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I'm planning a ride up from Dorset to South Wales near Easter which is going to involve an overnight stop somewhere between Bath and Bristol off the Bristol/Bath Railway Path. There seem to be bugger all campsites in that area, other than one right next to a main road, so am thinking that I just find a quiet spot in a field behind a hedge while it's daylight, head to the pub for something to eat and then just pitch up quietly and head off at first light after a quick brew.
Any top tips on finding suitable spots or at least avoiding unintended mishaps? Or better still definite recommendations.
Satellite images on Google maps or similar.
I'd look along the river between Bath and Bristol, plenty of woodland to hide in down there.
OS map and GeoGraph for wild, UK Campsites for sites.
Then keep your eyes peeled as you near the end of the day.
Thanks, geograph gave some ideas and as a result I've also now found there are some Google Street Views taken by people cycling along bridleways. Looks to have been integrated from a 'Trekview' app; so not just roads then which is great.
I expect other things would include - not being overlooked by houses or footpaths, not being in easy range of early morning dog-walkers, etc. And avoiding those weird cold spots you sometimes get along roads and paths would be good but not quite sure how you suss them out in advance - other than only finding out after dark!
There seem to be bugger all campsites in that area, other than one right next to a main road
this place is a tenner for a pitch, https://www.boydvalleylake.com/book-a-room/rooms/d419c5ad-ee2a-4f26-9083-100062b55d14
and location looks pretty quiet? https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gvf7jZekn6wbz5uM7
the bit of country between Bristol and Bath is it's pretty well trafficked and populated, if it were me I would be looking east of Bath on one of the scarp edges for a quieter bivvy in the woods...
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CRNafCNBBYRxRBs78
I've camped here. 51.391389,-2.426657
Ordinarily I can wouldn't post wildcamps on the internet etc etc. but tbh this one is pretty obvious and hardly a secret. I pitched up here with my daughter and it felt pretty safe, there were a few folk passing on the cycle path, the odd dog walker didn't seem fussed.
Bing aerial maps seem the best, geograph, google images (I use this in maps - drag the yellow streetview man around - also gives you photos and location of photo)
the odd dog walker didn’t seem fussed.
What about the regular ones?
Drink till the pub closes, then when they've all gone home set up in the beer garden. Someone will wake you first thing, and possibly you can get a morning coffee/breakfast from them.
The trick is to not care and enjoy yourself. I've pitched up on a few occasions and been discovered by passers by in the morning and everyone was perfectly friendly. That's not to say one shouldn't aim for the stealth approach more that it's not worth ruining a perfectly harmless adventure worrying about the odd grumpy pants.
Why is everyone so worried about wild camping? People do it in the middle of Mayfair these days. There is even a guy that build a bothy on the side of the Thames outside Mick Jaggers house in Chelsea. Just leave a cup or payment terminal outside your tent, you may even wake up to find your breakfast has been paid for. If anyone approaches just ask them for money. They will quickly run off.
There is the Park for night app that you could use to find overnight camping spots in your locality
I used to do it on week-long walks across England. When you've had enough for the day just start looking for places that are sheltered and a bit private. Not once did I ever ask permission, or get moved on.
I agree, its all in our heads really, most people are too busy with their own lives or too polite to disturb yours. As long as you don't take the p*** you'll be fine.
The pub beer garden thing might work if you scope one out with plenty of space, phone them up and ask if you book in for tea and a beer or two, would they mind.
The trick is to not care and enjoy yourself. I’ve pitched up on a few occasions and been discovered by passers by in the morning and everyone was perfectly friendly. That’s not to say one shouldn’t aim for the stealth approach more that it’s not worth ruining a perfectly harmless adventure worrying about the odd grumpy pants.
This
Only because that stretch is a mix of urban and commuter villages and the path is heavily used, I would try and get off the path personally. It is busy with dog walkers, commuters and general public at all hours. There are lots of people living on boats along the way so I don't think anyone would care about you being in a tent, but personally I might be a bit tense about a bike.
If you are happy next to other people, as well as the bridge / footpath neilc pointed to, the Bitton picnic site (on google maps) has a path down and a couple of moorings so I am sure you could find a spot by the river.
The other thing I would note is at the moment the river is in flood / high and has been on and off for two months. If we haven't had a dry period for some time between now and Easter do be aware of flood risk and pick your site well.
AHH yes. For clarity the spot I mentioned is beneath the railway path. The button picnic spot was my reserve choice, having scoped it out using Google maps etc as above.