Born free

If the thought of normal camping doesn’t get your pulse racing the maybe you need some Wild Camping. Wild camping is essentially camping without the crowds and the shower rooms. A chance to really get away from it all and experience nature as nature intended. There are different levels of wild camping and you don’t have to forego the loo and shower if you can’t bear it. There are some amazing spots in the UK for wild camping but it may be worth remembering that in England all land is owned and so you may need to seek permission before pitching up just anywhere.

Back of Beyond, Dorset – set in over 30 acres of beautiful woodland and lakes and there is also free fishing on the park’s lakes and rivers. For a bit of entertainment, there is a pitch and putt course and refreshing woodland walks. The perfect haven for an escape with a few creature comforts as well.

Remember to stock up on good quality kit before you venture of into the wilderness, especially camping torches as there will not be much artificial light after dark in the back of beyond! For a range of outdoor equipment visit http://www.angloforro.co.uk/product-category/camping/lighting/torches/

Wild camping has been legal in Scotland since 2005 and you can camp on hill land as long as you respect any nearby livestock or homes. Some National Parks are quite open to the idea of wild camping but you will need to act responsibly and leave no mess behind. The key to leaving no trace is to be as eco-friendly as possible whilst camping. Another rule of wild camping is etiquette and it is usually expected that you would arrive late and leave early from your spot so as not to disturb others or to encounter many other people. It is also strongly advised that you don’t start an open fire, as this can quickly get out of control and be damaging to wildlife and livestock in the area.

Toileting for the wild camper also means being aware of your surroundings. Remember not to ‘go’ within 50 metres of water, dig a six inch hole and don’t bury toilet tissue or wipes. These will have to travel with you as rubbish until you can dispose of them appropriately.

There are seven key principles to get the most out of your wild camping experience:

• Avoid disrupting the land – try to set up camp on land that has already been used. Don’t forge new paths or you will disturb the purity of the site.
• Prepare – use a map, know the area and check for special rules you might need to adhere to.
• Leave what you might find – don’t carry away plants, flowers or rocks.
• Properly dispose of waste – bury human excrement and take all litter with you.
• No campfires – use specialist stoves to cook food.
• Respect the wildlife – this protects the environment and you. Never feed animals you come across.
• Consideration – don’t make a hullabaloo and be kind if you come across other campers or hikers.