Camping in the UK can be a tricky business as there’s always the dodgy weather to contend with. But thanks to the impressive heatwave at the moment, there’s never been a better time to spent the night outdoors.
TV survivalist and adventurer Ed Stafford is an eager advocate of camping. “It’s a natural reset and an antidote to a stressful life,” he told Express.co.uk.
These are Ed’s top five places to go camping in the whole of the UK.
1. Tollymore Forest Park, Mourne mountains, Northen Ireland
“A walk along the Shimna river is marked by many curiosities, natural and artificial – rocky outcrops, bridges, grottos and caves.
“Elsewhere in the park the tree-lover can examine experimental forest plots – some of the exotic trees such as monkey puzzle and eucalyptus – or admire the tall giant redwoods and monterey pines. Oak wood from Tollymore was the preferred material for the interiors of the White Star liners including the ‘Titanic’ which was built in Belfast.
“A magnificent avenue of Deodar cedars is a striking feature of the entrance to this romantic forest park in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains – which is the setting of course for the hit series Game of Thrones. The place will leave you wondering why you had forgotten that nature could be so beautiful.”
Price: £20
2. Great Glen Yurts, Fort William, Inverness-shire
“In a wildflower meadow with a spectacular backdrop of Ben Nevis, this authentic trio of Mongolian yurts all have a brightly painted wooden frame, colourful throws and soft sheepskin rugs on wooden floors.
“Owned by mountaineer (and my cameraman) Joe French, all yurts have oil lamps, candles and wind-up lanterns, creating a romantic atmosphere while a woodburner keeps it cosy.
“There is a shower block with constant hot water, compost toilets and an open-sided communal kitchen with a chiminea to keep the shivers away.
“The yurts sleep between two and five people. A shepherd’s hut with a double bed is new this year.”
Price: A week for two in the yurt is from £390, one night from £70. The shepherd’s hut costs from £60 per night.
3. Moelwyn Mawr, Snowdonia, Wales
“An hour south of Snowdon, the Moelwyns are one of the quieter places in Snowdonia National Park. If you can’t stand tourists and are seeking a little cathartic isolation then this is the place for you.
“You can walk up Moelwyn Mawr for an extraordinary soul-resetting vista before heading down to Moelwyn Bach to set up a discreet camp, where the ground is a little flatter. Remember the policy is ‘out of sight – out of mind’ – so be sure to tuck yourself away and no-one will bother you.
Price: Free
4. Home Farm Glamping, Elstree, London
“Hop off the tube at Stanmore (Jubilee Line) and in just five minutes you’ll discover rolling green fields and avenues of beautiful, ancient trees.
“This is the place to come if you want to escape London but can’t face the thought of a three hour Friday night drive or crowded, expensive train. No need for a car, you can grab your overnight bag (and perhaps a few bottles of wine) hop on the tube or overland straight from work and be there in 40 minutes.
“You can even order your supper for the Friday night and they’ll deliver it to your campfire to be heated up once you have settled in.
“Owned by the lovely Jess Allen-Back, who was a volunteer on one of my first ever expeditions to Belize, we’ve used this handy and serene location for the past three years for Sir Ranulph Fiennes’ ‘Campfire’ event.”
Price: Yurt – one night (weekend) £175, two people. Bell Tent – one night (weekend) £140, two people).
5. Scoraig Peninsula, Highlands, Scotland.
“On the wild and ragged north-west coast of Scotland lies the small village of Scoraig. Unreachable by road, it can be found by hiking from the nearest road at Badrallach approximately five miles back up the peninsula.
“You can discreetly camp beside Little Loch Broom or head up into the surrounding hills – Beinn Ghobhlach and Dearg Mhor. Mountains rather than buildings define scale here and waterfalls provide a pit stop for a paddle, drink or morning bath.
“If you are lucky you might spot wild goats, pine martens and occasionally golden eagles. For those adrenaline junkies seeking a little bit more adventure, then head back down to the loch for kayaking, fishing and climbing.”
Price: Free
Ed Stafford also told Express.co.uk about his favourite places to go camping in the world.
