Hill skills: how to go lightweight camping

Lightweight camping always seems like a great idea – especially when slogging uphill strapped to a 90-litre monster. But packing light is a dark art – some mountaineers can squeeze all their gear for a multi-day mission into a day sack, whilst others almost need Sherpas for a single overnight camp. What can you do to lose a few pounds?

What is lightweight?

We’ll dispense with ultra-lightweight tips as this is not an article on bivvying and we’ll assume a modicum of comfort is required. Start with your thinking – to go lightweight needs a paradigm shift in your approach. You need to forget what you’ve done previously and start again. Set a weight limit (mine is 15kgs) and stick to it. In order to be lightweight you should purchase the lightest bits of kit that meet your requirements – this takes a bit of trolling around shops but can be worth it. As a rule, climbing equipment is lighter than walking equipment and does the same job.

Rucksack

Buy a climbing sack, not a walking sack. You don’t want unnecessary pockets or heavy back systems, just something generally tough with lots of straps to attach things to. For example, the Lowe Alpine Peak Attack weighs just 1,400g. Often people use rucksack liners to avoid kit getting wet but just check the weather – if it’s going to rain then wrap your dry stuff in your tent when packing.

Sleeping

We Brits have a fondness for the Terra Nova Quasar (4,300g) but there are lighter tents. For comfort, check the ground area against the weight and take your pick. The Terra Nova Voyager 2.2 is a spacious two-man tent weighing just 2,400g. Sleeping well is essential so don’t shirk on warmth but remember you’re camping, not bivvying, so are unlikely to get your sleeping bag wet; buy one with a down filling and no zips. The Helium series from Mountain Equipment is very good indeed, at just 600g. Use the lightest sleeping bag you can get away with and take a down jacket for the evenings and to sleep in if need be – such as the Mountain Equipment Xero (430g). Using a three-quarter-length self-inflating Thermarest with honeycomb foam contributes just 300g to your total. Use your rucksack, clothes or ropes to insulate your legs from the ground.

Food and drink

Ok, so we’re on 5,130g so far. For cooking I use a 100g Pocket Rocket but a quick trawl of the internet reveals that stoves can be as light as 50g! A gas canister is 250g. Use a titanium pot and one spoon: weight 150g. Food is essential but careful planning will tell you exactly what you need. Use dehydrated foods that cook quickly. Rice is a good energy source but will use a lot of gas to cook. Noodles have more energy gram-for- gram than pasta (346Kcals per 100g versus 175Kcals). A packet of Supanoodles weighs 150g. They’re good for breakfast too, so  let’s call it four packets per night: 600g.

Hopefully you’ve planned your route so you should have a good idea whether you’ll find water. Purification tablets weigh less than water, and in Britain you’re not likely  to be far from water or help so don’t panic. Use collapsible water bottles or buy some water from the supermarket. Avoid metal water bottles – these are very heavy indeed and use up space even when empty.

Clothes

What you wear contributes to your fatigue but, personally, I hate being cold. To save weight I tend to carry my thermals and wear my heavier shell layers when walking. My spare clothes weigh about 1,000g. Obviously you’ll also need a few essentials, which could include a torch (30g), compass (20g), map (10g), phone (100g – incredible, I know) and First Aid (200g-ish but be sensible – don’t be tempted to use your fleeces as bandages should the worst come to worst, they do not absorb liquid, that’s the point).

Shave those extra ounces

Every ounce counts. A few little tips to shave off those extra ounces could include:

• Cut your map to size
• Use thinner gloves and put your hands in your pockets more often
• Avoid the ‘Russian Doll’ effect. I’ve seen so many ‘organised’ people hefting out stuff-sack after stuff-sack. Six stuff-sacks weigh 200g. You’re camping – what else are you going to do in the evening? Liven things up by trying to find your missing items! This also applies to your sleeping bag and tent – just shove them in
• Don’t wash – I’m serious. Who cares? Soap, spare socks and toothpaste all add up
• Don’t be tempted to put in an emergency bivvy bag – you have a tent

Don’t look back

So, by my reckoning all camping equipment required for one night should weigh a maximum of 7540g – call it 8000g with luxuries such as chocolate, tea or coffee and maybe a mug. If you’re going walking you’ll have a spring in your step and if you’re heading off climbing you’ve got 7kg spare for your climbing gear.

