Celebrate The Warmer Temperatures With a Winter Camping Trip

• 20th Feb 2019

In the UK, many of us are currently experiencing far warmer temperatures than we usually do at this time of the year. Certainly, things are very different from how they were last year, when the Beast from the East arrived and brought extreme cold and snow to many of us. The warmer temperatures this February mean that it could be the perfect year to take the plunge and enjoy a winter camping holiday - perhaps for the first time.

Winter Camping for Beginners

The key thing to remember when planning for a winter camping trip is that even in a tent, on a back-to-basics camping holiday, there is no need to be cold. With a little planning and the right equipment and clothing, you can be perfectly comfortable throughout your adventures. For beginners who are a little reluctant to camp in colder weather, the milder conditions at present could afford the perfect opportunity to give it a go.

Beginners to winter camping should remember to:

• Prepare any vehicles (car, campervan, caravan, or motorhome) for winter roads.
• Check the weather forecast before you go.
• Make sure equipment, bedding and clothing is rated down to the temperatures that will be experienced.
• Pack plenty of layers to prepare for changing weather conditions.
• Make sure you have the facility to prepare a warm meal before you retire for the evening.

Winter Camping With Kids

If you have children, you may believe that it will be harder to enjoy a winter camping trip. But whether you have a tent, caravan, campervan or motorhome, camping with kids in winter can be a fantastic experience. As well as thinking about all of the things mentioned above, those camping with kids in winter can help make sure things go smoothly by:

• Making sure everyone has a change of footwear, especially if weather is wet.
• Packing healthy treats to keep the spirits up on winter walks and while enjoying other outdoors activities.
• Finding a destination where you can alternate outdoors experiences with some kid-friendly indoors activities if the weather turns bad.

Winter Camping Challenges

If you are an experienced camper and have been camping throughout the year on previous occasions, you may be looking for a new winter camping challenge. The milder conditions this year mean that it could be the perfect time to take on a new, more challenging adventure. For example, you might like to:

• Head for the hills and bag a Munro, or hike a challenging mountain route.
• Enjoy a long distance walk, over a number of days on a camping trip.
• Kayak or canoe to a remote camping location.
• Cycle to your camping destination.
• Ditch most of the equipment and consider a lightweight bivouac expedition.

Whether you are a complete camping novice, or seasoned camper, the milder temperatures we are experiencing this February in the UK could afford the perfect opportunity to get out there and enjoy a camping adventure.