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eazy-group · 10 months

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Wild Camping Wales: Beginners Guide

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Wild Camping Wales: Beginners Guide

Wales offers some of the most magnificent and diverse landscapes in the UK. From the rugged mountainous peaks of Snowdonia to the rolling hills of Brecon Beacons and the beautiful shores of Pembrokeshire, there is a high chance that you will find a nature destination that suits your camping skills and preferences. It’s ideal whether you enjoy adrenaline-packed adventures or seek respite from your daily hustle.

However, before setting off for Wales, you must equip yourself with the essential information for a safe, unforgettable, and meaningful outdoor experience. Let’s begin by setting the right expectations, getting the right timing for your trip, and pointing you to the best places to pitch wild camping tents.

This article will also enlighten you on topics that novice wild campers should know about this country and its views towards explorers like you.

What is wild camping in Wales like?

Like most of the UK, wild camping in Wales requires careful planning and preparation. The law forbids this pursuit, but the great thing is that many locals tolerate it, provided that the landowner has requested and granted permission. All wild campers are also expected to remain discreet, leave no trace, and show respect to everyone and everything around them.

If you abide by these rules, you will indeed have a memorable time in Wales. Your efforts shall be rewarded with stunning views of the national parks—each promising something extraordinary for campers from all walks of life. You can also engage in various outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, cycling, or swimming. Nature lovers shall get their fill with the dynamic ecosystem of flora and fauna, a few of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

When should I go wild camping in Wales?

There is no definitive answer because the best time for Wales wild camping depends on your preferences and skill level. External factors, such as the weather and crowd volume, will likely influence your decision, too. For instance, to avoid the rush of tourists and campers during the summer months, many veteran campers brave the Welsh winter months for a challenge and solitude.

In the case of beginner campers like you, we recommend heading to Wales with your wild camping gear either during spring or autumn. Spring is the best time for anyone who loves birds or photography because of the thousands of migratory animals in the area.

Meanwhile, autumn is perfect for those wishing to admire the surrounding forests’ changing colours. Regardless of your choice, note that the weather during these seasons tends to be unpredictable, so be sure to research and prepare well for the trip.

Where to wild camp in Wales

The early stages of planning a wild camping adventure centres around your chosen spot. Therefore, it is critical to get this right so as to ensure the overall success of your holiday out in the wild. To give you a head start on this, we are going to discuss below the places where wild campers are welcome in Wales.

The best wild camping spots in Wales

If you are yearning to discover the natural beauty of Wales, the following sections will give you a brief rundown of the best wild camping spots in the different regions of this country.

Aside from popular destinations in the mountains or by the beach, we will also share some of the hidden gems in its distant valleys and crystal-clear lakes. Check out each potential destination and evaluate which will best match your dream outdoor escapade in Wales.

Wild camping Wales map

In case you need a quick reference while researching the best places for wild camping in Wales, the map below will prove useful in showing you where our recommended places are:

Again, while we can vouch for how captivating and exhilarating these destinations are, remember that you must seek the permission of the landowner first before packing your gear and setting camp there. By doing so, you won’t feel worried about breaking the law and being driven away from these fantastic wild camping spots in Wales.

Wild camping north Wales

North Wales has numerous attractions for avid campers. If you are into outdoor adventures, you will surely enjoy taking on the challenge posed by the majestic mountains of Snowdonia National Park. Aside from hiking and climbing, you can admire the scenery with a dash of thrill by doing the zipline. Watersports enthusiasts will also blast on its beaches, where you can kayak, surf, or try coasteering.

In addition to helping you reconnect with nature, exploring north Wales is an excellent opportunity to learn about its rich and diverse heritage. There are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some old mining towns where you can ride steam trains or browse the museums. For those who want to stay close to the sea, you may visit the Victorian seaside resorts featuring classical piers and amusement parks.

Wild camping north east Wales

The north east region of Wales consists of the principal areas of Denbighshire, Flintshire, and Wrexham County Borough. It has lush forests, tranquil lakes, and beautiful valleys—some of which are wonderfully secluded and serene. It is also home to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, the longest and highest canal aqueduct in the world.

The best places to wild camp in north east Wales can be found along the River Dee. We recommend this area particularly to anglers because you can fish to your heart’s content as the waters there are teeming with trout, grayling, and salmon. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars so you will not miss out on indigenous wildlife, such as kingfishers or otters.

Wild camping north west Wales

North west Wales encompasses the counties of Conwy, Gwynedd and the Isle of Anglesey. The latter is the largest island in Wales and houses several places of natural beauty and historical significance. It’s a highly recommended wild camping spot in Wales because of its wide range of activities. We enjoyed pitching our tents in Presaddfed, Ad Astra, and Ty Croes.

If you’re into quirky things, add to your itinerary a visit to the village with the longest name in Europe: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogoch.

