What are the 7 Leave No Trace principles?

1. Plan ahead and prepare. 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3. Dispose of waste properly. 4. Leave what you find. 5. Minimise campfire impacts. 6. Respect wildlife. 7. Be considerate of other visitors. These principles apply to all UK outdoor activities.

How do I deal with human waste in the hills?

Dig a cat hole 15cm deep, at least 50m from water, paths and campsites. Do your business, then fill and disguise the hole. Carry out toilet paper in a sealed bag — it does not decompose quickly. In sensitive environments or snow, use WAG bags and carry everything out.

Can I have a campfire?

In most UK upland areas, campfires are discouraged or prohibited due to fire risk and peat damage. Use a stove instead. If fires are permitted, use an existing fire ring, keep fires small, burn only dead wood found on the ground, and ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving. Never leave a fire unattended.

How much waste does a camping trip produce?

With good planning, a camping trip should produce very little waste. Repackage food at home to reduce packaging by 50-70%. Dehydrated meals produce minimal waste. On average, budget 0.3-0.5kg of unavoidable waste per person per day. All of this must be carried out with you.

CampCalcs

Leave No Trace Calculator

Calculate waste management needs and Leave No Trace requirements for your group.

Group Size

Trip Days

Meals per Day

Environment

How We Calculate This

Waste Estimation

Packaging waste = Group size x Days x 0.5kg/person/day

Waste bags needed = (Days x 1.5) + 1 spare

Human Waste

Cat holes: 15cm deep, 50m from water. Pack out toilet paper. In sensitive areas, use WAG bags.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify conditions and use proper safety equipment outdoors.