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View Full Version : Backpacking in the UK

Faithy
30-07-2005, 21:19
Hi there,

I am seriously thinking of moving to the UK in a couple of years (for a couple of years of permanent, dunno that yet), so I decided to make a month-long backpacking sorta trip through the UK next summer (and I guess the summer after that..)

I don't have a travel-partner yet, but I do want to look around a little yet.

Prices of Campingsites, the best places to visit, things I just have to do, or things I'd better skip, all stuff like that.

Been to England a couple of times, Somerset once, Lake District, York, Newcastle, Hull, London and I guess we made some more trips..
Well, got a pretty good view on those places, but I don't know much about Scotland, Wales, the very South of England.

So I hoped you could help me by telling what's there to do in YOUR neighbourhood, are there Campingsites, really good things to do, what's nature like, etc. etc.

Thanks alot!

Faithy
purves grundy
03-08-2005, 05:25
Bring money, and lots of it.
tobyjug
03-08-2005, 06:14
Bring money, and lots of it.

Unless one cooks ones own food and buys beer in supermarkets when camping I have to agree.
rubbershoes
03-08-2005, 07:38
bring something waterproof ;)

I was camoping in scotland thuis summer. there are plenty iof places but the midges are bad in the west and north. search for midges on this forum (or maybe the scotland one) and you'll get some info. there are some gorgeous campsites in scotland though if it's raining, anywhere may feel a bit grim when you're under canvas
Poi E
03-08-2005, 09:42
Buy a car to get around in. Get some wonderful bargains for about £400.
ddraig
03-08-2005, 10:45
come to Wales, double centenary in Cardiff this year :)

http://www.visitwales.com/
DrRingDing
03-08-2005, 10:54
Buy a car to get around in. Get some wonderful bargains for about £400.


Wot he sed

Or if you can get a motorbike.
jacobs steel
03-08-2005, 19:11
Try this link (http://www.scotlands-top-hostels.com/)

And good maps here (http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/getamap/)
JWH
06-08-2005, 19:43
What's your citizenship, faithy? How do you intend to earn money once you're here? These two questions are going to have a big impact.
Faithy
10-08-2005, 08:51
Well, I'm not going to work here ;)

It indeed will be self-cooking on campings and get our drinks in a supermarket ;)

I have a full-time job at the moment, and I earn double of what I need to pay my rent, other bills and food.
So I'm going to save it up 'till june/july.

Oh, and a car won't be a problem, planning on buying one somewhere near November (when it's to cold to use my bike).
Poi E
10-08-2005, 08:59
Well, I'm not going to work here ;)
).

Just be careful. I have a friend from South Africa who overstayed (and worked) on a student visa and has been barred from entering the UK for the forseeable future. Served him right TBH, he knew the risks. They're taking these things very seriously these days.
trashpony
10-08-2005, 09:03
I think Faithy is Dutch so can work in the UK if she fancies it.
Faithy
10-08-2005, 10:01
Yes I am Dutch, if I want to, I can, but I won't, so I don't ;)
slowjoe
11-08-2005, 20:00
there is a campsite in crystal palace. it has nice loos but they have put combination locks on them to keep out the eco warriors.
HAL9000
11-08-2005, 21:51
What about walking the west highland way, mainly a low level route. Main risks, rain, midges and can get cold at night (it was dropping to freezing point when I did it in september two years ago).

Big plus, some of the camp sites along the way are FREE (some you have to pay for) and some great views. ( Scotish law is different from English law, you are allowed to wild camp for free, provided you're some distance away from housing and only staying one night.)

At the end of the walk you could try climbing britains highest mountain, Ben Nevis.

http://www.west-highland-way.co.uk/mainFrame.htm

(Bothy = simple stone building/shelter, allowed to sleep overnight for free, no water or toilets)
Faithy
16-08-2005, 05:52
Wow!
Thanks!

As soon as I'm back from work I'll read it through!
Donegal Mik
18-08-2005, 16:15
If you're going with a travel partner, you should hitchhike. Best and cheapest way to see the country. Me and gf hitched to Somerset from London last week. Saved 70 quid.

Hi there,
If you're going with a travel partner, you should hitchhike. Best and cheapest way to see the country. Me and gf hitched to Somerset from London last week. Saved 70 quid.
I am seriously thinking of moving to the UK in a couple of years (for a couple of years of permanent, dunno that yet), so I decided to make a month-long backpacking sorta trip through the UK next summer (and I guess the summer after that..)

