Exploring the Lost Village of Dode & Wild Camping on the North Downs
Introduction
Today’s adventure was all about two key things:
1️⃣ Exploring the Lost Village of Dode – A place not many people know about, hidden deep in the Kent countryside.
2️⃣ Wild camping on the North Downs – Finding a safe, secluded spot to set up camp for the night.
I also had a new addition to my gear setup—a North Face Terra 55 rucksack, which I picked up for just £20 on Facebook Marketplace. Compared to my usual British Army Bergen, this was an absolute game-changer in terms of weight and comfort.
The Hike to the Lost Village of Dode
The journey started with a tough 1.5-hour hike across the North Downs, climbing towards Holly Hill before heading down towards the Lost Village of Dode. The terrain was steep, and I made the mistake of wearing too many layers—something that quickly became an issue as I overheated on the climb.
History & Legends of the Lost Village of Dode
The Lost Village of Dode is steeped in history, dating back to the Roman Empire, with its church built during the reign of William II. But what makes it truly eerie is its tragic past and ghostly legend.
🕯️ The Black Plague & The Dode Child
During the 14th century, the Black Plague nearly wiped out the entire village, leaving just one survivor—a seven-year-old girl, known as The Dode Child.
According to legend, she hid inside the church, alone, until she passed away within its walls. It is said that on the first Sunday of every month, her spirit appears in the cemetery.
⚠️ Needless to say, I would NOT be wild camping anywhere near here.
Finding a Wild Camping Spot on the North Downs
With daylight fading fast, I had to hike back up the ridge and find a suitable wild camping spot.
As it got darker, I reflected on my first-ever wild camp, which was just nearby, in a bright blue tent—a bit of a giveaway for stealth camping! This time, I was better prepared, using my DD 3.5x3.5m tarp and OEX Phoxx 2 V2 tent for a more discreet and comfortable setup.
Setting Up Camp & Cooking Under the Tarp
Once I set up camp, I was able to finally relax. Here’s a quick breakdown of my camping setup:
🏕️ Shelter: DD 3.5x3.5m tarp, secured with jungle toggles for a quick and efficient setup.
🎒 Tent: OEX Phoxx 2 V2, tucked beneath the tarp for added protection.
🔥 Cooking Setup: Gas burner for a quick brew & dinner.
Dinner & Testing the “Green Triangle” Coffee
🍗 Dinner: Peri Peri Chicken & Egg Fried Rice, followed by a massive chocolate pudding with custard.
☕ Coffee: Tried the Nestlé Green Triangle Coffee—not bad, but I expected more flavour.
My Go Outdoors collapsible silicone mug was an unexpected hero—lightweight, compact, and perfect for camping.
The Importance of Layering & Hydration
One key lesson from this trip was managing heat & sweat while hiking.
⚠️ Wearing too many layers caused me to sweat heavily, leading to feeling cold later when the temperature dropped.
❄️ Temperature at night: 11°C—not freezing, but still felt cold due to earlier sweating.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Remove layers early to prevent sweating.
✔ Carry enough water—I underestimated how much I’d need after the strenuous hike.
✔ Plan ahead—Know your route, timing, and how long setup will take before dark.
A Peaceful Morning in the Woods
One of the best parts of any wild camp is the morning after—waking up to silence, fresh air, and the sounds of nature.
🌄 Breakfast: Banana porridge, slowly cooked over the gas stove.
🐿️ Wildlife: No deer spotted (yet), but morning bird songs and squirrels rustling in the leaves made for a peaceful moment.
Have you ever seen unexpected wildlife while wild camping? Let me know in the comments!
Final Thoughts & Packing Up
The Lost Village of Dode was incredible to visit, but its tragic history and ghostly legend made it an eerie place. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I camp there? Definitely not.
As always, I followed the Leave No Trace rule—packing up camp without leaving a single sign that I was ever there.
✅ 7 hours 50 minutes of sleep—better than some nights at home!
✅ Successful wild camp & a great hike.
✅ New lessons learned for next time.
While I’d love to do multi-day wild camps, family & work commitments mean I usually only get one night at a time—for now.
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Where to Buy Gear from This Trip
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Join me on an epic adventure as I hike through the stunning North Downs Way, exploring the mysterious Lost Village of Dode. Discover the history of this abandoned medieval village, its restored church, and the hauntingly beautiful surroundings.