Regulations United Kingdom Whitbarrow National Nature Reserve
Chapel Head Scar
Climbing
Regulations on 31 October 2026
Signs at the site and later resolutions prevail; check the source.
The position marks the site rather than the extent of the rule.
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Voluntary closure
Climbing · 1 Mar to 30 Jun
Not in force on 31 October 2026
Restrictions apply from 1 March - 30 June.
Reason: Nesting Birds
Signed restriction for nesting peregrine, applies to the whole crag. This pair of birds are well established having nested successfully on the crag for a number of years. Nesting peregrines have been seen in 2026,
As always, the nest site will be monitored and the restriction lifted if the young birds fledge early - this page will be kept updated as soon as any additional information is received from those monitoring the site which might change the details of the restriction.
Published by BMC, 7 Jul 2026 · Chapel Head Scar
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Voluntary closure
Climbing · All year
In force on 31 October 2026
The crag lies within a National Nature Reserve and is an important area of SSSI semi-ancient woodland with Special Protection Area (SPA) status. The Lake District National Park Authority (responsible for managing recreation at Chapel Head) and the BMC have worked closely together to develop the following good practice guidelines which should be followed by all climbers visiting the crag:
- - No access to cliffs north of central gully.
- - Please do not remove ivy or damage trees along crag base.
[…]
Sectors:
- Cliffs north of central gully
Published by BMC, 7 Jul 2026 · Chapel Head Scar
In Lake District National Park; In Whitbarrow National Nature Reserve
Regulated zone
Lake District National Park
These hold everywhere inside the boundary, whether or not a site is marked.
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Permit required
Camping & bivouac · All year
In force on 31 October 2026
Wild camping
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Camping away from an organised campsite is called wild camping. Legally wherever you camp you must have the permission of a landowner to camp on their land, though there is a tradition of wild camping in the Lake District.
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Camping in car parks or on roadside verges is not allowed.
As the National Park Authority we do not have the power to allow camping on private land and we do not permit camping on the land that we own.
Wherever you pitch, please remember that the landowners or their representatives have the legal right to order you to break camp and move on.
Published by Lake District National Park Authority · Lake District National Park - Wild camping
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Regulated
Camping & bivouac · All year
In force on 31 October 2026
Byelaws for Car Parking
made under section 90 sub-section (1) and (5) of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by the Lake District National Park Authority with respect to lands owned or occupied as parking places.
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CAMPING
No person shall on the land, without the consent of the Authority, erect a tent or use any vehicle, including a caravan, or any other structure for the purpose of camping, except on any area which may be set apart and indicated by notice as a place where camping is permitted.
Published by Lake District National Park Authority, 16 Jul 1998 · Lake District National Park Authority Byelaws for Car Parking
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Regulated
Camping & bivouac · All year
In force on 31 October 2026
If you do decide wild camping is for you...
Stay out of sight and for only one night
A wild camp pitch must be above the highest fell wall (approximately 400m or 1200 feet high) and shouldn't be noticed by anybody else. This means staying away from any buildings or other wild campers. Don't camp next to streams or springs to avoid contaminating the water. Arrive late in the day (dusk) and move on at dawn.
Keep your group small and be prepared to change your plans
Wild camping locations are well away from towns, villages and lakeshores and are completely inconspicuous. If there are two tents already in your spot, you'll need to move on – these special places cannot sustain large numbers of campers.
Wild camp, don't fly camp
If your planned pitch is not above the highest fell wall this is fly camping - not wild camping. The only places you can camp in valleys, by lakeshores or in lowland areas are on official campsites.
Published by National Trust · Wild camping in the Lake District