Wild Camping Anxiety (and how to deal with it!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 มิ.ย. 2022
- Here is my video about wild camping anxiety and how to deal with it. Lots of people feel anxious, nervous and apprehensive about wild camping and some even have a genuine fear of wild camping. The good news is you're not alone!
This video goes through my wild camping tips on how to overcome your fears and deal with each element that makes your feel anxious about wilding camping in the UK.
My Backpacking Kit Checklist video • Backpacking Kit Checkl...
You might feel anxious about:
Being moved on, confrontation and meeting people
Animals and insects
The weather
Backpacking gear failing
Forgetting camping gear or taking the wrong kit
My personal fear when wild camping is animals. I try to stay away as much as possible but I've been caught out in the past and haven't slept if I know they are around.
The good news is there are ways to minimise your anxiety and this video deals with actions you can take to do this.
I don't think most people will ever feel completely at ease when backpacking and wild camping, especially when wild camping solo.
If you are into your hiking, backpacking and wild camping then please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
#camping #wildcamping #backpacking - กีฬา
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Thanks Andy great advice, much appreciated, Tracey I am in the same boat, been amassing gear and imagining the different worse scenarios since this time last year, whilst I didn't camp, reckon it might help you to share my "just do it moment" after many years of ill health I yearned to revisit my early years of camping, hiking fishing et al, I woke very early last Sunday, which would normally mean lazing around and dreaming of the adventures I could have, despite the health concerns something compelled me to just throw some of the gleaming unused new gear into a bag and just go, besides heart problems, I also suffer with acute anxiety, in the hour of packing and ablutions at break neck speed, my mind chickened out a thousand times, but thankfully I trusted in ME, with lack of preparation i used the wrong lead for sat nav ! it kept shutting off, then restarting, but as you mention "theorising" the whole route was unbeknown to me seared into my mind, I just went to Haweswater, the hike hurt (still does) at 7am there were wild campers packing up and leaving, people running the trails ! with their dogs, everyone said hi, on the way back to the car i was suffering with the effects of heart failure, no-one patronised me, or asked if I was ok, but I felt a camaraderie which spurred me on, for me it was the equivalent of crawling up Everest, but I did it, you will too, my advice would be choose an adventure that you feel will challenge you, but start small and learn, to walk till you have to sleep may have unintended consequences when you wake, hope this helps, and I wish you many happy liberating adventures. GOOD LUCK !
Thanks for sharing 🙏
You raised some good points there Andy i am a 15 year Army veteran but i started camping and climbing when i was 12 years old and i am in my 60th year now so as you can imagine i have lost count of the amount of times people have asked me if i get frightened on my own and the answer is always and has always been NO......The City is a much more dangerous place to be , especially at night time with drunken revellers and low life scum bags that are out looking for Prey to fund bad habbits and addictions......When i was growing up i wasn't bombarded with Movies that depict groups of teenagers going to the woods to party and they all end up getting chopped up and worse...I can predict the outcome of a movie these days if its a bunch of kids or a young couple heading out into the sticks for a break.....You can gaureentee if they don't get mauled to death by a Grizzly bear or some fictional predator there will be some crazy Mfucka with a chainsaw , knives or gun who is going to spoil their day .........throw in a few gang rapes and that's enough material for Hollywood to muster up a shite film which will poison the minds of the people who suck it all up...it will sit inside their sub conscious until they are tucked up inside their sleeping bags and they hear the first common nocturnal sound and that will be it...bum cheeks clenched all night or run back to the car..........Bogey man is coming to get ya......wwwwooooooooooohhhhhhhhh :)
Good point!
Fear is definitely learned! I have been listening to wild animal noises on TH-cam so I can ‘unclench’… 🤣 so glad I heard the barking deer 😱 or I would have been on evasive manoeuvres all night long 🫣
@@traceyevans6412 totally agree....my ex wife was scared of birds and insects so I could never get my daughter to enjoy TGO her other kids are the same .
