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Jayne Freiall's avatar

I've done this in France long ago without too much problem (loved it) but am wondering, in the UK, is" trespassing" on private land or in public parks not kinda illegal? Since I'm female, I opted for being very discrete about my sleeping site & set up at the end of dusk to further reduce attention to my presence. I avoided cowfields but maybe they aren't the worst option?

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Marek Bidwell's avatar

My understanding of the law in England is as follows: Trespassing is a civil law offence (so you could be sued if the landowner can prove they have suffered loss as a result of your activities and can be bothered to take you to court). If you are caught and asked to move on but don’t, then it becomes ‘aggravated trespass’ which is a criminal offence.

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Kevin's avatar

I lived on a farm for a while as a young lady, cows are just curious as the farmer said.

I have wild camped on your mapped area a few times off my bike. Just off your route is some toilets and benches that seem to be open all night and are hands for breakfast. I sleep, tent or tarp, elsewhere.

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Marek Bidwell's avatar

Yes, generally cows are just curious, but they sadly they kill several people in the UK every year (and not only those with dogs). So they are curious until they are deadly.

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Jayne Freiall's avatar

Yea, you never know what they might do.. Usually calm but can stampede, etc.

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Mack Dyer's avatar

Some top pointers in here, cheers! I love that every wild camping spot is unique. You never quite know what you’re going to end up with until you’re there.

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Marek Bidwell's avatar

It certainly makes me feel more connected to the landscape in the country where I live.

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David Taylor's avatar

I've had a couple of animal encounters whilst bivvying. Years ago whilst on a climbing trip to Spain I bivvied on the outskirts of a village. I awoke to a dog marking it's territory on me! Thankfully my Goretex bag was pee proof.

On another occasion a fox tried to drag away my rucksack whilst I was asleep and using it as a pillow.

Thankfully no run ins with cows though.

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Marek Bidwell's avatar

Yes, you can feel quite exposed in a bivvy bag, but you must have got a great view of the fox!

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David Taylor's avatar

A bit too close for comfort 😁

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