The most important thing is a shift in your thinking. Yes, you do have to think it’s important enough to weigh all your possessions but the reward is worth it. Your experience in the hills will be significantly enhanced without hefting around huge amounts of excess weight. Since becoming lightweight, I've never looked back.

Source: https://www.thebmc.co.uk/hill-skills-lightweight-camping

UK WILD CAMPING: YOUR ESSENTIAL KIT LIST AND CAMPING RULEBOOK

Sometimes there’s nothing more freeing than pitching your tent away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and exploring the untouched, remote corners of the UK. As wild camping grows in popularity, here is the essential kit list and rulebook including the laws and golden rules you need for camping on undesignated wild land in Britain. 

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What is WIld Camping?

Wild camping means pitching your tent or sleeping in your bivvy bag outside of an official or authorised campsite. 

Unlike designated campsites, wild camping gives you the chance to spend the night in undiscovered and remote locations, rewarded with stunning scenery, tranquillity, and a sense of independence in the outdoors.

As Alastair Humphreys highlights, your wild camp doesn’t need to be in the most remote corner of the Scottish Highlands. It can simply be in your local woods or on countryside tops just outside of the city.

Camping in the wild is widely welcome in Scotland but discouraged and technically illegal in most areas of England and Wales, but wild campers are largely tolerated as long as you respect the hills and locals.

What Gear do I Need to Pack?

You want to keep wild camping as ultralight as possible, however you shouldn’t skimp on the essentials if you want a truly comfortable and enjoyable experience.

SLEEPING

Always go for the basics when wild sleeping: 

• An ultralight tent such as the MSR Hubba NX, or a bivvy bag, a minimalist, waterproof and breathable shelter
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mattress
• Head torch and don’t forget to pack spare batteries just in case! 

PACK

Choose a comfortable backpack with a waterproof cover and enough storage for your essential kit list.  

For multi-day treks with more than one wild camp, ensure that there’s enough space for food supplies.

COOKING

You won’t need a whole kitchen for a few days away but the following cooking essentials always come in handy:  

• Compact and reliable cooking stove with pot
• Fork, knife, and spoon
• Bowl and mug
• Matches and lighter
• Water bottle or hydration bladder
• Purification tablets or water filter (water collected from natural flowing sources like rivers and streams must always be purified)

FOOTWEAR

Durable walking boots with sufficient ankle support are necessary for navigating through remote areas with more challenging terrain. 

CLOTHING

Prepare for walking in the changeable and unpredictable weather with technical outdoor clothing: 

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Fleece or mid layer for warmth
• Technical base layer to wick away sweat
• Technical walking socks to minimise blisters
• Wooly hat for in-camp warmth

What are the Laws in the UK?

Although you should always ask for permission whenever possible while wild camping, it can be tricky if you don’t know who owns the land and there is no consistent policy for wild camps across the UK either.  

SCOTLAND WELCOMES WILD CAMPERS

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code means that you can camp almost anywhere you please in Scotland. 

An exception to the rule is the East Loch Lomond Restriction Zone, which doesn’t permit wild camping from 1 March-31 October to help ease human impact on the area. 

ENGLAND + WALES CAN BE TRICKIER

Dartmoor is the only National Park in England which provides designated spots for legal wild camping while the Brecon Beacons National Park also has two of its own official wild camping areas, Melte and Llech Llia. 

The Lake District, Snowdonia, and Exmoor National Park all welcome remote, one-night stops, however the Peak District, North York Moors, and Yorkshire Dales discourage unpermitted camping or bivvying. 

So What are the Golden Rules of Wild Camping?

Although the laws differ between Scotland, England and Wales and our National Parks, there are some universal rules to follow wherever you wild camp. 

CAMP WITH CONSIDERATION

• Camp using small tents which blend into the landscape
• Keep your group as small as possible
• Camp on flat, dry land and never on top of crops or fauna
• Never disturb rocks, vegetation, or wildlife to make your pitch
• Camp at least 100m away from trails, roads, and residential areas
• Camp high where you’re out of sight from houses and buildings
• Pitch your tent late and leave early the next morning
• Don’t stay for more than one night (unless the National Park says otherwise)

LEAVE WITHOUT TRACE

• Never start campfires and ensure that you protect the ground when using your cooking stove
• Search your site after you pack up your equipment to make sure that you haven’t left any litter

On leaving without a trace, long-distance walker and wild camper Chris Townsend recommends you “always leave an area as pristine as possible so that no-one passing by will know it’s been used. If anyone ever camps there again, they too can have the joy of a real wild site and that feeling of being in untouched nature.” 

