Wild camping isn’t just about sleeping outside — it’s about learning how to carry everything you need, travel confidently through the hills, and make good decisions in real outdoor settings.

This Introduction to Wild Camping is a 2-night, hands-on course designed to build real confidence through practice, not pressure. Over the weekend, you’ll learn the essentials, put them into action on a hill day, and then do it all again — with more ease, clarity, and self-belief.

Strongly recommended for anyone booked onto our West Highland Way expedition, but open to anyone keen to develop real wild camping skills in a supportive, small-group environment.

We’ll be based at a Camp Wild campsite in the Shropshire Hills, using it as a safe, legal basecamp, with a full day hiking with loaded packs.

🤝 In Partnership with CampWild
This experience is delivered in partnership with CampWild — the UK’s award-winning wild camping platform dedicated to unlocking access to wild spaces through responsible, legal camping. CampWild works with land custodians across England, Wales and Scotland to create a network of carefully selected wild camping locations. Their mission is simple: enable more people to experience meaningful time outdoors while protecting the landscapes we love through education, stewardship and Leave No Trace principles.

As part of this weekend, you’ll receive a complimentary 12-month CampWild membership, giving you access to their booking platform and wild spaces across the UK long after the course finishes.

🌿 Who This Experience Is For
This weekend is ideal if you:

Are new to wild camping and want to learn properly

Are preparing for a multi-day hike or expedition

Want to practise packing, carrying, and walking with a full backpack

Have camped before but still feel unsure about systems and routines

Learn best by doing, not just reading

No previous wild camping experience is required.

🏕 What We’ll Cover
Across the weekend, we’ll cover:

What kit you actually need (and what you don’t)

How to pack your rucksack comfortably and efficiently

Campcraft basics: tents, sleeping systems, stoves, and food

Where you’re allowed to wild camp and the rules around it

Choosing good camp spots

Weather awareness and decision-making

Food, water, hygiene, and toileting outdoors (including periods)

Staying safe and managing risk

Navigation basics while carrying a full pack

Managing fear, nerves, and night-time worries

Leave No Trace and environmental responsibility

What to do when things don’t go to plan

🗺 Itinerary
Friday – Arrival & Campcraft Foundations
Arrival from approx. 4pm

Meet at Camp Wild

Welcome and overview of the weekend

Set up camp together with guidance

Group walk-through of kit and packing systems

Evening:

Cook dinner using your outdoor cooking kit

Campcraft skills session

Confidence, fear and mindset workshop

First night under the stars

Saturday – Carry, Travel & Practise
Full day in the hills:

Breakfast and pack up camp

Load rucksacks correctly

Head into the Shropshire Hills

During the hike:

Walking with a loaded pack

Navigation basics and route choice

Pacing, breaks and energy management

Decision-making in real terrain

Late afternoon / evening:

Return to Camp Wild

Set up camp again using what you’ve learned

Evening reflection session

Second night camping

Sunday – Consolidation & Confidence
Morning:

Breakfast and debrief

Pack down camp efficiently and responsibly

Final skills session:

Camp routines

Minimum impact practices

Planning your own future wild camps

Questions and next steps

Finish: Around lunchtime.

🌄 What’s Included
Your investment includes:

Instruction and support from two qualified Mountain Leaders

Two nights camping at a CampWild site in the Shropshire Hills

A full guided hill day carrying loaded packs

Small group learning environment (maximum 12 participants)

All teaching sessions, workshops and guided activities

A complimentary 12-month CampWild membership

Participants are required to bring their own camping equipment, food and personal kit. Full list below.

💷 Price
Early Bird: £265 per person

Available for 10 days after launch or until the first 6 spaces are filled (whichever comes first).

Standard Price: £295 per person

Minimum: 4 participants

Maximum: 12 participants