A trip to north west Wales will not be complete without seeing Caernarfon Castle. It is one of the most well-preserved medieval castles in the country. Built in the 13th century by King Edward I, the castle now stands as a World Heritage Site along with the other castles of Beaumaris, Conwy, and Harlech.

If you’re more interested in nature, though, Snowdonia is your ideal wild camping destination. This national park features Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England, and magnificent waterfalls and lakes.

Wild camping central Wales

Ceredigion and Powys make up the central area of Wales. Wild camping there will likely take you to the Brecon Beacons, one of the country’s three national parks. At over 800 square kilometres, this popular camping destination is dotted with mountains, moorlands, and caves.

As you explore the area, you may meet some indigenous wildlife there—for example, wild ponies or red kites. The park itself welcomes campers, but some are outside but adjacent, such as the Aberbran Fawr, Brynglas Retreat, and Camping Wild Wales.

If you prefer going through historic towns, Powys is the right choice. It has market towns that also feature ancient castles, and if you time your trip right, you might also experience their festivals. Another option from our recommended stops in that county is the Offa’s Dyke Path, which marks the border between Wales and England.

Wild camping in southern Wales

Southern Wales spans from the Bristol Channel and the English border in the east up to the Welsh coast on the other side. A part of the Brecon Beacons lies in this region so that you will have plenty of space for your wild camping adventures. In addition, we also suggest visiting the valleys of Wye and the Usk, as well as the Gower Peninsula.

Other popular tourist attractions in southern Wales include the Tintern Abbey and Cardiff Castle, which offers different tours and events throughout the year. Those who want to learn more about the history and culture of the locals should also check out the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon. This will take you underground and give you a nice overview of what it is like to be a coal miner.

Wild camping south east Wales

This highly urbanised region in Wales consists of Mid Glamorgan, South Glamorgan, and Gwent. You can also find here the cities of Cardiff and Newport. Our favourite camping spots in south east Wales are in Cwmcarn Forest, only a few miles from the Cardiff and the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. Many campers travel here every year because it is an excellent site for nature walks and mountain biking.

If you want to try camping with a campervan, the Heritage Coast Campsite is a good option to consider. It is close to the beautiful beaches and cliffs in south east Wales. You can also use it as a base for going on day trips to the markets of the nearby town of Llantwit Major.

Wild camping south west Wales

The south west part of Wales covers the counties of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. This top wild camping destination is popular because this is where you can find the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only coastal national park in the UK. Other famous attractions in this region are the rolling hills of the Preseli Mountains and the Gower Peninsula, which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Influenced by Celtic, Norman, and Viking settlers, south west Wales is a great destination for those who wish to learn more about Welsh art, literature, and music. Some famous historical structures include the Pembroke Castle—the first home of King Henry VII—and the Kidwelly Castle, which gained some fame after featuring in a Monty Python film.

Wild camping in west Wales

West Wales offers numerous opportunities for a thrilling wild camping adventure. This region encompasses the counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and certain parts of the Neath Port Talbot and Swansea. Any of these locations is a prime destination for any outdoor lover, history buffs, or culture aficionados.

Ceredigion, which covers most of the coastal parts of the region, is perfect for those who want to admire the clear seas and hidden coves in the area. Exploring the shorelines will allow you to spot dolphins and seals, among others. Along the way, you can visit some seaside towns, such as Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, and New Quay, where you can shop and taste some of the best examples of Welsh cuisine.

Wild camping in east Wales

Many people associate east Wales with its capital and the largest city in the country, Cardiff. However, there is so much more to this region. It also features various campsites that will suit the tastes and preferences of a wide range of campers. Whether you want to try wild camping, motorhome camping, or beach camping, you will surely find an excellent location to set up as your base for exploring the rest of east Wales.

In terms of history and culture, this region has some of the most iconic sights. For example, the Tintern Abbey is a 12th-century ruin whose beauty and atmosphere have been immortalised by William Wordsworth’s poem. East Wales is also home to the Caerphilly Castle, the largest of its kind in the country. Built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, it has drawn the interest of numerous visitors with its leaning tower and siege engines.

Wild coastal camping Wales

The Welsh coastline is one of the best ways to experience the magnificence and diversity of nature while staying away from the crowd. It should be noted that wild camping near the coast is considered illegal in Wales. However, you can still do it as long as you have the landowner’s permission and you follow the golden rules of wild camping.

There is no shortage of amazing wild camping spots in the coastal areas of Wales. Our favourite is on Porth Lago on the Llyen Peninsula. This is a secluded and peaceful cover on the northern part of the peninsula. We love its crystal clear waters, sandy beaches, and rocky cliffs. There is an area above the beach with grassy slopes—perfect for pitching a tent and admiring the views of the sea and the surrounding islands.

