Jurassic Coast Summer Camping
13 people attending
3 places left
Located on the southern coast of Dorset, the Isle of Purbeck is not actually a real island: it is a peninsula. On its northern edge flows the River Frome and the southern coast looks out over the English Channel. On the western fringes are the Lulworth Ranges, used by the Ministry of Defence as a training area; on the eastern side lies the seaside resort of Swanage.
In the middle of this, not far from Corfe Castle, is the Tom's Field Campsite. The campsite has been established for over 60 years and is well regarded for it’s unique character. Situated in the Purbeck hills near the former stone quarrying village of Langton Matravers.
What to bring
If it’s your first OutdoorLads event or you are trying something for the first time and you’re unsure what kit you’ll need - don’t worry – the following should help.
This is only a guide - you will need to consider the weather forecast and the activity as described. Whilst the event is happening in the summer, we all know what the Great British Summer can be like...
If you have any questions just message the event leader.
Day walks (easy, low level, summer)
For lots of low level day walks in the summer you need very little gear. (This excludes any walks at height – like in North Wales, the Lakes or Scotland.)
Good walking shoes or boots are always a good idea – as even in the height of summer we can end up wading through soggy mud.
A waterproof jacket is pretty essential in all but the most drought like conditions. If there is the slightest chance of rain (and when isn’t there?) a pair of waterproof trousers is also useful.
For summer walks we would also recommend bringing a hat and sun screen, you are likely to be in the sun for up to 8 hours and we often see people quite pink at the end of a good walk.
Camping
If you haven’t been camping since you were in the Scouts here is what you need.
If it’s your first trip you are likely to want to get away with the bare minimum.
Tents start off relatively cheap but as they say you get what you pay for. These tend to start from £10 upwards (‘festival tents’) that are light and do the job – but only just. You may find that they leak, break or blow away.
A thin foam ‘carry mat’ is good to sleep on (under £10) and you can use your clothes to make a pillow. Or if you have the room places like Tesco often sell air beds that cost as little as a fiver.
Don’t forget you will need something to sleep in. You can buy a sleeping bag from as little as a tenner. This will tend to be thin but will do the job at most summer camps. At camps later in the year you will want something warmer though.
Some places such as Argos/ASDA sell camping sets where you can buy a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat and a lamp for approx. £50-£60.
If you're planning on cooking your own meals at any time you'll need a stove and plates/cutlery etc. Again these can be picked up cheaply at big supermarkets or camping shops, or from Argos.
If you have friends that camp you may find it beneficial to talk to them first and they may even lend you some kit.
If you are coming by car, a folding chair (£10) is great. As you may be sitting outside late into the evening, some proper warm clothing always comes in handy – even in the summer. Don’t forget a torch, or you may never make it back to your tent. Finally, ear plugs are always a great idea and a sleeping mask for early sun rises.
You will obviously need what ever kit you need for the daytime activities.
If you still have any questions, please don't hesitate to connect to either support@outdoorlads.com or the event leader.
Items sometimes forgotten
Food , Drink , Camp Chair , Torch, Ear plugs, Money.
Food & drink
You will need to bring enough food to provide you with a meal on Friday evening, a packed lunch for Saturday and breakfasts throughout the weekend.
On Friday evening, dependent on your tastes, you might wish to opt for canned meals (e.g. chicken curry) and boil in the bag rice; you could try cooking up burgers on a BBQ or even attempt to cook a whole meal from scratch!
For Saturday's walk, you'll need a packed lunch and any other snacks. If you have a cool box, you could buy sandwiches in advance or keep supplies for making them in the morning. If you don't have a cool box, tinned fish or peanut butter are usually safe choices. You will also need enough water to last you throughout the day. If it's a warm day, you could need upto 2 litres of water.
Breakfasts are again subject to your own taste. Porridge pots are available in most supermarkets and only need boiling water. if you have access to a cool box you can opt for something more substanial/ fancier.
You will need to bring along cooking facilities (e.g. a gas stove, pans, plates, cutlery). You will also need to bring cleaning supplies for washing your items (e.g. washing up liquid, sponges, tea towels).