{"id":40086,"date":"2024-09-09T15:41:33","date_gmt":"2024-09-09T13:41:33","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/49287878-0b84-4e6f-bb70-d284e3226918"},"modified":"2024-09-09T17:26:39","modified_gmt":"2024-09-09T15:26:39","slug":"where-to-survive-the-apocalypse-preppers-should-actually-be-looking-at-these-countryside-refuges","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbccountryfile\/rss_feed\/where-to-survive-the-apocalypse-preppers-should-actually-be-looking-at-these-countryside-refuges\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to survive the apocalypse \u2013 preppers should actually be looking at these countryside refuges"},"content":{"rendered":"

Suppose the day came when the world as we know it fell apart. What would you do? Where in the UK would you go to hide to survive an apocalypse? Here is our guide on where to go and how to survive an apocalypse in Britain. <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Monday, 09 September 2024 at 13:41 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Whether you believe such talk is alarmist nonsense, or you are one of the 15 per cent of people who believe the world will end in their lifetime<\/a>, or the one in nine Britons who have plans for a zombie apocalypse<\/a>, it\u2019s instructive to imagine how we might all respond to a profound global crisis.<\/strong><\/p>

Our guide to surviving an apocalypse in the UK, including where to go and how to survive.<\/p>

What would be the best way to survive, protect your own, and give them the best possible start in the ashes of the old world? First, a few ground rules.<\/p>

If there was an apocalypse, where would you go? \u00a9Jake Graham<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The Apocalypse<\/h2>
Let\u2019s assume the apocalypse, in our thought experiment, isn\u2019t quite the worst case scenario, at least for the UK. In other words, a circumstance that is world-changing but survivable by a lucky few \u2013 with some canny decision-making and swift action.<\/p>
So rule out an Earth-shattering cosmic collision \u2013 as in the BBC\u2019s Hard Sun<\/a>.<\/p>
And rule out nuclear attack in Europe. (Though if this is your concern, read the official Government advice<\/a>.)<\/p>
Instead, let\u2019s imagine that the Fall is brought about one or more of the other potential disasters currently troubling the world: total economic meltdown, catastrophic computer viruses, cyber-warfare, hot warfare, climate change, an avian flu pandemic.<\/p>
Best survival kit essentials to buy today<\/a><\/li>
Best survival books for life in the great outdoors<\/a><\/li><\/ul>
Bottom line: imagine a sudden and dire global shortage of resources, including food and fuel; a collapse in law and order.<\/p>
Where to go to survive the apocalypse<\/h2>
If you\u2019ve been wondering what all this has to do with the countryside, here\u2019s the thing. Once the trouble starts, the countryside will be the future \u2013 for everyone.<\/p>
That\u2019s because in a global apocalypse scenario \u2013 as opposed to a mere catastrophe \u2013 cities will rapidly become death traps. Most food will quickly disappear from shelves, and fuel will run dry. Medicines will be snapped up. Law and order will collapse as desperate people wrest what supplies they can from each other.<\/p>
$\"\"$
Stokesay Castle, Shropshire \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Come and get me<\/h3>
The regrettable truth is that pretty soon, the greatest danger to you will be the millions of other survivors who will soon be combing the countryside for food, desperate enough to do anything to get it. For this reason, farms will, sadly, be a honeypot for hungry raiders looking for food and weapons.<\/p>
Some of those with the luck or foresight to have access to supplies will no doubt flee to the strongholds: castles and forts. The snag with this is that your place of safety may suddenly be your trap. You might as well pull up a flag saying: \u2018here I am! I got the good stuff. Come and blast me out if you think you can.\u2019<\/p>
If that\u2019s your strategy, you better hope you don\u2019t get a visit from well-equipped raiders.<\/p>
$\"\"$ <\/figure>
Run and hide<\/h3>
So my tip would be to look for somewhere hidden from view<\/em>.<\/p>
There are lots of \u2018smart\u2019 hiding places: government shelters, MoD silos and so on. But in the age of the internet, the savviest survivalists are fully aware of the once-secret bunkers out there. Choose a nuclear shelter<\/a>, for example, and you\u2019ll be up against all the paranoid warrior-geeks who will no doubt make a beeline for them, too. And you definitely don\u2019t want to pick a fight with them.<\/p>
Ideally, your hiding place is also defensible, so that once you are discovered, you can repel attacks \u2013 and even slip away to safety if all else fails.<\/p>
$\"\"$
Creswell Crags in Nottinghamshire might make a highly desirable refuge \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
That\u2019s what makes cave systems so ideal. They blend right into the landscape, and many are labyrinths from which you can escape, if attacked.<\/p>
$\"\"$
A glimpse of the future? The fortified troglodyte town La Roque Saint-Christophe in France \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Ok, they may not be your idea of luxury, but no one ever said the apocalypse would be a picnic, folks.<\/p>
$\"\"$
