On a Camp 404 expedition you'll be part of a small group, and each day we'll walk together but then camp in solo tents. It'll be a balance of social time and solitude, with plenty of opportunities to be alone, to stop, and to soak up the views and the experience. To be, rather than to do. To slow down, calm the mind. Be in the moment. Think. Reflect.

 

We plan routes appropriate for each specific group, taking into account experience and fitness. Out in the hills we have to be flexible though, and expect to adapt those plans according to weather, ground conditions, fitness and also how people actually feel on the day. It should be a challenging and inspiring experience, and hopefully a launch pad to set you off on your own adventures in the future.

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Camping in the hills has much to offer, but being in a remote location obviously means there are no facilities whatsoever. With no toilet to go to you will have to dig your own. Water will need to be collected from streams and rivers and filtered for drinking and cooking. Washing, cooking and disposing of waste requires great care to ensure the environment isn't contaminated or damaged in any way.

 

Perhaps none of this seems attractive at first, but once you've managed to do everything successfully and responsibly there is a strangely exhilarating sense of achievement and of truly being at one with nature!

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You may also find the Wild Camping page useful.

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​Locations

We make all expeditions easily accessible by public transport and it is neither necessary or encouraged to travel by car. Our Sustainability Policy describes the reasons why we think this is important. We go to both moorland and mountain locations as this allows us to plan a varied programme suitable for a wide range of fitness and experience.

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Dartmoor
This is a great place to start if you're new to wild camping and want to give it a try. Also a good choice for previous Camp 404 participants returning for another guided expedition, especially if you prefer easier paths and gradients.

 

Each expedition will usually start from the town of Okehampton; with easy access by train, and a wild and dramatic landscape of moors and tors just a few minutes walk away from the station. 

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We keep to the northern edges of the moor as this gives us plenty of options. We can avoid civilisation altogether, or add a creature comfort stop at a pub or cafe for some good craic over lunch or coffee. Dave was born and raised in South Devon, not far from Dartmoor,  and really enjoys leading these expeditions with Emma and helping to make your wild camping experience positive and memorable.

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Lake District
This expedition location is ideal as a next step for previous Camp 404 participants, or for anyone reasonably fit with other hill walking and camping experience. This could be another guided wild camping expedition where you can simply enjoy the experience, or an opportunity to focus on developing your skills and building confidence with the support of two experienced leaders. 

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We usually run these expeditions from Keswick/Borrowdale and although we keep routes relatively short and the pace leisurely, we'll be in the mountains and inevitably there are some steep ascents and descents. So this is more physically and technically challenging, especially with a big rucksack to carry. On a good weather day you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Lakeland fells and far beyond, but getting to those vantage points will require some fitness and determination.

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Emma will be leading these expeditions, with Dave assisting. As part of a small group you can be sure of a very personalised and supportive experience whatever your expectations.

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The short video below shows some moments from our first Lake District expedition in June 2021, with some typically awesome views and mixed mountain weather!