Wild Camping Lake District

Wild Camping in the Lake District

Rugged Fells, Remote Tarns – Learn to Camp in the Heart of the Lakes

The Lake District National Park is one of the UK’s most iconic mountain areas, home to England’s highest peaks, steep-sided valleys, and a rich tradition of outdoor exploration. Among its ridges and quiet uplands lie countless wild camping opportunities — remote tarns, grassy shelves, and peaceful high ground far from the busy valley floors.

This course offers a structured and supportive introduction to wild camping in the Lakeland fells. Whether you’re planning your first solo overnight or preparing for longer backpacking adventures, this is your chance to build confidence and self-reliance in the hills.

Led by a qualified International Mountain Leader, you’ll experience the full process of planning, walking into, and spending a night at a remote camp, with guidance on techniques and equipment every step of the way.

What We’ll Cover

Wild Camping Essentials

  • Identifying appropriate and responsible wild camping locations
  • Understanding legal considerations and local sensitivities in the Lakes
  • Tent and bivvy systems – pros, cons and personal preferences
  • Packing efficiently for overnight trips
  • Cooking outdoors: safe use of stoves and fuel in mountain terrain
  • Water sourcing and purification in upland areas
  • Staying warm, dry and comfortable in variable weather
  • Weather awareness and mountain safety
  • Leave No Trace principles and minimising impact

We’ll camp at a remote location accessible on foot, allowing time for practical learning, rest, and the chance to enjoy a truly quiet Lakeland evening.

Prerequisites

This course is suitable for confident hillwalkers who want to develop their overnight mountain skills. To participate, you should:

  • Have a good level of physical fitness
  • Be capable of walking for several hours on uneven or steep ground with a full backpack
  • Be comfortable with basic hill skills (e.g., navigation, weather awareness)

No prior wild camping experience is needed.

Kit List

Camping Equipment

  • Lightweight tent, tarp or bivvy setup
  • 3-season sleeping bag
  • Sleeping mat
  • Rucksack (50–65L recommended)
  • Stove and fuel
  • Cooking pot/mug and utensils
  • Food for two days (including warm evening meal and breakfast)
  • 2L water capacity (plus purification method: filter, tablets, or UV)

Clothing & Personal Kit

  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Insulated jacket and warm mid-layers
  • Wicking base layers
  • Hat and gloves (plus spares)
  • Well-fitted walking boots
  • Headtorch with spare batteries
  • Dry bags or pack liners
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Emergency whistle
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses, basic toiletries

This is a fantastic way to explore the quieter side of the Lake District and gain the confidence to sleep out safely and responsibly in the UK’s upland areas.

Check out our available dates here.