Wild camping in the British hills is one of life’s great freedoms. There’s nothing quite like pitching a tent on a remote moorland ridge, watching the sun set behind a Lakeland fell, or waking to the sound of curlews on a Scottish glen. But with that freedom comes responsibility. Leave No Trace isn’t about rules for their own sake; it’s about keeping these wild places wild for the next person – and for the wildlife that calls them home. Here’s how to camp lightly and tread softly.

Plan Ahead and Choose Your Pitch Wisely

Good wild camping starts before you leave the house. Check where wild camping is legal – in Scotland, access rights generally allow it on unenclosed land, but in England and Wales you usually need the landowner’s permission. Dartmoor has its own rules, so do your homework. Aim to arrive late in the day and leave early, keeping a low profile. Choose a durable surface: hard-wearing grass, gravel, or an existing pitch that’s already bare. Avoid fragile habitats like moss, lichen, and alpine plants – they can take decades to recover. Camp at least 30 metres from lochs, tarns, streams, and rivers to protect water quality. Don’t dig trenches around your tent; modern tents are waterproof. And never camp in the same spot for more than a night or two if the ground is showing signs of wear.

Deal with Waste Properly – Pack It In, Pack It Out

Human waste is the biggest leave-no-trace challenge. If there’s a toilet nearby, use it. Otherwise, you need a trowel. Find a spot at least 30 metres from water, paths, and campsites. Dig a hole 15–20 centimetres deep – that’s the active soil layer where decomposition happens. Do your business, then cover the hole and disguise it with leaf litter or stones. Pack out your toilet paper in a sealed bag. Never bury it; animals dig it up, and it takes years to break down in cold, wet upland soil. For peeing, move well away from water and paths, and dilute with water if you can. All rubbish goes in your bag. Nothing biodegrades quickly in the hills. That means no burying, no burning, no leaving behind.

• Toilet paper and wet wipes (in a sealed bag)
• All food packaging and scraps
• Tea bags, coffee grounds, and fruit peel
• Any litter you find – leave it better than you found it

The Campfire Question: Stoves Are Nearly Always Best

There’s something primal about a campfire, but in most British wild camping situations, a fire is a bad idea. Upland areas often have thin soils and slow-growing vegetation. A fire scar can last for years. Many land management organisations ask you not to light fires at all. The simple answer? Bring a stove. A lightweight gas or meths stove is fast, clean, and leaves no trace. You can cook, boil water, and make a brew without blackening the ground. If you absolutely must have a fire – and only where it’s explicitly allowed – use an existing fire ring, keep it small, burn only dead and downed wood, and never leave it unattended. Drown the fire with water, stir the ashes, and scatter them cold. But honestly, a stove is kinder to the hills.

Respect Wildlife and Livestock

The British hills are home to deer, mountain hares, nesting birds, and rare insects. Keep your distance, especially during breeding season (March to July). Don’t feed animals – it makes them dependent and can make them aggressive. Store food securely so foxes, crows, or sheep don’t raid your tent. If you have a dog, keep it under close control or on a lead around livestock and ground-nesting birds. Sheep, cattle, and ponies are curious; give them space, and never chase them. Avoid walking through sensitive areas like bogs, flushes, and eroded gullies. And remember: if an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you’re too close.

Be a Good Guest for Landowners and Other Users

Wild camping often happens on private land, even where access rights exist. Be discreet. Arrive late, leave early, and keep noise to a minimum. Park considerately – don’t block gates, tracks, or passing places. Close all gates behind you, even if they were open. Leave no litter, no fire scars, and no trampled grass. If you meet a landowner or farmer, a friendly hello and a brief chat goes a long way. Many are happy to allow responsible campers; it’s the few who leave mess and damage that ruin it for everyone. Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code or the Countryside Code in England and Wales. And before you leave, take one last look: does your pitch look like no one was ever there? That’s the goal.