CAMPING FOR BEGINNERS

If you don’t know your flysheet from your tent peg, don’t panic as we guide you through what to expect if you’re new to life under canvas.

It might not be the summer holiday you planned – a staycation in rainy Ireland or the UK rather than sunny Spain, and a tent instead of an air-conditioned hotel room.

But if you find yourself socially distanced camping for the first time, you don’t need to feel nervous as it can be an exciting adventure for the whole family.

Murray Mcpherson, founder of Embers Camping, which has five sites in England, says: “It’s a different holiday compared to a hotel but it’s a really memorable experience and the chance to do something together.

‘’There’s lots of interaction for the whole family when putting up the tent – there’s nowhere to hide. It can bring the best out in everyone.

“At a hotel, you know everything is going to be set up for you, but this is different. It’s a bit unknown in terms of how it will work out. You’re out in the fresh air and the kids can be a bit feral – it’s really open.”

Murray points out that today’s camping equipment is high quality and user-friendly, with easy to erect tents and beds. And he says you shouldn’t feel you have to stay somewhere close to home so you can come back if it rains. “Just take wet weather gear and if it’s pouring, go somewhere on a day trip,” he advises.

“The key thing to take is chairs – otherwise you’ll end up sitting on the ground, which is uncomfortable.

“Make sure the kids are really active and busy with games, so by about 9pm they’re exhausted and go to bed while you relax with a drink.”

TENTS OR TENSE?

One of the most daunting things for first-time campers is putting up a tent. Sian Anna Lewis, travel and outdoors blogger at thegirloutdoors.co.uk, recommends practising at home before your first trip.

“You can put it up in the garden if you have one, or even your living room,” she says. “Many tents have Youtube videos on how to erect and dismantle them which can be really useful.

“Before you go, double check you have tent pegs, or pack extra – though you can use rocks if you’re desperate.

“Once you’re at the campsite, put a tent up with someone else as it will be quicker. It can be tedious on your own. Older kids can be helpful and see it as fun.”

Most tents have clear instructions attached to the bag, often with pictures.

“Tents do vary but as a general rule, if yours has just has one layer of material, lay it out flat, feed in the poles and then put the pegs in place,” says Sian. “If there are two bits, you usually erect the inner then the outer layer.”

Once you’ve taken it down, fold up the material and lie on it to get the air out, she says. Fold it to the right size for the bag.

And if it’s been raining and your tent is damp – bad luck. Once back home, you’ll need to put it up again and let it dry before storing it, or it

will go mouldy.

‘‘ Exhaust the kids so they’re in bed by 9pm and you can relax with a drink