Stephen Neale - Wild Camping: Exploring and Sleeping in the Wilds of the UK and Ireland

Adlard Coles Nautical

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This electronic edition published in 2015 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

First published 2015

Stephen Neale, 2015

Map illustrations Louise Sheeran, 2015

Stephen Neale has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work.

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ISBN: PB: 978-1-4729-0034-0

ePDF: 978-1-4729-0036-4

ePub: 978-1-4729-0035-7

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CONTENTS

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK

SLEEPING OUTDOORS is one of the most liberating things a person can do. Peaceful sleep in the wild epitomises freedom. Rolling out a sleeping bag at dusk and rising with the dawn makes us feel alive.

explains where Im coming from when I talk about wild camping. An expression we didnt know about when we were kids. We just wanted to have fun camping in the garden after dark. But once we grew into adulthood we got scared. Because of a 1,000-year land grab.

for key to symbols). Secret zones that sailors, mountaineers, hikers, cyclists, canoeists and pilgrims have been using for centuries.

The first is the Wild bedzone: Scotland. Where sleeping outdoors only became a legal right under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. Theres the first clue that something needed fixing a law reform.

Second is the Foreshore zone. Salt creeks and coasts mainly in South and East England. The space below the high tide mark that was stolen from us, but then given back as a communal, 24-hour larder under concession of Magna Carta. Another legal right returned.

The third zone is Middle Earth. Central England and Ireland are the regions Ive chosen to explore: a Middle Earth of trails, canals and freshwater rivers, where theres no burden in asking. Wild camping isnt a right, but no shame in asking for salt with the chips.

The Mountains are the final zone: Wales and North England. Where we can climb onto the peaks and ridges.

Wild camping can be a safe, fun way of getting out into the outdoors an adventure thats better than legal. Because its free.

Going into the outdoors, alone or with company, can be hazardous. Foreshore, rivers, mountains and other areas should be approached with extreme caution at all times of year. Seek expert advice and proper training. Always alert people to where you are going and take particular care in winter when locations, including hills and mountains, can become particularly hazardous.

Distances of trails throughout often have multiple sources. Most paths included within have been associated with distances recorded by the Long Distance Walkers Association: http://www.ldwa.org.uk.