I don't have a travel-partner yet, but I do want to look around a little yet.

Prices of Campingsites, the best places to visit, things I just have to do, or things I'd better skip, all stuff like that.

Been to England a couple of times, Somerset once, Lake District, York, Newcastle, Hull, London and I guess we made some more trips..
Well, got a pretty good view on those places, but I don't know much about Scotland, Wales, the very South of England.

So I hoped you could help me by telling what's there to do in YOUR neighbourhood, are there Campingsites, really good things to do, what's nature like, etc. etc.

Thanks alot!

Faithy
Faithy
24-08-2005, 06:02
But are there many drivers that TAKE Hitchhikers?

Over here in the Netherlands, the count of drivers that take you with them is very very poor...
Poi E
24-08-2005, 08:21
Over here in the Netherlands, the count of drivers that take you with them is very very poor...

Yeah but that's a good thing for the hitchhikers. Dutch driving, sheeesh...
poet
24-08-2005, 08:31
But are there many drivers that TAKE Hitchhikers?

Over here in the Netherlands, the count of drivers that take you with them is very very poor...

The further north you go and the more rural it is the better, really. If you're out in the countryside you shouldn't have any trouble finding a lift - for a lot of rural teenagers it's the only practical way to get about. Loads of people I know have hitched the length and breadth of the country quite easily. Of course, if you're in the republic of ireland, then you're in trouble - it's too feckin' easy :p
fractionMan
31-08-2005, 13:14
The further north you go and the more rural it is the better, really. If you're out in the countryside you shouldn't have any trouble finding a lift - for a lot of rural teenagers it's the only practical way to get about. Loads of people I know have hitched the length and breadth of the country quite easily. Of course, if you're in the republic of ireland, then you're in trouble - it's too feckin' easy :pI used to hitch all the time, and I could often beat the bus. Funny, but you don't see many hikers these days.
Faithy
01-09-2005, 10:31
I think that's because of all the not so nice murderstories that freak out people..

But well.. If you're trying to run away from that, you can't go anywhere anymore...
Fledgling
02-09-2005, 21:47
A large number of people who visit Britain neglect many places. Strictly speaking you can divide the UK's places to visit into 2 categories; those which are officially great, and thus full of tourists and hideous giftshops and those sites which are less noticable.

One area that people may not see enough is the Peak District and the cities around it. The Peak District is Britain's first national park and easy to get to. tHere's a train line running right through it and it is in the middle of the island.

There is a lot of diversity here, but the moorlands are perhaps the most interesting places, very wild and spectacular.

You really must visit at least one national park or coastal area, these places define this country.

I could write a lot, I've been all round Britain but I'll suggest 5 places.

Centre: THe Roaches in Peak District
Wales: The Gower Penninsula near Swansea.
North: Manchester, the centre has been refurbished, youth hostel in the centre.
North-West: Lake District but get onto the mountains, don't bother with Keswick.
Wales: Snowdonia, but if you like mountains try Tryfan rather than Snowdon.
Faithy
02-09-2005, 23:19
Thanks for the tips!

I followed the TV-Series COAST on BBC2 from begin to end, so that gave me a very good impression of the places I want to pay a little more attention to :)

And this evening I saw "The Grim North"'s first episode, it was great and hilarious AND true :P
I love the North :)
the B
03-09-2005, 00:43
Thanks for the tips!

I followed the TV-Series COAST on BBC2 from begin to end, so that gave me a very good impression of the places I want to pay a little more attention to :)

And this evening I saw "The Grim North"'s first episode, it was great and hilarious AND true :P
I love the North :)

With that much TV and what not, you've practically done the backpacking already!
Faithy
03-09-2005, 08:14
*grin* If you can say that about reading books too, I won't even have to leave my appartment anymore ;)
polo
03-09-2005, 10:21
My theory is that you don't see so many hitch-hikers these days because cars have become much cheaper than they ever were. Concerns over safety and 'orrible murder stories, have always been there and are the staple a ravenous press. As long as you know how to talk to people, you will be OK. You can meet a lot of facinating individuals while hitching.

Campsites tend to be full of families. Hostels in the UK are also very orientated towards the communal 'boy scout' ethos, but they are in some very attractive locations.