Source: https://www.snowandrock.com/expert-advice-and-inspiration/kit-lists/uk-wild-camping-your-essential-kit-list-and-camping-rulebook.html

Wild Camping Laws of Every European Country

I love wild camping in Europe, but had yet to find a complete list of wild camping laws for every country.  So, I decided to make one.

Let me just preface this by saying that paid campgrounds definitely have their place.  Campgrounds are great for people who are just getting started with camping and don’t have a water filter or know basics like how to poop in the woods.  And there was that time I got sick while wild camping.  I was happy to have a paid campground to go to where I could puke in a proper toilet.

With that said, I firmly believe that wild camping beats campgrounds.

Aside from the fact that wild camping is free (and thus makes the outdoors more accessible to everyone), it also means that you’ve got a chance to completely disconnect, get away from the crowds, and don’t have to worry about annoying camping neighbors blasting music as they get drunk all night…

I am lucky enough to live in the Balkans where wild camping is legal in most countries.  For any of you who are in Europe or want to visit, here is a list of the wild camping laws of every country in Europe.

*Just because wild camping is “illegal” in some countries, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it.  I know many travelers who have wild camped all over the place (including not-so-wild places like city parks).  If you are discreet and respectful, no one is likely to bother you.  Even if the police do come, they will probably just tell you to leave.  I’m sure some people have gotten fined, but I don’t know of any.  So, it is up to you to decide whether the risk of getting a fine is going to detract you from trying wild camping!

Albania

Albanians have a habit of ignoring traffic laws, smoking regulations, and pretty much any rule.  So, if there is a wild camping law on the book, no one is paying any attention to it.  The country is full of wild places where you can easily camp.  I personally have wild camped in Albania a few times and loved it (my favorite country for camping).  The only time you might have trouble finding a wild camping spot is on the beach in the summer.  I recommend Gjipe Beach.

Andorra

Wild camping is illegal in Andorra.  It is only allowed around a hut during the night when the hut is full.

Armenia

Wild camping is legal in Armenia.  Locals tend to be very hospitable and curious, so be prepared for some locals to come check out your tent and invite you home for coffee.  There is plenty of wild land in remote areas – but beware of wolves and animals!  Stray dogs can be a problem in the countryside.

Austria

Wild camping in Austria is not legal.  However, if you are in unprotected forest (not in a National Park or reserve), you may set up a “planned bivouac” for one night.  So, tents are not permitted nor are bivvy sacks for more than one night.  You can read more on the topic here.

Belarus

The country’s constitution states that all forest and farm land is publicly owned, thus you are able to wild camp legally.  Apparently 40% of the country is covered by forest, so there should be plenty of places for wild camping!

Belgium

There isn’t much forest or nature in Belgium, so it is no surprise that wild camping is illegal.  However, there is a “hidden route” where pole camping is allowed. You can find more info here.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Wild camping is legal.  However, there are still a lot of landmines buried in Bosnia.  Never camp on land which has obviously not been tended in a long time.  And obviously never camp on land surrounded by those “Beware of Mines” signs!

Bulgaria

I’ve read conflicted information about whether wild camping is legal or illegal in Bulgaria.  Even if it is officially illegal, wild camping is still very tolerated.  Speaking from experience, locals are very hospitable and I even had locals drive me to a wild camping spot in a cave and then come back later to bring me chocolate. 

Croatia

Croatians live off of tourism, especially on the coast.  So, be prepared to find big “No Camping” signs all over the place.  However, just because the laws state otherwise, it is still perfectly possible to find remote places in Croatia for wild camping – just be discreet!

Cyprus

I couldn’t find out the legal status for wild camping in Cyprus.  However, I was told by a local that you can wild camp all around the island so long as it is not in a protected area (I’m assuming he didn’t mean 10 meters from a beach-front hotel though).  Apparently, the worst that can happen is that a forest ranger will come and ask you to leave. What Cyprus IS really strict about is fires.  If you light a fire, expect to get a 600 euro fine!

Czech Republic

Czech basically have the same wild camping laws as Austria.  It is permitted – but only in unrestricted areas for 1 night and without a tent.

Denmark

In Denmark, wild camping is NOT legal.  If you are caught camping outside of a campground, expect to pay fines. However, there are some places where you can “pole camp” legally.  You can find a map here.