Agreed. I took Ex Army, and wild camping a lot now. There so many trolls on you tube too , deliberately scaring people off.. Plus some don't understand wildlife. Eg people stating someone walking around there tent at night a million miles from civilization.When all it is is the fact sound travels a lot faster at night , and local animals come and check you out to see if you friend or foe.. Statistically One is definitely more safer out in the wilderness, than walking around there local town centre .. People don't listen to the trolls, or watch fake horror movies set in wilderness.People, stop worrying,and Go and enjoy our beautiful awesome countryside,coast etc. 😎⛺👢
I agree, Andy, the nervousness/anxiety is part of the buzz. My top tip is to start small i.e. find somewhere locally and actually pack everything up, stick it in the car, get your boots etc on, then get in the car. Likelihood is you'll still be nervous, but tell yourself if you can just do a dry run if, for any reason, you're not comfortable. Then turn the ignition and go. Once you get there just commit to hiking to your wild camping spot, and just try pitching up when you're there. Then make the decision whether you'll stay the night, or just use it as a rehearsal.
Basically just go through the steps, as if on autopilot. Even doing a rehearsal will help give you confidence for when you do it for real.
Great advice, thanks for sharing 👍
I go wild camping to help my anxiety,everyone is different,and ,for me,just getting out there,being calm,and being with nature,helps me a lot,as someone who suffers from PTSD this is one of my best therapies,dartmoor during the week is fabulous,literally no people,and you wont be moved on if in the purple zone 👍
Yes, that’s the other side of it! Once you overcome the initial anxiety, wild camping is great for your mental heath.
Another anxiety is the fear of sleeping all alone in the middle of nowhere, and not the fear of anything happening, just the fear itself. I didn't enjoy my first couple of wild camps at all due to the fear. My third one onwards and the fear has completely gone and now I relax in the tent and enjoy the peace, the dark isn't scary at all now. But getting back out after the first two was not easy.
Thanks so much for sharing. This is exactly the point I’m trying to make. Get the first few out the way and then the enjoyment floods in and you’ll never look back.
Fear of fear is a very real thing and keeps people in a cycle.
Great advice - watching the weather just a bit warmer and off I go 😊🎉❤
You are so pleasant to watch and share such as great tips! Thank you!😊
I suffer with anxiety the camping for me gets rid of it ..this is a new one on me
100%. Once people get the first 1,2 or 3 out the way the benefits are huge!
Hey Andy , ive just found and subscribed to your channel, were about to embark on our (hubbie & I) first wild camping trip . I do suffer a fair bit of anxiety so well be heading up to Scotland, were in the North East . Unfortunately I have stage 4 cancer so I really want to go and do this asap , and make some memories, ill be binge watching your videos . Thank you, they are so full of information 😊. X
I wish you all the very best 🙏 If you ever need any camping advice just ask. I always use Carpe Diem (seize the day) as one of my sayings to friends and family. Make the most life, try new things and always think 'why not' rather than 'why'.
Your spot on, I get so excited about going then just as about I am going to leave home I get loads of what ifs.
I have learned just to go and I will be fine, and you know what I did with no issues 🙂
Thanks for sharing 👍
Great advise Andy, thank you.
Thanks 🙏
Just came across your site. Very informative and interesting. Heading towards the West Highland Way. Thank you
Yes Andy I've bought all gear but keep getting butterflies at thought spose just got to head out in a positive mindset great stuff keep it up buddy
Get out there, you won't regret it 😀
Top bit of advice there 👍 Always pack up no arguments and move on. I set up at dusk or later and pack away at dawn. I'm into bivvy camping now. So much easier to find a place set up & pack away.
The other benefit of bivvy camping is it’s really stealthy so you’re unlikely to be noticed.
Great video Andy. I've recently fell in love with camping again and did my first ever solo wild camp whilst on the South West Coastal Path between Weymouth and Swanage about 2 weeks ago. I was not anxious or nervous at all for that, to be honest I think I was too exhausted to feel anything other than tired haha. Last night I went with my best mate to scout a few areas for a more 'local' wild camp, we found a lush spot. Tomorrow we are off into the woods a few miles away and for some reason, I am bricking it. When you're anxious and nervous, there's so many scenarios and 'what ifs' going on in your head. This video was concise and explained things perfectly and ironed out a few of those creases, it definitely helped. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing. I feel more at home in Snowdonia and the Lakes than I do locally. It sounds crazy but it's true.
