Wild Camping, Adventures, Wild Swimming & Bushcraft
Hello Wild Ones! How's your day today?
I've included gear lists for each of my trips so that you can see what I'm using.
Thanks for stopping by! Much love, Claire 🌿🐻
I've included gear lists for each of my trips so that you can see what I'm using.
Thanks for stopping by! Much love, Claire 🌿🐻
Celebrating 3 years of Adventures & Wild Camping Fun on YouTube
and over 40 MILLION views - THANK YOU!
and over 40 MILLION views - THANK YOU!
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Testing Hiking Tents in Adverse Weather Conditions ..
3FUL Lanshan Pro 1
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3FUL Lanshan 2
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Naturehike Cloud Peak 2
MSR Hubba NX
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Hilleberg Soulo
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Snugpak IonosPHere
Durston X-Mid 1
wild! 🤩 ADVENTURES
Before you go Adventuring..
Keeping yourself Safe
START SMALL
If you are new to the wild places, get used to your gear in familar, local locations and various different weathers a few times before heading out to wilderness areas, and only do so when you feel ready
RESEARCH FIRST
It's a good idea to research where you'll be going, study maps and plan how you might deal with difficult terrain. Plan your routes around water sources so that you don't risk becoming dehydrated. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts. I like to look at local weather for the area, and also Mountain Weather Information Service. There can be quite a difference between local forecasts and mountain forecasts - prepare to experience both, and then some.
LEARN NAVIGATION
It's important to carry at least 2 forms of navigation. I like to use a paper map and compass and OS Maps downloaded to my phone, which I can use even without reception. Learning how to read maps and use a compass is a crucial skill. It is very easy to get lost in forests, on moors, or in bad visibility. Don't take that risk - it you aren't confident with basic navigation, stick to main paths
CARRY A PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON
I would always recommend taking a personal locator beacon into the wild. I use a Garmin InReach Mini. I can use this to text friends and family when I don't have reception (which is most of the time), track my route and most importantly, I can trigger an SOS if I get myself into serious bother - hopefully I'll never need to use it for this, but it's great peace of mind. Always keep your PLB within reach in case of emergency - the shoulder strap of your rucksack is ideal.
TENTS & BIVY BAGS
All tents and shelters can be dangerous, even expensive ones. Tents poles can snap in the wind, fabrics can rip, and even the best tents can collect condensation inside. But one of the most dangerous things of all, is complacency. It's a really bad idea to assume that just because you've bought an expensive tent, you're safe. This is not the case. Always carry a reliable bivi bag, to cover your sleeping bag in case of tent failure or condensation. A wet sleeping bag can kill. I also like to carry a sponge or cloth to mop up condensation
PREVENT HYPOTHERMIA
The temperatures in the mountains can swing between warm during the day and below freezing at night. In the winter, it can be seriously cold all day and night. Always take clothing and gear that will keep you warm enough in these varied conditions. Wear layers of synthetic or wool, fast drying fabrics and take waterproofs to protect you from the worst of it.
WEATHER
The mountains and moors can and will throw just about anything at you. Sunshine, torrential rain, snow, gale force winds, hail and thunderstorms are all things that you might encounter. Be prepared with a bivi bag in case of tent failer. In the event of a thunderstorm, make your way to lower ground as fast as is reasonably possible. Flooding is always a risk in bad weather - be alert and don't camp close to rivers and lakes in heavy rain or if snow is melting. In snowy or icy conditions, carry snow spikes so that you can walk safely and an ice axe to arrest a slide if you fall (learn how to use it before your trip). In strong winds, consider using natural wind breaks such as rocky outcrops to protect your tent, and specialist ground anchor type pegs to stop the tent being lifted. When pitching in strong winds, it's a good idea to attach your tent to your full rucksack while you pitch - there's no fun in seeing your tent fly off a cliff. Carabiners are great for this.
Bad weather on moors and mountains can be frightening, particularly if you don't have much experience being out in it - stay calm - if you are well prepared, you'll be absolutely fine.
