ARE WILD CAMPING AND BIVVYING LEGAL?

The law around wild camping varies across the UK. In Scotland wild camping is legal (except in parts of Loch Lomond) as long as you follow the Outdoor Access Code, which basically means leave no trace and don’t disturb people or animals. Camp late in the day and move on early the next morning and you’re less likely to encounter problems. Camping out of sight of buildings and roads, and on open rather than enclosed land, is certainly best too

Outside of Scotland, there is no legal right to camp wild in the UK. Technically, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland you need to ask the landowner’s permission. However, there are exceptions and grey areas. On Dartmoor, wild camping is acceptable for one or two nights on open land; and in many hill areas such as the Lake District, wild camping away from roads and cultivated land is traditionally tolerated. Wherever you choose to wild camp, you should always be discreet and respectful, and follow ‘leave no trace’ principles.