Wild Camping UK: My 48-Hour North Downs Adventure
A New Year's Eve Wild Camp That Didn’t Go to Plan
I set out for a 48-hour wild camping trip over New Year’s Eve on the North Downs Way in Kent. The goal? Push my limits, embrace the outdoors, and start the year off with a real sense of adventure. What actually happened was a bit more complicated—and a lot colder.
Planning the Trip
Picking the Route
The North Downs Way stretches across stunning Kent countryside, and I picked a spot near Holly Hill. The elevation here is no joke, but the views are incredible. I plotted a rough course using OS Maps and aimed to start at a small, tucked-away car park.
What I Brought
Packing light was a priority, but I brought the essentials:
OEX Phoxx 2 V2 tent
Trangia stove
Chocolate pudding and custard (camping classic)
Basic layering system (mistake number one: cotton T-shirt)
Screwdriver (you'll see why...)
Day 1: Hiking in Sunshine, Sweating in Cotton
Blue Skies and Steep Hills
I kicked off the hike in glorious sunshine. It was a rare blue-sky winter day in Kent, and I thought I'd hit the jackpot. But I made one rookie mistake: too many layers and a cotton T-shirt. The sweat built up fast, and as the sun dipped, the wind chill hit hard.
Early Sunset and Road Safety
By 5 p.m., it was pitch black. I found myself hiking near a road, so I cracked out a light to stay visible. Safety first—wild camping doesn’t mean being reckless.
Finding Camp and Dinner Fail
I set up camp, cooked my go-to dessert (chocolate pudding and custard), and managed to cremate it. Seriously—the sugar burned so badly onto my only cook pot that I had to use a screwdriver to chip it off.
The Night That Changed the Plan
The Cold Hits Hard
Despite layering up, I got absolutely freezing. Wind chill worked its way into everything. I was recovering from the flu, and honestly, I underestimated how much energy I had.
I woke up in the middle of the night with no feeling in my fingers. That moment right there made the decision for me: one more night would be pushing it too far.
Abandoning Ship
Waking up cold, tired, and still recovering from illness, I knew I had to bail. The romantic idea of ringing in the new year under the stars had to take a back seat to safety.
Lessons from the Trail
What Went Wrong
Layering Fail: Cotton t-shirts are the enemy. I should've used a wicking base layer.
Lack of Down Jacket: No reliable insulation meant I couldn’t retain heat properly.
Rushing Post-Illness: Never underestimate how much flu can knock you out.
Poor Fire Planning: In a no-fire zone with no heat source beyond my bag and stove.
Silver Linings
Even though the trip didn't go to plan, I still:
Got a solid 3-hour hike in through beautiful terrain
Learned the limits of my gear
Spent meaningful time outdoors reflecting and challenging myself
Wildlife Encounters and Random Surprises
On the way out, I had an unexpected run-in with some very curious (and very sheared) sheep. Also, I passed a strange, ancient-looking platform with a hidden door. If anyone knows what that was, let me know in the comments!
Key Takeaways
Never hike in cotton layers—use moisture-wicking base layers.
Always plan for actual weather, not just the forecast.
Don’t push your body too hard, especially post-illness.
Know when to call it. One good night is better than two dangerous ones.
Final Reflection
Not every wild camping trip goes to plan, and that’s okay. Sometimes, the trip that doesn’t work out is the one that teaches you the most.
What’s your biggest wild camping lesson so far? Drop it in the comments. Let’s learn from each other.
My wild 48-hour adventure on the North Downs Way turned out to be more than just a challenge, it was a test of preparation, resilience, and respect for the outdoors. Battling wind chill, poor layering, and the aftermath of illness, I set out to enjoy New Year's Eve on the trail but quickly realised how unforgiving winter wild camping can be if you're not fully ready.
A spontaneous wild camp in a forgotten woodland using the DD Frontline hammock. No tarp, just stars, birdsong, and a full mental reset.