A new craze that is sweeping the more daring among us is extreme camping; simply put, your pitch is neither grass nor hardstanding – it’s hanging in mid air.
The Bavarian Alps is one such place where extreme campers can enjoy the majestic views of the surrounding landscape from their sleeping bags. At Waldseilgarten-Hollschlucht, an outdoor activity park in Pfronten, tents or ‘portaledges’ made from a metal frame covered with a fabric platform, are hung from tree branches and accessed by a rope. Campers can settle down after a meal and while away the night accompanied by a peaceful floating sensation.
Alternatively, you can opt for an experience that many climbers will be familiar with. A day’s climb carrying only the bare essentials is followed by a night on the side of a cliff. Suspended up to 2000 metres above ground level, you can sleep against the rock face and wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the mountains. For those less sure of their comfort with heights, cliff platforms at 100-300 metres high can be used.
Those braving an adventure night receive rope climbing training and are taught useful skills for rock climbing and hiking. The nearest shower is a local waterfall – a cool and refreshing experience after a night in the air.
Closer to home and a little more comfy is the tree tent at the Secret Campsite in Sussex. The first of its kind in the UK, this tent is situated on the edge of a wood and can be rented out for several nights. Inside are two single beds, a small gas hob and some kitchen utensils – perfect for a cosy weekend away.
Author
Rob Fearn
Editor - Alan Rogers Guides
Rob is the General Manager at Alan Rogers Travel Group, he is responsible for the ongoing development of the Alan Rogers website and publication of the Alan Rogers Guides.
He has been involved in the leisure industry since completing a BTEC in Travel & Tourism in 1993. Previous roles have included the promotion of tourism in Yorkshire and running a motorcycle touring company in the Australian Outback.