Andy Williams
Beard in the Wild

About Me | Beard in the Wild

Who I Am

Hey, I’m Andy — the face behind Beard in the Wild. I’m a 43-year-old bloke from the UK with a love for wild camping, crackling fires, dodgy cooking, and finding peace in the great outdoors. A few years ago, I hit rock bottom. I was stuck in a job I hated, weighed over 22 stone, struggling with mental health, and felt completely disconnected from myself.

So I did something drastic. I grabbed a cheap tent, headed into the woods, and pitched up for the night. I didn’t know what I was doing, but it was quiet. It was real. And for the first time in ages, I felt like I could breathe.

Since then, wild camping has become a lifeline.

I’ve lost 8 stone, reconnected with nature, and found a way to rebuild my confidence, bit by bit. This blog and my YouTube channel are where I share that journey — the gear that works, the mistakes I’ve made, the ridiculous meals I’ve cooked, and the peace I’ve found under a tarp or in a tent.

Andy Williams also known as Beard in the Wild

Why I Started Beard in the Wild

It started as a way to track my own progress and document my camps. But the more I shared, the more I realised how many other people were going through something similar — people who wanted to try wild camping, lose weight, find their own space to heal, or just needed a break from modern life.

Now, Beard in the Wild is my passion. From budget tents to high-end gear, I test it all in real conditions. From hammocks in forgotten woodlands to freezing nights on Kinder Scout, I show the reality of camping in the UK, with no fluff or fakery.

What You’ll Find Here

  • Honest gear reviews

  • Wild camp trip reports

  • Beginner-friendly tips

  • Bushcraft experiments (some better than others!)

  • Mental health reflections from the woods

Whether you're brand new to wild camping or years into your journey, I hope you find something here that makes you want to grab a rucksack and hit the trail.

Follow Along

If you want to support what I’m building here, hit that subscribe button on YouTube or share a blog post with someone who needs it.

Thanks for stopping by — and I’ll see you in the woods.

3% Cover the Fee