Wild Camping in the UK: My First Clifftop Camping Trip with Pitchup

Finding Legal Wild Camping Alternatives in England

Let’s be honest — wild camping in the UK isn’t as easy as many think. Outside of Scotland, it’s technically illegal unless you have landowner permission. That makes it harder to enjoy those spontaneous, remote overnights under the stars — especially when you want to camp responsibly and not cause any issues.

So I decided to try something different — a legal, low-fuss way to get that wild camping feel without the stress.

That’s where Pitchup.com came in.

Is Wild Camping Legal in the UK?

One of the most common questions I get asked is:
“Is wild camping actually legal in the UK?”

Here’s the straight-up truth:

• England & Wales:
  Wild camping is not legally permitted unless you have the landowner’s consent. That means pitching a tent in woodlands, on farmland, or even on remote moors is technically trespassing. While many wild campers still do it discreetly, you're always at risk of being asked to move on — or facing legal trouble.

• Scotland:
  Scotland is the exception. Under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, wild camping is legal almost everywhere — moorlands, loch shores, hills, and some forest areas — provided you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and camp responsibly.

• Dartmoor National Park (England):
  Dartmoor used to allow wild camping without permission, but that right has been challenged (Now OK). There are now limited zones where it’s still tolerated, but it’s no longer a guaranteed option.

So What’s the Best Option for England?

That’s where Pitchup.com comes into play. It gives you legal access to private land that often feels just as remote and peaceful as wild camping — but without the legal grey area.

• It’s legit.

• You’re not disturbing anyone.

• You still get that off-grid, under-the-stars experience.

That’s exactly what I was after when I booked a clifftop camping pitch through Pitchup.

Booking Through Pitchup: What I Was Looking For

I didn’t want crowds, static caravans, or family facilities. I was searching for:

• A tent-friendly spot

• Remote location with peace and quiet

• Basic facilities only

• Ideally: sea views and open space

This clifftop camping pitch on the Isle of Sheppey delivered. The listing was simple: a compostable toilet, a freshwater tap, and direct access to incredible views.

Booking took five minutes, and the pitch was under £20 for the night.

Why This Was the Perfect Tent Test

If you’ve followed me for a while, you know I’ve got a soft spot for the OEX Phoxx 2. It’s served me well across the UK. But with the new OEX Phoxx 3 just released, I needed to put it through its paces — and I didn’t want to wait for a long-distance wild camp to do it.

This clifftop site gave me the perfect opportunity:

• Remote setting

• Legal pitch

• Wild vibes

• Quiet enough to film and focus on gear

Arrival & First Impressions of Clifftop Camping

When I arrived, I couldn’t believe the view. The pitch sat right on a clifftop overlooking the Kent Flats, with offshore wind turbines on the horizon. Open fields, sea breeze, and the kind of peace you can’t fake.

There were no crowds, no traffic, and no generators humming in the background — just grass, sky, and freedom.

Facilities were minimal:

• Compostable loo

• Running water from a tap

• No electric, showers, or distractions

Honestly? Perfect.

Setting Up the OEX Phoxx 3

The pitch was stony, which made pegging out the tent slightly more effort. And I’ll say it now — the Phoxx 3 poles are tight. Really tight. Especially on the first go. But once I figured it out, the rest of the setup followed naturally.

Here’s what I packed inside:

• My full sleep setup (mat, Rabber 900, inflatable pillow)

• Osprey Rook 65 pack

• Cook gear + food

• Drone + camera kit

• Nalgene bottles, knife, torch, etc.

And I still had room to stretch and breathe.

The internal space in the Phoxx 3 is impressive — genuinely usable for two people or pure comfort for one. The vestibules are similar to the Phoxx 2 (read: not huge), but the floor space more than makes up for it.

A Night to Remember

Dinner cooked, camera rolling, and sea air filling my lungs — this was the kind of camp I live for.

It wasn’t silent, but it was peaceful in all the right ways:

• Wind rattling gently across the clifftop

• The distant call of seabirds

• The soft roar of the tide

As I settled in, I remember thinking this is why I do it. And waking up to a glowing sunrise over the sea just reinforced it.

Would I Use Pitchup Again?

Absolutely. Without hesitation.

Here’s why:

• Zero stress — no worry about trespassing or being moved on

• Easy to book — filters make finding your kind of site simple

• Access to private land you might never have found otherwise

• Perfect for gear tests or solo escapes

If you’re a beginner looking for your first overnighter or an experienced camper after a stress-free retreat, Pitchup’s wild-style listings are ideal.

Key Takeaways

• Wild camping is not legal in most of England — but Pitchup offers a great workaround.

• Clifftop camping with basic facilities gave me the same wild experience — legally.

• The OEX Phoxx 3 is spacious, strong, and worth the price — even if the setup takes some effort.

• Sometimes all you need is a compost toilet, a tap, and a great view.

• Legal wild-style sites make gear testing and solo camping stress-free.

Final Reflection

If you’re looking to get into wild camping but worry about where to go — take the pressure off. Try a low-facility, high-reward clifftop camping spot through Pitchup. You’ll get the views, the solitude, and the space to fall in love with camping — legally.

Have you used Pitchup or found your own hidden gem? Drop me a message or share it in the comments. I’d love to check it out.

— Andy
Beard in the Wild

Suggested Reading

• The Best Wild Camping Spot on the River Thames
  Discover one of the most peaceful and scenic wild camping locations along the Thames Estuary.

• Wild Camping Kinder Scout – My First Winter Adventure
  A raw and honest account of my freezing wild camp in the Peak District’s most iconic landscape.

• Testing a Cheap Amazon Tent in Wild Camping UK Conditions
  Can a budget tent from Amazon really survive UK wild camping? I put it to the test.

• Wild Camping UK: My Tent Journey from Freebie to £1,000 Hilleberg
  A full breakdown of every tent I’ve used, from freebie to premium — and what I’d use again.

• How Wild Camping Boosted My Mental Health
  Why heading into the wild helped me reset, recharge, and get back to feeling like myself again.

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