Imagine a world where you can escape the monotony of daily life and immerse yourself in nature. A world where you get to sharpen your survival instincts, sleep under a sky full of stars and wake up to the chirping of birds. Welcome to the world of camping in the wild, where you combine a break from routine with learning bushcraft skills. This article intends to guide you on how to find the best campsites in England and Scotland that offer workshops on traditional bushcraft skills.
Identifying the Best Bushcraft Campsites
Let’s start by exploring what makes a campsite the best choice for learning bushcraft skills. In essence, the ideal campsite offers you a raw, wild environment, opportunities to understand the nuances of survival in the wilderness, and provides workshops that teach a broad spectrum of bushcraft skills.
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When choosing a campsite, consider features such as the availability of natural water sources, diverse flora and fauna, and terrain that’s suitable for setting up a tent. Look for campsites that offer bushcraft workshops inclusive of their camping costs. Such sites generally provide hands-on training on skills like fire-making, shelter building, foraging for food and water, and navigation.
Online platforms such as Trip Advisor, Google Reviews and camping-themed blogs provide valuable insights on the available campsites. Look out for reviews by people who’ve attended their workshops.
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Experiencing Wild Camping in Scotland
Scotland is a paradise for wild camping, with its sprawling landscapes and diverse wilderness. It offers an unfiltered experience of living in the wild, making it an excellent camping choice, especially for bushcraft enthusiasts.
However, as of 2024, wild camping in some parts of Scotland requires a permit. This is to ensure that the natural beauty of these areas is preserved. Therefore, it’s imperative that you check the permissions required for wild camping in the area you choose.
There are several campsites in Scotland that offer bushcraft workshops. For instance, the ‘Primal Bushcraft and Survival’ near Edinburgh offers workshops ranging from fire making to advanced survival skills. Similarly, the ‘Back to Wilderness’ campsite in the Scottish Highlands provides detailed bushcraft training.
Top Bushcraft Campsites in England
England, with its picturesque countryside and numerous farms, provides ample opportunities for bushcraft camping. There are several campsites offering bushcraft workshops that cater not just to adults, but also to families and children.
The ‘Bushcraft UK Wilderness Gathering’ is one of the most popular bushcraft events in England. Held annually in Wiltshire, this event brings together bushcraft enthusiasts from all over the country and hosts a variety of workshops by skilled experts.
Another notable mention is the ‘Woodland Ways Bushcraft and Survival’ in Oxfordshire. This site boasts of beautiful woodland and offers comprehensive bushcraft courses.
What to Expect from Bushcraft Workshops
Bushcraft workshops are designed to teach you skills that have been used by humanity since time immemorial. These range from fire-making to creating makeshift tents, wilderness cooking, water purification, and much more.
At the end of these workshops, you will be equipped with skills that will not only enhance your camping experience but also come in handy in survival situations. Some workshops even cover advanced skills such as wild hunting and trapping, and emergency first aid.
Remember, bushcraft is not just about survival, it’s also about living comfortably with nature. These workshops seek to instill a deep respect for the wilderness and teach sustainable practices.
Optimal Time for Camping and Bushcraft Workshops
While the choice of time for camping is subjective and depends on personal preference, the ideal period for bushcraft camping in the UK is from late spring to early autumn. This is when the weather is relatively mild and the days are longer, providing ample time for bushcraft activities.
Also, as most bushcraft workshops are held outdoors, these months provide the most conducive environment to learn and practice new skills.
So, whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice, exploring the wild and learning bushcraft skills can be a thrilling experience. The next time you’re planning a camping trip, consider choosing a campsite that offers bushcraft workshops. It’s time to embrace the wild and awaken the survivalist within you!
Beyond Traditional: Combining Bushcraft Skills with Wild Camping
The thrill of wild camping is magnified when combined with learning bushcraft survival skills. Surviving in the wilderness isn’t just about fending for yourself, it’s about respecting nature and leaving no trace of your presence. The principles of ‘leave no trace’ camping are highly emphasized in bushcraft workshops, encouraging campers to sustain the environment they inhabit.
One of the prominent figures in the world of bushcraft, Paul Kirtley, emphasizes the importance of integrating with nature rather than fighting against it. Through his teachings and workshops, he promotes an understanding and appreciation of the natural world, as well as the essential skills needed to survive and thrive in the wilderness.
There are plenty of campsites across the UK, from the South Downs in South East England to the wild landscapes of the Lake District, and from the open fields of the Peak District to the rugged coastlines of Northern Ireland. Each of these locations offers a unique experience that caters to different levels of bushcraft expertise.
For beginners, camping on a farm campsite can be an ideal start. These sites, like Hillside Farm in the Lake District or Ffynnonwen in South East England, often have the landowner’s permission for structured camping and offer introductory bushcraft courses. With time, you can graduate to more remote locations like national parks, which let you fully immerse yourself in the wild.
Remember, before planning a camping trip in these locations, always check for permits and regulations. In some places, you’ll need explicit landowner permission for setting up camp.
Bushcraft is not just about survival or sleeping under the stars, it’s about connecting with nature and learning to respect its boundaries. From the basics of camping, like setting up a tent or lighting a fire, to more advanced survival skills, bushcraft workshops offer a diverse range of knowledge.
While England and Scotland are famous for their unique wild camping experiences, don’t forget about other regions of the UK. Areas like the South Downs, the Peak District, and Northern Ireland also hold many campsites that promote bushcraft survival skills.
Remember, no matter where you choose to camp, always seek landowner permission if required, and practice the principles of ‘leave no trace’. The aim is to enjoy the wilderness responsibly and sustainably.
So, pack your camping gear, roll up your sleeping bag, and embark on an adventure that goes beyond a simple camping trip. Embrace the wild, learn valuable skills, and experience the true essence of bushcraft. It’s time to awaken the survivalist within you and step into the world of wild camping. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or a novice, the exploration of bushcraft skills will surely add a new thrill to your camping experience.
