Wild Camping in the UK: Rules, Tips & Best Spots

There's nothing quite like waking up in a tent pitched on a remote hillside, watching the sun rise over a mountain loch or moorland valley. Wild camping outside of designated campsites in the open countryside - is one of the most rewarding outdoor experiences available in the UK. But the rules vary significantly across the nations. Here's everything you need to know.

Wild Camping Laws by Nation

Scotland

Scotland has the most progressive access laws in the UK. Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, you have a legal right to wild camp almost anywhere in Scotland, as long as you act responsibly under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This means camping for no more than 2–3 nights in one spot, leaving no trace, and respecting other land users. Scotland is the wild camper's paradise.

England and Wales

Wild camping is technically illegal in England and Wales without the landowner's permission, with the exception of Dartmoor National Park, which has a statutory right to wild camp in designated areas. In practice, many landowners tolerate responsible wild camping in remote areas, particularly in the Lake District, Snowdonia, and the Peak District. Always pitch late, leave early, and leave no trace.

Northern Ireland

Similar to England and Wales - no general right to wild camp, but responsible camping in remote areas is generally tolerated. Always seek permission where possible.

The Leave No Trace Principles

Wherever you camp, these principles are non-negotiable:

• Camp on durable surfaces - grass, rock, or gravel. Never on fragile vegetation.
• Pitch away from water - at least 30m from any lake, river, or stream.
• Human waste: Bury waste in a cat hole 15cm deep, at least 60m from water. Pack out all toilet paper.
• Take all litter home - including food scraps and orange peel.
• No campfires in most wild camping situations - use a lightweight stove instead. If you do light a fire, use a fire pan and scatter the cold ash.
• Pitch late, leave early - minimise your visual impact on other users.

Essential Wild Camping Kit

• Tent: A lightweight 3-season tent (under 2kg) is ideal. Look for good wind resistance for exposed pitches.
• Sleeping bag: Rated to at least -5°C for UK autumn and winter camping.
• Sleeping mat: Insulation from the ground is as important as your sleeping bag.
• Stove and fuel: A lightweight gas stove and a titanium pot are the wild camper's staples.
• Water filter: Essential for sourcing water from streams and lochs.
• Warm layers: Temperatures drop dramatically at night, even in summer at altitude.
• Quality socks: Warm, dry feet are essential for a comfortable night. Pack a dedicated pair of camp socks from Stride Outdoors to change into at camp - your feet will thank you.

Best Wild Camping Spots in the UK

• Loch Ossian, Scottish Highlands: Accessible only by train or on foot, this remote loch offers one of Scotland's finest wild camping experiences.
• Rannoch Moor, Scotland: The vast, boggy expanse of Rannoch Moor is one of the UK's most remote and atmospheric wild camping destinations.
• Dartmoor, Devon: England's only legal wild camping destination outside Scotland. The open moorland offers superb camping with dramatic granite tors as a backdrop.
• Snowdonia, Wales: The cwms and ridges of Snowdonia offer spectacular wild camping with the tacit tolerance of most landowners.
• The Cairngorms Plateau, Scotland: For experienced wild campers only - the high plateau offers an Arctic-like experience even in summer.

Wild camping is one of the most profound ways to connect with the UK's wild places. Do it responsibly, leave no trace, and the experience will stay with you for a lifetime. Find your wild camping kit at Stride Outdoors.