Camping in total isolation... is it possible?!

[CookieTramp]

I have this weird thing where I like to go away by myself every now and again. Lately having heard about Vision Quest (camping in total isolation for three days with no food or entertainment - just you and your own thoughts) i really want to do it but it comes with a hefty price tag that I really can't afford.

Is it possible to find a place in the UK to camp completely alone? Wild, or in a special place with very separated pitches?

Am I nuts for wanting to? Has anyone else ever found something like this, or tried to?!

Total isolation...I think you would need to backpack somewhere, which precludes no food for me. Otherwise, a mid week November stay with a wet forecast in a farm campsite might be the closest?

If you are camping in total isolation then you are camping on someones land. you will be disposing of your waste there too. would you like someone to do this in your back garden?

feeling a tad sensitive about this having turfed off yet another wild camper from our field who felt that it was their right to open the gate and pitch up, wee in the grass and wash their pots and pans.

go on an organised retreat.

In the UK I don't think it's possible, country is too overpopulated for that.

USA would definitely have what you are looking for

You can wild camp in Scotland, and many people do. Head for the west coast and find a little quiet spot off the beaten track. Be prepared for midges however.

UK overpopulated? Last time I checked Scotland was still part of the UK.

One word op. .
BIG FOOT!!!

Definitely possible to do in Scotland; you would probably have to walk for a bit first. I think there are websites about it.

What about a Scottish bothy?

www.mountainbothies.org.uk/bothies.asp

MineKraftCheese

Yes Scotland is part of the UK. I was referring to the UK as a whole. If the rest of the country had the same population density as Scotland, things would be rosey

You can also wild camp on Dartmoor as long as you fulfil certain bylaws.

We did this in the Lake District last year. Absolute bliss

@Kursk you said "In the UK I don't think it's possible, country is too overpopulated for that."

I was replying to say that it IS possible in the UK.

Mummeister, I am sorry you had that experience. When I said wild camping, I didn't mean on someone's land. Plus as a volunteer litter picker, I wouldn't dream of leaving my rubbish anywhere. The retreat costs £450 for three days, so it isn't possible for me and I think you might understand I am thinking of other options.

Meercat2 where did you stay? Was it with permission or according to law? I would hate to camp anywhere without being sure it was ok.

Scotland sadly isn't an option. It would be hard enough to arrange 2 nights away from the kids, so all that travelling time would preclude it.

I have, however, found a tiny campsite where you can camp right away from anyone else, should anyone else be around. It is only 1.5 hours away from me so a real possibility. 👌👌👌

I am not a fan of people at the mo and getting away from everyone sounds so bloody appealing!

Dartmoor is the place, if that isn't too far. Lots of people wild camp in the Lake District, just pick a remote spot, and don't leave a trace of your camp. Think carefully about water though! You will need more than you think.

Definitely possible - try the north west corner of the Lakes. Scotland is probably easier/more common though. There are lots of wildcamping groups on FB

We used to many, many years ago. Just the two of us a tiny tent and food for a few days. Wilder areas of the Lakes travelling through Newlands or up off the Honister Pass or from Seatoller.
Lots of Scotland is isolated with Cairngorms coming to mind or over to Eigg maybe.

Although wild camping is not technically legal in England, we frequently do it and it's always fine.

We live in Yorkshire so plenty of moors and forests - you don't have to go to farmer's fields. Take a small tent, be on foot and tidy up after yourself and there is no problem.

Not camping, but total isolation. We went to this place and did not see a single person all week, even in the distance, and even when walking the hills around. It has its own loch and boat too.
www.northumbria-cottages.co.uk/property/roughley-cottage

Scottish borders so might be too far for you.

Yes of course it is. I've spent days poottling round bits of Scotland without seeing another human. Applecross, north west kind of area. Torridon, Assynt etc.

Harder further south.

Knoydart?

glynymulfarm.co.uk/

This looks very quiet.
Love that they put on their website that they don't want too many people