I’m off on the next stage of my Grand Norfolk hike in a half an hour.. I’ll be walking from Diss to Bungay with a wild camp along the way.
Yesterday I thought it would be a good idea to actually try and put up a basic shelter with the new kit I’ve recently purchased.
This is the first time I’ve put up a tarp shelter/basha was pleased with the results.
I used bungy cords in place of rope, it was so easy, I fear there is a price to pay for this ease but am not sure what it is, I’m sure I’ll find out soon enough.
Thetford Forest, as always, is a delight, so huge, easy to lose oneself, bliss.
And no trace was left…
But now..
Forward to Bungay!
Hi Martin, how did the shelter hold up?! Hope you had a great little trip. Thanks for comment on Al’s site. Here’s a link to that trip. Cheers, Simon.
http://thegreatclap4burma.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/a-prayer-a-hitch-a-result-geneva-to-damascus-2001/
Hi Simon, the shelter held up fine though there was no wind or rain, so we’ll have to see what happens next time. My camp making skills can only improve and there is lots of great info on the web.
I enjoyed your post, inspiring stuff!
Well done. Like your photographs. Thanks for spreading my blog post about!
Hi there, looks like an easy little set-up. Did you have to get permission to wild came there and were you allowed to have a fire?
Hi Leigh, no permission given (or would be as it is Forestry Commission land). I made a cuppa tea on a wood burning stove, not ‘allowed’ but no one saw me do it and I left no trace whatsoever.
Hi Martinxo,
I am planning a nights wild camp in thetford but have never been there before. It seems to be a sizeable place but how easily can you get ‘lost’ so as to be out of sight? Can you suggest any decent maps and or a location to use? Thanks.
Hi Leigh
Thanks for dropping by. I haven’t yet wild camped in Thetford, though am planning to do so when it warms up a little. I’ll be taking my hammock this time.
The best map to use is the standard OS map for the area, there is one that covers the whole forest. I’d also suggest using Google maps/Earth to scout the area and would perhaps go and check the place out before embarking on the camp.
Also, I’d use the small town of Brandon as my starting point instead of the larger Thetford town.
It is a large forest and easy to stay out of sight as long as the usual wild camping rules are followed, i.e. get there late and leave early. Though saying that I’ve heard of groups of people staying a couple of nights without being disturbed.
And of course, the the most important thing is to leave no trace, which in my opinion includes campfires (as they can disfigure the land and draw attention).
I’d love to know how you get on, do you have a blog? Good luck!
Thanks for the info Martin. I don’t have a blog but you can check me out on facebook. Just search for bushcraft reunion and you will see me. I also have awebsite I am currently building, http://www.bushcraftreunion.co.uk. Thanks again and of course I’ll be more than happy to share the pics etc.