advice first time wild camping

[sojot]

Hi,

I am 38 year old male looking for some advice if possible

I don’t no whether this the right forum but coming year i want to do some wild camping for the first time. I have been interested in this for quite sometime but never got around to actually going for, it because i have not been able to convince anyone to come along. So i have decided to go for it this year on my own.
I obviously dont have any experience (I have only ever done normal camping, and camping when night fishing)
First time i was thinking of Dartmoor. I want to stay for two days (one night) and do a fair bit of walking obviously.
Any feedback on the following would be very much appreciated.
- What would be the risks going by myself? (only my wife would no my route i think)
- What would earliest in the year in should schedule this for? (temperature wise)
- Minimum equipment that i should buy.
- Any pointers on good routes to walk in Dartmoor?

[Comptona]

Hi,

I am pretty new to this myself and I contacted a local landowner to let me practice. I certainly would not reccomend dartmoor for a first attempt. I was quit disturbed by the effect of having little knowledge and its effects on my weekend. I also wouldnt leave my wife as the only one who knows where you are, her first port of call will be the life insurance policy, lol,.

I am sure you will get plenty of opportunity and willing helpers on this site to get you started. It would help if we knew your location because you never know whats round the corner.

[sojot]

Hi,


I am sure you will get plenty of opportunity and willing helpers on this site to get you started. It would help if we knew your location because you never know whats round the corner.

Thanks for the reply, I live in Berkshire

"

[JonnyP]

Go for it..
Plan your route well (you can have just as much fun planning a route). Study the terrain on a good map. Pick your overnight location well. Let people know your start time and estimated finish time, just in case it all goes Pete Tong.
Kit wise.. You have to carry it, so the more you pack, the heavier it will be..
Dartmoor is a great place to wild camp, but do not underestimate the place. If the mist comes in, it all looks the same and your navigation skills will be tested..
For a two day trip, you could start at somewhere like Okehampton and head South, picking up a few Tors on route. I did that a few years back. We got to a pub between the North and South Moor, had a few jars, and then went and found a spot to kip the night, and headed back to the car in the morning.
Make sure the Military are not active when you go (details on your map of the area). Walking on the moor can be very hard on your legs if you get into boggy areas, so allow for longer times to get to your destination.

[Tony1948]

Dont get eaten by the bears

[CanadianMike]

Dont get eaten by the bears

Good advice. Look out for signs like this:

[alvino78]

LMFAO!!!!! love it

[Saxon]

Now that's a proper sign and the message should sink in...

[comanighttrain]

Top tip. Get a bivvy bag and a thermal blanket (reflective metallic sheet).

Don't get a camoflage bivvy bag get a bright orange one like this http://www.ronniesunshines.com/nato-...ts-p-1060.html.

Thermal blanket here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lifesystems-.../dp/B000SQEDM2

If the weather moves in throw the bivvy bag over yourself - itll keep you dry and youll be visible. Also keeps you warm.

If the cold weather really hits throw up the bivvy and the put on the blanket.

I am enthusiastic about these bits of kit because they are small, cheap and could have stopped a lot of deaths/near deaths in the highlands. Don't under estimate the value of <£10 worth of kit.

[sojot]

thanks very much gents much appreciated