<span class="bsf-rt-reading-time"><span class="bsf-rt-display-label" prefix="Reading Time"></span> <span class="bsf-rt-display-time" reading_time="3"></span> <span class="bsf-rt-display-postfix" postfix="mins :"></span></span><div id="bsf_rt_marker"></div><p>Looking for the top wild camping spots in England, are you? Somewhere secret, off the beaten path, but also stunning? Oh, I can assure you there are <strong>plenty</strong> of those about. But let’s not jump the gun here, shall we?</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">The basics of wild camping in England</h2><p>Let’s start by clarifying some things. First off, wild camping is the term used to describe camping somewhere that’s not a formal camp site. Ask most people, and they will tell you that wild camping is illegal in both England and Wales, <a href="https://www.willcycle.com/2022/03/16/wild-camping-in-the-uk/" title="">except for roughly half of Dartmoor</a>. And most people would be wrong!</p><p>The law says wild camping <em>without permission of the landowner</em> is considered trespass. Trespass is a civil offence, and should not be conflated with <a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1994/33/section/68" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="">aggravated trespass</a>. Aggravated trespass is a criminal offence, for which you can be arrested. We’ll look at the difference in more detail later on.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Permission</h2><p>Sometimes, the easiest thing is to simply ask permission. Most farmers wouldn’t object, especially if you take time to explain that you follow the Leave No Trace principle. And then be sure that you actually leave no trace!</p><p>If you can’t get permission, or cannot find anyone to ask for permission, all is not lost. I often operate on the principle that it’s easier to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. Most importantly, if you’re stealthy, you can mostly get away without permission. After all, if nobody knows you’re there, nobody will bother you.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">When is trespass a crime?</h2><p>Firstly, I’m not a lawyer. If you want qualified legal advice, go see a lawyer. However, because I wanted absolute clarity on this point, I sought answers. Specifically, I asked the National Police Chiefs Council, and <a href="https://www.willcycle.com/2022/06/30/wild-camping-and-the-new-pcsc-bill/" title="">I can share with you what they said</a>. I trust that would clarify things for you.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where are the best wild camping spots in England?</h2><p>Did you actually expect me to give you an 8-figure grid reference to a list of wild camping spots? And did you expect such a list to be published openly on the Internet? Really???</p><p>Look, there are many thousands of great wild camping spots. However, when you find one, you <strong>keep it a closely-guarded secret</strong>! Why? Isn’t it obvious? You keep it a secret, so it doesn’t become overrun by people too lazy to scout for good wild camping spots themselves.</p><p><strong>When a camping spot becomes well-known, it starts drawing in the wrong crowds</strong>. You’d end up with people who make fires, and leave litter in their wake. You end up with exactly the sort of people who ruin it for everyone. As a result, you should <strong>ALWAYS keep good wild camping spots secret</strong>.</p><p>However, most of Dartmoor offers great wild camping spots, as does the Peak District and indeed the Lake District.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leave No Trace!</h2><p>The Leave No Trace principle is sacrosanct. It means that, other than a patch of flattened grass, once you leave, there should be no trace that you ever camped there. That patch of grass should recover within a few days.</p><p>This <strong>absolutely</strong> means no fires, no breaking any vegetation, no litter of any sort. Yes, even an apple core, or banana skin is litter. When you packed up, do a sweep of the entire camping spot, and collect ALL litter you find. Even if it’s not yours!</p><p>Never camp on top of, or between planted crops. There will be an uncultivated narrow strip of land around cultivated fields – limit yourself to that. Do try to avoid fields with gates (especially closed gates) as a farmer may release an angry bull at 5am – farmers are early starters. Also avoid camping in enclosures with livestock. Farmers – quite understandably – don’t like that.</p><h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to find great wild camping spots</h2><p>Start off using a service like <a href="https://www.ridewithgps.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank" title="">RideWithGPS</a> to design your route. When done, use the Google Maps layer, and zoom right in. You are looking for places that are level (camping on a steep slope guarantees a sleepless night). You also want places sheltered from view by vegetation, or perhaps a rocky outcrop. A good spot is sheltered from the wind, and won’t get flooded if it rains.</p><p>Next, use Streetview, and try to “look” at a possible camping spot from different angles. You’re trying to prove that you cannot be seen from any road. Consider using Google Earth, then see if from the chosen spot you can see any buildings within a mile or three. Remember, if you can see them, the people in or around them can see you.</p><p>Obviously, the wilder, the better! A great wild camping spot also has fantastic views, and provided the weather cooperates, try pitching your tent so the door opens to the rising sun. That way, you can wake up to a stunning sunrise, over a breath-taking view.</p><p>What are you waiting for? 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The Albanese government's attempt to rush through major changes to Australian elections has been delayed in the Senate - at least until February, perhaps