Camping in Ashwick

Ashwick sits within the Mendip Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of limestone grassland, ancient woodland and old quarry workings, which makes for attractive but sometimes rugged walking and camping country. It is worth being clear from the outset that wild camping without the landowner's permission is illegal in England, including here in Somerset, so any camping trip to the Ashwick area should be based at a proper campsite or with a landowner's explicit agreement, rather than pitching up informally on the hills or in woodland.

That said, the wider Mendip Hills and east Somerset area has a good spread of campsites and glamping options within a short drive of Ashwick, from simple farm-based camping fields to more developed sites with facilities near Shepton Mallet and the surrounding villages. The terrain around Ashwick itself is hilly and wooded in places, with old quarry land near Gurney Slade and gently rolling countryside towards Oakhill, so it suits those who enjoy walking as much as pitching a tent. Surface water can be limited on the higher ground, so it is worth carrying your own water if you are exploring further into the hills on foot.

Spring through early autumn is the most comfortable season for camping here, when the ground is drier and the days long enough for decent stretches of walking around the Mendips. Summer weekends can see nearby sites busier, particularly around events at Shepton Mallet and the Bath and West Showground, so booking ahead is worthwhile in peak months. Winter camping is possible but the exposed limestone hills can be cold, wet and muddy, better suited to experienced campers with the right kit. For those who prefer a bit more comfort, glamping options such as bell tents, shepherd's huts and pods have become more common across the Mendip Hills and east Somerset in recent years, offering a good compromise between being out in the countryside and having a proper bed and heating close at hand after a day on the hills.