Good vid mate. I've been at this a while now and don't get anxious about anything other than getting "busted". Like you said, don't be rude and move on. I've only been busted once. I was leaving the woods and bumped into the warden of the estate, a lovely old boy who had spotted my car and thought I was a poacher (I'd been to the same spot a few too many times in close succession and he'd noticed it). We chatted and I explained my love of bushcraft etc and that I sometimes take my kids out to these woods and show them skills and stuff. I had my bag of rubbish in hand and explained the "leave no trace" policy so many of us adopt. Whilst walking out he said that he and his mates had known someone was using the woods for some time (2.5 years in my case) and had tried to find my camp but couldn't (leave no trace), and that he would speak to the owner about me gaining permission to use the woods...
3 weeks later the owner called me up and said I was OK to use the woods so long as I checked in beforehand just in case they had a pheasant shoot planned or whatever...
Bloody brilliant! I defo agree about being polite and be prepared to move on if asked. Get permission beforehand too if possible.
That's a great story, thanks for sharing!
Great video mate. My first ever wild camp I was so nervous. I thought someone was walking around outside my tent but it was just the grass rubbing against the sides 😂. I’ve been wild camping for years now and for me it’s the best feeling in the world. I love the sound of the rain on the tent or being pitched next to a stream you cant beat it ⛺️
That's why I wear earplugs, my senses go crazy when I'm wild camping!
Great advice many thanks
Cheers for this, Andy. Been planning, preparing, theorising… it’s time for me to just get out there and do it! Hoping that I just walk so far each day, that I can’t do anything BUT sleep after I have pitched up ;)
Great idea, being tired after exercise really does help with your sleep. The weather is getting better and better. My tip is to get out there before the school summer holidays.
Melatonin pills can help
ear plugs for wind / rain
headphones for music / videos
pitching with rocks / walls behind you so you're cornered into your space
pick good weather
have a comfy sleep system
do some breathing techniques for when you start to feel the anxiety
just start small / slow, go somewhere local with a friend first
@@olliew8286 thanks Ollie… I may engage all of these!
I have felt more anxiety walking though my town centre at night than anytime I wild camp on Dartmoor. if you fancy going to Dartmoor there are places you can camp 100 metres from your car.
Thanks Andy, great advice as usual. I haven't done this sort of thing for years, and the comments I see online regarding the increase in landowners/Rangers using infrared cameras and drones to spot wild campers and get them to move off their land has sowed a seed of doubt. It's not going to stop me though - as you said, don't make yourself obvious and you should be fine! Thanks for reminding me of the packing/gear list. Keep it up.
I think the Peaks suffers with land owners the most. However, as long as you know that you can go elsewhere or choose your pitch and timing carefully.
Very very well done Andy. Not met anyone yet who has not felt both sides. But the outside wins the day. lf only for the mornings.
100%!
For those who are anxious, how about trying out a few camps at "Wild Camping" sites? These are usually on farms, landowners fields etc. True, not real wild camping in some peoples mind, but it may help overcome some fears. There are often no, or few, facilities, and if there are, you do not need to use them. Often there are few, if any, other people around. I did this last weekend at a farm in Devon. There was one other camper in the 11 acre area, about half a mile away. The dog & I had the place to ourselves otherwise. Great. No fear of being moved on. A more contolled & relaxed environment but not a commercial site with piches. The only downside is you do need to pay! But this may ease some folk into taking the bigger plunge.
That's a brilliant idea! Thanks for sharing, this is great advice.
Ey up Andy…. 👍…. Great subject…. Brilliant video 👍… Well said that man 👍👍👍
Cheers!
Great info Andy .my fear is dogs out when walking and cooking in woods always nervous due to being attacked as a child
Funny you say that, I'm always really conscious when cooking in the woods for that exact reason.
Good video I think this addresses what stops a lot of people wild camping. I feel camping with a friend would be a great step to assist with anxiety.
100%. Go with a friend or buddy-up with someone online. It makes such a difference the first few times you go.
Good advice I have been getting used to the idea by camping in my small garden sounds silly but it’s still enjoyable and helping me to practice if you get a chance I made a video
Great video, yet to go on my own for the reasons mentioned!