Wild coastal camping path in Wales

The Wales Coast Path is the world’s first uninterrupted coastal walking route. With more than 1,350 kilometres, it covers many picturesque landscapes in the country. From stunning beaches to interesting cliffs and lush woodlands, this coastal camping path has plenty to offer, so you will likely keep coming back to discover all its wonders.

Many campers consider the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park the best section of the coastal path. It opens to the Atlantic Ocean and different islands that serve as home to diverse wildlife. As you explore the area, you will also find hidden caves and tranquil coves.

Wild camping north Wales coast

The north Wales coast offers an adventurous way of experiencing the region’s stunning scenery and rich history. Expect it to be filled with lovely views of the ocean and rock formations that will spark your curiosity and imagination. It also has some historical sites, the most fascinating of which is the submerged forest at Marros Beach from 13,000 years ago.

The marine life in the north Wales coast is a must-see for all visitors. In Tremadog Bay, you will find the leatherback turtle during summertime. This critically endangered animal can grow up to one or two metres long and weigh up to a tonne. Other wildlife in the area include dolphins, porpoises, whales, and seals.

Wild camping south Wales coast

Though the south coast is also part of the Wales Coast Path, it has a more urban and modern feel than its northern counterpart. That’s because it covers the shores of cities like Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport. It also runs through the valleys that used to be at the centre of the coal mining industry in the country.

The climate on the south Wales coast is on the milder side because of the Gulf Steam and the Bristol Channel. Nevertheless, it still experiences high rainfalls and the occasional storms and floods during certain parts of the year. Therefore, remember to pack your reliable camping gear and check out the weather before pursuing your plans to wild camp near the Welsh coasts.

Wild camping on Wales beach

We encourage everyone to try wild camping on the beaches of Wales. The views of the ocean can leave you speechless, while its collection of historical and cultural hotspots will widen your perspective and enhance your appreciation of the country. Technically, Welsh beaches are off-limits for wild camping. However, as long as you have the permit of the property owner and you don’t do anything to harm the surroundings or the locals, you can plan a camping trip there and experience their unique charms.

Among the various choices available, the top picks among campers typically include the Porth Lago or Marros Beach in Carmarthenshire. If you enjoy surfing or travelling with your family, the Whitesands Bay in Pembrokeshire can also be a good option. We enjoyed the views of Ramsey Island and St. David’s Head while watching the sunset.

Start your camping adventure in Wales

We hope our guide for beginner campers has inspired you to explore the natural wonders of Wales and experience the highs when you wild camp in the UK. Yes, there are some rules and regulations that you need to abide by all the time. But with everything you will get in return for respecting the property owners and the environment, your careful preparation and responsible camping will be absolutely rewarded.

Wales has plenty of beautiful wild camping spots to help you realise your dream nature getaway. Whether you’re raring for a challenge or yearning to feel peace and harmony, this country will not leave you wanting. It offers the perfect combination of freedom, adventure, and connection with nature. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your outdoor essentials and prepare for an unforgettable wild camping experience in Wales!

FAQs about wild camping in Wales

Where is the best place to wild camp in Wales?

No single answer is guaranteed to be the best for everyone. That said, Wales offers plenty of wild camping destinations that may appeal to a wide variety of campers’ expectations and preferences. If we are going to base the answer on popularity, though, the national parks of Snowdonia and Brecon Beacons rank among the top. Pembrokeshire’s beautiful coastlines and beaches also draw in several tourists and locals every year.

Can you camp and sleep anywhere in Wales?

Generally speaking, neither camping nor sleeping anywhere is legally allowed in Wales. Fortunately, there are some exceptions that responsible wild campers take advantage of. They would get the landowner’s permission, but if that is not possible, some would pitch their tents in a remote spot, stay discreet, leave no trace, and move on quickly to their next destination to avoid disrupting the locals or the wildlife in a given area.

Can you be charged for wild camping in Wales?

That depends on how you handle the situation. If you have obtained the landowner’s express permission and did not cause any disturbance or damage to the surroundings, you can wild camp without worrying about being arrested or charged with a crime. However, if you fail to take the necessary steps, you will commit a civil offence of trespassing on private property. Repeated violators may be charged with aggravated trespassing, a criminal offence that can get you arrested and fined up to £2,500.

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#camper

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toughgirlchallenges · 1 year

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Rachael Crewesmith - One of only 46 female Winter Mountaineering Instructors (ever!), mountain bike, swim, run guide. Noisily taking up space in a male-dominated industry, bringing her peers along for the ride.

Join us as we dive into the captivating story of Rachael Crewesmith, an extraordinary mountaineer, rock climber, hill walker, and mountain bike guide. Discover how Rachael fearlessly defies boundaries in a male-dominated industry, taking on epic challenges and inspiring others along the way.

