The adventure
Immerse yourself in a truly enjoyable and rewarding 24-hour wild camping experience, set against the backdrop of breathtaking natural surroundings. From the moment you arrive, you'll dive into practical, hands-on learning that not only makes your overnight stay memorable but equips you with the essential skills to camp independently with confidence.
Together, we'll explore key campcraft techniques: selecting the perfect pitch for shelter and comfort, securely pitching your lightweight tent, and mastering outdoor cooking using a portable stove. As evening falls, you'll savor a freshly prepared meal while deepening your understanding of weather awareness and the unofficial code of conduct for wild camping in the UK. This blend of enjoyment and education ensures you’re well-prepared for future adventures, whether solo or on our guided trips.
After a restful night under the stars, the morning session will guide you through an efficient ‘pack-up and move on’ routine designed to leave no trace of your stay. We’ll finish with a navigation-focused hike, honing your skills to confidently plan and embark on your next responsible wild camping expedition. This experience promises not only a great overnight adventure but the rewarding knowledge to explore and enjoy the outdoors independently.
Who is it for?
This course is designed for complete beginners and those looking to extend their walking adventures to include wild camping. Wild camping provides the opportunity for longer, more flexible journeys and a greater connection with the natural environment. Throughout the trip, in addition to taking in the wonderful surroundings, you'll develop the skills and confidence needed to embrace wild camping safely, guided by a qualified and experienced mountain leader.
Trip Itinerary
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Meet at the start point on Dartmoor (to be defined closer to the start date to account for conditions)
Recieve your wild camping kit and pre trip briefing then set off on the first part of the journey a short hike of 5 to 7 km. You will learn about pitch selection and set up your camp for the night.
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After a memorable night under the stars you will have a hearty breakfast before packing up your camp and making your way back to the start point. There will be plenty of opportunity for asking questions and taking breaks if they are needed before finishing your memorable sub 24 hour overnight expedition.
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The start point will be sent to you 2 weeks before the start date but will be somewhere in the heart of the Dartmoor National Park.
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Group size: Small groups of no more than 4 campers, keeping things friendly and personal.
Gear: Top-of-the-line camping kit is provided by us, carefully selected by our members to suit the specific demands of the Dartmoor, the rugged terrain, unpredictable climate, and the nature of this adventure.
Guides: Keith is an experienced and trusted mountain leader with mountain rescue experience who knows the Dartmoor National Park inside out.
Fitness: Expect two half days of easy hiking..The pace will be steady, with plenty of breaks to catch your breath, enjoy the views, and learn from your guide. You don’t need to be an ultra-runner, but you should be in good physical shape and comfortable walking for a couple of hours with a pack on your back. A bit of hill training beforehand won’t go amiss, and will help you enjoy the adventure all the more.
Flexibility: Routes may be adjusted depending on weather and trail conditions, always keeping safety and enjoyment top of mind.
Why Book with the GBAC?
Adventure, Authentically Delivered
Every journey with GBAC is led by passionate outdoor leaders who design their own adventures—trips as unique and inspiring as the guides themselves. Expect one-of-a-kind experiences that dive deeper, excite the senses, and promise memories no ordinary itinerary can match.
The UK’s Most Trusted Guide Network
Join the adventure community built by outdoor lovers, for outdoor lovers. With one of the largest guide networks in the UK, there’s always support, if a guide is unwell, your trip goes ahead with someone just as qualified and enthusiastic.
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our trips are crafted to leave a lasting mark—whether it’s summiting a new peak, discovering hidden wild places, or simply sharing laughter around the campfire. With GBAC, every adventure becomes a story worth telling, and the moments you share become lifelong memories.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Our guides are handpicked, fully insured, and qualified. Every one of them holds an enhanced DBS check and meets strict GBAC standards, so you can relax knowing your adventure is in safe, expert hands.
