The OLPRO Rambling Blog — Roadtrips
OLPRO's New Tree Planting Initiative
On 5th October we are launching the pre-orders for our new 2021 range of major outdoor leisure products, along with a pledge to plant one tree for each product sold.
The Key Rules to Wild Camping
Wild camping is sleeping outdoors pretty much anywhere other than a campsite. This can be done in a tent and is ideally done quite far away from any roads or buildings.
It's the perfect way to escape from the stresses of everyday life whilst also exploring the wonderful scenery of this world.
However, there are some rules that you have to follow if you are to have a successful and safe trip. Here are the ones that we feel you should be aware of:
- Firstly, you have to follow the Outdoor Access Code. You have to make sure that you leave no traceof where you have camped and also make sure that you don’t disturb other people or wildlifewhilst you’re there. Also make sure that you don’t dig ditches, trample on plants or move rocks.
- Secondly, know where you’re going. It’s not as simple to just pick up your tent and head off- wild camping is allowed in most of Scotland (some restrictions apply near Loch Lomond) and on Dartmoor in Devon, but currently it is technicallyillegal elsewhere in England and Wales without the landowner’s consent.Consequently, if you want to travel to areas like the Lake District, responsible wild camping in certain places on higher ground istolerated.
- Another tip to know about is that you should pitch your tent up as late at night as possible and then pack up again as early as you can the next day.
- You shouldn’t stay in the same place for any longer than a night or two.
- You should also pay attention to ‘no camping’ signs, you should keep it to a small group and also look for a site that is flat andsheltered from the wind.
- You should always stay well clear of pitching up in fieldsthat have crops or grazing livestockinside.
- When people pack to go camping they often pack a lot of luxury items, however, you really only need atent, a sleeping bag, a sleeping mat, some kind of cooking gear, food, a water bottle, a torch, your smartphone and a rucksack. Anything else is just a luxury.
- It’s always a bonus if you can choose a tent with a colour that blends well with the scenery. If you check out our shop you will be able to find lots of different tents that do this perfectly- maybe try having a look at our Pioneer tent in particular.
- You should also try to avoid lighting a fire, even if you can tell that other people have done so. The landowner may find this extremely disrespectful so it’s best to just stick to your camping stove and put more layers on if you're cold.
- It is important to leave the site as you found it. As well as packing up your own litter, try taking away any you came across whilst you were there too.
- Finally, before heading off, you should always let someone know roughly where you will be and when you’re expected to be back.
Happy camping everyone!
Reasons to enjoy the outdoors this Autumn
There are so many reasons to enjoy the outdoors this Autumn, from the golden glow of your surroundings to the starry nights and frosty mornings. Here’s just some of our favourite reasons:
Spectacular sunsets
The days get shorter a lot more quickly during the Autumn and the sun starts to hover a lot more lower in the sky. It’s during this season that evenings become a lot more crisp which helps to create some spectacular sunsets. A roadtrip in a campervan is made all the more exciting when travelling to the sight of a glowing sunset.
Bustling wildlife...
Autumn is a hive of wildlife activity, from squirrels running freely to birds migrating in impressive numbers. If you’re a keen lover of wildlife activity then you really can’t beat camping during the Autumn. If you really want to get in amongst the wildlife then it might be worth preparing your wellie boots, your binoculars and setting a route that’s off the beaten track.
… But fewer insect bites!
Eurgh, we all hate that moment when we know we’ve been bitten by an insect. Fortunately, as the weather gets colder, you can expect to see less of the annoying flying insects.
Smaller crowds
Obviously, as a result of the COVID pandemic, we’re living in times where it’s best to avoid crowds of people you haven’t met before. So camping during the Autumn is an ideal time to avoid those bustling summer crowds and instead enjoy the tranquillity of a quieter campsite. It’s during the Autumn months that you’ll be more likely to hear the birds chirping, the leaves rustling or maybe just beautiful sound of silence.
Enjoy the midday warmth in beautiful surroundings
During Autumn, you can still enjoy those warmer days but without the unbearably hot and uncomfortable nights that you sometimes get during Summer. While the Autumn nights can become chilly, it does give you the perfect excuse to get the campfire going and to search the cupboards for those marshmallows you’ve been saving.
Opportunity to use pretty lighting on your set up
The darker evenings means more opportunity to get settled in for the evening with a lovely lighting set up. For many, this is also an opportunity to get out the Christmas fairy lights and check that they’re all still working before they go on the Christmas tree later in the year… exciting times!
Safest English campsites for post-lockdown
