Does Leave No Trace apply in the UK or is it just for American wilderness?

It applies, but with caveats. The core mindset of minimising your impact is universal, but some principles don't translate well since Britain's countryside is managed, privately owned, and shaped by centuries of human activity rather than pristine wilderness.

How far away from water should I dig a cathole for human waste?

Where local rules allow and the soil is suitable, use a cathole 15–20 centimetres deep and at least 60 metres from water, trails, and campsites. In high-use, sensitive, rocky, or waterlogged places, pack it out or follow site-specific guidance instead.

Are campfires allowed under Leave No Trace principles?

Leave No Trace doesn't ban fires outright, but local law, byelaws, landowner rules, or dry-weather restrictions may. Fires scar ground and can escape, so check the rules and use a camping stove instead.

Respect the Countryside

Leave No Trace

Leave No Trace is a set of outdoor ethics designed to minimise human impact on wild places — plan ahead, stay on trail, pack out rubbish, leave what you find, minimise campfire impact, respect wildlife, and be considerate of others. It originated in American wilderness but translates unevenly to Britain's managed countryside.

8 August 20267 min read