A forest ranger has shared his number one packing essential for anyone heading on a camping trip in the UK: comfortable socks. Gerry O’Brien, a forest ranger at the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, says keeping feet warm is crucial for enjoying the outdoors.
“If your feet get cold, the rest of you is going to be cold as well,” O’Brien told the Mirror. He advises bringing appropriate clothing for the time of year but being prepared for Britain’s unpredictable weather. His tip is part of a wider guide to making the most of a camping or woodland stay.
O’Brien also suggests not overplanning itineraries. “It’s great to pre-plan activities, but it’s good to weave in some non-scripted time because that’s often when you find the magic.” He recommends stopping to sit in the forest, putting your phone on do not disturb, and tapping into your inner child with activities like scavenger hunts or building fairy houses.
For those who prefer a cabin, Forest Holidays offers lodges and treehouses with hot tubs in the Forest of Dean, while Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk provide further accommodation options. The key takeaway, however, remains the humble sock: “Pack comfortable socks,” says O’Brien.