Bottled gold: medicine will be in short supply \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Love thy neighbour<\/h3>
Wherever you are going, take something that the locals will value highly. Otherwise, why should they put up with yet more mouths to feed? Bear in mind that perceptions of value may alter radically; and that a bottle medicine or a can of petrol may soon be worth more than a boot-load of diamonds.<\/p>
Bear in mind though that once ensconced in your hidden stronghold, your best defence from local security threats may well be cooperation. Have the wherewithal to stand up to bullies, but be prepared to share your precious resources \u2013 within reason \u2013 with the people of your chosen area, for your mutual benefit.<\/p>
$\"\"$
Limestone, like these slabs below Pen y Ghent in the Pennines, is an extremely useful material \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Vital resources<\/h2>
Apart from a concealed shelter, the diagram above outlines some of the resources you\u2019ll want to have at hand in your enclave: timber, running water, farmland. Perhaps the most useful mineral resource is limestone or chalk \u2013 which contain calcium carbonate. This incredibly versatile substance, and its derivatives \u2013 include quicklime and slaked lime \u2013 have umpteen useful applications, from soil improver, to glassmaking, smelting iron and making concrete.<\/p>
If we ever succeed in rebooting civilisation after the Apocalypse, it will be thanks to materials such as these \u2013 and the bravery and ingenuity of people like you.<\/p>
Real UK hideouts<\/h2>
Now we\u2019ve thought about the ideal refuge from the Apocalypse, what about the real world? There follow nine places around the UK, nominated by outdoor writers, scientists \u2013 and an ex-soldier.<\/p>
Marble Arch Caves, Fermanagh<\/h3>
From: Belfast 90 miles, Omagh 38<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$
Labyrinth Marble Arch Caves, Northern Ireland \u00a9Alamy<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Caught in Northern Ireland as the apocalypse unfolds, I would head to one place: the Marble Arch Caves. ‘Too obvious!’ you might protest \u2013 but hundreds of caves pepper the underworld of this region, so even if the famous show cave was full, I know others that wouldn’t be. I’d chose a cave with a river running through it as a water supply<\/strong>, yet with dry caverns<\/strong>, too, for comfort. The surrounding countryside is a mixture of farmland<\/strong> and woodland,<\/strong> providing access to any remaining crops and livestock, but with hunting<\/strong> opportunities in the forest too, along with that all-important supply of firewood<\/strong>.<\/p>
by Helen Fairbairn, <\/em>Outdoor writer<\/em><\/p>
\u2022 Prepare and survive: <\/strong>Visit the Marble Arch Caves Geopark<\/a><\/p>
Osea Island, Essex<\/h3>
From: Central London 55 miles<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$
Osea Island \u00a9 www.oseaisland.co.uk<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The British Army teaches defence with the mnemonic DAMROD \u2013 Depth, All Round Defence, Mutual Support, Reserves, Offensive Spirit and Deception. Survival after the apocalypse won\u2019t entail exactly the same considerations, but security would be paramount and these principles are a useful starting point.<\/p>
The tidal estuary of the River Blackwater provides defence in depth<\/em>, and the surviving communities of the islands in the area could support<\/em> each other. There are plentiful resources<\/em>: on Osea Island the small collection of homes could comfortably house around 150, and there are suitable conditions to grow fruit and vegetables and keep some livestock. Nearby Mersea is famous for its seafood. Essential arms for defending<\/em> the island could be found at nearby Colchester Garrison and boats from surrounding marinas could be used for foraging parties, sailing around the coast and even into the ruins of London; and, if required, as escape vessels.<\/p>
by Patrick Hennessy, Barrister and ex-soldier<\/em><\/p>
\u2022 Prepare and survive:<\/strong> Osea is a private island, but visitors can research the survival potential of the island during a stay in the holiday homes<\/a> there.<\/p>
Dartmoor prison<\/h3>
From: Bristol is 111 miles from Dartmoor prison<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Dartmoor Prison is surrounded by pasture and moorland \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
There\u2019s a lot to be said for trying to hide yourselves away in as remote a spot as possible \u2013 but I think your community of survivors would be far better off finding a secure, easily defensible location before other groups have the same idea. One of the safest places might, ironically, be a prison. You\u2019d have a self-contained compound with high walls, sturdy gates and watch towers \u2013 originally intended to prevent the inhabitants from escaping but equally effective as a defensive refuge for keeping others out.<\/p>
Dartmoor Prison for example, is set in farmland. Perhaps even better, Shepton Mallet Prison was closed in 2013 so you wouldn\u2019t need to worry about existing occupants. You could tear up the courtyard to grow vegetables, raise other crops in the surrounding fields, and harvest firewood.<\/p>
\u2022 Prepare and survive:<\/strong> Check out the survival potential of Shepton Mallet Prison<\/a> in Somerset.<\/p>
Trefor, Gwynedd<\/h3>