Just get the first one out the way and then you'll be well away!
Nice one Andy, the only thing stopping me is being somewhere I shouldn't be!! Gamekeepers everywhere in the Leicestershire countryside, it has to be better than paying £30 a night and not being able to check in until 2 in the afternoon and be out by 11 in the morning!!
I have a similar problem where I live. I have my local places but I don't want those locations getting out hence the lack of wild camping videos.
Great timing. Did my first wild camp on Saturday with a friend. Borrowed a hammock and it was soo comfortable! I’ve now bought my own and can’t wait for the next.
I did feel a bit anxious but went without a hitch, apart from I bought the wrong gas for my stove, doh.
Great! Thanks for sharing. Have you started planning the next one yet?!?!
@@BackpackingUK not really. He goes kayak camping and asked if we should do it next time, sounds good!
We fly paramotors and fancy some fly-camping some time 👍🏻
Hi Andy great advice, I'm currently putting together some gear and hope to hike the South Downs Way in the summer. I think it's important when wild camping to "Leave No Trace," adopting this policy I'm sure positively strengthens opinions.
Absolutely, wild camping will be tolerated so long as EVERYONE takes their rubbish away with them and treats the countryside with respect.
Nice video, I hope to try camping some day soon here in New Zealand. My biggest fear would be people, not just encountering them but also not knowing who people are and their intentions, and possibly being out in a remote location not knowing who might be around
Try not to over-think it. The chances are so, so slim and at the end of the day in the highly unlikely chance it did happen you can just move on.
@@BackpackingUK that’s true, thanks =]
As for animals, years ago I was out with some mates running through a field when we were approached by a very large mare with a foal, needless to say she was not best pleased to see us. Anyway one of the lads whose Mrs kept horses held up a stick to her and told her to back off,she took a bit of convincing but there was no way around that stick, and eventually she got the message. I would say that might be a one up for carrying trecking poles.
Great advice
The main thing that worries me is some dodgy person or a group of dodgy people appearing and attacking you or worse, I camp nearly every weekend and always alone I have all the gear and always try and camp away out of view of any trails or any other campers preferably on summits but if I need to camp near a road or anything then I’m a bit anxious. Sometimes having good gear can attract the wrong attention. I usually set up late and leave early.
You're right, camp out the way, pitch late, leave early. You shouldn't have any problems if you follow that.
Thanks for this.
No worries, hope it helps 😀
Fantastic advice. I've wild camped with buddies in the Lakes a few times and could never properly relax for fear of getting busted and moved on. We always practised leaving no trace, ensured fires were fully extinguished and took all our rubbish away. It's such a desperate shame in this country that we always get gammoned by that 0.1% of assholes who leave a site of devastation that the Daily Mail loves to do a full page spread about and cast all wild campers in the same light, so what can you do? Just go with the fear and be sensible 😊
My biggest worries are being a woman out on my own and someone breaking into my car while I'm out there. The animals don't bother me that much. As for kit, as long as you check it and look after it well you should be ok. My old WO always taught us that kit you look after, looks after you.
I could imagine it being more difficult being a women. I would highly recommend watching some of the great women TH-camrs to get your confidence up and always make sure you can communicate when you're out. I still say, the chances of something bad happening are incredibly slim.
I'm a 60 year old woman. I camp on my own. I'm always anxious before I go, mostly as I have autoimmune arthritis. I prefer to camp in Scotland as it's much easier to stop and find a camping place as soon as tired. Biggest mistake for me is walking too far and not being able to find a spot. I had this issue walking part of the Thames path recently. There was a diversion where I was going to camp and I ended up overdoing it!
This is good advice, very helpful video. I think I may have made a similar comment on another of your videos but I'd recommend anyone concerned about the legal issues in the UK to read Stephen Neale's book on Wild Camping which really thoroughly covers that side of things. It turns out there are a whole load of exceptions to the general rule, and he makes a very compelling case for why really this ought to be a basic right in England and Wales, as it is in most of Scotland. Although, obviously, as you say, in the unlikely event somebody does ever ask you to move on, there's no sense in arguing the case there and then - just be polite and move on.