Estonia

Estonia has great public access laws.  Wild camping is permitted on government lands (called Riigimets) – though some National Parks might have restrictions.  There is a big culture of wild camping and you shouldn’t have any problems from locals.  Note that the National Forest Center (RMK) has many official campsites which even have latrines, so you don’t even have to camp wild to camp free.

Finland

Finland has very liberal public access laws.  You are allowed to wild camp, so long as you are a suitable distance from homes or cabins. In the province of Aland, the right to wild camp is not necessarily recognized.  Note that there may be some restrictions in protected areas.

France

Wild camping is illegal in France under Article R111-33 and R111-34.  However, you’ll find this at the end of the law:

“These prohibitions are enforceable only if they have been made public by posting in town halls and by placing signs at the usual access points to the areas covered by these prohibitions. A joint decree of the ministers responsible for urban planning and tourism determines the conditions under which such signage is established.”

“Ces interdictions ne sont opposables que si elles ont été portées à la connaissance du public par affichage en mairie et par apposition de panneaux aux points d’accès habituels aux zones visées par ces interdictions. Un arrêté conjoint des ministres chargés de l’urbanisme et du tourisme fixe les conditions dans lesquelles est établie cette signalisation.”

In theory, if there is no “No Camping” sign, then I guess you could legally sleep there. However, I wouldn’t want to argue the practicalities of the law at 3am with a police officer who just woke you up.  Better to be super discreet or just ask permission first. You can download the law here.

Note that a lot of people have said they had no problem wild camping in France (being respectful, of course). So, it seems to be well-tolerated even if it isn’t legal.

Georgia

Wild camping is legal and you will find plenty of very remote places for camping.  I personally have never wild camped in Georgia, but I heard that you should avoid camping near flocks of sheep because the sheep are guarded by aggressive dogs!

Germany

Wild camping is illegal in Germany. You are allowed to sleep one night in a bivvy sack outside of private property and not on nature reserves or restricted areas.  You might be able to wild camp with a tarp tent.  However, whether that counts as a tent is up to the discretion of whoever found you. Be warned that anti-camping laws are actually enforced!!!

Greece

Wild camping is illegal in Greece.  However, wild camping is tolerated in many areas.  In the mountains (not in a National Park), for example, you should not have a problem.  The hardest part is trying to find a wild camping spot on the beach because so much beach property is owned by hotels and overridden with tourists.

Hungary

I found conflicting information about whether wild camping is illegal or legal in Hungary.  However, I personally have wild camped in Hungary a couple of times and never had any problems.  Just note that there aren’t too many wild places in Hungary.  You’ll probably be near villages.  Either ask for permission or go somewhere really hidden.

Iceland

According to the Visit Iceland website, wild camping is legal if you find yourself away from registered campsites.  In residential areas, you are allowed to pitch up to three tents on uncultivated land for one night only.  In the highlands, you can pitch as many tents as you want and there are no listed restrictions for how long you can camp.  Note that these laws only apply to tents and not to RVs or caravans.

Ireland

Wild camping in Ireland is not legal.  Most land is privately owned and expect a lot of fences, walls, and locked gates.  In remote places, however, wild camping is tolerated – such as for cyclists going long distances.

Italy

Wild camping is illegal in Italy.  It apparently isn’t very well tolerated, though you might be able to find some places north of Rome and in the South where you can get away with it.

Kosovo

Wild camping is legal in Kosovo and very well tolerated.  Locals are hospitable and the nature is gorgeous! I recommend visiting Rugova Gorge.

Latvia

Latvia has great public access laws.  You are allowed to wild camp, so long as you are outside of designated protected areas.

Liechtenstein

Wild camping is illegal. You could try wild camping in one of their banks though and see how they like it 

Lithuania

Like with other Baltic countries, wild camping is legal and even encouraged.

Luxembourg

Wild camping is illegal and strictly enforced (no surprise here).

Macedonia

I read that wild camping is illegal in Macedonia (not so sure if the source is correct though).  Even if it is illegal, wild camping is well tolerated and you won’t have a hard time finding remote areas.  Like elsewhere in the Balkans, locals are also very hospitable.  However, due to recent animosity towards refugees, you might want to be careful about wild camping near the border — especially if you have dark skin and might be mistaken for a refugee.  Yeah, racism sucks. 

Malta

Not only is wild camping illegal in Malta, but camping in general is not encouraged.  There are only a couple official campsites on the island.  However, according to this article from Air Malta, you can get special permission from the local council where you want to go to wild camp.

