Wild Camping Kinder Scout – My First Winter Adventure
There are wild camps, and then there are wild camps — the kind that test your limits, deepen your appreciation for nature, and teach you lessons you'll carry into every future hike. This was one of those.
First Time on Kinder Scout
After a 5-hour drive north from Kent, I arrived at Edale, ready to take on my first ever winter wild camp on Kinder Scout. I'd seen videos from the likes of Paul Mesner and others that made this place look like something special — and it absolutely lived up to the hype.
Before heading off, I stopped at the Penny Pot café to fuel up. Lovely place. I figured with the calorie burn ahead, I could treat myself.
A Special Tent for a Special Trip
For this trip, I brought along something I’d been waiting a long time to try: my brand-new Hilleberg Soulo, widely regarded as one of the best four-season tents in the world. And what better way to break it in than on the summit of Kinder Scout in the middle of January?
The Climb
I started the hike up via Grindsbrook Knoll, excited and a little nervous. The weather was decent, but cold, and as I climbed higher, the snow started to thicken. I took it steady and soaked in the views, occasionally stopping to orient myself and admire the incredible rock formations.
The North Downs Way has its charm, but Kinder Scout is something else.
Camp Setup and Key Gear
Once I found a semi-sheltered plateau, it was time to set up.
Key gear I used:
Tent: Hilleberg Soulo
Sleeping Bag: Rab Ascent 900 (down-filled, -10°C comfort)
Sleeping Pad: OEX Flux 7R
Stove: OEX Takana Solo Stove Set
Food: Chilli con carne with rice, Snickers hot chocolate, brunch bars
Clothing: Down jacket, base layers, wool socks (but still cold feet!)
One lesson from my last trip: get dry fast. I got into the tent, stripped off damp layers, and redressed in warm, dry thermals.
Nightfall on Kinder Scout
As darkness fell, the temperature dipped to 0.8°C outside — but thanks to my gear, it stayed a comfortable 8°C inside the tent. The Rab sleeping bag was outstanding. Add a Snickers hot chocolate, a good book, and a view like that — what more could you ask for?
Morning Reflections
Woke up feeling well-rested and buzzing with excitement. My Garmin clocked over 8 hours of sleep — not bad for sub-zero camping. The morning view? Unreal. Snow drifting across the peaks. Cold, yes. But absolutely magical.
Key Lessons Learned
Plan Your Layers Carefully: I made the mistake before of staying in sweaty gear. This time, I changed early and stayed warm.
Gaiters Matter: Forgot them. Bad move in snow. My trousers got damp.
Mark Future Spots: Found an ideal little gully for future use — sheltered, quiet, and hidden.
The Right Tent Makes a Difference: The Soulo held up incredibly well, even when winds picked up.
What I’d Do Differently
Bring gaiters.
Take even more time choosing a campsite — I found a better one just down the hill the next morning.
Bring better socks. Still on the hunt for the ultimate warm pair.
Key Takeaways
Don’t underestimate UK mountain weather — snow and wind can hit fast.
Your sleep system is your survival system.
Get off the main trails for peace, but stay visible to yourself with good mapping.
Kinder Scout is worth the trip — just prepare well.
Final Thoughts
This might have been my most beautiful wild camp ever. The conditions were tough, but the rewards? Immense. Have you ever camped in snow or on Kinder Scout? Let me know your experience — or if you’ve got a sock recommendation, drop it in the comments.
I bought a Hilleberg Soulo for a winter solo wild camp adventure to Kinder Scout, it was never going to be easy, but it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable camping experiences of my life.
Suggested Reading
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