Wild camping in the UK can be a rewarding and memorable experience, whether you are an avid camper or a beginner. Several of the most popular destinations are located in Wales. It is widely known for its three national parks, the scenic Wales Coast Path, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
But before you pack your bags and camping essentials, it’s important to note that specific rules and regulations must be complied with to ensure you won’t get in trouble while trying to have fun and explore nature.
So, today, let’s go over the critical information you need to plan your trip. Can you wild camp in Wales and set up camp wherever you like? How can you guarantee you will leave no trace and show respect for the environment?
We will also give a quick rundown of the most beautiful places to pitch your tent in Wales and answer some of the common questions that campers have about the area and this outdoor activity.
The law on wild camping in Wales
Technically speaking, the law forbids wild camping in Wales. This rule generally applies to the UK, except for certain parts of Dartmoor and Scotland. While it may seem too restrictive, the government impose this as a way of protecting the interests of the landowners. Getting caught wild camping is considered trespassing, a civil offence under UK law.
Can you wild camp in Wales?
Though the law explicitly states that wild camping in Wales is not legal, this activity is tolerated under certain conditions. For example, you can set up your tent on a given land provided that you have been granted the permission of the respective landowner.
Campers in remote places far from cultivated land can also get away with wild camping as long as they stay only for one night and leave no trace. Some campgrounds near hiking or walking trails are also popular among wild campers. They are typically allowed so long as they do not obstruct the pathways, disturb others, or harm the environment.
Top 5 rules to follow when wild camping in Wales
Now that you understand the legality of wild camping in Wales, let us share the top 5 rules you should always keep in mind. These rules are established to prevent you from getting into legal trouble and conserve the beauty of the places you intend to visit.
Breaking any one of them can lead to severe repercussions including but limited to being driven away from the area, getting arrested for damaging property or endangerment of the indigenous lifeforms.
1) Don’t damage your surroundings
As innocent as camping may sound, some reckless actions can cause undue damage to the terrain, bodies of water, and nearby plants and animals. Therefore, you must exercise caution throughout your entire stay. You must also avoid altering your chosen campsite by moving rocks, cutting trees, or trampling plants.
Approaching wildlife may also be damaging because it disrupts the ecological balance. Some adverse effects include a change in the local population or increased transmission of diseases or parasites to humans or other animals.
2) Try to camp in small numbers
Camping with several of your family and friends can be an exciting and unforgettable trip for everyone involved. However, too many people in the same campsite can create excessive noise, litter, erosion, and fire risk. It will also be harder for you to find a suitable place to camp, especially if people or wildlife live there.
Given these, it’s best to limit your count to no more than four campers at the same time. This will allow you to go wild camping with minimal gear and reduced environmental impact.
3) Don’t stay longer than 3 Days
Following this wild camping rule will help you stay discreet and avoid facing legal consequences. The longer you stay, the higher the likelihood of being noticed by the landowner or the locals. Spending more days in the same camping spot may also lead to more harm or disturbance to the surroundings.
You will also likely bring more supplies to last more than three days, which can mean more litter and thus prevent you from leaving no trace. Finally, overstaying might ruin the itinerary of other campers in the area because fewer campsites will be available.
4) Do not litter
Littering can do more damage than you might initially realize. Aside from destroying the beauty of the place, it is a significant source of pollution to the soil and water sources. Trash can also attract animals to your campsite, and that can cause them to become more dependent on our food and be more aggressive towards humans.
Your litter may also be a choking or ingestion hazard for those animals. If you have gear, accessories or supplies you don’t need anymore, bring them to recycle or consider selling them on websites for used camping gear.
5) Camp away from buildings or historic structures
Buildings and structures may belong to landowners who do not welcome wild campers. Most historical monuments or sites in Wales are also protected by law to preserve their integrity. Camping near any of them can lead to conflict with the involved landowners or the local authorities.
Suppose you are found trespassing or you have inflicted damage to cultural heritage. In that case, you will face penalties and fines in addition to the headaches of ending your camping trip earlier than planned. Respect the land and its inhabitants by camping discreetly somewhere far from buildings or historic structures.
