I did my first wild camp in Epping Forest back in April. I actually found your channel while researching the possibility of doing that camp! It was an amazing feeling waking up with the dawn chorus and the deer barking. I used a cheap £25 camping hammock with an underquilt and blanket, no tarp required so I had just a bug net above me. Unfortunately with Epping you need to strike a balance, too far West and you have helicopter noise, too far North and you have the M25, too far East and you have houses close by, not forgetting the A road through the middle. I went for Helicopter noise which was quite exhilarating at 3am. You have some good tips in this video, some I would like to add are... List your stuff, then you can add and remove things to the list and use it next time as a guide. Also I try not to wild camp at the weekend, there are far fewer people around on a weeknight and a weekday morning. I've not really had the thought about needing a cover story, I always have a lightweight hammock with me when I'm cycling and stop to make a coffee with my Trangia so I'm pretty used to the situation. If someone was to ask I'd tell them I'm taking a break. I've done a couple of wild camps in other places since and have really enjoyed it each time. Thanks for making this and your other Epping video, camping there was a childhood dream remembered and come true.
It was worth making the video for this comment alone, and your tip re the location is probably more helpful than all five of mine combined! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it. Best of luck with your own camping adventures!
Thanks! I think I need to do an update to this video, though - many more camps beneath my belt and think I could do better. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment
This is really great advice. Still too chicken to go on my own... so frustrating because i have all the gear but no people in my life who share the same passion for nature haha, camping feels alot safe solo in menorca than in london! It would be amazing to find a group of people wanting to camp for free. this probably exists already but does anyone know where to fin these likeminded people to join some safe campouts as a solo?
Hi, would just a sleeping bag be considered camping? well I guess it would be. I was in Epping forest today around Connaught water day time for a walk only, and I would like to stay there for the night, by the lake; at least while I am awake; then I would go a bit off trail for actually sleeping. DO you think that particular area of Epping forest would be too risky? thank you!
It's so strange, I'm happy to bikepack to the middle of nowhere and pitch but Epping forest scares me a bit due to the amount of teens that mess about at night.
In fairness, it is a bit nerve wracking, which is why I try to get there quite late. It’s walking though Leighton high street on a Friday/Saturday night which concerns me the most, though!
@@DaveScurlock I wildcamped in Epping Forest once and I'm planning to camp again in a couple of weeks. I see your point of the amount of teens Bearded mention, but I need to highlightthat those teenagers are not going inside the forest but near the houses.
Have you ever had people disturb you at night? Epping forest has a lot of footfall I'm just concerned about people coming during the night. BUT I really want to do an Epping camp.
Nope, never once. I try to keep out of sight and out of mind as much as I can, turning up towards the evening and leaving fairly early. Just be a little careful and you’ll be fine. Good luck!
Thanks, Mark! I actually read your comment from my tent in Epping Forest after a bloody cold night; helped me get my arse in gear and get cracking with the day, so thanks for that, too!
Tip 6 - Make sure you have at least a couple of Brits within your group. I grew up sporadically wild camping near the Italian alps (where I am from) and I love to do it and know how to do it well and respectfully. With that said... My friends and I tryed four times (four to eight people each time). First time all went well but the other three times we were awaken early in the morning, by (frustrated and sad) dog walkers, and asked to leave. We had a trash bin bag, no fires and no music of any kind. note: Past three times there were no Brits amongst us, which is either a coincidence... or not.
It hadn't occurred to me that a man would feel awkward stealth camping. I have been wanting to do it for a while, and have considered Epping Forest, but, being a female solo camper, I'm just not comfortable with going alone. You never know who's lurking around in the woods at night (perhaps a weird man in the bushes? lol), and so many women get assaulted, I haven't taken the chance. But it looks great!
I think this is yet another level of privilege I enjoy as a white male. If it helps, I've never come across anyone else while camping in Epping Forest, though I appreciate it is a very different set of circumstances for me. I wish you all the best with your own camping adventures, wherever they may take you. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I appreciate it
I've been enjoying your videos while planning a camping trip to epping, its been very informative and it's been adding to the excitement so thanks for sharing your experiences, I might do something similar. The mental health aspect of your videos really speak to me aswell, camping is a good place to talk and get some peace to deal with your thoughts. I was looking for information on epping forest for this reason and it was interesting to hear you talking about similar issues. I had a question. Isnt camping out there illegal? I've been doing some research and I read somewhere that you have to get permission and it is 50p a night and then I found in the bylaws that it is illegal. Is there a chance that I could be asked to leave if seen? I really dont want to stay in campsite with other people like some tent hotel.
