Trekking
Experience the thrill of adventure as young explorers; trek through breathtaking landscapes and camp under the stars. Embrace the spirit of the wild with friends, making unforgettable memories around the camp. Whether it's hiking rugged trails or setting up camp in serene spots, every moment is an opportunity for new discoveries. Join the journey and connect with nature like never before!
These are "DofE-type" expeditions, but you don't have to be enrolled in the DofE Award scheme to take part. They will include a fusion of civilian-based trekking and navigation exercises that will complement your military training in a more relaxed environment - no 6am wake-up calls here!! You will also have the opportunity to be involved in the planning of each event, including the choice of location, route plans, kit lists, and menus.
Wild Camping
On Dartmoor, you will get to experience wild camping, which is the practice of setting up camp in natural areas away from official campsites, often in remote countryside, forests, or mountains. It offers a sense of freedom and closeness to nature that is hard to find in everyday life. Without crowds, facilities, or noise, wild camping will allow you to slow down, enjoy quiet surroundings, and experience landscapes in a more personal way. It will also help you build confidence and self-reliance, as you must plan carefully and depend on your own skills.
However, wild camping also comes with responsibilities. We need to respect the environment by following principles such as leaving no trace, taking all rubbish home, and avoiding damage to plants or wildlife. It’s also important to understand local laws, as wild camping is allowed in some places but restricted or illegal in others. When done thoughtfully and respectfully, wild camping is a rewarding way to appreciate nature while helping to preserve it for others to enjoy in the future.
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easily understood framework of minimum impact practices that anyone can put into action. The principles can be applied anywhere - from remote wilderness areas to local parks and even in your own back garden: 1. Plan Ahead and Prepare 2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces 3. Dispose of Waste Properly 4. Leave What You Find 5. Minimize Campfire Impacts 6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Others. All these we will use alongside the Countryside Code, and the CRoW Act 2008.
Fireside Evenings
A wilderness campfire is a small miracle, turning a quiet clearing into a place of warmth, light, and atmosphere. The fire crackles away, casting golden shadows that make the surrounding trees come alive, while the scent of woodsmoke drifts into the night air. Hands stretched out toward the heat, chilling out after a long day on the trail. Even simple food tastes richer when cooked over glowing embers. As sparks rise and vanish into the dark sky, sitting round the fire invites stories, laughter, and comfortable silences, creating the feeling of a calm and uniquely personal connection to the surroundings. Creating moments, chatting until the last person falls asleep.
However, just like wild camping, making a safe campfire in the wild also comes with a very heavy burden of responsibility, requiring great care and awareness of your surroundings. Always check with land owners or custodians, and local authorities such as National Park Wardens, Forest Rangers, or District Councils first to find out if there are any rules in place prohibiting open fires or the use of any type of ground-based burners in the area. Some authorities only allow such things in predesignated areas that are purposefully designed.
Only if there are not, start by choosing a spot well away from trees, low branches, leaves, and anything else that could catch fire, preferably in an existing fire ring or on bare or rocky ground. Keep the fire small and controlled, using only dry, fallen wood, and avoid lighting fires during very dry or windy conditions. Always have water or a pile of dirt nearby in case the fire needs to be put out quickly, and never leave it unattended. When you are finished, fully extinguish the fire until the ashes are cold to the touch, helping prevent wildfires and keeping the wilderness and forests safe for everyone, and remember: Leave No Trace.
Find Out More
If you’d like to find out more about our expeditions, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to learn about upcoming routes, dates, and what to expect on the day, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. Contacting us is the first step towards enjoying a trek through some of the most beautiful countryside on offer. Click on any of the photos or go to https://www.trackandtrail.uk
