Them:
Given wild camping is illegal in Wales, and campsites can get booked up, where are we meant to camp or are the interim camp sights included in the email sent to participants?
Me:
You're correct that wildcamping is illegal in Wales Jane. However it's something that happens and is often tolerated if people do it sensibly and in adherence with the 'leave no trace' ethos. It's perhaps also something which for many is an integral and accepted part of bikepacking. Obviously people could decide not to camp and instead use B&B, pubs, etc. No overnight details are given and people are expected to use their own judgement.
Them:
oh I aren’t confused or unsure at all. I am simply concerned about the illegality of wild camping and an event encouraging illegal activity. It would be good if you supported camp sites by having camping at a proper camp site, e.g. by reaching a deal with certain camp sites for people to camp there at the event. After all, camp site owners need to make a living. For the record, I do NOT own a camp sites
Me:
In that case Jane, I hope you have a wide brush because you'll need to tar most bikepacking events with it.
People are free to spend their nights where they choose. That may be wild camping or a 5 star hotel. In 14 years, I don't recall that we've ever had an issue and most people seem happy for us to not only pour money into the coffers of the Air Ambulance but also local shops, cafes, pubs and even campsites. Perhaps also worth voicing your concerns to the many wildcamping fb pages and their thousands of members plus the monthly outdoor magazines such as TGO and Trail and perhaps the board of DoE too.
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