Feel-Good Booking, Fair Pay, Real Impact
GBAC guides and outdoor leaders are valued and fairly rewarded. We pay better by taking only a commission—helping expert guides earn more and focus on the experience, not just the job. Every adventure booked helps sustain a thriving, passionate community of outdoor leaders.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
Our trips aren’t crowded. Smaller groups mean a friendlier, more personal atmosphere—letting journeys unfold naturally, stories get shared, and every moment feel memorable.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in the wild? Choose GBAC—where every booking powers a more passionate outdoors, one unique journey at a time
Kit List
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To make sure your trip is as comfortable, safe and memorable as possible, we’ve hand-picked a shortlist of tents, sleeping bags and pads that stand up to the unique demands of Dartmoor — from the tough terrain to the famously unpredictable weather.
All our selections are based on countless hours of testing and the expert opinions of our members.
Here’s what we provide for your trip:
A premium, specialist one-person tent, lightweight yet tough, chosen specifically for wild camping in these conditions. If you want to share a tent with another participant, please let us know in advance.
A sleeping bag rated for the expected temperatures. If you know you sleep particularly cold, just let us know — we’ll make sure you have an even warmer option.
A sleeping bag liner. All participants are required to use a liner to keep our bags fresh and clean.
A warm, high-quality inflatable sleeping mat, designed to give you the best night’s sleep possible on the hill.
A pillow and pillow case, because even under the stars, a bit of comfort goes a long way.
It’s gear we’d happily trust on our own adventures — so you can focus on soaking up the mountains.
We can also supply a backpacking bag if required just let us know with your booking
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Clothing & footwear
Walking boots (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Walking poles with snow baskets (recommended, but optional)
3 pairs of socks (2 for walking, 1 spare)
Sufficient underwear
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Gaiters (optional but useful)
Warm layers for the evening — it gets chilly once you stop moving
Appropriate clothing for a day and a half in the hills
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Backpack & kit
60L+ backpack, suitable for hillwalking, with a waterproof cover
Sitting pad (optional, but keeps your bum dry)
1.5L of water
Water filter
Stove & gas (we recommend a small 100g gas canister, easily bought at the start point)
Cooking pot, mug & cutlery
Food waste bag (to carry out all rubbish, including scraps)
Lighter/matches
Food & drink
Sufficient food for an overnighter, including:
1 evening meal
1 breakfast
Snacks
Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate
Toileting
Trowel
Toilet paper / wet wipes
Hand gel
Plastic bags to carry used paper/wipes
Safety & essentials
Personal first aid kit (your guide will carry a kit, but bring your own for blisters & small scrapes)
Foil survival blanket (tiny and light)
Whistle
Head torch
Personal medication (your guide will ask you for any relevent medical information prior to your departure)
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone
Debit/credit card
A bit of cash (just in case)
Insect repellent
Don’t worry, your guide will be in touch in advance of your trip, including links to recommended products, so you can get set up as easily (and cheaply!) as possible.
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You’ll need to be fit enough to manage an 25km hike carrying around 18kg over undulating terrain. The pace and intensity can vary depending on the group, and we’ll always do our best to accommodate everyone — but a good level of fitness is essential for this adventure.
We’ve got several stunning routes to choose from, and on the day your Leader will pick the best option based on the weather (some spots are better in certain wind directions or conditions).
About your Guide
Keith – Qualified Mountain Leader
Keith has called Dartmoor home for nearly 35 years, and few people know its wild corners better. A qualified Mountain Leader and active member of Dartmoor Search and Rescue since 1993, he brings both deep technical expertise and an unrivalled connection to the landscape.
For the past 12 years he’s been guiding others across the moor and beyond, helping walkers discover not just the terrain, but also the stories woven into it — from ancient legends to traces of Dartmoor’s human past. With Keith, every walk is more than a route; it’s an invitation to experience the spirit of the uplands through the eyes of someone who has spent a lifetime exploring them.
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
