Is "wild camping" legally allowed ?

[CycloneMike]

Why is it that we're allowed to enjoy these locations during the day, but not overnight?

Good point

But then they probably would't be quiet peaceful places anymore?

[1664]

Why is it that we're allowed to enjoy these locations during the day, but not overnight?

Because people in cars can enjoy them during the day but have to leave for bed etc so they get jealous; plus local B&B's, Motels, campsites moaning etc

[syncroand101]

You just called rubbish trash

jed

Oh "pooh". I will not be Americanised. Have got her drinking plenty of Tea mind.

[syncrosimon]

Why is it that we're allowed to enjoy these locations during the day, but not overnight? Probably because the people who provide tourist accommodation nearby want our cash!
Tony

As is always, the law abiding and common sense adopting few are prevented from certain freedoms due to a small minority.

We were very surprised to see a great number of people living in caravans in beauty spots in Scotland, seemed to be families as well, but not the usual travelling fraternity, just displaced people. There were a lot on Mull, and a good load scattered around the Applecross peninsula.

Just outside Tiverton on the Bampton road there is a new age travellers site, in a layby previously frequented by overnighters.

As a copper a few years ago I became aware of a group of people living in their cars in my local town. I did stop and speak with them. They lived in holiday accomodation and had to vacate for a month a year. All they could afford was to sleep in their cars. I suggested a few good spots for them where they would be OK.

[albertramsbottom]

yes it is illegal and yes you can get done but i have have been wild camping and had no bother, even under a no camping sign parked next to a police car they never said anything to me

Sorry but that is rubbish. It is not illegal camp anywhere in the UK. It might not be scrictly legal but the difference between the two in law is huge. If you camp somwhere and it is clearly sign posted that you cant camp you can be moved on and thats all. There isnt a police force anywhere that could be bothered to arrrest you and charge you under local council by laws.



Just go for it but watch out the the drinking a few beers issue (hide your keys in a bush).

Or let down two tyres and say it was a conicedence They will give you to the following day to get another spare

[..lee..]

i`d free camp anywhere but the wife hates it she does give in but wont do a week or 2 with out going on site. pussy.

[GTA320Y]

I have family in the police force. and it has nothing to do with them if you(wild camp in a car park or any other venue with no overnight parking etc.) its the council who deals with this sort of thing. now i havent seen many traffic wardens working nights but if they did which im 100% sure they dont then it would be them that dal with you and ythe modt you could get is a fine! not so sure about national parks etc but i assume the ranger or whoever would deal with you not the police!!!. as for been drunk while having your keys then if your keys where in your drawer or cupboard etc then you would be fine! my brother also states if your in the back of the van you also are fine! only if you where to be sat at the wheel with or without keys in igniton then yes you could be prosucuted.....

I wild camp quite often if i just fancy a night away etc. last time out we stopped on the abby in whitby! woke in the morn got out the van to fresh sea air and a spectaclar view just over looking whitby brilliant. our lass commented if we where in a hotel with that view you`d pay silly money. we then moved on to scarboro and stayed over in the southcliff car park! again signs with no overnight stays! no problems at all and police did come in while a big motor home further along where sat out on there chairs etc having a bbq.. Again great views just over looking scarboros bay.

[ghost123uk]

Another "Wild Camping" story.


A few years ago we stopped in one of those big lay-byes that have a grassy / tree'y island between them and the road (B road in Derbyshire).

We got there in the dark and very dark it was.

Nipped over a low wall in the night for a pee = no problem.

In the morning, got out to look at the view.

The wall we had "nipped over" to have a pee, had a ledge of grass about 10 feet wide, then a huge drop to a ravine below

We laughed when we thought that if we had both fallen down it, it would have looked like a suicide pact !!

[spindrift]

My son looked into this recently and this is what he found, in Scotland you can "wild camp" anywhere, in England and Wales you can camp in any Tesco car park as long as you inform them first (not that you would want to).
He camped in Woolacombe on the sea front where it clearly states "no overnight parking" he was there with about six others, the police drove passed frequently, but never did anything, and apparently never do, recently he stayed overnight in York at the side of the road.
I think as long as you leave the area tidy, no one will be bothered.

[sharkjazz]

Only ever wild camped in the van, is the only way to camp.

More beautiful locations than any campsite have ever seen (to be fair have never used them), no worries about a fire, not rubbing elbows with others on either side, peaceful and relaxed (once actually found somewhere, can be quite stresfful finding that perfect spot, but you always do in the end.

[daddytom68]

Wild camping is the best and yes it can be frustrating trying to find that magic spot...there are many of us out there seeking the same freedom.

Having kids (5 & 7) has its bonuses when bringing your wheels to rest. I can think of some good excuses if we ever need them. We see it as a big and enjoyable adventure and more often or not you will find like us, its the best and only way.

Tom
1990 T25 1.6TD Wedge

[demelzanoo]

Only ever wild camped in the van, is the only way to camp.

More beautiful locations than any campsite have ever seen (to be fair have never used them), no worries about a fire, not rubbing elbows with others on either side, peaceful and relaxed (once actually found somewhere, can be quite stresfful finding that perfect spot, but you always do in the end.

Hi... you seem like the right person to talk to about wild camping! have you been to Exmoore?? we thought we would go for a little jaunt this weekend, but i dont want to pay for a campsite, when i have everything i need in my van.... got any ideas, exmoor, bodmin..... anywhere remote down in the south west?....

D x

[gardnerw]

Nowhere near bodmin but look for car parks along the camel trail, have stayed in a few with no probs. Thought i would share this find from the weekend just gone. Usually just look on an OS map for carpark on small b roads, often end up in the middle of farms doing a tight 360!

This is a good spot near Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons. quite high up good views over the mountains. Remote road but the google car has been past!

Check it out.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie= ... 6&t=h&z=18" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


view from car park
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie= ... 9,,0,-1.37" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

car park
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&ie= ... 5,,0,-7.57#" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Anyone fancy getting a blog going for good spots, don't mind contributing when i stumble across a good one or two, obviously just to circulate amongst the responsible few here, don't want the hoi polloi buggering it up for the few!

[Ian Hulley]

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source= ... 7&t=h&z=17

Zoom in on this to see the French views on wild camping ... this is a beach and coast road between Sete and Agde on the Med.

[gardnerw]

Its the same when you go up M. Ventoux about 3 months either side of the tour!