Do you dream of venturing into the wild for a night or two totally off grid? Of waking up surrounded by hills? Of watching the sun set in total peace? Of getting off the beaten track into Scotland’s wilder landscapes?
In Scotland we can camp pretty much wherever we like, but having a comfortable and safe adventure can take a little practice.
These “basecamp” sessions are designed to give you the skills, knowledge and confidence to have your own wild camping adventures across Scotland.
They are practical sessions allowing you to find out more about how to choose a good camping spot, what you need to wear and pack, how best to pack it, and practice setting up camp and cooking in a controlled environment, with lots of time for questions.
You can come to as many or as few sessions as you like.
They will be followed by an optional overnight camp on the Isle of Arran for those who fancy a group camping trip and want to put their new knowledge and skills into practice.
Basecamp sessions:
Basecamp evenings are delivered from Women on Wheels in Glasgow’s Southside (Govanhill), and are practical sessions allowing you to find out more about what you need to wear and pack, how best to pack it, and practice setting up camp and cooking in a controlled environment, with lots of time for questions.
You can come to as many or as few of these as you like.
Pricing: £0-£5 (Pay what you can- no questions asked).
Session 1: What, why, how and where?
This session answers these questions and inspires you to start planning a wild camping adventure. This session includes a presentation, short films, and lots of time for questions.
Session 2: Sleeping and Cooking.
We look at different options for sleeping in the wild (including bivvy bags and various tents), have a go at setting up some tents (bring your own tent or try one of mine) and discuss what else is needed for a comfortable night’s sleep. We’ll also take a look at different cooking stoves and give them a go to make ourselves a cup of tea, and chat about what food to to take on a wild camping trip.
Session 3: What to wear and pack.
Find out what you need to wear and take with you for a night or two, where to source kit on a budget, and learn how best to pack a rucksack and keep it as light as possible, and try walking a short distance with it to see how it feels.
Overnight camp:
The overnight trip allows you to put these skills into practice and spend a night camping surrounded by the mountains.
We hop over to the beautiful Isle of Arran, camping on a minimal campsite with a loo and running water (cold water and no shower). This is a way for you to experience walking with a backpack and all the kit you need, setting up camp, cooking on a small camping stove, and spending a night off grid surrounded by some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes.
Dates are to be confirmed once the Basecamp sessions start and will depend on interest and the availability of those wishing to take part. Probably July or August.
On this trip you’ll experience:
- Walking with a rucksack for a short distance (4km/2.5 miles- about an hour)
- Choosing a camping spot and setting up your tent
- Cooking tasty food using a camping stove
- Sleeping in beautiful surroundings and waking up to the sound of birds and the stream
- Two short walks and a wild swim in the river (both optional)
- Arran’s unique wildlife and scenery
Over the course of this weekend you’ll learn:
- How best to pack and carry a rucksack
- What kit you need and where to get it
- How to set up a tent and where to camp
- What food to bring and how to cook efficiently and safely
- How to leave no trace when camping
- What to consider for hygiene and safety
This weekend is best suited to those who have attended one or more of the Basecamp Sessions but if you are interested in taking part please get in touch to check if it’s right for you.
Why the Isle of Arran?
Arran is just a short distance from the central belt yet feels remote and wild. Jagged peaks, towering mountains, secluded glens, waterfalls and gushing rivers. It’s where I go when I need a dose of the mountains but am short on time.
