Last reviewed and updated: March 2026
Wild camping had always appealed to me. The idea of spending a quiet night in the hills, far away from busy campsites and towns, felt like the purest way to experience the outdoors.
My first real wild camping trip happened in the Lake District, hiking up towards the Old Man of Coniston with a couple of friends. None of us were experts at the time — we just had a rough plan, some basic gear, and a lot of enthusiasm.
It turned out to be one of the most memorable nights I’ve ever spent in the hills.
If you’re planning your first wild camping trip, here’s what I learned from that experience.
Preparing for My First Wild Camping Trip
Like most beginners, I didn’t own any specialist lightweight camping gear yet.
Our setup was pretty basic — and definitely heavier than it needed to be.
Between us we carried things like:
- a standard camping tent
- bulky sleeping bags
- foam sleeping mats
- large backpacks
- a small camping stove
At the time we didn’t really think about weight too much. We just packed what we had and hoped it would work.
By the time we started climbing towards the Old Man of Coniston, we quickly realised how much heavy gear makes a hike harder, especially on steeper sections of trail.
It was a good lesson in why experienced hikers often recommend lightweight wild camping gear, particularly if you’re planning longer walks into the hills.
If you’re planning your first trip, having a simple wild camping checklist can make packing much easier.
Hiking Up Towards the Old Man of Coniston
We started the walk in the afternoon, climbing slowly up the paths that wind towards the Old Man of Coniston.
The Lake District has a way of making even a simple hike feel like an adventure. As we climbed higher, the views opened up across the surrounding fells and Coniston Water below.
By the time we were high enough in the hills, the crowds had mostly disappeared.
That’s one of the key parts of wild camping — getting far enough away from busy paths and towns so you can find a quiet, discreet spot.
Finding a Good Wild Camping Spot
One of the biggest lessons I learned that evening was how important it is to choose the right place to pitch your tent.
When looking for a good wild camping spot, we tried to follow a few simple rules:
- stay away from main walking paths
- find relatively flat ground
- avoid exposed ridges with strong wind
- camp somewhere discreet
Eventually we found a small, sheltered patch of grass in front of the tarn and not too far below the summit.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was quiet — and the views across the Lake District were incredible.
The Reality of Your First Night Wild Camping
Wild camping always seems peaceful in photos, but the first night can feel a bit strange.
Once the sun went down and the temperature dropped, the hills felt very different.
You suddenly notice things you never think about during the day:
- the sound of wind around the tent
- distant sheep moving on the hills
- the complete darkness once the sun disappears
At first it felt slightly unsettling, but after a while it became surprisingly relaxing.
With no noise from roads or towns, the night felt incredibly quiet.
Mistakes We Made
Looking back, we definitely made a few beginner mistakes.
Carrying Too Much Gear
Because we were new to wild camping, our gear was much heavier than it needed to be. The backpacks felt fine at the start of the walk, but the higher we climbed, the more noticeable the weight became.
These days I understand why many hikers prefer lightweight tents and compact sleeping gear for wild camping trips.
Not Checking the Wind Properly
We picked a decent spot, but it wasn’t completely sheltered. During the night the wind picked up a bit, which made the tent flap more than expected.
Forgetting How Cold It Gets
Even in summer, temperatures in the hills can drop quickly after sunset. A warm sleeping bag and sleeping mat make a huge difference.
What I Learned from My First Wild Camping Trip
Despite the mistakes, the experience was incredible.
Waking up early in the hills, with the sun rising over the Lake District, felt completely different from camping in a busy campsite.
The simple things become the highlights:
- making coffee with a camping stove
- watching the mist lift from the valleys
- packing up quietly before the day hikers arrive
Moments like that are why so many people fall in love with wild camping.
Tips for Your First Wild Camping Trip
If you’re planning your first trip, these tips will make the experience much easier.
- Keep your gear lightweight
- Start with a shorter hike
- Check the weather before heading out
- Pitch your tent late and leave early
- Choose a sheltered campsite when possible
Most importantly, follow the Leave No Trace principle — always take your rubbish with you and leave the landscape exactly as you found it.
Is Wild Camping Legal in the Lake District?
Wild camping rules vary across the UK.
In England and Wales, permission from the landowner is technically required in most areas. However, many experienced hikers practise discreet wild camping in remote locations, pitching late and leaving early.
In Scotland, wild camping is generally permitted under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
Final Thoughts
That first wild camping trip near the Old Man of Coniston turned out to be the start of something bigger.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about spending a night in the hills, carrying everything you need on your back and waking up surrounded by nature.
For anyone who enjoys hiking, trying wild camping at least once is an experience I’d highly recommend.
And if you’re planning your first trip, having the right gear and preparation can make all the difference.
