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