This article from Living in Malta has some better info.  It basically says that wild camping is illegal, but you can still do it:

“On the Maltese islands there are several locations to camp out. The Ta’ Cenc area close to the village of Sannat in Gozo is a protected site, but often you will see tents pitched high on the cliffs. L’ Ahrax peninsula in the north of Malta has many spots ideal for pitching a tent, with lots of shaded woodland. The area beyond Bahrija in the west of Malta is quite remote and has some impressive bays and dramatic scenery. The island of Comino is virtually uninhabited and provides many opportunities for getting away it all, and as previously mentioned, there are basic facilities at one of the sandy bays. It’s not possible to camp just anywhere in Malta, and you will need to look out for signs, but in the more remote areas, pitching a tent in the wild is quite easy.”

Moldova

I can’t find any info about whether wild camping is officially legal or not, but sources do say that wild camping in Moldova is tolerated.

Montenegro

Wild camping is technically illegal in Montenegro (or at least that is what I read).  However, outside of National Parks, touristy areas, and the beach, you will have no problem wild camping.  I am speaking from experience! 

Netherlands

Wild camping is illegal in the Netherlands. However, the Forestry Commission has established a system of “legal wild camping” using pole camping.  You can read more about wild camping in the Netherlands here.

Norway

Wild camping in Norway isn’t just legal, it is encouraged.  The country has one of the most liberal public-access laws and a culture which believes in man’s right to nature.  Under the law, you are allowed to wild camp for up to two nights on uncultivated land no closer than 150 meters from a house or a cabin.  That means land which is not tilled or in use (such as for crops or farm houses).  In mountainous areas, you are allowed to wild camp legally for longer.

Poland

Wild camping in Poland is illegal.   You are probably thinking of the Tatra and Karkonosze Mountains if you want to wild camp.  Unfortunately, those mountains are very crowded and there is a good chance you will get caught if you wild camp there.  You aren’t even allowed off the paths at those mountains.  However, you might be able to find secluded places in other parts of Poland (outside of National Parks) where you could get away with wild camping.

Portugal

Wild camping is illegal in Portugal.  However, outside of the summer (and away from touristy places), you can apparently get away with wild camping. It’s a bit of a grey area.

Romania

Wild camping is illegal in Romania, but it is widely tolerated and you shouldn’t have any problems – especially outside of reserves.  Apparently, the worst that is going to happen is that some forest rangers might ask you to move or pay a small fee (like 2-3 euros) for camping.  Campfires are illegal, but also not enforced.

Russia

Wild camping is legal in Russia, except on church lands, private lands, and near water reservoirs.  I was told by a local that there is a “Federal Law granting free unmotorized access and camping within 20 meters from waterline of almost all lakes, rivers, and seas. Even the private land owner cannot legally claim this 20-meter strip (unfortunately they do it illegally quite often). The only exception is a handful of lakes which are surrounded by private lands, but it’s extremely rare case. The private land is always recognized by a tall wall, so you cannot mistake it.  Also the nature reserves may have their own rules regarding the camping (like in the rest of the world).

The campfires are generally allowed (as well as getting the firewood for personal campfire), except for the hottest months, when there is severe risk of fires. But most people disobey these restrictions, which are not enforced, except for in nature reserves.”

Serbia

There aren’t any laws about wild camping.  If there are, they aren’t being enforced. :p  The only times you might have problems wild camping in Serbia is if you are in a National Park or Reserve.  Camping is usually forbidden there.

Note that Serbians are very hospitable.  If they see you wild camping or you ask to camp in their field, they will probably invite you inside.

Slovakia

Wild camping in Slovakia is legal.  However, it is illegal in areas with a level 3 protection and above (meaning you can’t wild camp in the High Tatras or national parks).  You also aren’t allowed to wild camp in forests – but “forests” is defined by the map, not presence of trees.  I was told that wild camping in forests (even ones marked on the maps) is tolerated.  Be careful about making a fire though – that is generally prohibited.

Slovenia

Wild camping is technically forbidden in Slovenia, but it is widely practiced and tolerated. However, you probably shouldn’t try to wild camp in the popular places (such as Lake Bled, Bohinj, and Triglav park).  In those places, you could end up with a fine.

