10 Cheapest Places to Practice Bushcraft in the UK
Bushcraft, the art of surviving and thriving in the wilderness, has grown immensely popular among those seeking to reconnect with nature. The UK offers a variety of affordable locations where enthusiasts can practice their skills. From dense forests to open moorlands, these sites offer diverse experiences for both beginners and experts. Below are the 10 cheapest places to practice bushcraft in the UK and why you should go there.
1. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Cost: Free in public areas, or from £5 per person for designated campsites
The Forest of Dean is one of England’s oldest woodlands and a haven for bushcraft enthusiasts. You can practice skills like foraging, shelter-building, and fire-lighting in its vast expanse. While wild camping isn’t generally permitted, there are several low-cost bushcraft-friendly sites like the Bracelands Campsite. The area’s ancient woodland and varied wildlife make it a perfect destination for beginners.
2. Grizedale Forest, Cumbria
Cost: From £6 per day for car parking
Located in the heart of the Lake District, Grizedale Forest offers an excellent environment for bushcraft activities. The forest is managed by Forestry England, and while wild camping isn’t allowed, day trips are ideal for honing navigation skills or practicing woodcraft. There are nearby campsites that cater to bushcraft groups, ensuring affordability while providing access to the forest’s rich resources.
3. Dartmoor National Park, Devon
Cost: Free in designated wild camping areas
Dartmoor is one of the few places in England where wild camping is legally permitted. With rolling moorlands, dense forests, and winding rivers, it’s an ideal spot for bushcraft. You can practice survival skills like water sourcing and map reading in a real wilderness setting. The vast landscape also ensures you can find secluded areas for a genuine back-to-nature experience.
4. Epping Forest, Essex
Cost: Free for day visits
Epping Forest, just outside London, is a popular bushcraft location due to its accessibility and affordability. While overnight stays require permission, day trips allow for foraging, tracking, and crafting activities. The forest‘s mix of open spaces and dense woodland makes it a versatile training ground for different bushcraft techniques.
5. Kielder Forest, Northumberland
Cost: From £8 per night at local campsites
As the largest man-made forest in England, Kielder offers plenty of space for bushcraft enthusiasts. Its remote location means you can enjoy a truly wild experience. Nearby campsites like Kielder Campsite provide affordable accommodation, with options to book bushcraft courses. The forest is ideal for learning about wild edibles, animal tracking, and shelter construction.
6. New Forest National Park, Hampshire
Cost: From £7 per night at designated campsites
The New Forest combines picturesque scenery with ample opportunities for bushcraft. While wild camping isn’t allowed, budget-friendly campsites such as Aldridge Hill offer a base for day excursions. The forest’s ancient trees and diverse habitats make it ideal for practicing plant identification, foraging, and primitive tool-making.
7. Galloway Forest Park, Scotland
Cost: Free in most areas
Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park is a bushcraft enthusiast’s paradise. Its “right to roam” laws allow for wild camping, making it one of the most budget-friendly options in the UK. Dense woodlands, clear rivers, and open glens provide the perfect backdrop for mastering bushcraft techniques like fire-lighting and water purification. Its Dark Sky status also offers stunning stargazing opportunities.
8. Snowdonia National Park, Wales
Cost: From £5 per night at local campsites
Snowdonia offers rugged mountains, serene lakes, and ancient forests, making it an excellent location for bushcraft activities. Although wild camping isn’t officially permitted, there are affordable campsites close to bushcraft-friendly areas. You can practice navigation, wild cooking, and emergency survival techniques amidst the dramatic Welsh landscape.
9. Ashdown Forest, East Sussex
Cost: Free for day visits
Ashdown Forest is a low-cost bushcraft option for those in the South East. While camping isn’t permitted, day visits allow for skills like tracking and foraging in its diverse habitats. With plenty of open heathland and woodland, it’s a fantastic location for honing your bushcraft abilities without breaking the bank.
10. Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, Scotland
Cost: Free in designated areas, or from £3 per night with a camping permit
Loch Lomond offers some of the most picturesque bushcraft opportunities in Scotland. Thanks to Scotland’s generous access laws, wild camping is allowed in many areas. For a small fee, you can get a permit for camping in specific zones during the summer. The region’s mix of lochs, forests, and mountains makes it a perfect spot for practicing bushcraft skills like fishing, fire-making, and navigation.
General Tips for Affordable Bushcraft in the UK
Know the Rules
Always check local regulations before setting up camp or collecting natural resources. Many forests and parks have restrictions, but they often provide affordable alternatives like designated campsites.
Use Bushcraft Schools or Courses
Some locations offer low-cost bushcraft courses that include site access, basic equipment, and guidance. These are great for beginners who want to learn the ropes.
Travel Light
Save money by investing in versatile, durable gear that lasts across multiple trips. Many bushcraft tools can be multipurpose, reducing the need for excess equipment.
Stay Local
To cut costs further, choose a location close to home to reduce travel expenses. The UK’s diversity of landscapes ensures that there’s always a great bushcraft spot nearby.