Rachael in her own words:

“I’m a mountaineer, rock climber, hill walker, mountain biker and occasional paddler. I divide my time between the sprawling Scottish Highlands and the compact but wild mountains of Snowdonia where I work as a mountaineering instructor and mountain bike guide.

I have ridden my bike across Nepal, round and round the Strathpuffer 24 hr endurance course and down the twisty, rooty trails of the forests of the Highlands. I have climbed up 100 Munroes (and counting), El Capitan in Yosemite, to 6000m in the Himalaya and up the north face of Ben Nevis. My favourite day out ever was climbing The Original Route on The Old Man of Hoy, on Orkney.

I’ve also spent time just travelling for travelling sake, especially in Asia. I visited Burma (Myanmar) at the same time as President Obama and witnessed the carnival of the first US state visit ever. I have walked across the living root bridges of Cherrapungee in north-eastern India and ridden the Darjeeling steam train. I have had dinner with the Nepali Army in Bhojpur and breakfast with the monks of north-eastern Thailand. I love coming home to the UK and realising just how amazing our diverse country is. From laverbread in South Wales to fresh mussels cooked in a jetboil on a Hebridean island, I love our country and all it has to offer.”

Get ready for an exciting month of July on the Tough Girl Podcast, as we shine a spotlight on women working in the outdoors. Sponsored by Land & Wave - join us as we delve into their stories, gain insights, and discover valuable tips from their incredible experiences.

Don't miss out on these empowering episodes released every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - hit the subscribe button and be part of the adventure!

Show notes

Who is Rachael

Working as an outdoor professional

Living in Llanberis in North Wales

Where her love of the mountains comes from

Being obsessed with hockey from a young age

Being inspired by her mum - who has previously swum the English Channel!

Having a year out between school and university

Spending time in Nepal and going to Everest Base Camp at 18

Meeting a boy who was into climbing

Joining the mountaineering club at Nottingham University

Why climbing didn’t come naturally to her

Studying archeology at university

Working as a hockey coach

Leaving university and getting a job at a climbing wall

Not having a plan in her career

Not knowing what she wanted to do

Becoming a Rock Climbing Instructor (RCI)

Following up and doing her Mountaineering Climbing Instructor (MCI)

Becoming a Mountain Leader (ML) and doing 40 qualifying days

Loving the variety of what she can do with her qualifications

The challenges of working in the outdoor industry

Making the transition to becoming a freelancer

Why it’s important to build connections and networks

Getting work

The advantages of being a women in the outdoors

Elitism in the industry

Observing other women working in the industry

Working with certain choice companies and what she’s looking for

Pay in the industry as a mountaineering instructor and mountain leader

Asking for more money and being paid what your worth

Favourite type of work to get

Remaining positive when dealing with miserable weather while out working

Professional enthusiasm!

Winter Mountain Leader Qualification

10% of Winter ML holders are female

Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI)

Women in Mountain Training Conference 2022

The importance of networking

Proximal Role Models - Rebecca Williams

Women’s Trad Festival

Irish Women’s Rock Festival

Advice for women who want to gain more qualifications

Dr. Will Hardy - completion rates of Mountain Leader Qualification

Bangor University and Mountain Training PhD - Developing excellence in outdoor provision: enhancing training pathways for outdoor qualifications.

Why you should practice with a variety of people

Tips for finding people to train with

Women in Mountain Training Facebook Page

Climbing the ‘Old Man of Hoy’ part of the Orkney archipelago off the north coast of Scotland.

What VS means in climbing - Very Severe

An explanation of traditional climbing grades

Balancing the job/work with your love/passion for the outdoors

Being able to pick and choose her work

Being a Trustee of Cam&Bear Fund for Adventure

How to connect with Rachael

Wanting to run the Welsh 3000ers in under 12 hrs

“Think big, start small, but do start”

Social Media

Website: rachcrewe.com

Instagram: @rachcrewe

Twitter: @rachcrewe

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rachael-crewesmith-75211530/

Check out this episode!

#podcast #women #sports #health #motivation #challenges #change #adventure #active #wellness #explore #grow #support #encourage #running #swimming #triathlon #exercise #weights

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areteoutdoorcentre · 1 year

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Mountain Walking Snowdonia

Arete Outdoor Centre in Snowdonia, North Wales, offers a range of guided mountain walking experiences for all skill levels. Here is some information on the mountain walking options they offer:

Snowdon Guided Walk: Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales and is a popular destination for walkers. Arete offers a guided walk to the summit of Snowdon, which takes around six hours and covers around 9 miles. The route taken will depend on the group's ability and the weather conditions.

Classic Mountain Walks: Arete also offers guided walks to other mountains in the Snowdonia National Park, such as Tryfan, Glyderau, and the Carneddau. These walks range in difficulty and duration, and can be tailored to the group's ability.

