The idea of wild camping appeals to many but is not always easy. When Eden posted on the YesTribe about her first try we loved her spirit and asked her to share the experience.
Eden’s camping gear
My name is Eden, I’m originally from the Philippines and moved to the UK 4 years ago. I've always loved the outdoors. I came across Dave Cornthwaite’s page and that's where I found The YesTribe that inspired me to go for my first solo wild camping in Dartmoor.
It took me a month of planning and research of where to camp and what equipment to use (mine are not expensive as I wanted to try it out in the wild first and then decide what equipment is really suitable for my needs). Also, I watched a lot of youtube videos of wild camping in Dartmoor just to give me an idea of what I was getting myself into.
So the day came that I finally said Yes to go camping in the wild. The 2-hour drive from Dorset to Dartmoor took me 3 hours as I avoided the motorway and enjoyed the countryside more. When I got there, it was gloomy but I didn't let that put me off. My main motivation was ”I’m too tired to drive back!”
I camped next to the river and on my first night I couldn’t sleep. The rapids were loud, it rained and there was a warning for a thunderstorm. It’s like a scene in a horror film.
Eden’s first wild camping spot, a glorious (and loud) spot next to a Dartmoor River
The next day, I went for a walk to Foggintor Quarry and was blessed with perfect weather. So I decided to stay for another night. It’s true, what Dave Cornthwaite said: 1st-night discomfort, 2nd-night familiarity.
The first solo wild camp I can say was a success and hope to do more. They say to surround yourself with positive people that will inspire you and motivate you to do things. And this is what this group does to me. THANK YOU!
If you’ve been inspired by Eden’s story make sure you join the YesTribe group on Facebook, and take a look at our Wild Camping Guidelines to ensure you leave no trace
Eden at Foggintor Quarry, looking out over a landscape of rocks and a lake