For me, the allure of wild camping lies in its promise of adventure, solitude, and a deep connection with nature. My recent experience with our first wild camping trip with https://www.campwild.uk perfectly encapsulated these elements.
Our destination was described on their website as the perfect blend of wild and accessible. The directions were detailed, and with this information, we packed our bags, ensuring we had all the necessary gear, including water purification tablets and quality dog poo bags for human waste management.
Our journey started at the train station, bustling with the excitement of travelers, including many in fancy dress heading out for festivities. We boarded a train to Leeds, enjoyed some food at the station, and then transferred to the Leeds to Carlisle line. The scenic journey through the Yorkshire Dales was a highlight, offering stunning views of rolling hills and quaint villages. We arrived at Dent, the highest mainline railway station in England, and took advantage of the shelter to apply sun cream before setting off.
From Dent, we descended to join the Dales Way, heading towards Dent village. Despite the heavy bags, we made good progress, reminiscing about my previous trips to this area for the Fellsman and Pennine Cycle Way. With the route starting so high up it offered amazing views of the surrounding countryside, though the village of Dent remained out of sight.
Upon reaching the parking spot, we noted it would have been tight for cars and were quietly relieved we had opted for the train. Crossing the river involved careful wading, and then we followed the glen to our camping spot by the river. The location was beautiful, with the sound of the flowing water adding to the serene atmosphere.
Choosing where to pitch the tent was a careful process, avoiding thistles and the worst of the sheep droppings. We found a small tributary stream for water, filled our 4-liter bag, and treated it with purification tablets. The information provided suggested a couple of walks, so we ventured up the valley, enjoying the breathtaking views. Then we headed to a nearby gorge, which offered a thrilling exploration, albeit involving a somewhat scary river crossing.
Dinner was a three-course meal, enjoyed in the last of the evening sunshine before the sun dipped behind the hill. Then we settled into the tent and listened to the Outdoor Station podcast, discussing the end of Backpacking Light and their future plans. It was sad that a shop supplying so much of the kit I have used on these adventures had closed, although we were excited for more inspiring podcasts. The night was peaceful, and I experienced one of my best and longest sleeps in a while.
We awoke to a damp morning, a contrast to the previous evening’s dry weather. Despite the rain, the breeze kept the midges at bay. Some members of our group took a dip in the stream before breakfast, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. With the request to remove all human waste, there was a bit more to this than digging a hole—a practice that reminded me of my snow hole training at Glenmore Lodge. I would definitely recommend high-quality dog poo bags, rolling the top down slightly, and some careful aiming before tying the top with an overhand knot and double-bagging it.
With everything packed, we left the camping spot better than we found it and set off for a hike.
Our plan for the day was to walk to Ribblehead railway station. This route promised new landscapes and did not disappoint. We retraced our steps down the valley before veering off to follow new paths. The trail took us past derelict farms, through beautiful woodlands, and near charming holiday retreats with amenities like wood-burning pizza ovens and hot tubs. Then we traversed a landscape filled with sphagnum moss, cotton grass, and streams, eventually joining the Craven Way and the well-trodden Three Peaks Challenge route.
The sight of Ribblehead Viaduct signaled the end of our journey. We enjoyed a hearty meal and a refreshing drink at the Station Inn, mingling with other hikers and sharing stories. The wait for our train back home was a time of reflection, feeling rejuvenated and ready for the challenges ahead.
The inaugural wild camping trip was a memorable experience. It offered a perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty, and solitude. With no phone signal at our spot, it was great to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature.
