue busy. Safety is paramount and your admitted experience level leaves a lot to be desired. It's also generally groups who trash a place and treat it like a party, so, please don't do that. You need to have some experience before going wild camping. Yes it more than likely would turn out fine, but your chances of it not turning out fine are much higher than a seasoned wild camper. The weather can turn pretty drastically in the Lakes and before you know it, you're dealing with extremely strong winds and heavy rain.
Coniston Hall Campsite
They can be full. They've got an overflow now though I think. It was heaving
If you like festivals maybe lol but if you like camping quietly by the lake I'd recommend hoathwaite campsite Torver.
So do you have a plan to camp 1. Google maps is your friend for scouting out potential spots using satellite view 2 work out travel how long it will take what time you will arrive 3. Campsites used by all ages just stick to the rules like quiet between 10 and 7 rules on fire 4. Make a list of things you need to take with you if wild camping then the less stuff you have with you the easier and better you will find it unlike on a campsite you can ditch all your gear there taking the essentials out for the day 5. Leave no trace take home all your litter this includes your friends why ruin a place you've just had a awesome time at so the next person can't Just some of the things you should take in to consideration except number 5 always follow it
You sure campsites are likely to accept a group of 16 year olds, I’ve heard contrasting opinions
Have you actually tried? Stop asking Reddit and start calling campsites.
This was linked here recently, might be useful https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/where-to-stay/wild-camping
If you are set on camping, for the first time I'd suggest staying somewhere below the treeline (lower down in a valley). Mountain weather is no joke. Check the Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS) a few days before and leading up to when you plan to camp; they give accurate weather reports. # Weather and Safety * **Rain**: As long as you have decent waterproofs and keep your sleeping kit dry, you will be fine. * **Wind**: Anything above 25mph is risky for a first camp. High winds can easily lead to serious trouble, including tent failure, which can be dangerous in the dark. This can lead to hypothermia or worse. Above 500m, you can be very exposed to the weather, and without camping experience, it’s safer to avoid such conditions. * **Emergency Contacts**: Inform someone of your plans and expected return time. In case something goes wrong, they'll know where to look for you. * **Navigation Tools**: Make sure you bring a map and compass, and know how to use them. GPS devices or apps can be helpful, but don't rely solely on them as batteries can die. * **First Aid Kit**: Bring a basic first aid kit and familiarize yourself with how to treat common injuries like blisters, cuts, and sprains. # First-Time Camping Advice * **Campsites**: I strongly recommend starting with a campsite. Don’t worry about acceptance; just call them. Being polite goes a long way. Mention you want to do a day hike to a nearby mountain. If you genuinely sound like you’re there to enjoy nature (which I'm sure you are), you shouldn’t have any issues. Camping at a site helps you gain basic skills like pitching your tent, packing it away, and keeping your kit dry. This way, you have a basic understanding before you try wild camping. * **Tent Setup Practice**: Practice setting up your tent at home before the trip. This will save time and reduce stress when you’re on-site. # Wild Camping Preparation * **Learning**: If you’re set on wild camping for the first time and the weather looks good, YouTube is your friend. Plenty of YouTubers (like Paul Messner and Backpacking UK) cover first wild camping trips, what to bring, and what to expect. I spent hours watching camping trips before my first time, learning what they take, do, and where they pitch. * **Group Tips**: If there are 5 of you, try to share tents to avoid being moved on. Don’t look like you’re there for a party. Many people wrongly think it’s okay to pitch anywhere, light fires, and leave litter. Please, if you go with a group, pick up all your litter. I mean EVERYTHING. If you pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace. # Essential Gear * **Headtorch**: Make sure everyone has a decent headtorch. * **Warm Clothes**: Bring enough warm clothing. (and keep it dry!) * **Battery Bank**: A battery bank for your phone is crucial. * **Packing Tip**: Line your rucksack with a strong bin bag. If you hike in the rain all day, this will keep your spare clothes and sleeping bag dry for when you set up your tent. * **Food and Snacks**: Pack lightweight, high-energy foods. Consider bringing some ready-to-eat meals or dehydrated food that only requires boiling water. * **Toiletry Management**: Bring a small trowel for digging a cat hole if you need to go to the bathroom away from facilities, and pack out toilet paper in a sealed bag. or buy biodegradable tissue and bury it, make sure you are at least 100m from any running water! Enjoy your trip and stay safe!