I found it makes a big difference to get over that potential hump to pitch up when it's already getting dark (although obviously it makes setting up your tent / tarp / bivvy / whatever a bit more of a challenge!), and, as you said, get away from paths / roads / etc. Open access land is particularly good for that as you can roam with impunity. It pretty quickly becomes clear when it's dark, you're in the middle of nowhere, and there's nobody else around, that it's pretty unlikely you're going to be noticed/disturbed. As long as you're not having a massive illegal rave / Jean-Michell Jarre laser light show / Wicker Man style bonfire.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Great book!!
That was my favourite video you have done
Thanks 🙏
Thanks Andy, just went out for the first time last night and barely slept 2 hours because of the noise of nearby animals and critters. I guess practice helps, thank you
Check out my sleeping tips video, there’s lots of helpful tips in there.
I always take earplugs on my wildcamps. Game changer
I always have that anxiety everytime we do our field work. But I just realized that to avoid this kind of feeling I need to practice re-do, repack, study my pack, my gears and most importantly is to make sure I'm mentally and physically fit. And be realistic all the risk and how to manage it.
I’d say you’ve dealt with it perfectly. Hopefully this will inspire others to do the same.
@@BackpackingUK thanks, mate. It's also important to be realistic in doing this kind of activity (stealth or camping etc.) Some areas or countries have different weather conditions (worst part is the insurgency situation) and what kind of forest we are getting into. This will help us how to gauge or read the situations. And what we are actually trying to do here is re connect ourselves to nature... and the thing is nature is cruel, so we have to be ready but also we try to be kind to nature and work with nature not against it. :)
I used to suffer so badly with anxiety that I'd turn around & go home before even pitching up.
Then I discovered a hip flask & filled it with neat Jack Daniels. It totally transformed my mental attitude towards giving any f*cks about anything.
Haha love this!
Did my first wild camp last night, was with my girlfriend but still the fear i felt was something else. Even in pitch black there was dirt bikers about and a group of what i think was a youth club or scouts walking past. They did see our tent despite being hidden in the woods and could hear them talking. In hindsight, they obviously didn't care and weren't going to be a problem but it was just the fear of being in a vulnerable position in a pitch black forrest with a group of people i didnt know nearby. When it got to 1/2am the fear slowly went away and I was quite relaxed albeit startled every now and then from the odd noise outside, but i enjoyed my condition. I think "just do it" is accurate, and i feel after a few more camps my anxiety around people walking past and finding us will go away.
I've wild camped once next to a river with permission from the land owner, I was a little anxious, but having my dog with me helped, if he wasn't alerted by noises then I thought why am I lol.
The more nights you wild camp the less Anxiety you have. I hardly even think about it these days other than a few precautions picking spots.
Totally agree!
Thanks!!!
No worries 👍
..cool video keep up the great content.. Thank you…
Thanks, will do!
@@BackpackingUK Thank you very mutch... have a nice Weekend.... see you….
I need to commit to going out one evening , I have bought all this kit and I'm ready to go but anxiety puts doubts in my mind and it gets put off. I think a lot of peoples anxiety comes from the fact that wild camping is illegal in most of Wales and England and the fear of being discovered etc is what scares people the most including me. Reassurance's from fellow wild campers and friends have settled my thoughts the last few days and im ready to scope out my first wild camp location and get my a@#s out there !
I totally get where you’re coming from. The illegal bit does put people off but just remember to find a good place to location, set up late and leave early and you’ll be fine 😁
@@BackpackingUK Just need to get this first one under my belt and I know from then on that not much will stop me after that.
Always worthwhile to go camping. I live where we're always worried about wildfires all the time, there are lots of dangerous wild animals, and I went camping in the middle of the city anyway, plus I had a fire. For the fire, I made a Dakota fire pit, which is nearly impossible to see from afar, plus it puts out very little smoke. I've never started a fire because I just pour pots of water on the fire from the stream until the ground isn't warm anymore. When it comes to the animals, we just need to remember that humans are the most dangerous animals on the planet and other animals know this so just give them the opportunity to escape and they will. The only time I've been stopped by the police was when I was resting in the open area of a public park and had a shade shelter for the beach with me. Even still, the cops had no good reason to move me on, I stayed, and they left.
