Random Farm Camping

[Claud]

Last time I went cycle camping - 30 years ago - we often just picked out a likely field, got the farmer's permission, and asked where his nearest tap was. Never got turned down, and most were really friendly.

Does this still work well today, or have times moved on? It's Yorkshire we're headed to.

Thanks!

[bikepacker]

I don't very often use farm fields to camp but if I get the opportunity, I always do it with permission, but it is getting less frequent to get that permission. Because farming has changed the fields have changed and sometimes it is hard to find fields not in use. Also with the value of equipment they now use, some farmers are reluctant to allow strangers near their farms.

The Backpackers Club has a list of small campsites which I often consult and they usually fit the bill for me. Other than that I use commercial sites or wild camp.

[andymiller]

Thanks for the tip.

It's easy to find via Google, but the link seems worth posting

http://www.backpackersclub.co.uk/

[Mad_Hatter]

We just joined the Back Packers Club, seems like a good move and cheap price. They have FPD ( Farm Pitch Directory ), seems handy.

[Claud]

Sorry, meant to report back ages ago, for anyone else dipping in ...............

First night we decided we had nothing to loose by stopping to ask a farmer if he had a field he wouldn't mind us putting a small tent up in for the night. "Which field do you want?" was the reply. Very friendly chap, good pub a mile away, then a quiet night not costing a penny - magic!

Second night was tucked behind a wall on the open moor.

Just how it were 30 year ago

(But will also consider backpackers club if it becomes a habit - good tip.)

[diapason0]

Sounds good!

[DaleFTW]

That's my idea of fun.

His did you go about gaining permission? Knock on the door?

[Sweep]

thanks for reporting back Claud

[DaleFTW]

That's my idea of fun.

His did you go about gaining permission? Knock on the door?

Reason I ask, I've kinda bottled it a few times recently as I didn't want to disturb anyone!

[Claud]

Yep, Dale, just knocked on his door (in fact, knocked on the wrong door first, then got directed to the house next door!). Just a very brief exchange to sort out the practicalities and he left us to it (me my lad). Had a longer chat as we were leaving the next morning.

Go for it! Country folk are more relaxed than city folk like me! (This was Yorkshire Dales.)

[LondonBikeCommuter]

I never ask.

My thoughts are that as long as you act responsibly and leave everything as you find it then there should be no problem. I have a meal at a pub, basic wash, brush teeth and use the loo. Go to my desired field set up. Go to bed. Wake up, pack up find a lay by or suitable place to boil a brew. So no litter, no toilet just a bit of flattened grass to show my passing.

Also, how do you find the correct farmhouse for the field? Also more and more land is now farmed as a business what I mean is that a farmer doesn't own it a business does. They employ a farm manager who just sees a camper as an insurance risk.