Navigation Training: Arete also offers navigation training for those who want to improve their skills in reading maps, using a compass, and other navigation techniques. This training is essential for anyone planning to go on mountain walks on their own.

Winter Skills: For those looking for a challenge, Arete offers winter skills training, which covers the skills necessary for winter mountaineering, such as using ice axes and crampons.

All guided walks are led by experienced and qualified guides who will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience. The guides will also provide you with information on the history, geology, and wildlife of the area.

#mountain walking snowdonia

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aconitum-napellus · 4 years

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Carneddau ponies in the wild winter snow. We walked from home in the thick snow to find this beautiful family struggling to graze through the snowfall. Near Llyn Dulyn, North Wales.

[Image description: four colour Instagram photos of a group of Carneddau ponies trying to graze near a stand of pine trees in about eight inches of snow.]

#Carneddau ponies #Image description #Wales #Cymru #Eryri #Snowdonia #Dulyn #Winter wonderland #Winter walks #Ponies #Horses #Wild horses #Conwy Valley

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lovewales · 5 years

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Moelwyn Mawr | by Jill Lewis

#Moelwyn Mawr #Wales #Snowdonia #Mountains #Landscapes #Outdoors #Winter #Photography #Gwynedd #UK #Cymru #LoveWales #Scenery #Nature #Hikes #Walks #Flickr #Jill Lewis

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beyondbarbican · 5 years

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Snowdonia in winter. Glyder Fawr.

#original #lensblr #original photographers #original photographs #wales #snowdonia #mountains #wonder #winter #snow #winter walk #mountaineering #adventure #crampons #nature #glyder #wanderlust

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anxioussilence · 5 years

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Over or under? Snowdon mountain railway bridge. On Snowdon. In Snowdonia. Staring hard at the screen and pretending I'm there. #Wales #NorthWales #snowdonia #Llanberis #Winter #Outdoors #Mountain #walking #road #travel #bridge #railway #transport #sunshine #peaceful #calm (at Snowdonia National Park) https://www.instagram.com/p/BztY_sLlrYC/?igshid=zkxeqozy1krp

#wales #northwales #snowdonia #llanberis #winter #outdoors #mountain #walking #road #travel #bridge #railway #transport #sunshine #peaceful #calm

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fisherken · 3 years

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A Mountain River by Petersrockypics Via Flickr: One of the many waterfalls and dip pools of the River/Afon Cwm Llan, to be seen when walking up Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon, via the Watkin path. As You can see in the photo, this section is steep. !! The path is one of the more scenic, yet strenuous of the walking routes up Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon, as it requires the largest gain in height, starting at an altitude of less than 60m it has over 1000m of climb. it was near this spot, that filming of the 1968 film, "Carry On Up The Khyber" was shot, as the Watkin Path was deemed to look like the real Khyber Pass in Afghanistan, moreso in winter when the vegetation has died back. Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri / Snowdonia National Park settings: F8 16mm (DX) 1/250 sec iso 100 cpl - Hoya Fusion 1 Nikon D5200 + 16-85mm Nikon NDSC0114

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alexmurison · 3 years

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Winter hiking in the Ogwen valley

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swissmissficrecs · 5 years

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Me again, What's out there best casefics? Thank you very much!!!

Reply: Here are a couple of older lists to start you off:

Long (50K+) high-rated casefics

Long, angsty casefics

Novella-length casefics (15-50K) - Part 1 / Part 2

And some newer casefics posted since:

2017by 7PercentSolution, J_Baillier (11K, T, Johnlock)Sherlock takes on a case that raises unexpected challenges, both professional and personal. Memories of times before John complicate matters.

A Society of Martlets by zmethos (26K, NR, Johnlock)The murder of two men who resemble Sherlock and John sets them on the trail of a secret organization.

a vein of frostby zingiber (58K, E, Johnlock, John/OFC)As winter falls over London, Sherlock finds himself struggling to cope with a five-year-old goddaughter, a bizarre series of holiday-themed murders, and a new woman in John's life.

In the Still of the Nightby SilentAuror (42K, E, Johnlock)As locals on the Northeastern coast begin to report UFO sightings, life at Baker Street becomes significantly awkward as John brings up his desire for more than friendship and Sherlock refuses him. They embark on the investigation from the confines of the tiny cottage Mycroft has rented for them, attempting to navigate both the clues of the case as well as their own inability to communicate...

Just to Hold You Close by sussexbound (70K, E, Johnlock)When a woman is murdered and the last person to see her alive is recently invalided army vet turned reluctant (and prickly) professional cuddler, John Watson, Sherlock Holmes is pulled into a world of intimacy and intrigue he never could have imagined. John is a conundrum and mystery: frank yet reserved, tender yet angry, open yet afraid. Sherlock is instantly drawn into his orbit, and begins to feel and desire things he never has before.

