Uploaded July 2024 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Has the wild camping uk bubble burst? To be honest, as time goes on it feels like the wild camping scene in England and Wales is in decline. What can we do to boost uk wild camping? Was it inevitable the wild camp situation was going to decline.
COVID made people appreciate the outdoors. This brought an enormous amount of interest into all outdoor activities and hobbies. For a time, the outdoor industry was booming. However, it feels like it is declining. Was this inevitable?
Personally, I'm not too worried. I see the post-COVID events as a natural progression and correction. However, I do want everyone to be aware that they can help the sector simply by being more helpful, understanding and appreciative.
We are unfortunate that outside of Scotland in the UK almost all land is privately owned. Most areas are out of bounds. Only 1 area is it legal to wild camp and only a few areas is it tolerated. At the height of the Dartmoor scandal, Labour said they would introduce new laws if they got into power. Surprise, surprise, they've backtracked.
Wild camping always was niche. Because of COVID, and the new-found love for the outdoors, hiking, backpacking and wild camping became more mainstream. Since we are 'free' again, lots of people have returned to the 'norm'.
I must say I think the weather in the UK the last couple of years has been extremely changeable. This must have put off at lot of people. Being in a tent, you're very exposed to the elements and many would not feel comfortable in those situations. If we have glorious, sunny dry days I think the reduction would have been more gradual.
The minority have caused a lot of negative press. Inexperienced hikers calling out mountain rescue teams and the clean up operations required to sort out wild campers. This has no doubt made people feel they don't want to be labelled or part of the outdoor community.
I would urge everyone to help and support those starting out, and the creators who try to encourage our wonderful hobby. We all know what hiking, backpacking and wild camping does for our health, lets help others too.
If you are into you hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy
#wildcamping #wildcampinguk #wildcamp
Has the wild camping uk bubble burst? To be honest, as time goes on it feels like the wild camping scene in England and Wales is in decline. What can we do to boost uk wild camping? Was it inevitable the wild camp situation was going to decline.
COVID made people appreciate the outdoors. This brought an enormous amount of interest into all outdoor activities and hobbies. For a time, the outdoor industry was booming. However, it feels like it is declining. Was this inevitable?
Personally, I'm not too worried. I see the post-COVID events as a natural progression and correction. However, I do want everyone to be aware that they can help the sector simply by being more helpful, understanding and appreciative.
We are unfortunate that outside of Scotland in the UK almost all land is privately owned. Most areas are out of bounds. Only 1 area is it legal to wild camp and only a few areas is it tolerated. At the height of the Dartmoor scandal, Labour said they would introduce new laws if they got into power. Surprise, surprise, they've backtracked.
Wild camping always was niche. Because of COVID, and the new-found love for the outdoors, hiking, backpacking and wild camping became more mainstream. Since we are 'free' again, lots of people have returned to the 'norm'.
I must say I think the weather in the UK the last couple of years has been extremely changeable. This must have put off at lot of people. Being in a tent, you're very exposed to the elements and many would not feel comfortable in those situations. If we have glorious, sunny dry days I think the reduction would have been more gradual.
The minority have caused a lot of negative press. Inexperienced hikers calling out mountain rescue teams and the clean up operations required to sort out wild campers. This has no doubt made people feel they don't want to be labelled or part of the outdoor community.
I would urge everyone to help and support those starting out, and the creators who try to encourage our wonderful hobby. We all know what hiking, backpacking and wild camping does for our health, lets help others too.
If you are into you hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy
#wildcamping #wildcampinguk #wildcamp
