Camping questions

pogofish

Gloomendoom wrote: »

I used to wild camp, both with a car and on foot, all over Scotland (and England) from the late 70's up to the mid 90's. I rarely saw anybody else doing the same and only ever had positive contact with locals.

Since then, there has been an explosion in popularity, of outdoor recreation in general, so I suppose It inevitable that tolerance will be tested and restrictions introduced.

Ahh yes - the good years..!

Mojisola

Grouchy wrote: »

I'm wanting to get back into camping after a long time. So pretty much a beginner again and have a few questions. Will be camping in Scotland, mostly 2-4 day trips, mostly spring-autumn, 2 people or by myself. Kit in the back of the car and trying out wild camping, nothing too adventurous to start with.

Grouchy wrote: »

Tent - I too thought the tent was a bit too big and elaborate, but OH was adamant about not wanting to crawl into the tent (too claustrophobic) and have something roomy.

Are you and your OH on the same page about wild camping? Someone who wants the comfort of a large tent doesn't sound like a natural wild camper.

13Kent

https://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/chatter/

This forum has a lot of useful information.

Gloomendoom

pogofish wrote: »

Ahh yes - the good years..!

Somewhere on the west coast mid to late 80's.

The Austin Maxi is long gone. Still got the water bucket, folding spade and kettle though.


The much maligned Maxi was a superb car for wild camping, particularly with my home made tailgate awning.

FreeBear

pogofish wrote: »

Go to other places, like Ulapool or Torridon however,

Rumor has it that there is a farmer along the Offa's Dyke (I know, not Scotland) that goes out at night with a shotgun looking for wild campers.

If you want a lightweight tent for solo use that is virtually bombproof, try the Sierra Designs Lightyear one man tent - 1.5Kg and can be set up with just three pegs in good weather. I've used one for a number of years in all sorts of weather.

Grouchy

pogofish - yes that is what I meant, that the Western Isles were probably more welcoming and suitable for wild camping rather than not (probably my poor wording confused you).


I too remember my earlier camping days of the 80s, did a fair bit of the coastal path of Cornwall, north Wales and IoW walking with a fairly heavy 2 man orange canvas pup tent on my back and never stayed on a campsite, just pitched up sensibly when tired, it was wonderful!



Now I want to get back into, must revise my approach as things have changed a lot and I'm much older. Living now in Scotland sounds like I have the most options on wildness levels.


Yes OH (never ever been camping) and I have different thoughts, hence the two tent option. Luckily we do things together as well as independently, so expect much camping will be done by me solo with a smaller tent.



Freebear - looks a nice tent, though seems rather expensive for what will be for me a testing period to see if I can get back into it. Also seems out of production? Hopefully I'll not come across any gun-wielding farmers!


13kent thanks for that website, will check it out.


So of the two smaller tents I gave links for, which are fairly cheap at £30-50 (don't want to lay out a lot of money on something that may not be used beyond the trial period) and have good reviews, I guess they will be both affordable and give a dry roof over my head as well as any other. Tried one of them at a GO shop and seemed roomy enough for 1 plus kit.



Thanks

FreeBear

Grouchy wrote: »

FreeBear wrote: »

If you want a lightweight tent for solo use that is virtually bombproof, try the Sierra Designs Lightyear one man tent - 1.5Kg and can be set up with just three pegs in good weather.

- looks a nice tent, though seems rather expensive for what will be for me a testing period to see if I can get back into it.

I must admit, I purchased mine from REI on a trip to the USA. That said, I thought S.D. was now selling in the UK... The 2017 version of the Lightyear has some noticeable changes from the early version I have.

Quick update - I see one on ebay, located in Bath. Currently no bids and a dirt cheap starting price - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sierra-Designs-Light-Year-CD-One-Person-Tent-Excellent-Condition/142880008474 - I'd be tempted to go as high as £40, but I've already got one.