Wild Camping in the UK (2025): What’s Legal, Where You Can Go, and How to Leave No Trace
TL;DR..
England: Legal without permission only on mapped Dartmoor Commons backpack-camping areas. Elsewhere needs landowner consent (some places tolerate high, discreet, one-night bivvies).
Scotland: Legal under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code; extra permits needed on parts of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs 1 Mar–30 Sep.
Wales & Northern Ireland: Need landowner permission; Eryri (Snowdonia) directs you to official campsites unless you have consent.
2025 update: UK Supreme Court confirmed a legal right to backpack-camp on Dartmoor Commons.
Contents:
What changed in 2025?
Where wild camping is (and isn’t) legal - country by country
How to check if you’re allowed to pitch (maps & tools)
Leave No Trace: fires, waste, wildlife
How to toilet outdoors (cat-hole vs. pack-out)
The minimalist gear list (2025)
Safety: weather, water, navigation
Beginner etiquette (pitch late, leave early, small tents)
FAQs (Dartmoor, Lake District, Scotland, Wales)
1) What changed in 2025? (Dartmoor ruling)
On 21 May 2025, the UK Supreme Court ruled that backpack-camping on Dartmoor Commons counts as “open-air recreation” under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985. That restores/clarifies the public right to backpack-camp only within the National Park’s mapped commons zones (small tents, on foot, no vehicles). Always check the official interactive map before you go.
2) Where wild camping is legal — by country
England
Dartmoor: Legal only on the mapped commons areas (backpack-camping; no vehicles; small tents; 1–2 nights). Use the official map and Backpack Camping Code.
Elsewhere in England: You need landowner permission. In some uplands (e.g., high Lake District fells), one-night, high, low-impact bivvies are sometimes tolerated — but the legal position remains permission-based. The Lake District NP reiterates permission is required, even if some pages note “tolerated” behaviour high and discreet.
Scotland
Legal under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code when done responsibly.
Exception: Loch Lomond & The Trossachs has Camping Management Byelaws in lochshore zones 1 Mar–30 Sep — you must book a permit or a campsite there. Outside those management zones, camp under the Access Code.
Wales & Northern Ireland
Wales: Landowner permission is required; Eryri (Snowdonia) specifically advises camping in official campsites unless you have consent.
Northern Ireland: Generally permission-based; follow local authority or landowner guidance.
3) How to check if you’re allowed to pitch
Dartmoor? Open DNPA Camping Map (save offline).
Scotland? Check Access Code + Loch Lomond permit map/booking if in those zones, Mar–Sep.
Lake District? Read LDNPA guidance (permission required; tolerated rules above fell walls ≠ a legal right).
Wales/Eryri? NP site: campsites unless you have consent.
Offline maps: Download OS Maps tiles/routes to your phone before you lose signal and end up lost.
4) Leave No Trace: fires, litter, wildlife
No fires in wild areas; use a stove. UK Countryside Code and fire safety guidance advise against open fires (wildfire risk). Pack out all litter and food waste. Dogs kept under control.
In ground-nesting bird season (e.g., on Dartmoor 1 Mar–31 Jul), avoid sensitive sites.
5) How to toilet outdoors (cat-hole vs. pack-out)
Best practice (UK uplands): 15 cm (6 in) cat-hole, ≥30 m from water, paths, shelters; cover well; pack out tissue and period products. On busy/sensitive sites, pack out your waste with a WAG-bag.
6) Minimalist wild-camping kit list (2025)
Shelter: 1–2P lightweight tent or bivvy (storm-worthy if high up).
Sleep: 3-season bag (EN/ISO rating to your conditions), insulated mat (R-value matched to forecast).
Cook: Canister stove, 750–900 ml pot, long-handled spoon.
Water: Treat from streams; carry 2–3 L on dry ridges.
Nav: Map & compass (and skills), phone with offline OS tiles + power bank fully charged.
Clothing: Layering, waterproofs, warm hat/gloves even in summer.
LNT: Trowel, waste bags, repair tape, small first-aid kit.
7) Safety: weather, water, navigation
Mountain weather: Check MWIS and/or Met Office Mountain forecasts for your region (wind/wet/cloud on hills/temperature).
Water: Treat all sources (filter + chemical/boil).
Navigation: Don’t rely on battery alone; carry map/compass and know how to use them.
Emergency: Leave a route plan with a friend; consider a PLB on remote trips.
8) Beginner etiquette that keeps access open
Pitch late, leave early.
High & out of sight: Above the highest fell wall; avoid lakeshores, busy paths, monuments.
One night, tiny footprint: Small tents, tiny groups.
No fires; no trace; be courteous to everyone working the land.
Image #10 (closing):
What: Dawn teardown — tiny tent footprint, hiker packing out rubbish
Filename:
leave-no-trace-dawn-strike-camp-uk.jpgAlt:
Hiker striking camp at dawn and packing out rubbish to leave no trace
9) FAQs:
Is wild camping legal in England in 2025?
Only on Dartmoor Commons within the official mapped areas (backpack-camping). Elsewhere, you need landowner permission.
Where can I see the Dartmoor map?
On the Dartmoor National Park website’s Camping Map — download/screenshot it before your trip.
Is wild camping legal in Scotland?
Yes, under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, but Loch Lomond & The Trossachs requires permits in specific zones 1 Mar–30 Sep.
Can I wild camp in the Lake District?
Legally, you need landowner permission. The NP shares “tolerated if…” guidance for high, discreet, one-night camps — but that’s not a legal right.
Is wild camping allowed in Wales/Eryri?
Only with landowner consent; Eryri directs campers to official campsites unless you have permission.
Are campfires allowed when wild camping?
No — follow the Countryside Code and fire safety guidance; stoves only.
How far from water should I go to the toilet?
At least 30 m from water, paths and shelters; dig a 15 cm cat-hole; pack out toilet paper. In busy/sensitive spots, pack out waste entirely.