True, fires in summertime can be a real problem. I think that's why lighting fires whilst wild camping in the UK is frowned upon.
It’s the grass snakes and adders that make me feel anxious. Rabbits screaming in the night when they are caught by foxes, that’s a horrible sound. And when you hear footsteps near your tent. Approaching torch light through the mist at night really freaks me out. ☹️
My god, you've had it all! I don't blame you for feeling anxious, anyone would.
@@BackpackingUK I wear earplugs these days which keep the monsters away. I learned that the only thing to fear is your imagination. 👍
Just prepping for my first wildcamp this weekend, the thing that worries me most is some nutter walking about in the middle of the night and just so happens to stumble across my tent when I'm asleep... And chops my head off or something 😥 that wouldn't be the most ideal first night of camping
Don't over-think it. I know it's difficult, but you'll be absolutely fine!
@@BackpackingUK Funny cos my rational head knows that over thinking it is exactly what I'm doing, but my unfamiliar head to it is wondering what the he'll om doing 😅 I absolutely know I'll be fine and have never worried about the dark or anything, it's just a process of making the unfamiliar familiar 🙏🏼 new to your channel mate but really enjoying your vids 👏🏼👏🏼
I had to pack up on a wild camp a few months ago because wild mountain horses turned up in the middle of the night. Was pretty scary,they didn't do anything. Just make a lot of noise around me!
I don’t trust horses! My mates had to pack up last year when a herd of cows came over at 1:30am!
I live in Tasmania and am within an hours drive of the most beautiful outdoors. In my experience the worst fear to overcome was venomous snakes. I overcame this by doing copious amounts of research into them with the realisation that you only see a small percentage that are out there because generally they will avoid contact with us and only threaten when they are threatened and cornered. The best advice I have is never leave your shelter unzipped.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Anxiety is only the reverse of creativity,I find. Once you realise that,then the world is your oyster.
🙌
Good vid lots of valid points .The 3 PPPs and KISS always good to remember, but why are you walking in the countryside when you have just got married 🤔😎😂🤣😂
😂
You are so lovely x
It’s them wild cats that I’d be worried about especially round the Peak District.
😺
My biggest fear is waking up and needing a number 2.
Im always afraid of sleeping in the middle of nowhere - it can be quite scaring
Yes, but the more you do it the easier it becomes.
Can't say I get anxious about wild camping,but my tent camping is spoiled by episodes of claustrophobia.
I don't know if there are many others who get this.
iam looking into tarp and bivvy bag camping as possible solution.
I struggle with small tents. Personally I prefer larger, freestanding dome tents. Tents with mesh inner won’t feel as claustrophobic too.
I don't get anxious about it but the only thing I'm always conscious of is the drunken yobs rocking up after I'm asleep, doesn't stop me camping but at my age n health just can't be bothered with the hassle of confrontation
That’s understandable. I think in that case I’d just move on.
@@BackpackingUK yeah that's what I normally end up doing,just messes the experience especially when your trying to get away from it all haha but yep that's ppl
a think if ur up in hills u dont have drunking idiots .
Cows and horses and bears, oh my!
Bears?!?! 🐻 I’d run a mile!
I suffer from anxiety but not whilst camping. I’d hate to be in fear of the country. My advice is get upto Scotland and relax
Once you get over the initial camp, wild camping is so good for your mental health.
@@BackpackingUK camping is my release from stress and anxiety. It’s the coming home that winds me up 😂. I’ve got a few mates who make up excuses for adverse weather camping.
Best to camp with a portable electric bear fence. 2.4 lbs for huge peace of mind
The Anxiety for me is the dark, and little noises in the night, for example, if i were in a wooded area and all was peaceful and quiet, then all of a sudden i hear a branch/twig snap i'd need a clean pair of underwear rather sharpish 🤷🏼♂️
Noises are my No.1 hate too!
