6 Peaks That Make Great Autumn Wild Camps

Autumn is a brilliant time for wild camping in the hills. The midges have vanished, the colours are turning, and the cooler temperatures make for quieter summits and more comfortable nights. You might need to pack a warmer bag and keep a closer eye on the forecast, but the reward is a peaceful night high above the valleys  with golden sunsets and misty sunrises that summer campers rarely see.

Here are six peaks that combine scenic value with viable wild camping spots. These aren’t just great hills they’re also practical choices, with either flat areas near the summit or sheltered corries nearby. All six can be reached in a few hours, making them ideal for overnight escapes that don’t require multi-day logistics.

1. Ingleborough

Yorkshire Dales – 723 m

One of the Dales’ finest peaks, Ingleborough has a broad, flat summit plateau that lends itself to camping particularly just below the top where the wind is less punishing. The classic approach from Clapham offers a varied walk in and good water access lower down. At dawn, you’ll get an open view over the limestone country and the Three Peaks landscape.

2. Beinn a’ Chròin

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs – 942 m

Tucked away from the busier routes, Beinn a’ Chròin offers a more secluded feel. Its ridgeline has undulating grassy ground with a few flatter patches perfect for a pitch. The approach via Inverlochlarig is quiet and atmospheric, and with the right light, the view down Glen Falloch in autumn is unbeatable.

3. Rhinog Fawr

Snowdonia – 720 m

If you’re after rugged, wild terrain with a sense of true remoteness, Rhinog Fawr delivers. It’s rocky, steep in places, and feels far more isolated than its modest height suggests. A small, grassy hollow near Llyn Du below the summit provides an ideal camping spot sheltered and stunning, especially in early morning light.

4. The Cheviot

Northumberland – 815 m

Wide, boggy in parts, but undeniably atmospheric, The Cheviot is a great choice for a quiet wild camp. While the summit itself is less inspiring, the flatter areas around Auchope Cairn or the Hen Hole offer better pitch spots, with water sources and expansive views across the Border ridge. It’s a big sky kind of place, perfect in crisp, clear conditions.

5. Stac Pollaidh

Northwest Highlands – 612 m

It’s hard to find a more dramatic landscape for a short overnight. Though the summit itself is too rocky, the grassy area just below the ridge has space for a well-placed bivvy or tent. The payoff? Sunset over Suilven and a direct view down to Loch Lurgainn. The climb is short but steep perfect for carrying in gear over a couple of hours before dusk.

6. Carn an Fhidhleir (Carn Ealar)

Cairngorms – 994 m

Far less visited than the better-known Cairngorm giants, this Munro offers solitude and a surprisingly flat summit area ideal for a tent. The plateau is broad and grassy, and the surrounding views are empty and vast. Reachable via Glen Feshie, it feels far out,  but not inaccessible. In autumn, the contrast of low sun and open moorland is unforgettable.

Tips for Autumn Wild Camping in the Hills

• Light: Sunset can be early and sudden in the hills. Plan to pitch well before dark.
  
  
• Warmth: Overnight temperatures can drop below freezing by mid-October, even if the days are mild. A three-season sleeping bag and insulated mat are essential.
  
  
• Navigation: Fog and early morning clag are common always carry map, compass, and/or GPS.
  
  
• Water: Many high-level water sources slow to a trickle in autumn. Identify reliable burns or carry in extra from lower down.
  
  
• Leave No Trace: Pitch late, leave early, and pack everything out especially at popular hills where visibility matters.
  
  

Summary

Wild camping in October can feel like you’ve got the hills to yourself, just you, the silence, and a starlit sky. These peaks offer a perfect mix of drama and practicality, making them great choices for anyone looking to stretch summer’s freedom a little longer. With the right kit and a good weather window, there’s no better way to say goodbye to the hiking season.

Photo by Roving Wanders on Unsplash