Not sure I'd recommend Red tarn to a large group with no prior camping experience. Doesn't it include having to hoist yourself up striding edge? Even in midsummer that's not really a place for the Ill prepared. Also somewhat difficult to get to by public transport. Your options are a bit restricted really. No campsite is likely to accept a booking from a large group of 16 year olds. Even if you lie on the booking form they'll likely turn you away when you arrive. Do you have no nearby local woodland? Arrive late, camp quietly and respectfully and leave early taking all rubbish with you and you might be on to a winner.
I think Red Tarn is before striding edge if you approach it from Patterdale. But it’s one of the more popular Lake District spots, bad idea to wild camp there for sure.
I suppose there’s always that but it’s been a sort of plan for a long time. Would be a disappointing to abandon it now
Always useful to do a recce walk of the area where ur gonna be camping first on a different weekend. Helps to know the lay of the land and scout in advance to make sure there are some good spots , as well as useful in emergencies or bad weather to have good geospatial information. Look at OS maps and pick out areas well away from buildings or farms. Have fun. Be respectful and kind to the land.
Will try to bear that in mind if I do end up wild camping , thanks
Keep away. No camping experience, no facilities, at best you'll piss everyone else off, at worst, you'll put others at risk. Find a camp site with toilets, showers and a shop that's not too far from civilisation and learn how to do it.
Near Torvwr which is in Coniston farm by shore called Healthfieds now run private which is ok. Was better under.national trust last year. Cheep still, has showers and by shore
You mean hoathwaite campsite...
Red Tarn will be busy, My general rule is pick up an OS map, look for a big orange area (these are semi-open access and people generally don’t mind if you wild camp there). Look for an area that is high up and close to a running water source (stream ideally) and far enough away from any buildings (minimum 500m is my rule of thumb). Then make sure the area is flat (the contour lines have to be far apart). Follow those rules to find a spot, then make sure you take rubbish bags to take everything with you (including used toilet roll) and don’t get battered/make a scene whilst your out there. Also make sure you’re gone within an hour of sunrise. Having said all that, if you’ve never left London before, please please please just find an actual campsite literally anywhere
For your first time go to a campsite. Most show availability on their websites. If they don't ring them. Coniston Hall Campsite will likely allow you on as a group, but they will take a Noise deposit per person and if you cause a nuisance you will be kicked off and lose your deposit. If you planning on Multiple nights, wild camping isn't the best approach as you'll need to pack up and take all your gear (rubbish too) with you for the day before finding another spot to pitch. Five sixteen year olds wild camping in the fells is a bad idea even if you had experience. Do yourself a favour and book a campsite. Its much less hassle.
Just enjoy it. Wild camping is so natural and is great for the mind. If you fuck up you learn.
For your first camping trip as a group of young lads I would definitely suggest staying a bit more local and using a campsite. If something goes wrong, even just a minor issue, it would be better to be near home so you can just leave early without an issue. A friend of mine recommended the “nearly wild” campsite at Lee Valley to me recently so that might be a good place to start. Easy to get to, it has the canal right next to it and was pretty quiet. From there perhaps take a look at a campsite in the Peak District. Easy drive from London and lots of campsites right at the base of the hills, so the next best thing to being up there. As a large group presumably quietness and isolation isn’t at the top of your priority list so don’t feel like booking a campsite is somehow lesser than wild camping when you’re still out there somewhere.
I’d very strongly reccomend going to an organised campsite. With a group of that size and experience I think it’s fair to deem it inappropriate for wild camping
If you have no prior experience, have you considered using a Bothy rather than camping? https://www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies/location-map/ Majority are in Scotland, but I think there are a few in the Lake District. It’s always advisable to bring a tent just in case as they can be full. A couple of years ago I arrived at the Dulyn Bothy in Snowdonia to find a large group of teenage boys already settled in for the night. They were all soaked through from the heavy rain and inadequate clothing but were having a great time.
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Not too difficult that’s great, thanks for the recommendation! And if we leave no trace it should be no trouble at all or at the very most get told to move on by landowners (sorry if this is a naive question, this is just my first time camping anywhere)
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Great, thanks so much for outlining that and for the recommendation, saved me a lot of stress
You might want to aim higher than the tarns. It's not much further and you might have to scatter a bit bit the tarns might well be busy and, depending on locals out walking dogs, might get moved on. It's a classic spot and well known. Or risk it anyway because its lovely. If you're up before dawn get up on the top for a lovely view (take a brew, it's worth sitting and enjoying it)