DRY BAGS & PACK LINERS
Store your bed clothes, sleeping bag and electronics in waterproof dry bags or waterproof sacks, and consider using a pack liner too. These will all keep your things dry, no matter how much of a battering you take from the rain while you're hiking
TICKS
Ticks can transmit disease and pose a serious risk to your health. They are everywhere in the wild. Due to repeatedly receiving tick bites (I got as many as 50 during one summer!), I do treat my outer hiking clothing that will be in contact with long grass etc, with anti-tick treatment. I also treat my rucksack. In summer, I wear knee-length socks that I can pull up to create a barrier for my lower legs. It's really important to check yourself over thoroughly at the end of each day. Use a hand mirror to check in all the nooks and places you can't see and check for bumps by running your fingers over your scalp, your neck and behind your ears. I don't use bug sprays and lotions on my skin in the wild if I'm going to be in the water (this is just to protect the water) but I do use bug sprays in my local woods where I won't be in any water. Learn how to safely remove ticks and always carry a tick removal tool.
If you do find a tick, or even multiple ticks, don't panic! If you are checking yourself frequently and removing the blighters promptly, they are unlikely to be able to transmit disease in this time frame. However, not checking yourself, or waiting until you get home after a multi-day trip to check yourself, leaves you at serious risk of illness.
Ticks are not active in freezing conditions - I really enjoy not having to worry about ticks in snow and ice. But bear in mind that winter does not automatically mean ticks are not active - they are still a concern on milder winter days.
BOGS
Bogs can be invisible, hidden under a floating mat of living grass. Learn what to do if you fall into a bog before you leave for your trip. If it happens, don't panic. Ease yourself onto the surface on your stomach and gently make your way back on to solid ground. As already mentioned, carry a personal locator beacon at all times. In boggy areas, use a trekking pole to test the ground in front of you as you walk
RIVER CROSSINGS
Don't cross fast moving water, or water deeper than your knees. When you cross a river, undo the chest and waist straps of your rucksack, so that if you do become submerged, you can easily remove the rucksack to prevent drowning. A trekking pole or even a long stick can help you to keep your balance during a river crossing. Check the floor of the river first - rocky or solid is good, but you can sink or get stuck in a soft, silty riverbed.
COLD WATER & DEEP WATER
Prevent hypothermia by only entering cold water if you have the necessary means to warm yourself afterward, going in warm (I like to do warm-up exercises first), and not staying in for too long. Build up your tolerance to cold water exposure, starting in warmer water in the summer and gradually progressing to colder. Listen to your body. After-drop can occur - this is when your core body temperature continues to drop, even after you have come out of the water - allow for this.
Cold water can be dangerous not just because of hyperthermia, but because of cold shock. Cold shock is an involuntary reaction to cold water that causes you to gasp - potentially causing drowning. To reduce the risk of cold shock, enter the water in a shallow area, and slowly. Don't jump in, unless you are already accustomed to the water temperature and handling it well AND you are able to see under the water to check for rocks, branches or sharp objects that could seriously harm you. Of course, you will need to be a confident swimmer to swim in any kind of deep water. Beware of currents.
I prefer to have a dip in cold water when it's sunny, so that I can warm nicely afterward and dry my things.
RIVER WALKING SAFETY
River walking comes with its own set of considerations - check them out here
INJURIES & MED KIT
Carry a med kit to treat and protect cuts, scrapes and bites, and some form of pain relief. Antihistamines and anti-sickness medications are also a good idea. Hiking with trekking poles has prevented many sprain injuries for me
SUNBURN & HEAT STROKE
Take a hat to protect your head in the warmer months, take breaks in the shade, particularly in the hours around midday and take care not to overheat. Take your usual precautions against sunburn
FALL HAZARDS
The wild is full of steep drops, ravines, holes in the ground, cliffs, scree slopes and rockfalls. Everything becomes slippery when wet. These are all potentially life-threatening hazards, particularly in bad visibility or bad weather. If you're like me and don't like heights with exposure, plan a route away from steep drops, or be prepared to turn back if you feel out of your depth. Map reading and navigation skills can help you to avoid dangerous areas (did I mention you should also carry a personal locator beacon?)
SNOW & ICE
Aside from the obvious hyperthermia risk and the risk of slipping and falling, snow also covers holes in the ground, or bogs that might not be frozen - a trekking pole can help you determine if the ground in front of you is safe to walk on. Travelling through deep snow ('post holing') is exhausting and can drain your energy levels. Very deep snow can become impossible to travel through without snow shoes. When snow is melting, there is a risk of flooding - avoid camping close to rivers and lakes when there is melting snow. Always carry ice spikes and ice axe in full winter conditions, and learn how to use an ice axe to arrest a slide.