Spain

Wild camping in Spain is complicated.  There is a “mother law” Article 46.1 of the order for July 28th which states that:

“Apart from tourist camp sites no more than three tents of caravans may be placed at the same location, nor should there be more then 10 campers, nor may the camp be in place for more than three days. Tents and (caravans) within 500 meters of each other are considered to be part of the same group.”

The law also states that it is prohibited to free camp within 200 meters of the sea, within a few kilometers of military installations, within a few kilometers of a regular camp site, and in protected areas like national parks, natural parks, bird sanctuaries called ‘ZEPA’s, (Zona Excepcional de Protección de Avifauna), etc.

However, there is the new law under the Spanish Constitution of 1978, which created seventeen ‘autonomous regions’ each with considerable, though varying, powers to make their own legal codes with their own territory.

Under these new laws, wild camping in Spain is COMPLETELY PROHIBITED in: Andalucía, Aragón, Asturias, Extremadura, Galicia, Navarra, Valencia

These areas have their own laws/permit requirements for wild camping: Cantabria, Murcia, La Rioja.

These areas fall under national rules and wild camping IS permitted: Basque Country, Cataluña, Madrid, Castilla y León, Castilla la Mancha.  But in these areas you still can’t camp near the beach, in national parks, protected areas, etc.  Also, a lot of the land is privately owned, so you’d have a hard time finding anywhere that would even fall into the permitted wild camping areas.

You can read more about wild camping in Spain here.  In the linked article, it says that the fine for illegal camping is 30 euros per square meter of space used, per day.  However, this link says that the fine is up to 5000 euros!

If you are just looking for a place to camp for free but not necessarily wild, this article has recommendations.

I’d avoid making a fire while wild camping in Spain.  The locals might turn a blind eye to wild campers in some areas, but the risk of forest fire is very real and the fire will likely quickly attract police!

Sweden

Wild camping is permitted.  You are allowed to leave your tent up for 2 days.  Campfires are permitted, but only if there isn’t a fire prohibition in place, and the fire is “under control” and “suitable equipment” is used. To see if there is a fire prohibition in place, you’ll need to check with Länsstyrelsen. There is also an app “Brandrisk Ute” that you can use to check if fire restrictions are in place – just use the map feature to see.

Switzerland

Wild camping in Switzerland is a bit of a gray zone.  While it is technically forbidden, it is tolerated in remote, wide-open places.  In some places though, the police are stricter – especially about camping along rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.  Apparently the best practice is to ask the local police first if it is okay for you to wild camp.

Turkey

Wild camping in Turkey is allowed and their tourism webpage on camping even reminds you to bring a trowel for burying your poo.  

Ukraine

Wild camping in Ukraine is legal, though some national parks only allow camping in designated areas.  Even these rules apparently aren’t strictly enforced. Just note that you might need special permission to camp near border areas.  You don’t want border control to mistake you for a smuggler!

United Kingdom (UK)

England and Wales

Wild camping is England and Wales is illegal almost everywhere, unless you have a special permission.  The exception is Dartmoor where the camping rights are written into the National Parks & Access to the Countryside Act.  However, wild camping is tolerated in some areas of England.  Read more about wild camping in England here.

Northern Ireland

There are major issues with accessing land in Northern Ireland since most of it is privately owned – even the hiking trails up popular mountains. Basically, you have to ask permission to even hike nevertheless camp.  Here is what I found:

‘Wild camping is only permitted in Northern Ireland with the landowner’s formal or tacit approval. There are no rights as exist elsewhere in Europe’ explains Ross Millar of the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN). ‘In areas well used for hill walking, such as the Mourne Mountains, wild camping is relatively common but most of this is done on public land (Forest Service or Northern Ireland Water, a publically owned body) or lands which are in ‘commonage’. On purely private land, whilst strictly speaking permission should be gained from the owner, it is less common but largely tolerated. However, one problem that does exist in the Mournes is that due to their accessibility a lot of ‘wild camping’ is by youths who often leave considerable litter and damage. Discreet camping rarely causes any issues.’

Scotland

Wild camping is legal in Scotland under the Land Reform Act of 2003.  You can basically wild camp anywhere.  However, do note that there are some exceptions.  For example, it is not permitted to wild camp on the island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides and East Loch Lomond.  Do your research before you go!

*I did my best to research all of these laws.  If I made a mistake, please let me know so I can fix it!  And, of course, remember to be responsible and practice Leave No Trace whenever wild camping.

Source:http://momgoescamping.com/wild-camping-laws-europe/