Mr. Psychopathby zingiber (80K, E, Johnlock)John's life unravels. Still reeling from the Magnussen case, he begins to question everything he thought he knew: his marriage, his child's safety, and his relationship with Sherlock. And a stranger has come to Baker Street with a case for Sherlock - one that will draw them into a dark conspiracy that threatens to consume them all. It's fine. It's all fine.

Privacy in the Digital Age by lumanimal (10K, T, Johnlock)Just back from Baskerville, John discovers a strange new ability: he can hear Sherlock’s thoughts. What he overhears will challenge the way he understands Sherlock- and their relationship.

Raw by kirin_calls (149K, E, Johnlock, Johnstrade, Viclock)When John takes up mixed martial arts training, he doesn't expect it to lead to a new relationship. But there are darker things afoot at the gym, and John is soon drawn in deeper than he wants. When an old flame from Sherlock's past turns up, it's time for everyone to declare their loyalties... and for John to finally discover where his heart truly belongs.

Side Effects by MissDavis (87K, E, Johnlock)Life is a lot better for Sherlock and John than it was a year ago. Yes, John still can’t walk and Sherlock is still on antidepressants, but they’re married now, and almost everything else is back to their version of normal. They have a dog. Sherlock’s solving cases again. But when Moriarty learns of their marriage, he escapes from prison and takes it upon himself to make their lives miserable. Is Sherlock really up to the challenge of catching a criminal whose only goal is to make sure that he and John don’t live happily ever after? (Part of a series but can be read on its own.)

Signs Followingby Vulgarweed (24K, E, Johnlock)1976. Bone Fiddle-verse; Appalachian AU. A couple years into their relationship, John and Sherlock are cozily setting up for spring with Mrs. Hudson's expert guidance when a distraught young woman appeals to them for help and sends them on one of their strangest cases yet - in order to solve one murder and prevent another, they must tangle with a sinister preacher and enter the much-sensationalized, little-understood world of Pentecostal Holiness believers who strictly observe Mark 16: 17-18.

Silent Nightby khorazir (15K, M, Johnlock)It’s Christmas Eve 1944, and Sherlock Holmes has received his most precious gift already: after a long, dangerous deployment, Surgeon Captain John Watson of the Royal Navy has unexpectedly returned from the front. As if this weren’t enough, there’s a case. Both events make for a night full of promise, excitement, and the difficult task of getting reacquainted with the man Sherlock hasn’t seen in three years and feared he’d lost forever.

The Monument of Memory by J_Baillier (79K, M, Johnlock)A genius traumatised by a past he’s only beginning to recall. The psychopath sister that time forgot. A missing woman and a mentalist who may or may not be a murderer. And, in the middle of it all, stands John Watson.

The Red Ridge by Mamaorion (16K, M, Johnlock)Four years into their relationship post s4, Sherlock reminisces the case in Snowdonia that finally brought he and John together... with help from a perilous murder scene investigation, a terrible nightmare, and a forgotten violin.

White Knight by DiscordantWords (69K, M, Johnlock)Green. The word green was used to convey a great many things. Illness. Envy. Inexperience.Standing there amidst Janine’s chattering bridesmaids, watching Sherlock furrow his brow and study fabric swatches, watching him smile and simper and flirt, John thought it a remarkably apt colour choice. Because he felt quite sick to his stomach, he feared the source of said sickness might very well be jealousy, and he had absolutely no idea at all what to do about it. Or: Sherlock needs to fake a relationship for a case. He doesn’t ask John.

#rec list #request #casefic #joaquinhilson

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bumblingbrujo · 5 years

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The Burnt Lady and the Threepenny Prince sit together for a quiet discussion on devotion, duty, and desire.

@thatwhichbindsus

There had been some difficulties enacting his plans, but it was no matter Miguel couldn't handle. It was only a matter of time. After dealing with the problem of nosy vermin he ended up in the courtyard again - wishing he could get on his boats and leave. Maybe, if he was fast enough, he could kill his father himself. And not rely on time and age to do his bidding for him. There wasn't much point in wishing, when the Inquisition was still going strong, and Miguel had already given all the assistance he could muster to the investigation. They knew what kind of snake the venom had come from, a dead end as far as Miguel was concerned. So instead of bothering about any of that, he whittled a long piece of driftwood into a spoon.

Ciara walked onto the courtyard with eyes as slits, but let her face clear when she didn't see Lord Cardero. There was a nervous tick to her hands as she wandered along the outer walkway, as there had been since the attempted coup by the Kesley's. Merely a distraction. She was more worried about this: someone might have found her out. As she walked, she spotted Lord Miguel, and with both company and questions in mind, wandered over. "Did the kitchens run out?"