MAKING WATER SAFE TO DRINK
Where possible, drink only clear water from fast-flowing water sources and always make it safe to drink first. There are many ways to purify your water;
- A Filter
- A UV device
- Chemically (iodine/water purification tablets)
- Boiling (minimum 1 minute rolling boil - unless you're above 1980m elevation, then boil for 3 minutes)
I use a filter squeeze bottle, and I take a few water purification tablets as backup. When cooking meals that will be boiling a while, I don't worry about filtering the water first as the cooking will kill any nasties. Chances are, clear, fast flowing water in the wild will not pose you any harm - I have accidentally drank it a few times unfiltered and nothing bad has come of it. However, there can be things up-stream that can make you sick, a dead animal for example, or harmful algae in the water. It's always best to be on the safe side and purify it first. Use hand sanitiser to clean your hands and prevent sickness
TAKE PLENTY OF FOOD
You'll burn through a lot of calories when hiking. Take extra food in case you get hungry or get held up in the wild. Staying well fed will also help to keep you warm.
LOOK AFTER YOUR FEET
Your feet can go downhill fast in wet or cold conditions, and from wearing wet footwear, which is often unavoidable. Always clean and air your feet at camp at night, keep a separate dry pair of socks to wear at night and use talc to dry them thoroughly. Hand warmers can be a godsend if you are prone to cold feet and hands - pop one in the bottom of your sleeping bag. If you get a warm lunch stop, take off your boots and socks and let everything dry out. Consider waterproof socks in colder months
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED & BE PREPARED
Weather can change drastically. Gear can fail. Falls and accidents can and do happen. You might have a beautiful, easy-going trip in a place one time, and then have a really difficult trip the next time you go there. Bring back up gear - a bivi bag, a second way of lighting a stove in case your lighter breaks, a few purification tabs in case your filter breaks, a spare bootlace or cordage, repair patches for your inflatable sleeping mat.. these little things can save your trip
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
I love to challenge myself, but it's a good idea to work up to things gradually. Plan routes and locations according to your personal level of experience, confidence and knowledge. It's totally fine to not be able to walk far with a heavy pack. It's also totally fine to want to avoid heights
SAFETY OVER EGO
We all want to reach the summit we had planned for, or maybe make a certain distance in a day. But really all that matters is that you're coming home again, that you'll live to tell the tale. Listen to your gut. If it's telling you somethings wrong, if it doesn't feel right, turn back. The mountains will still be there another day
If you are new to the wild places, get used to your gear in familar, local locations and various different weathers a few times before heading out to wilderness areas, and only do so when you feel ready
RESEARCH FIRST
It's a good idea to research where you'll be going, study maps and plan how you might deal with difficult terrain. Plan your routes around water sources so that you don't risk becoming dehydrated. Keep a close eye on weather forecasts. I like to look at local weather for the area, and also Mountain Weather Information Service. There can be quite a difference between local forecasts and mountain forecasts - prepare to experience both, and then some.
LEARN NAVIGATION
It's important to carry at least 2 forms of navigation. I like to use a paper map and compass and OS Maps downloaded to my phone, which I can use even without reception. Learning how to read maps and use a compass is a crucial skill. It is very easy to get lost in forests, on moors, or in bad visibility. Don't take that risk - it you aren't confident with basic navigation, stick to main paths
CARRY A PERSONAL LOCATOR BEACON
I would always recommend taking a personal locator beacon into the wild. I use a Garmin InReach Mini. I can use this to text friends and family when I don't have reception (which is most of the time), track my route and most importantly, I can trigger an SOS if I get myself into serious bother - hopefully I'll never need to use it for this, but it's great peace of mind. Always keep your PLB within reach in case of emergency - the shoulder strap of your rucksack is ideal.
