Late Summer Camping in Wiltshire
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Join us near the edge of the North Wessex Downs National Landscape for a relaxed summer wind-down.
Our base will be a lovely CAMRA heritage pub (originally an 18th C coaching inn) with an interior preserved from the 1930's! CAMRA records it as a pub with "a nationally important historic interior". A traditional pub menu is on offer, along with a wide selection of local beers and ciders. Having been featured in the Daily Telegraph, the pub is known for its quirks with off-yellow walls, mismatched yet sturdy furniture, and the comforting aroma of well-lived-in charm.
There are several walk options including this 9.5km Giants Grave loop (no pub stop option), this 13.2km Vale of Pewsey loop (with possible pub stops in Pewsey or Wootton Rivers) or for a real leg-stretcher this 19.75km Pewsey - Oare loop (with possible pub stops in Pewsey, Oare or Wootton Rivers).
For the cyclists among us, options may include this 46.25km Wootton Rivers to Devizes loop, or this 73.75km Burbage to Swindon loop. The pub is located right on the Route 4 cycle network so is perfect for exploring all around Wiltshire!
Our furry friends are more than welcome, at no additional cost and there are several electric vehicle charging points.
- We will have one event shelter but if you bring any additional awnings it's £5, and gazebos are £10 (Paid directly to the site on arrival)
- We have only booked tent spaces, so if you really want to bring either a campervan (under 7m) or caravan on this event please contact support@outdoorlads.com to discuss (additional charges will apply)
- Cars cannot be parked at the pitches.
If this is your first event, don't be put off if you lack some of the necessary equipment; just message me on chris.keivit@outdoorlads.com or on Telegram - @chriskk_fafner.
Campfires & BBQ's: This event may include a campfire/BBQ at the site. Whilst our event leaders will take safety precautions there is still a risk to members. Please consider your behaviour around the campfire for your own and others safety.
Want to Get Out More?
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Dogs: Well behaved dogs are welcome at no additional cost, provided they are under control.
Photos: Courtesy of www.unsplash.com and used with permission. Additional photos provided by OutdoorLads Members and used with permission.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Photos: Courtesy of www.unsplash.com and used with permission. Additional photos provided by OutdoorLads Members and used with permission.
What to bring
This list is not exclusive and if your a regular camper I am sure you will have your own list, if not:
Tent: A tent is of course essential when sleeping out in the open (It is the UK it could well rain). It's recommended that you have pitched your tent before, and have all parts of it, such as poles and pegs.
Sleeping Bag: You are going to want this to keep warm at night
Sleeping Mat/Cot: The ground is hard and you'll get a much better nights' sleep if you have something between your sleeping bag and the groundsheet.
Pillow: Whilst you could roll-up your spare clothes and use these as a pillow, home comforts make for a much more enjoyable night!!
Food and Drink: See above, you will need to cater for yourself through out the weekend so plan ahead. If the weather is bad you will want a hot meal and likely hot drinks (Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate)
Camp Stove: Depending on your catering plans for the weekend you may be satisfied with a simple single gas burner/Trangia, or you may need something bigger. Don't forget about the members' discounts at Cotswold Outdoors who will be happy to assist you if you don't have something suitable. Don't forget your stove will need fuel.
Lighter/Matches: You will need some way to light the stove.
Torch/Lantern: You'll find it much easier to get in your sleeping bag at night if you can see where you are going. Check the batteries whilst you are at home or bring spare ones.
Water: Whilst fresh water will be available at the campsite you probably won't want to have to keep going back and forth to the tap so will want a suitable container and don't forget if you are going on the day walk to pack your water bottle or hydration bladder
Utensils/Pots & Pans: Again your needs will vary on what you are planning to eat but you will want as a minimum a mug, knife, fork and spoon.
Towels: You're going to want one for yourself, perhaps a separate one for your cooking equipment and maybe a spare
Wash-kit: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and flip-flops are essential!
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc. The leader will have a basic first aid kit and if you have a medical condition please confidentially DM the Event Leader.
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack or tent leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Folding/Camping Chair: Everyone likes to sit around the camp fire in the evening and this is much more comfortable than a log.
Day Rucksack: (Day Walk) typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: (Day Walk) waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Change of Footwear: If you've been in boots all day you will want something else to wear around the campsite and if we go to the pub. Wellies are always a good option if the weather turns.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters you'll want one pair for each day you're walking, and a spare pair. You'll also want some other socks for around the campsite/evening wear. TOP TIP: Put clean socks on before getting into your sleeping bag if you are going to wear them at night. Any moisture in your socks will condensate in the colder temperature at night and its not comfortable.
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece). You'll probably want a couple of items for each layer so that you have a good change of clothes.
Trousers: Whilst on the day walk you really do not want jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK. Again a couple of pairs is sensible.
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Walking Poles: (Day Walk) always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day.
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy days
Bin Bags: If the weather doesn't hold and you have to take a wet tent home (hopefully just the tent gets wet) then a couple of extra bin liners can be a great addition to your kit
Snacks: (Day Walk) bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Map and compass: (Day Walk) The walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea or a power brick. You MIGHT be able to charge phones in the pub but this should not be relied upon.
Food & drink
The pub serves traditional "hearty pub classics", with ingredients sourced locally, or you can cook by the tents. The closest shop is a Co-op in Pewsey, so please plan accordingly. Also note that personal beverages should not be consumed in the garden.