Where to go wild camping in Wales
Having learned the best practices aligned with the wild camping laws in Wales, you should start researching the most beautiful camping spots in the country. You’re in luck if you choose Wales because there are so many places to discover and explore.
From dramatic mountains and hills to stunning beaches and coastlines, you will have your pick of where to pitch your camping tent. Regardless of your choice, however, remember to dig deeper by finding out the weather conditions, terrain, and local rules and regulations that may affect you during your trip.
Wild camping in Snowdonia
Snowdonia is a mountainous National Park in northwestern Wales. It has fifteen mountains, including the highest peak in Wales, Snowdon. In addition, the area also has a variety of landscapes, such as magnificent beaches, limestone cliffs, open lands, and salt marshes. Regarding wildlife diversity, Snowdonia is home to different types of birds, dolphins, and rare plants.
One of our favourite wild camping spots in Snowdonia is the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. This is the only one of its kind in the UK. It covers almost 300 meters of coastline, offering views of nearby islands and mountainous peaks.
If you’re into hiking or trekking, we recommend going to Rhinogydd, a mountain range in the middle south of Snowdonia, or Carneddau on the northeastern side. Expect the terrains to be rugged and secluded, but you can still find great wild camping spots near the lakes or on the plateaus.
Wild camping on the Welsh Coast
The Welsh coast stretches from Chepstow on the English border, passing through Pembrokeshire and Anglesey before circling back to Flint near the border. In total, it has a length of about 2,700 kilometres. Within this is a continuous coastal footpath called the Wales Coast Path, which draws in thousands of hikers, cyclists, and fans of wildlife watching every year.
Wild camping on the Welsh Coast should be done carefully since pitching a tent on a beach or near water sources is frowned upon. Fortunately, several excellent camping spots are away from such areas, but do not skimp on the views. We recommend looking for one in Anglesey on the north-west part of the Welsh Coast.
It offers a nice balance of scenic sights, historical sites, and cultural heritage. The Gower Peninsula in the southern region is also a great choice. It is the first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the UK, so be sure to include it in your places to visit in Wales.
Wild Camping in the Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons is a National Park located in south Wales. Covering an area of 1,344 square kilometres, this popular camping destination offers a wide variety of stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The skies over the Brecon Beacons are also perfect for stargazing as they become so dark and tranquil at night.
Hikers and climbers flock to Brecon Beacons for its mountains and hills. You can find there some of the highest peaks in the area, such as the Pen y Fan and Corn Du. The mountain range of Mynydd Llangynidr is one of the favourite picks for wild camping for its picturesque views and a secluded cave open for explorers.
Choose Wales for your next wild camping adventure
Wales remains to rank high among our list of camping destinations. Experienced travellers can attest to its natural beauty, but beginners might still be dissuaded to visit due to the complexities involved. We hope our post has helped clarify if you can wild camp in Wales or not. Remember our tips on how to stay on the good side of the law and locals so that you can focus more on discovering everything Wales has to offer.
You’re also in luck because the country has so many astounding places to wild camp. Check out our recommendations earlier to get started with your trip planning now. Whether you brave the mountains or relax on the coastline, you will have a fantastic time wild camping in Wales.
FAQs about wild camping in Wales
Wild camping in Wales is not legal but is possible with the landowner’s permission. If you push through without permission, you will be asked to leave and move on by the landowner, their representative, or the local police.
Refusing to comply immediately or returning to the same land within three months of the first time you trespassed will increase your charges to aggravated trespassing. This criminal offence has a maximum fine of £2,500, a penalty of 3 months imprisonment, or both.
There are no legal wild camping spots in Wales. However, you won’t face legal consequences if you wild camp with the explicit permission of the landowner. In this case, you are not trespassing in their lands and can pitch your wild camping tent there.
Other areas that may be considered can be found in remote and secluded places. The ideal ones are far from farms, bodies of water, buildings, historical or cultural structures, or residential areas.