TENTS & BIVY BAGS
All tents and shelters can be dangerous, even expensive ones. Tents poles can snap in the wind, fabrics can rip, and even the best tents can collect condensation inside. But one of the most dangerous things of all, is complacency. It's a really bad idea to assume that just because you've bought an expensive tent, you're safe. This is not the case. Always carry a reliable bivi bag, to cover your sleeping bag in case of tent failure or condensation. A wet sleeping bag can kill. I also like to carry a sponge or cloth to mop up condensation
PREVENT HYPOTHERMIA
The temperatures in the mountains can swing between warm during the day and below freezing at night. In the winter, it can be seriously cold all day and night. Always take clothing and gear that will keep you warm enough in these varied conditions. Wear layers of synthetic or wool, fast drying fabrics and take waterproofs to protect you from the worst of it.
WEATHER
The mountains and moors can and will throw just about anything at you. Sunshine, torrential rain, snow, gale force winds, hail and thunderstorms are all things that you might encounter. Be prepared with a bivi bag in case of tent failer. In the event of a thunderstorm, make your way to lower ground as fast as is reasonably possible. Flooding is always a risk in bad weather - be alert and don't camp close to rivers and lakes in heavy rain or if snow is melting. In snowy or icy conditions, carry snow spikes so that you can walk safely and an ice axe to arrest a slide if you fall (learn how to use it before your trip). In strong winds, consider using natural wind breaks such as rocky outcrops to protect your tent, and specialist ground anchor type pegs to stop the tent being lifted. When pitching in strong winds, it's a good idea to attach your tent to your full rucksack while you pitch - there's no fun in seeing your tent fly off a cliff. Carabiners are great for this.
Bad weather on moors and mountains can be frightening, particularly if you don't have much experience being out in it - stay calm - if you are well prepared, you'll be absolutely fine.
DRY BAGS & PACK LINERS
Store your bed clothes, sleeping bag and electronics in waterproof dry bags or waterproof sacks, and consider using a pack liner too. These will all keep your things dry, no matter how much of a battering you take from the rain while you're hiking
TICKS
Ticks can transmit disease and pose a serious risk to your health. They are everywhere in the wild. Due to repeatedly receiving tick bites (I got as many as 50 during one summer!), I do treat my outer hiking clothing that will be in contact with long grass etc, with anti-tick treatment. I also treat my rucksack. In summer, I wear knee-length socks that I can pull up to create a barrier for my lower legs. It's really important to check yourself over thoroughly at the end of each day. Use a hand mirror to check in all the nooks and places you can't see and check for bumps by running your fingers over your scalp, your neck and behind your ears. I don't use bug sprays and lotions on my skin in the wild if I'm going to be in the water (this is just to protect the water) but I do use bug sprays in my local woods where I won't be in any water. Learn how to safely remove ticks and always carry a tick removal tool.
If you do find a tick, or even multiple ticks, don't panic! If you are checking yourself frequently and removing the blighters promptly, they are unlikely to be able to transmit disease in this time frame. However, not checking yourself, or waiting until you get home after a multi-day trip to check yourself, leaves you at serious risk of illness.
Ticks are not active in freezing conditions - I really enjoy not having to worry about ticks in snow and ice. But bear in mind that winter does not automatically mean ticks are not active - they are still a concern on milder winter days.
BOGS
Bogs can be invisible, hidden under a floating mat of living grass. Learn what to do if you fall into a bog before you leave for your trip. If it happens, don't panic. Ease yourself onto the surface on your stomach and gently make your way back on to solid ground. As already mentioned, carry a personal locator beacon at all times. In boggy areas, use a trekking pole to test the ground in front of you as you walk
RIVER CROSSINGS
Don't cross fast moving water, or water deeper than your knees. When you cross a river, undo the chest and waist straps of your rucksack, so that if you do become submerged, you can easily remove the rucksack to prevent drowning. A trekking pole or even a long stick can help you to keep your balance during a river crossing. Check the floor of the river first - rocky or solid is good, but you can sink or get stuck in a soft, silty riverbed.
COLD WATER & DEEP WATER
Prevent hypothermia by only entering cold water if you have the necessary means to warm yourself afterward, going in warm (I like to do warm-up exercises first), and not staying in for too long. Build up your tolerance to cold water exposure, starting in warmer water in the summer and gradually progressing to colder. Listen to your body. After-drop can occur - this is when your core body temperature continues to drop, even after you have come out of the water - allow for this.