Miguel glanced up at Lady Cirara and a smile lit up his face. "Yes, they sent all the Lords and Princes who know how to whittle out to make spoons." He let his dumb joke settle on her ears a moment before he chuckled and said: "That was a jest. There isn't much to do in a locked down keep. How are you keeping yourself busy? Maybe you could give me some hints."

"It did not escape me," Ciara replied with a smile, sitting beside him. "We are all too aware of that. Suspicion and confinement are not good bed fellows." She folded her hands over her knees and made them entirely still. "Needlework. It takes time, creates something new, and can be beautiful." It was also good for stabbing things a thousand times over. "Do your brothers also whittle in their spare time, or is it just you?"

Once upon a time, Miguel had found some solace in needlework as well - though that wasn't something he was going to share with Lady Ciara. "Yes, that's part of why I whittle. It's nice to look down and see the fruits of your otherwise idle hands." He blew the loose wood shavings off his spoon and held it up. "It's also a valuable skill when you spend so much time on a boat. Though I'm sure we could use someone to do needlework instead of the ugly mend-jobs my med do." He chuckled. And then she asked about his brothers, specifically his brothers and not just Iann. "Ah, well. Juan was the one who taught me to whittle, though I can't know if he still does it or if his time is all consumed by that damned crusade." He groaned and shook his head. "I shouldn't sound so blasphemous, I just... miss my brother." He held his spoon out to Ciara and pondered Iann for a moment. "I'm not sure if Iann whittles or not. I know he's fond of bees, honey, and mead. Not necessarily in that order."

"Indeed," Ciara agreed, looking at his spoon when he held it up to the morning light. "I have no doubt. You don't have the option of pulling into the next village." She smiled. "I do not know if mine could hold up against the ravaging storms you sometimes face. Function over form." But she was curious to learn his assessment, especially considering her current concerns. "I understand. My sister is so often occupied with the Snowdonia borders I rarely even get a raven from her." She cocked an eyebrow. "Bees honey and mead? Only the latter doesn't surprise me. But then he has much to preoccupy him too."

Miguel's eyes narrowed just slightly. Was she trying to get information about Iann and Juan, or was she just trying to soften the youngest prince of isles? "Both of my brothers are extremely busy. Juan with Summerset and crusades, and Iann as Commander of the fleet. Somehow, he still finds time for bees, honey, and mead. He's very involved, involved as he can be, with the honey farms and the breweries." Miguel tried to be involved too, but it was a tightrope walk, between endearing himself to the people by being with them, and endearing himself to the people by exploring, gaining allies, and bringing artifacts and riches back to the islands. "As the youngest, I just try my best to keep up." He let loose a carefully curated sheepish look, the look of a younger brother who didn't know how to step out of his elders' shadows.

“Impressive.” Ciara commented, looking back up to him with a piercing look. “I doubt it would be too much work for you. You impressed many with how you handled the assassination the other day, working with the inquisitor. Humility is no bad thing, young Lord, but nor is pride.”

Miguel froze a humble smile on his face. "Like I said, Lady Ciara, I have no small interest in alchemy and potions. After all, I need some way to be distinguished from my brothers. Though Lady Lacroy was the most help. I provided her with an ear willing to listen."

“Of course,” Ciara agreed, breaking her gaze with a smile, and looked back down at his hands, shaped for purpose. “Lady Lacroy is certainly very knowledgeable. Useful, when none of us now know what the future holds.”

"Everyone is in the same boat right now, on the same choppy sea." Miguel sighed and looked up at the sky, still blue - just like yesterday. "I will never make the mistake of underestimating someone, be that an ally or an enemy. Lady Lacroy meets my expectations." He glanced at Lady Ciara, and wondered what surprises lay up her sleeves.

“Which do you consider her?” Ciara asked, meeting his curious glance briefly before looking back out across the courtyard. “I try to live by the same rules. Especially here.”

Miguel looked away when she did, he didn't want to make the Lady uncomfortable. "Lady Lacroy? She has been a help to me for years now, beside this whole debacle, she helped me when a plague brushed through the Forty Isles. Have you any experience with the Gold Blood sickness?" He was open and honest then, it was the only way to gain trust. And offering information was the only way to get knowledge in return.

"Only a little. We have been blessed, it has not yet reached the Eades, but I understand it had been a cause of some distress in the isles." Ciara replied with a sympathetic look. She knew what a blight such suffering could be on their people. Not four winters past, food had run out when frost had come early. Many had not survived to spring, as there were no trading paths for which neighboring landowners to help, even if they had had the desire to. "Is it a problem still?"

"It is, less deadly than in the past, but I worry about it... and honestly, it would set me apart from Iann to eradicate the sickness," Miguel smiled a little sheepishly. Sure he wanted help for his own selfish goals, but that would directly help the people he served, the people who served him. "Still, I want my people healthy, and not beholden to a mysterious illness that comes and goes as it pleases."