I'll be honest @Backpacking UK, i haven't wild camped yet, i want to, i have the gear, i'm just trying the nearly wild camping at the moment, i just know that if i find a good spot someone else will find the same spot, or every 5 minutes people will walk past, i'll get there one day, my better half and i love your videos, i'm a new subscriber, keep em coming 😁👍
Be assured, statistically you are much safer in the middle of nowhere than walking around your own town,city. Also noise travels a lot faster,thus a lot louder at night. So when one hears twigs breaking etc, it's more likely to be an animal walking round,than a psychopath. The outdoors is their territory,and sometimes they just checking us out to see if we friend or foe..Also lot of trolls on here, deliberately setting out to put people off camping..
To be honest there a few people who deliberately set out on these videos just to scare people ,put them off from wild camping. Using made up frightening wild camping stories .
Also ,people commenting with exaggerated scare stories. For example ,most popular is; people camping in middle of nowhere, saying someone is walking around their tent at night..
Well, im 60 and served many years as infantry soldier, many Op's, Exercises outdoors in the wild. I learned quickly that noise is many times louder at night. Also, in the wild, is animal territory. So they will come and check us campers out. Incl going near the tent, to see if we friend or foe.. And in the process they sound a lot louder.. also, statistically, one is a lot lot more likely to face danger in there local town centre, than being in the middle of nowhere..People cast your worries aside and go enjoy our beautiful awesome countryside,coast etc 😎⛺👢
My only worry is having my car broken into😟
the two things I worry about is getting lost and leaving the car in a car park over night.
One of my mates is always worried about the car too. At the end of the day that’s what insurance is for.
Go when it’s raining you won’t be able to hear all the odd sounds outside 👍🏻
So true!
If you scout out the area first and chose a good location, nobody should know you're there. Make sure the tent blends in, pitch late in the day and pack up early.
Great advice 👍
The only thing I feel nervous about is getting moved on.
I think that's what bothers most people.
Anxiety.. didn't stop me wild camping when I was younger.
But now I'm mid 50s and not going out during COVID... anxiety is a definite problem.
However im keen to work on this.
The increase in campsite fees and the explosion of camper vans and motor homes...is a big put off.
So... back to wild camp it is.
And I believe in being discreet and leave no trace...
As regards rangers and the like... well they are just doing a job.
They shall look for us .. and we shall continue to hide from them.
What they going to do... shoot me!
I've been unfortunate in life anyway and lost pretty much everything...
So...I shall prevail... wild camping.
Good luck to everyone...
Just don't take the p_ss..
Pitch well away from suburban areas. Pitch late leave early.
Hide your self away. Don't tell anyone. Be quiet and discreet.
Oh...if we are cheeky enough to wild camp...then we can be cheeky enough to actually ask for permission to camp, especially out of season on closed camp sites etc.
Even on farm land.. you be surprised.
There’s no doubt COVID has negatively effected people’s mental health. I think it’ll take a couple of years to get some people back to where they were.
Keep of the beating track ,rangers won’t go there ?They want an easy life as well😉
Very true!
Hi Andy did my first wild camp this week with no anxiety, really enjoy your videos, have a look at my video if you get a chance, only a novice😀👍
Excellent! Thanks for letting me know.
Your welcome your channel has helped me a lot recently to get my gear and myself ready for my first trip, many thanks😀👍
Andy,love the video and it’s content.As far as the law is concerned I don’t think you are quite right about being moved on .I need to educate myself further ,As understanding how the law works would benefit us all .Maybe you could clarify the law and include it in another video.
I’m correct in areas of open access land. Obviously you can’t just pitch up on someone’s property, that would be trespassing.
People mention "drunken yobs" turning up & spoiling things. Really? That would really frit me but I never even considred it a possibility, camping out in the countryside. Is this when people are wild camping in urban areas like parks? Having to move on, in the dark, with hostile drunks bothering me would likely pish me over the edge! Nightmare. Please tell me this is as rare as hens teeth?
Although rare, I have sort of witnessed it. In Snowdonia we went wild camping and we could see a blazing fire and a mini-party by the lake in the nature reserve. No idea of age, gender, etc. They didn't bother anyone, they were just having a good time. Everyone goes wild camping for different reasons, I guess this was theirs. Some people would have got worried about it though and it may have put some people off.
A great tip. Camp away from places just off the track, or are well known camping spots. Even better,do what I do, and wild camp via a compass/ map . Then you can get away from the footpaths, and walk, camp in isolation away from anyone else. .