Cold water can be dangerous not just because of hyperthermia, but because of cold shock. Cold shock is an involuntary reaction to cold water that causes you to gasp - potentially causing drowning. To reduce the risk of cold shock, enter the water in a shallow area, and slowly. Don't jump in, unless you are already accustomed to the water temperature and handling it well AND you are able to see under the water to check for rocks, branches or sharp objects that could seriously harm you. Of course, you will need to be a confident swimmer to swim in any kind of deep water. Beware of currents.
I prefer to have a dip in cold water when it's sunny, so that I can warm nicely afterward and dry my things.
RIVER WALKING SAFETY
River walking comes with its own set of considerations - check them out here
INJURIES & MED KIT
Carry a med kit to treat and protect cuts, scrapes and bites, and some form of pain relief. Antihistamines and anti-sickness medications are also a good idea. Hiking with trekking poles has prevented many sprain injuries for me
SUNBURN & HEAT STROKE
Take a hat to protect your head in the warmer months, take breaks in the shade, particularly in the hours around midday and take care not to overheat. Take your usual precautions against sunburn
FALL HAZARDS
The wild is full of steep drops, ravines, holes in the ground, cliffs, scree slopes and rockfalls. Everything becomes slippery when wet. These are all potentially life-threatening hazards, particularly in bad visibility or bad weather. If you're like me and don't like heights with exposure, plan a route away from steep drops, or be prepared to turn back if you feel out of your depth. Map reading and navigation skills can help you to avoid dangerous areas (did I mention you should also carry a personal locator beacon?)
SNOW & ICE
Aside from the obvious hyperthermia risk and the risk of slipping and falling, snow also covers holes in the ground, or bogs that might not be frozen - a trekking pole can help you determine if the ground in front of you is safe to walk on. Travelling through deep snow ('post holing') is exhausting and can drain your energy levels. Very deep snow can become impossible to travel through without snow shoes. When snow is melting, there is a risk of flooding - avoid camping close to rivers and lakes when there is melting snow. Always carry ice spikes and ice axe in full winter conditions, and learn how to use an ice axe to arrest a slide.
MAKING WATER SAFE TO DRINK
Where possible, drink only clear water from fast-flowing water sources and always make it safe to drink first. There are many ways to purify your water;
- A Filter
- A UV device
- Chemically (iodine/water purification tablets)
- Boiling (minimum 1 minute rolling boil - unless you're above 1980m elevation, then boil for 3 minutes)
I use a filter squeeze bottle, and I take a few water purification tablets as backup. When cooking meals that will be boiling a while, I don't worry about filtering the water first as the cooking will kill any nasties. Chances are, clear, fast flowing water in the wild will not pose you any harm - I have accidentally drank it a few times unfiltered and nothing bad has come of it. However, there can be things up-stream that can make you sick, a dead animal for example, or harmful algae in the water. It's always best to be on the safe side and purify it first. Use hand sanitiser to clean your hands and prevent sickness
TAKE PLENTY OF FOOD
You'll burn through a lot of calories when hiking. Take extra food in case you get hungry or get held up in the wild. Staying well fed will also help to keep you warm.
LOOK AFTER YOUR FEET
Your feet can go downhill fast in wet or cold conditions, and from wearing wet footwear, which is often unavoidable. Always clean and air your feet at camp at night, keep a separate dry pair of socks to wear at night and use talc to dry them thoroughly. Hand warmers can be a godsend if you are prone to cold feet and hands - pop one in the bottom of your sleeping bag. If you get a warm lunch stop, take off your boots and socks and let everything dry out. Consider waterproof socks in colder months
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED & BE PREPARED
Weather can change drastically. Gear can fail. Falls and accidents can and do happen. You might have a beautiful, easy-going trip in a place one time, and then have a really difficult trip the next time you go there. Bring back up gear - a bivi bag, a second way of lighting a stove in case your lighter breaks, a few purification tabs in case your filter breaks, a spare bootlace or cordage, repair patches for your inflatable sleeping mat.. these little things can save your trip
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
I love to challenge myself, but it's a good idea to work up to things gradually. Plan routes and locations according to your personal level of experience, confidence and knowledge. It's totally fine to not be able to walk far with a heavy pack. It's also totally fine to want to avoid heights
SAFETY OVER EGO
We all want to reach the summit we had planned for, or maybe make a certain distance in a day. But really all that matters is that you're coming home again, that you'll live to tell the tale. Listen to your gut. If it's telling you somethings wrong, if it doesn't feel right, turn back. The mountains will still be there another day
Looking after The Wild Places
As hikers, wild campers, wild swimmers, paddle-boarders, fell-runners or any other kind of outdoor enthusiast, we each have a responsibility to the places that we pass through. No one is perfect, and all living things impact on their surroundings in some way. But we can make a huge difference by doing our best and making mindful decisions and choices
LEAVE NO TRACE (LNT)
The Leave No Trace ethic means that everything that we bring into the wild, goes back home with us. I take a small bag for rubbish, and a backup bag in case it splits. Every bit of waste goes into this - including food scraps. It's really not ok to litter with organic substances such as orange or banana peel either. Aside from footprints in the mud or a small, slightly flattened patch of grass where your tent was, there should be no evidence that you were ever there.