Hey, glad you like them and thanks for taking the time to let me know - makes me want to get out there and make some more! I'm glad also that the mental health content speaks to you. I've spent a lot of my life not doing myself any favours by ignoring the importance of looking after my mental health, so making content about it is quite a relief. Really pleased it has some value for others, and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of reaching out if you're struggling. Re Epping Forest, yes I believe it is an offence to camp there without permission - www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/visitor-information/Pages/byelaws.aspx. I can't give you any advice on the matter, you've got to make your own decision whether to camp there without permission or not. Personally I need to camp for my wellbeing and Epping Forest is the easiest way for me to do so frequently and economically. I try to balance this by being very respectful of the environment - observing "Leave No Trace" principles and limiting my activities to simply camping and a little careful stove work for food and coffee (i.e. no bush crafting and open fires). I also try to pack out other people's trash when I see it. I hope that by acting in this manner, I can make a good case for myself if someone has the discretion whether to prosecute me or not. If you want a really good book on Wild Camping inc the relevant law, check out "Wild Camping" by Stephen Neale - certainly makes me excited to camp all over the UK! All the best and good luck with your own camping adventures
I reckon you're right - most people probably couldn't care less unless its their own land! It's just getting that into your head when you're new to wild camping. Sorry for taking so long to respond, btw
Dave Scurlock . I'm originally from Lithuania and was doing camping every summer then I was still living in Lithuania, and its was good experience for my, and now I'm living London. I can say people who living in big mega polies, need go often, for camping and hiking.
I did my first wild camp in Epping Forest back in April. I actually found your channel while researching the possibility of doing that camp! It was an amazing feeling waking up with the dawn chorus and the deer barking. I used a cheap £25 camping hammock with an underquilt and blanket, no tarp required so I had just a bug net above me. Unfortunately with Epping you need to strike a balance, too far West and you have helicopter noise, too far North and you have the M25, too far East and you have houses close by, not forgetting the A road through the middle. I went for Helicopter noise which was quite exhilarating at 3am.
You have some good tips in this video, some I would like to add are... List your stuff, then you can add and remove things to the list and use it next time as a guide. Also I try not to wild camp at the weekend, there are far fewer people around on a weeknight and a weekday morning. I've not really had the thought about needing a cover story, I always have a lightweight hammock with me when I'm cycling and stop to make a coffee with my Trangia so I'm pretty used to the situation. If someone was to ask I'd tell them I'm taking a break. I've done a couple of wild camps in other places since and have really enjoyed it each time. Thanks for making this and your other Epping video, camping there was a childhood dream remembered and come true.
It was worth making the video for this comment alone, and your tip re the location is probably more helpful than all five of mine combined! Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I really appreciate it. Best of luck with your own camping adventures!
Thanks Dave, but really the top tip was one of yours, just get out there and do it. There is nothing like it.
ANy tips on where the right spot to camp in Epping Forest is? We are going this Friday? Love your tips!!! Thanks
Great video!
This is all I needed, thanks! See you on trails! :)
Thanks for sharing. Love your cover story suggestion.
Nice one mate, thinking of heading here soon. Thanks for sharing
Been checking out your channel - great stuff! Have subscribed. Would love to see your take on Epping Forest, will watch out for it!
@@DaveScurlock nice one mate thank you. Hopefully I can get out there soon. Have a good evening 😊
Cheers, you too
Thanks for your video, Dave
No probs; thanks for watching and commenting!
Good advice.
Thanks! I think I need to do an update to this video, though - many more camps beneath my belt and think I could do better. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to watch and comment
This is really great advice. Still too chicken to go on my own... so frustrating because i have all the gear but no people in my life who share the same passion for nature haha, camping feels alot safe solo in menorca than in london!
It would be amazing to find a group of people wanting to camp for free. this probably exists already but does anyone know where to fin these likeminded people to join some safe campouts as a solo?
Can’t wait for Easter I’m going to Epping with my mates
Good to hear; crack on!
Dave Scurlock thanks i need the motivation after hearing that people bury bodies there?!?
@@ot2933 in fairness, I think (hope!) that went out of fashion with the Kray Twins.
Hi, would just a sleeping bag be considered camping? well I guess it would be. I was in Epping forest today around Connaught water day time for a walk only, and I would like to stay there for the night, by the lake; at least while I am awake; then I would go a bit off trail for actually sleeping. DO you think that particular area of Epping forest would be too risky? thank you!
It's so strange, I'm happy to bikepack to the middle of nowhere and pitch but Epping forest scares me a bit due to the amount of teens that mess about at night.
In fairness, it is a bit nerve wracking, which is why I try to get there quite late. It’s walking though Leighton high street on a Friday/Saturday night which concerns me the most, though!
