5 Reasons To Carry On Camping This Winter


Have you ever heard the sound of crisp snowflakes settling on a canvas roof? Seen the stars with unspoilt clarity? Felt so warm and cosy inside your tent that the weather outside seems miles away?

 

If you haven’t, it’s time to experience the unforgettable feeling of winter camping. Pack up your warmest sleeping bag, toughest tent and sense of adventure, and head to a site or go wild for a truly unique cold-weather trip!

 

Here are our top 5 reasons to carry on camping this winter…


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1. Experience The Outdoors In A Different Light

Winter light is incredibly captivating and camping is the perfect way to really appreciate it. Taking in the breath-taking views in the low winter morning sun, hugging a mug of morning coffee and tucking into breakfast made by camp stove is one of the best ways to start your morning. 

There’s also plenty to look forward to at the end of the day as the sun sets.  The sky can turn an amazing array of pink, orange and purple hues and as the days are shorter, the sun sets early so families can all share in this experience – layer up, stoke the fire, grab the marshmallows and sit bacl and soak up the sunset together. 

2. Fewer Bugs

Whether you’ve been camping once or a hundred times, there’s one thing you can’t escape in the summer and that’s bugs! Mosquitoes, midges and other bugs can all be a real nuisance when you’re camping. The good news is that in winter the shorter days and colder temperatures cause bugs to become dormant, so you can enjoy camping with virtually no risks of insect bites. 

 

It also means you don’t need to pack all the paraphernalia we’d normally recommend to enjoy a bug-free camping experience like bug sprays, mosquito nets and bite relief treatments. So you have more space and weight to carry those extra layers you need to stay warm and dry.


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3. Peace And Quiet

One of the best reasons to camp in winter is that the majority of sites are much quieter, which is great if you are looking to get away from it all and find that much needed peace and quiet. Ideal for weekend escapes in winter, you can get away on Friday night without worrying about fighting with others for the best camping spots, even if you arrive later in the evening.

 

Quieter camping sites also means no queueing for facilities and as many campsites class the winter as their off-peak season, rates are often cheaper, so you get better value for money. 

 

It’s not just the campsites that are quieter though. You’ll find generally find that there are far fewer people out on the hills in winter and if you know where you’re going, it’s possible to go days without seeing another soul, even in the busy Lake District.  

 

You also have better chances of spotting wildlife in the winter as many animals will venture out when fewer people are around.

4. Conquering The Cold

Part of the thrill of winter camping is combating the cold, and the battle is easily won if you’re well prepared. Layering is key as each layer traps and retains heat so you don’t feel a chill, an don’t forget to pack your trusty down jacket which will keep you warm and cosy through the coldest nights.

The cold can also heighten the pleasure of many things we normally take for granted. For example, after a day spent hiking there’s nothing better than coming back and warming up by the campfire with a hot drink or hearty meal.

 

For really chilly evenings there are lots of simple tips to warm up, one of our favourites is repurposing a water canteen wrapped in spare claothing as a warming hot water bottle.  


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5. Crisp Winter Conditions

On perfectly clear and crisp winter weekends, the scenery is truly beautiful and offers a different perspective on some of your favourite places. With many trees stripped of their leaves you get to see the landscape in a new way and spotting wildlife especially birds becomes a little easier with less foliage for them to hide in. 

 

Once you wrap up and get out there, camping in winter is really no different to camping in summer. Checking the weather forecast before you pack up and head out lets you choose a weekend with your idea of perfect conditions!

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