Sleeping and Shelter: The Basics of a Bothy Night

A bothy is a roof, four walls and often little else. That's the joy of it, but it means your sleep system has to work hard. In the Lake District, even a summer night can bite, and bothy floors or wooden platforms are cold and unforgiving. Pack a sleeping bag rated for at least three seasons — comfort limit around 0°C or lower. A down bag saves weight, but a synthetic one copes better with damp. Add an insulated sleeping mat with a decent R-value (3.0 or above). Closed-cell foam is bombproof; an inflatable is comfier. A pillow is a luxury, but a stuff sack filled with spare clothes works.

Midges are the Lake District's unofficial welcoming committee. Between May and September, a head net and a small bottle of repellent are worth their weight. A candle lantern or a few tea lights add cheer, but check for fire restrictions. Some bothies have a fireplace; many don't. Don't rely on either.

Cooking and Drinking: Fuel for the Journey

You need a stove, fuel and a lighter or matches. A small gas or liquid-fuel stove is ideal. Check fuel levels before you leave — a bothy won't have a shop. A windshield helps in exposed spots. One pot, a spork and a mug cover most meals. Food should be high-energy, lightweight and easy to cook. Oats, pasta, couscous, noodles, nuts, dried fruit and chocolate are bothy classics. Bring a little extra — a hot drink and a snack for the morning.

Water is usually from a stream or tarn. In the Lake District, that water looks clean but can carry bugs. A filter, purification tablets or a UV pen are sensible. Boiling works too, but uses fuel. Carry at least a litre with you, and fill up before you settle in.

Clothing and Kit for Fell and Swim

Lake District weather changes fast. Layering is everything. Start with a wicking base layer, add a fleece or synthetic mid-layer, and carry a waterproof shell and trousers. Boots should be broken in and grippy. Wool socks and a spare pair. A hat and gloves live in your pack year-round.

Wild swimming is a highlight of any bothy trip. Pack a swimsuit, a quick-dry towel, and a dry bag for wet kit. If you're swimming in a tarn or lake, neoprene socks or a wetsuit shortie make a difference in cooler months. A changing mat or a large microfibre towel gives you a dry spot. Never swim alone, and check for blue-green algae in summer.

Other essentials:

• Headtorch with spare batteries
• First aid kit
• Map and compass (plus a GPS if you like)
• Small repair kit for your mat or stove

The Bothy Code: Leave It Cleaner Than You Found It

This is non-negotiable. Bothies are free, open shelters maintained by volunteers. They survive on respect. Pack out all your rubbish — every wrapper, every tea bag, every bit of food. Don't burn plastic or foil. If there's a bin, it's a trap; never use it. Bring a bin bag and carry it out.

Leave the bothy cleaner than you found it. Sweep the floor, wipe the surfaces, and stack any leftover firewood. If you brought in a log, leave it if it's dry. Don't leave food — it attracts mice and rats. Use the designated toilet area or dig a hole well away from water. Bury human waste 30cm deep and carry out toilet paper in a bag. Yes, really.

Packing Your Rucksack: Weight, Weather and Wisdom

Your rucksack should be comfortable and around 50-65 litres for an overnight. Pack heavy items close to your back and high. Use dry bags or a rucksack liner — bothies can be damp. Keep your sleeping bag and spare clothes in separate dry bags.

Check the forecast but prepare for worse. A bothy trip is about simplicity, but a few small items make a big difference: a sit mat, a small trowel, a spare lighter, and a notebook and pencil for the bothy log. Many bothies have a visitors' book — write your story.

Finally, tell someone your route and expected return. Mobile signal is patchy in the fells. A personal locator beacon is a wise investment for remote trips. Then go, enjoy the quiet, swim in a tarn, and leave only footprints.