@@DaveScurlock I wildcamped in Epping Forest once and I'm planning to camp again in a couple of weeks.
I see your point of the amount of teens Bearded mention, but I need to highlightthat those teenagers are not going inside the forest but near the houses.
Have you ever had people disturb you at night? Epping forest has a lot of footfall I'm just concerned about people coming during the night. BUT I really want to do an Epping camp.
Nope, never once. I try to keep out of sight and out of mind as much as I can, turning up towards the evening and leaving fairly early. Just be a little careful and you’ll be fine. Good luck!
Good honest advice Dave. I’ve felt I look a prat at times too (maybe I do), but you’re right just do it. Fortune favours the brave!
Thanks, Mark! I actually read your comment from my tent in Epping Forest after a bloody cold night; helped me get my arse in gear and get cracking with the day, so thanks for that, too!
Tip 6 - Make sure you have at least a couple of Brits within your group.
I grew up sporadically wild camping near the Italian alps (where I am from) and I love to do it and know how to do it well and respectfully.
With that said... My friends and I tryed four times (four to eight people each time). First time all went well but the other three times we were awaken early in the morning, by (frustrated and sad) dog walkers, and asked to leave. We had a trash bin bag, no fires and no music of any kind.
note: Past three times there were no Brits amongst us, which is either a coincidence... or not.
Why were you asked to leave? As long as you're on public land then nobody has any right to ask you to leave.
I saw your tent LOL
I thought I heard something hiss at me!!
It hadn't occurred to me that a man would feel awkward stealth camping. I have been wanting to do it for a while, and have considered Epping Forest, but, being a female solo camper, I'm just not comfortable with going alone. You never know who's lurking around in the woods at night (perhaps a weird man in the bushes? lol), and so many women get assaulted, I haven't taken the chance. But it looks great!
I think this is yet another level of privilege I enjoy as a white male. If it helps, I've never come across anyone else while camping in Epping Forest, though I appreciate it is a very different set of circumstances for me. I wish you all the best with your own camping adventures, wherever they may take you. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, I appreciate it
I see so many women doing it solo so I think we worry too much. We are more likely to be assaulted in London streets than out in the nature.
@@relarras that’s a brutal reality :(
@@DaveScurlock i am going to go solo wild camping a go. Seems so perfect for me - serene and peaceful. Away from everything and everyone.
I've been enjoying your videos while planning a camping trip to epping, its been very informative and it's been adding to the excitement so thanks for sharing your experiences, I might do something similar. The mental health aspect of your videos really speak to me aswell, camping is a good place to talk and get some peace to deal with your thoughts. I was looking for information on epping forest for this reason and it was interesting to hear you talking about similar issues. I had a question. Isnt camping out there illegal? I've been doing some research and I read somewhere that you have to get permission and it is 50p a night and then I found in the bylaws that it is illegal. Is there a chance that I could be asked to leave if seen? I really dont want to stay in campsite with other people like some tent hotel.
Hey, glad you like them and thanks for taking the time to let me know - makes me want to get out there and make some more! I'm glad also that the mental health content speaks to you. I've spent a lot of my life not doing myself any favours by ignoring the importance of looking after my mental health, so making content about it is quite a relief. Really pleased it has some value for others, and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of reaching out if you're struggling.
Re Epping Forest, yes I believe it is an offence to camp there without permission - www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/visitor-information/Pages/byelaws.aspx. I can't give you any advice on the matter, you've got to make your own decision whether to camp there without permission or not.
Personally I need to camp for my wellbeing and Epping Forest is the easiest way for me to do so frequently and economically. I try to balance this by being very respectful of the environment - observing "Leave No Trace" principles and limiting my activities to simply camping and a little careful stove work for food and coffee (i.e. no bush crafting and open fires). I also try to pack out other people's trash when I see it. I hope that by acting in this manner, I can make a good case for myself if someone has the discretion whether to prosecute me or not.
If you want a really good book on Wild Camping inc the relevant law, check out "Wild Camping" by Stephen Neale - certainly makes me excited to camp all over the UK! All the best and good luck with your own camping adventures
I normally don’t worry about people thinking Im strange if they see me lol normally people don’t seem to care unless its a land owner.
I reckon you're right - most people probably couldn't care less unless its their own land! It's just getting that into your head when you're new to wild camping. Sorry for taking so long to respond, btw
Just do it. What you need just tent, sleeping bag, clothes, and food, and water. And go for couple days.
Well said, mate! Aim to do so this weekend
Dave Scurlock . I'm originally from Lithuania and was doing camping every summer then I was still living in Lithuania, and its was good experience for my, and now I'm living London. I can say people who living in big mega polies, need go often, for camping and hiking.