First time hammocker

[whobiggs]

Hi, I've camped and bivvied for many years but am new to hammocking and so far really struggled to find places near me to do it. It was easy enough to find a bivvy spot behind a hedge but suitable trees and undergrowth is frustrating me. I live in the Derbyshire Dales and really expected to find it easier round here, do you have any tips for locating or identifying good spots? I don't even mind using camp sites but I've yet to find one.

 

[C_Claycomb]

Tensahedron Hammock Stand!

Regarding finding places, it might be interesting to read the latter portion of this thread as a gauge of folks' views on just finding quiet spots.

Farmer sprays cyclist wild camper.

Agreed.

bushcraftuk.com

My own experience has been that steep hillside locations often have trees and hammocks work there. The reality though is that hammocks in the UK are not really good unless you have a known regular location that you have permission to use. It is hard to find campsites, or sites along a trail, where a hammock will work more conveniently than a small tent or ground tarp.

Hammocks were popularised by folk doing the Appalachian trail, lots of forest, lots of hills, not many flat spots. Also, at a time that tents were heavier. The Eastern US has some nasty spiders, snakes, ticks and other bugs, and high summer humidity, so again hammocks could be nicer than an open tarp on the ground. Very different from our open hills.

I love my hammock, but I recognise it has limitations. It was great in the forest of Norway and Sweden, and of course in the jungle, but was something of a PITA in the western USA unless I was in a forested area, when it became great again.

 

[Broch]

I concur - good hammock spots are more difficult to find than good tarp/bivvy spots in most of the UK. Having said that, most bushcraft 'meets' are in or near woodland; maybe see what's going on in your area and get involved with a group?

Welcome to the forum BTW

 

[Ystranc]

Perfect if you’re below the tree line in Scotland. I use one in my own woodland in Wales and I find it extremely comfortable.

 

[demented dale]

Perfect if you’re below the tree line in Scotland. I use one in my own woodland in Wales and I find it extremely comfortable.

welcome. no trees in derbyshire when I was there, try sherwood forest next door or go to the bushmoot lots of hammock options there. x

 

[John Fenna]

Hello and welcome - persevere hammocks are worth it!

 

[Watch-keeper]

Hello
I'm in the persevere with your hammock camp, I find them very comfortable if you can find somewhere to hang it, and if you can't, just use your tarp and sleep on the ground.