“There is not much that can be done to prevent these things, except perhaps pray,” Ciara replied, but her mind was already ticking with thoughts and questions. Iann Cardero was a liability, there was no doubt about it, and with a girl missing, one that served her dearly, an ally in the isles would suit her well. “What do you hope to do about it?”

"The only thing I can do," Miguel replied. "Use the knowledge I get from physicians and alchemists to fight the illness like I would a battle. I'll find where the resistance lays dormant and snuff it out. Though, mind you, I would like to do that without killing my own people. There must be some tincture or method that would purge the sickness from their bodies.”

“I do not know of such a thing,” Ciara lied, twisting her head to look up at the sunset. It was an easy enough assist, and with such a dearth or allies it was all too urgent. “But I know who I could ask, if you wish.”

Miguel smiled cautiously. "You know someone who knows of a cure? Would they work with me, do you think?" He pursed his lips. "Of course, please contact them, if you would." He clasped his hands together and cracked his knuckles. A glance at Ciara told him there were natural wonders being missed. So, he turned and watched the sunset with her. "Lady Ciara... what do you want from life?"

“Perhaps not knows, but is aware of some possibilities no doubt.” She replied. In the golden pink sun, he seemed so innocent, so young. He was beautiful, she thought, but was not aware of any marriage in waiting for him. It was a strange thing, and an obstacle in his own desire to take what was Iann’s. “That is a dangerous question indeed, my Lord. I want what many of us want, I believe.”

Miguel chuckled. Was that her version of honesty? "Well Lady Ciara, what do many of us want? If you had asked me that question, I don't know what answer I could have given you. Some days I want to sail away never to return, sometimes I want to spend the rest of my life on the Forty-Isles keeping bees and making mead. Some days I want to see how far to the North I could possibly go before I freeze to death. And sometimes I want to switch places with Iann, to be a family man with five kids running around, devoted to my Islands and my kin." He added the last want, even if it couldn't happen, even if it was a deep desperate want. "My soul it not that of the youngest prince, though I doubt many people are suited to it. How many desires do you have to bite back because of your station, Lady?"

Ciara smiled for him, a deliciously private smile as she watched glints of gold settle on the city below, as the turrets here gleamed pink. The sunlit throne indeed, she thought. "I would never have guessed, my lord," she replied softly, smiling to him. A family to chase, it sounded appealing until she remembered just how close she had come to this fate. Rather childless and free than with many all ensnared to a tyrant. She thought of lord Avitej, lifting the crown onto his head. It was to be a somber affaire, he'd set, but not like this. "What I want I cannot have. It does not befit those of my station to dream, my lord. This is plenty enough for me."

The low light created long shadows on Ciara's face, both hiding and elongating her burns. Miguel had experienced pain, a stab here, a flu there, one time an infection that almost reached his blood - but luckily he had a good physician on his ship and he hadn't needed to lose his arm. All that said, he couldn't imagine what that burn could have felt like. The terror of her husband burning in her arms. It was a dramatic story, but Ciara had to live it. He chanced a gentle touch of his hand to her arm. "You have an admirable sense of duty, Lady. I apologize if I've overstepped."

Ciara did not hesitate to lean slightly into that touch. Just a little, a movement so small it could be denied. "Not at all, my lord. I have quite enjoyed your company."

Miguel moved closer to Ciara. A hand on an arm turned into sides pressed together. And his hand went up to lightly brush her hair, which was up and tight but a few strands had come undone. "If you ever want to pause your duty and see what life on the sea is like... know you could call on me." It was a small offer, but Miguel would enjoy that immensely. He tried to keep in mind that she was a third daughter of a small house and he was a prince. He didn't want to bully her into anything. That wasn't how Miguel liked to play the game.

Ciara knew this side of the game just as well as the kind with daggers and subterfuge, and looked down at her lap with a quiet smile. His rough, sailor hands were sooth against her hair. "Thank you, my lord. It sounds quite tempting, but I cannot abandon my family so easily."

Miguel nodded. He bit back a chuckle that wanted to bubble up from his throat. "Of course," he said as solemnly as he could. He brushed back a few more strands of hair before standing. "I'll take my leave of you, Lady. If I feel too much affection for you, I'll find it too hard to sail away." He left unspoken his own duty. But he had to sail away, as soon as the new High Raj was crowned, if not sooner.

"With words like that, my lord, you make it easy to change one's mind," She stood also, as the sun set over the city, and they were slowly cast in shades of purple. Ciara curtsied deeply and clasped her hands before her. "I will speak with you soon again, I imagine, once I've conferred with my contact." He was a sweet, kind man, this Miguel. But, as Ciara was learning, he was a clever, deceptive one too.

#ciara #got au #chatzy

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