‘Go wild’ this summer with Pitchup.com

With summer finally here, Pitchup.com has launched its annual guide to wild campsites where Brits can make the most of sleeping outdoors in the long and warm days of summer.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, explained why wild camping needs to be carefully considered: “This time of year always sees a surge in wild camping, however many holidaymakers don’t realise that wild camping is not just something they can do anywhere.  There are certain rules with regards to wild camping including places like the Lake District where it is generally not allowed unless it is in a particularly remote area or on Dartmoor where people can wild camp anywhere provided it is not within 100 metres of a road.”

He continued: “Scotland is one of the best destinations for wild camping with most of the countryside free to enjoy.  However the one exception is Loch Lomond National Park where it was banned in 2010”

To make wild camping as easy and hassle-free as possible, Pitchup.com has created an official wild camping category that enables visitors to search and book with confidence and enjoy their stay knowing it’s legal.  The site offers 56 wild camping options across England, Wales and Scotland, with more to follow.

Puffin Campsite, Bridlington: This small family friendly site has just 10 tent pitches in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near the RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve on the East Yorkshire coast.  Prices for a pitch start from just £8 per night and there are no restrictions on tent sizes.  The site is popular with real outdoor types who come for the birdwatching, cycling and walking which are all found in abundance along the Bridlington coastline.

Dartmoor Shepherds Huts, Devon: This wild site on the edge of the Dartmoor Valley enjoys woodlands to one side and a babbling brook to the other.  The site offers a choice of true wild camping in tents or for a little more comfort visitors can enjoy accommodation in a cosy bell tent or shepherd’s hut.  Dartmoor Shepherds Huts is open year round so hardy campers can stay in the middle of winter and enjoy a snowy break or opt for the warmer summer months.  Whichever is chosen there are fire pits with all pitches meaning guests can keep warm and cook all year round.    Prices start from just £11.20 per night.

Gorsebank Camping Cabins, Dumfries and Galloway: Located on an 80 acre equestrian farm this site offers ‘civilised wild camping’ on a secluded private ridge.  With stunning views over surrounding farmland and forests this is a great location for those who want to gain a true sense of being in the wilderness.  There are endless activities/attractions available around Gorsebank including mountain biking, coarse fishing, beaches, castles and hiking, with bike hire and fishing available on site.  Pitches cost from £20 per night.

Bakesdown Farm, Cornwall: This tiny campsite has just four pitches hidden away in the spectacular Cornish countryside, yet is just 3.5 miles from Widemouth Bay.  With a focus on ‘proper camping’ the tents are well spaced to provide privacy and freedom and each comes with a fire pit for warmth and cooking. Visitors can purchase logs, kindling, eggs and vegetables directly from the owner’s honesty table and for a little added comfort there are toilet and shower facilities in the main farmyard.  Pitches cost from £16 per night.

North Lodge, Pembrokeshire: This wild site is located on an organic small holding in a remote and beautiful part of Pembrokeshire.  Pitches are set spaciously in woodland, each offering views over the Preseli Hills.  There is a choice of accommodation options ranging from tent, tourer and motorhome pitches to pre-erected tents and a log cabin.  Pitches cost from only £15.

Pitchup.com features a total of 56 wild camping sites in England, Scotland and Wales and there is a page on the site providing advice for wild campers.

For more information visit www.pitchup.com.

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Media information:

Cass Helstrip or Samantha Marsh at White Tiger PR

Cass.helstrip@whitetigerpr.com 07968 255464

Samantha.marsh@whitetigerpr.com 07711 265666

Notes to editors

Founded in 2009 by former lastminute.com man, Dan Yates, multi-award winning Pitchup.com is a free guide to all types of camping and caravanning in the UK, Ireland and France.  The site provides users with a simple platform in which they can search and book a camping or caravanning holiday with total ease.  The customer experience from landing on the home page through to booking a holiday can be completed in as little as four pages.  The site also goes beyond traditional searches by allowing users to search for a site based on more than 80 criteria, such as adults only and campfires allowed, and view nearby events, Good Pub Guide pubs and VisitBritain attractions.  Users can also search on the offers page to find the best deals available.  Pitchup.com features over 5,000 camping and caravanning sites/parks throughout UK & Ireland with France recently added into the equation.  It enables users to search for all types of parks and sites from the major brands right through to one off campsites which may not have previously had a web presence.