Wild Camping UK: Exploring the Lost Village of Dode
A Wild Camp Adventure with a Haunting Twist
There’s something about combining history, folklore, and the great outdoors that creates the perfect wild camping experience. My name’s Andy, and this is Beard in the Wild — and today, I took on one of my most memorable adventures yet. It began with a hike across the North Downs in Kent and ended under the stars, tucked away in a quiet corner of woodland after visiting the eerie lost village of Dode. A great follow up trip after Braving Storm Bert!
The Plan: Hike First, Camp Later
Today’s mission was twofold:
Hike to the historic — and reportedly haunted — village of Dode.
Wild camp somewhere quiet, safe, and scenic nearby.
Armed with my new North Face Terra 55 rucksack (a Facebook bargain at £20), I packed light compared to my usual load-lugging British military Bergen. With a lighter setup and fewer creature comforts, I hit the trail.
Climbing Up to the North Downs
The first leg of the hike was tough. The elevation gain was no joke, and layering up proved to be a mistake — I was overheating in no time. While I was familiar with the area, I couldn’t relocate a previous perfect camp spot I’d stumbled across. Mental note: always mark your spots on Garmin Explore!
I powered through, pushing toward Holly Hill, before taking a lesser-known path leading to the lost village. I did later on find this perfect Wild Camping Spot on the North Downs Way and returned at a later date for A Hammock Wild Camp.
Discovering the Lost Village of Dode
After about 90 minutes of hiking, I reached it: the lost village of Dode. Tucked into the rolling Kent countryside, the site is centred around a beautiful, ancient stone church.
The story? In the 14th century, the village was decimated by the Black Plague. Legend says the last survivor, a 7-year-old girl known as the "Dode Child," took refuge in the church — where she eventually died. It’s said she appears in the churchyard on the first Sunday of every month.
Safe to say, I wasn’t camping there.
Racing the Light to Camp
It was 3:00 PM and daylight was fading. I knew I had maybe 90 minutes before darkness hit. Back up onto the North Downs I went, still hoping to find a suitable spot.
As twilight fell, I stumbled upon a familiar spot. Not my originally intended location — but a safe and quiet area I knew well. Success.
Camp Setup in the Dark
With the light gone, I quickly set up camp:
Shelter: DD Hammocks 3.5 x 3.5 Tarp, propped with trekking poles and strung with jungle toggles
Tent: OEX Phoxx 2 Version 2 set beneath the tarp for added protection. Here you can see my full review of this incredible Solo Wild Camping Tent.
Cook Kit: Gas burner, wind shield, and silicone mugs
Dinner was hearty: peri peri chicken, egg fried rice, and a chocolate pudding in custard. And for my hot drink? A Quality Street-inspired green triangle Nescafé. Weird, but surprisingly okay.
Lessons from the Trail
I’d made one mistake that a lot of us make — I wore too many layers during the hike. When it cooled off later, I felt the chill more than I should have. The elevation made the hike intense, and I didn’t carry enough water. Key learning: always plan your hike as carefully as you plan your camp.
Morning on the Downs
By 7:00 AM, I was awake after a solid 7 hours and 50 minutes of sleep — not bad at all. Breakfast was banana porridge, slowly simmered while listening to the birds stir. The stillness of early morning in the woods is unmatched.
I sipped my porridge and scanned the treeline, hoping for a glimpse of deer. No luck this time — but it’s that hope and stillness that makes these trips so special.
Final Thoughts on Dode and the Downs
The wild camp was a huge success. I stayed dry, I stayed warm, and the spooky vibes of Dode added a memorable twist to the whole experience.
If you're new to wild camping, remember:
Always check overhead for falling branches
Dress in layers you can strip off as you hike
Plan your daylight carefully, especially in autumn
Mark your favourite spots on GPS — always
Key Takeaways
The North Face Terra 55 is a great lightweight option for wild camping
The lost village of Dode is worth a visit — but maybe not for a sleepover!
Layer smartly and don’t underestimate elevation hikes
The OEX Phoxx 2 combined with a tarp gives excellent flexibility. I did a full review of the OEX Phoxx 2 after using for 6 months.
Don’t forget your jungle toggles — game changer
What About You?
Have you ever camped near somewhere steeped in history or mystery? Have a favourite wild camping spot in the UK? I’d love to hear about it — drop a comment below or share your own experiences.
Thanks for reading — leave no trace and stay wild.
On this Wild Camp I head out hiking through the North Downs to explore the lost village of Dode before setting up a solo wild camp nearby. With its haunting legend of the Dode Child and roots dating back to the Roman era, the village adds a mysterious backdrop to a peaceful night under tarp and stars. If you enjoy watching wild camping adventures through beautiful woodland, discovering historical places, and following solo overnight setups in the UK, this one’s for you.
A spontaneous wild camp in a forgotten woodland using the DD Frontline hammock. No tarp, just stars, birdsong, and a full mental reset.