DON'T HAVE FIRES IN NATIONAL PARKS
National parks are not the place for a fire. They can be a hazard in hot or dry conditions and they scorch the ground, breaking the LNT ethic. I do sometimes have a small, contained fire outside of the national parks in my local woodland - providing conditions are suitable. I use a small fire pit or a fire box to raise the fire off the ground and contain it. This is the most responsible way to have a fire. If you choose to have a fire on the ground, learn and use correct and safe fire procedure and again, leave no trace - there should be no sign of it after.
BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU'RE STANDING ON
Sometimes, (or often, in the more remote areas) paths marked on maps are so overgrown that they no longer exist. Or, a right of way may exist where there is no path. Sometimes, we have to come off trails for various reasons; to pitch for the night, to go to the toilet, or to reach a better path. The animals leave small tracks and trails everywhere - follow the numerous game trails instead of treading directly on foliage. And lift your feet so as not to scuff the ground.
GOING TO THE LOO
When nature calls, find a spot at least 60m from water sources and trails, and use a lightweight trowel to dig a cathole at least 15-20cm deep. After going to the loo, fill the hole in with the soil that came out of it. Maybe stick a rock on top of it too. Do not bury tissues or wipes - these should all go home with you in your rubbish bag. Clean your hands with alcohol after going to the loo.
PROTECTING THE WILDLIFE
Admire animals from a distance and never approach them. Keep extra distance from mothers with their young. Don't try to hold or handle small creatures such as newts, they don't like it. Don't feed wild animals - they don't need it and it can harm them. Close gates behind you
PROTECTING THE WATER
Be mindful and consider not entering wild water if you have bug sprays, sunscreens or lotions applied to your skin, or chemical styling products in your hair. If you plan to be in the water, consider using natural self-care alternatives in the leadup to your trip, and using an eco-friendly formula to wash swim clothes and swim shoes at home between trips.
Where possible, I like to use coconut oil (don't use this on bare skin in the sun as oils can make you burn), natural salt or charcoal deodorants and pure aloe vera gel in place of more artificial self care products. These things can really help to reduce your chemical load, if you're interested in that kinda thing
RESPECT OTHERS
We all head into the wild to get away from it all. Don't play loud music, and don't play music at all if you're around other people - use headphones. Be courteous and stand aside on trails to let others pass. Camp away from other people and try not to be visible from trails. Camping in large, noisy groups can be disruptive. Most importantly, leave the wild exactly as you would wish to find it.
GO THE EXTRA MILE
Please consider picking up any litter that you might find along the way, if it is safe to do so
GORGE WALKING
There is a code of conduct for gorge walking. Always read signs and information about the gorge that you'll be travelling in - there might be areas of rare species that need to be avoided
LEAVE NO TRACE (LNT)
The Leave No Trace ethic means that everything that we bring into the wild, goes back home with us. I take a small bag for rubbish, and a backup bag in case it splits. Every bit of waste goes into this - including food scraps. It's really not ok to litter with organic substances such as orange or banana peel either. Aside from footprints in the mud or a small, slightly flattened patch of grass where your tent was, there should be no evidence that you were ever there.
