Wild Camping Taster Course
A relaxed, practical introduction to overnight wild camping — build confidence, not just tick boxes.
Wild Camping Taster — what this weekend is about
This two-day Wild Camping Taster is a practical introduction to sleeping out in the hills. It’s designed for people who are curious about wild camping but want clarity, confidence and good judgement before heading out on their own.
Over a relaxed weekend, you’ll learn how to choose a sensible overnight location, understand weather and ground conditions, manage your kit, and develop simple routines that make wild camping enjoyable rather than stressful.
This is not a navigation course and there’s no pressure to perform. Decisions are explained as we go, so you understand why things work, not just what to pack.
Key details
What you’ll learn
This weekend is all about building confidence through simple systems and good decision-making. You’ll learn the practical skills that make an overnight trip feel calm, comfortable and repeatable.
- How to assess weather, wind and ground conditions for an overnight camp
- What makes a good camp location — shelter, drainage, discretion and safety
- How to pack and organise your rucksack for quick access and better comfort
- Pitching tents well, including common mistakes and easy fixes
- Stove safety, water sourcing and simple cooking routines
- Evening and morning routines: staying warm, dry enough and organised
- Leave No Trace in practice — how to camp responsibly and pack down cleanly
- How to plan your next overnight trip with more confidence
How the weekend works
The pace is steady and supportive, with plenty of time for questions and discussion. Terrain and route choices are selected to suit the conditions and the group.
Saturday — meet, prepare, walk in, camp
- Meet, introductions and a relaxed kit & pack check
- Discuss weather and what makes a sensible overnight location
- Short, steady walk into the hills with decision-making explained en route
- Choose a camp spot, pitch well, then cover stoves, water and evening routine
Sunday — pack down, reflect, walk out
- Morning routines: packing up efficiently and dealing with damp kit
- Breaking camp cleanly and leaving the site discreetly
- Short walk out and debrief: what worked, what to change next time
- Finish mid–late afternoon for easy travel home
How the course works
This is a practical, hands-on introduction to wild camping. We begin with a relaxed indoor meet-up to check equipment, talk through what people are carrying, discuss weather and conditions, and cover what makes a good overnight camp location.
Once everyone is ready, we’ll drive together to a suitable mountainous area for the overnight camp. Final locations are chosen by the instructor to ensure safe conditions, appropriate terrain, and the best learning experience for the group.
Locations & venues
- Perthshire courses: typically based around the Ben Lawers area or Ben Vrackie.
- Lake District courses: typically based in the Helvellyn or Blencathra ranges.
Equipment & kit hire
A full equipment and kit list is available by clicking here: View the equipment & kit list.
We offer a £45 wild camping hire bundle (subject to availability), and individual items can also be hired if you’re missing specific kit. Final kit choices are confirmed after booking. You’ll need to bring your own mug and spoon or spork.
Lake District
The Lake District is an excellent place for a first wild camping experience, offering varied terrain and sensible access without committing to long approaches.
Meeting point:
We meet at the café at Rheged, just off the M6.
It’s easy to find, has facilities, and works well for a relaxed start to the weekend.
Perthshire (Scotland)
Perthshire offers quieter hills and excellent camping terrain, while remaining very accessible from the Central Belt via the A9.
Meeting point:
We meet at The Hutchison Bothy inside the Tiso store in Perth.
It’s free to use and ideal for kit checks and discussion before heading out.
Dates & booking
Choose your location below to see live availability and book instantly.
Lake District — Dates & booking
Meet at the café at Rheged (M6) before heading into the hills.
Good to know
- Price: £145 per person
- Group size: maximum 6
- Equipment hire is available as an add-on at checkout.
- Participants bring their own food, plus an essential mug and spoon/spork.
- Final location details are confirmed after booking, based on conditions.
Perthshire (Scotland) — Dates & booking
Meet at The Hutchison Bothy inside the Tiso store in Perth.
Good to know
- Price: £145 per person
- Group size: maximum 6
- Equipment hire is available as an add-on at checkout.
- Participants bring their own food, plus an essential mug and spoon/spork.
- Final location details are confirmed after booking, based on conditions.