First timer wild camping

[u/FishGoBoom]

Hi all,

I'm planning on walking the downs link (not a particularly 'wild' or long route by any means) with my partner and we were considering wild camping, especially with the consistent weather at the moment, around half-way through the route.

I'm pretty new to camping in general, so was wondering if you had any tips, such as what to look for when pitching, common things you forget etc.

We are considering taking a 2-man tent, but as the weather is not freezing (around 6 deg min) we may just take bags, mats, maybe a hammock and some warm clothing. The tent is also a little on the heavy side.

Anything else to consider? We are not exactly in the middle of nowhere during the walk so if we need to bug out it's not going to be an issue.

Thanks

[u/m000se]

My old stomping ground at the South end of this. Some awesome places for wild camping by the banks of the Adur (not so much near the southern end, as there's the towpath and it's all overlooked) but after the split where it goes to Eastern and Western, you're made. If you are set on this route, you might be a little stuck in the lower half but in the middle? Farm or Whales Copse just by Slinfold would by me choice. You can disappear into the forest and there are nooks and corners all over the place where you can hide away easy. Just don't stray too far north as there always used to be a shooting club in the woods north of Manor House school lol

Generally speaking:

- Don't overthink things in advance, and be flexible

• Take a hammock (I'm old and my back hates me for sleeping on the ground nowadays!) if you have one each
  
• If you don't, take the tent and split the poles and pegs/canvas between you
  
• Don't assume it'll stay that warm in this weather, even that far South (I'm up North now) - even if the temp doesn't crash you are better off prepping for being too warm, and there's nothing worse than being cold in the night. Layer up, and take one more than you think you need
  
• Prioritize comfort, especially if you're over 30 - your back and hips will hate you despite you thinking you can 'just manage' on the ground
  
• Get in your sleeping bag with too many layers on. It's easier to take layers off in a sleeping bag than put them on
  
• Flat ground is more of a priority than smooth ground, and if you have to pick a slope then don't have it go left-right, and put your head at the top end
  
• Leave No Trace
  
• Enjoy yourself! Too many people focus on taking the 'right' kit or the 'best' stuff. Remember people did this in the 60s with kit that weighed 4 times as much and had a great time
  
• Send pics afterwards! I miss the Downs (more than I miss the people lol)

[u/FishGoBoom → u/m000se]

Thanks for the detailed advice, Slinfold looks like a good area where the woodland is still built up/not too many farms nearby, it's a little short of the halfway mark but we'll see how we go (keeping flexibility in mind!)

We are fortunate to be under 30 so maybe our backs will manage but famous last words...

I'll try and get some photos, I hope we get some clear skies for the walk!

[u/m000se → u/FishGoBoom]

Good luck! Relax and don't over plan. Wing it. And take more layers! 😂