DON'T HAVE FIRES IN NATIONAL PARKS
National parks are not the place for a fire. They can be a hazard in hot or dry conditions and they scorch the ground, breaking the LNT ethic. I do sometimes have a small, contained fire outside of the national parks in my local woodland - providing conditions are suitable. I use a small fire pit or a fire box to raise the fire off the ground and contain it. This is the most responsible way to have a fire. If you choose to have a fire on the ground, learn and use correct and safe fire procedure and again, leave no trace - there should be no sign of it after.
BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU'RE STANDING ON
Sometimes, (or often, in the more remote areas) paths marked on maps are so overgrown that they no longer exist. Or, a right of way may exist where there is no path. Sometimes, we have to come off trails for various reasons; to pitch for the night, to go to the toilet, or to reach a better path. The animals leave small tracks and trails everywhere - follow the numerous game trails instead of treading directly on foliage. And lift your feet so as not to scuff the ground.
GOING TO THE LOO
When nature calls, find a spot at least 60m from water sources and trails, and use a lightweight trowel to dig a cathole at least 15-20cm deep. After going to the loo, fill the hole in with the soil that came out of it. Maybe stick a rock on top of it too. Do not bury tissues or wipes - these should all go home with you in your rubbish bag. Clean your hands with alcohol after going to the loo.
PROTECTING THE WILDLIFE
Admire animals from a distance and never approach them. Keep extra distance from mothers with their young. Don't try to hold or handle small creatures such as newts, they don't like it. Don't feed wild animals - they don't need it and it can harm them. Close gates behind you
PROTECTING THE WATER
Be mindful and consider not entering wild water if you have bug sprays, sunscreens or lotions applied to your skin, or chemical styling products in your hair. If you plan to be in the water, consider using natural self-care alternatives in the leadup to your trip, and using an eco-friendly formula to wash swim clothes and swim shoes at home between trips.
Where possible, I like to use coconut oil (don't use this on bare skin in the sun as oils can make you burn), natural salt or charcoal deodorants and pure aloe vera gel in place of more artificial self care products. These things can really help to reduce your chemical load, if you're interested in that kinda thing
RESPECT OTHERS
We all head into the wild to get away from it all. Don't play loud music, and don't play music at all if you're around other people - use headphones. Be courteous and stand aside on trails to let others pass. Camp away from other people and try not to be visible from trails. Camping in large, noisy groups can be disruptive. Most importantly, leave the wild exactly as you would wish to find it.
GO THE EXTRA MILE
Please consider picking up any litter that you might find along the way, if it is safe to do so
GORGE WALKING
There is a code of conduct for gorge walking. Always read signs and information about the gorge that you'll be travelling in - there might be areas of rare species that need to be avoided
USEFUL ResoUrces
UK WEATHER FORECASTING
Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS)
THE LEAVE NO TRACE ETHIC (LNT)
Leave No Trace (Wiki)
NAVIGATION
Beginners Guide to Using a Compass (OS)
Map Reading Skills - Beginners Guide (OS)
Custom OS Maps
TICKS
Tick-bourne disease (Wiki)
How to Remove Ticks (CDC)
LEECHES
How to Remove a Leech
COLD WATER
Cold Water Shock (RNLI)
The Risks of Cold Water (Outdoor Swimming Society)
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia - Symptoms & Treatment (St Johns Ambulance)
SNOW & ICE
Ice Axe Self Arrest (MountainTraining.org)
GOING TO THE LOO IN THE WILD
Cat Holes (Wiki)
GORGE WALKING
Code of Conduct
Mountain Weather Information Service (MWIS)
THE LEAVE NO TRACE ETHIC (LNT)
Leave No Trace (Wiki)
NAVIGATION
Beginners Guide to Using a Compass (OS)
Map Reading Skills - Beginners Guide (OS)
Custom OS Maps
TICKS
Tick-bourne disease (Wiki)
How to Remove Ticks (CDC)
LEECHES
How to Remove a Leech
COLD WATER
Cold Water Shock (RNLI)
The Risks of Cold Water (Outdoor Swimming Society)
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia - Symptoms & Treatment (St Johns Ambulance)
SNOW & ICE
Ice Axe Self Arrest (MountainTraining.org)
GOING TO THE LOO IN THE WILD
Cat Holes (Wiki)
GORGE WALKING
Code of Conduct
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The Tree & Bush Collection
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