WILD CAMPING WITH A CHILD:
GEAR CHECKLIST & RULE GUIDELINES
what is wild camping & why should i take my child?
wild camping is pitching your tent outside of an official campsite or authorised area, usually in more remote areas like mountains, forests or by loch side.
why should you take your child? well, simply, because you can.
it's a different type of adventure that we have the privilege, especially in scotland, to be able to do freely. there's a location that suits every child; wether it's the woods or a mountain top or by a loch, you can make it personal to how you normally adventure or make it something completely new. it shows them the skills of problem solving, planning & lets them experience nature in ways they might not normally.
FAQ
is wild camping legal in the uk?
in scotland? yes. in england, ireland & wales? it's complicated.
what do i do with our waste?
always take it away with you. if you can carry it in, you can carry it out.
are there rules to follow?
- arrive late & leave early
- leave no trace
- use a stove, not an open fire
- camp at least 100m from paths, roads, & rivers.
- keep noise down
- respect wildlife
how do i find a spot?
maps, blog posts, youtube videos, forums, word of mouth - there's an incredible amount of inspiration out there.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK TO GO WILD CAMPING WITH MY CHILD?
Shelter & SleepING Setup
your essential gear which protects you from the elements & make sure everyone gets a good nights sleep.
- tent, pegs & ropes
- sleeping bags
- sleeping mats
- sleeping bag liners
- pillows
RUCKSACK
choose a comfortable rucksack which fits you well & that has enough space for your all your gear.
- dry bag or bag liner
- waterproof cover
Cooking
you don't need to bring the kitchen sink, just enough to make a filling meal or a warm drink.
- camping stove, gas & lighter
- spork or utensils
- water bottle / bladder & filter or chlorine tablets
- microfibre cloth
CLOTHING
having the right clothing protects against unpredictable weather, keeps kids comfortable & helps regulate body temperature.
- waterproof jacket & trousers
- insulated layer for sleeping
- hiking trousers
- base layers
- fleece layer
- socks & pants
- hat & gloves
- hiking boots or trail runners
Safety & Hygiene
a few items to keep you healthy, clean & safe.
- first aid kit
- midge repellent & net
- toothbrush & toothpaste
- head torch
- wipes or kula cloth
- trowel & sanitiser
- small bin bag
- powerbank
GENERAL RULES FOR WILD CAMPING IN THE UK
- camp in small numbers
- stay only 1 or 2 nights max in one spot
- avoid enclosed fields, farm buildings & private gardens
- don’t block roads or access tracks
- leave no trace - always carry out what you take in
- respect wildlife & livestock - don’t disturb nesting birds or grazing animals
- use a stove instead of open fires - especially in dry weather
scotland
the scottish outdoor access code means that you can camp almost anywhere in scotland legally. an exception to this rule is in loch lomond, where they have a restriction zone in the peak season, meaning you need a permit to wild camp within this area.
england & wales
wild camping in these areas is generally not legal without the landowners permission but there are a few exceptions & 'tolerated areas'. technically you need permission from the landowner before wild camping, however, in places like the lake district, eryri & dartmoor it is more often allowed if you're discreet about your pitch, you arrive late & leave early.
if you're unsure it's always better to ask locally or check land ownership online before you head out.
everything taken for 12 days hiking over 96 miles