From: Liverpool 90 miles<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Farmland protected by high hills, plus access to the sea \u2013 Trefor has much to offer survivors \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The people of this tiny small settlement on North Wales\u2019 Llyn Peninsula are fortunate. High granite hills protect an enclave of green pastures that roll down to the sea. There is woodland, and useful limestone nearby. The sea provides fish, and allows water-borne foraging trips.<\/p>
Defensibility<\/strong> is impressive. A wall of six craggy peaks protects the farmland, and in the event of attack from land or water, defenders could retreat to the most seaward of these hills, where a formidable ruined quarry complex would serve as a fortress<\/strong>.<\/p>
Knoydart, Highland<\/h3>
From:<\/em> Edinburgh 170 miles, Inverness 70<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ The hills and glens of remote Knoydart: would they be your ideal Apocalypse hideout? \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Getting to one of the most remote places in Britain wouldn\u2019t be easy as even today it\u2019s a long journey from my home city of Edinburgh, culminating in a choice between a ferry across Loch Nevis or an 18km hike through some wild terrain. But prior to the 19<\/p>
Highland Clearances, 1,000 people lived off the land here, compared to about 100 today. With an existing off-grid hydroelectric scheme, plentiful forests, good fishing and established venison farming, I know a crofting way of life could support a thriving community \u2013 we\u2019d just have to keep lookout over the loch in case too many others had similar ideas.<\/p>
\u2022 Prep and survive:<\/strong> Make friends and learn about the way of life on a visit to Knoydart.<\/a><\/p>
Norman\u2019s Law, Fife<\/h3>
From: Dundee 15 miles, Edinburgh 45<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$
Take to the hills \u2013 Norman’s Law in Fife \u00a9Stuart Westwater, courtesy Wikipedia<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Whenever the news is too terrible to bear I joke that I\u2019m glad I grow my own food. Faced with an apocalypse, any other consideration is secondary. Hence, should the worst happen, I would most likely stick to my own quiet corner of North East Fife.<\/p>
The land is a fertile mix of arable and upland grazing, with plentiful forestry for firewood. The Tay Estuary and North Sea provide essential fish and travel. It\u2019s close enough to flee to from the city, and should attack come, then the Iron Age hill fort at the summit of Norman\u2019s Law is easily defensible.<\/p>
Dyfi Valley, Snowdonia<\/h3>
From:<\/em> Liverpool 80 miles, Birmingham 100<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ The Dyfi Valley and the smaller valles off it boast a resilient community with an unusual selection of skills. Picture: Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The mountain-defended, forestry-clad Dyfi Valley, with its estuarine river and saltmarsh, is perfect for fishing, hunting and foraging. The self-sufficiency settlers who came here from the 1970s enriched an already hardy hill-farming community with experts<\/strong> in natural water treatment, renewable energy, eco-construction, organic agriculture, folk-craft, bush-craft, resilience, alternative economics and natural medicine. It might be hopelessly idealistic, but invaders to the valley would be welcomed \u2013 and trained. If a defensible base was needed, Cwm Cywarch would be a good choice. This valley is protected by steep ridges on three sides. There is farmland, and nearby forest.<\/p>
Steep Holm, Bristol Channel<\/h3>
From: Cardiff 9 miles (by sea), Bristol 37<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$ Spectacular sky and clouds seen from Weston-super-Mare in Somerset, UK, at high tide<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Sharing a friend\u2019s boat, I\u2019d head for this island nature reserve. It\u2019s a comforting five nautical miles from Weston-super-Mare (and whatever contagions ravage the mainland), inaccessible to those without a decent sea-going vessel, and uninhabited. The 50-acre isle is easily defended: its steep sides rise for 250ft, the tides are some of the most extreme on Earth, and landings are only possible in calm seas at high tide. There are habitable buildings, caves to hide in, plentiful trees, and all kinds of useful paraphernalia left from 19th and 20th-century fortifications. Best of all, the whole island is made of useful limestone.<\/p>
\u2022 Prep and survive:<\/strong> Visit Steep Holm<\/a> to scope out your options.<\/p>
Arnside & Silverdale, Cumbria<\/h3>
From: Manchester 66 miles, Leeds 71 miles<\/em><\/p>
$\"\"$
With diverse habitats, there should be plenty of food sources at Arnside \u00a9Getty<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Were my local pub fortress to prove unviable, I\u2019d direct my motley cohort to Morecambe Bay at Arnside & Silverdale. With a protective garland of fringing freshwater marsh and sands, the area\u2019s modest limestone knolls are a survivalist\u2019s Eden. Here be reedbeds, coast and woods for fowl, fish and venison; caves for shelter; water sources; reeds for thatch (and to hide in!); trees for structures, charcoal, snares and vessels; iron ore for implements; defendable hilltops with immense 360-degree views and fertile soils on glacial till. Heft a few sturdy Herdwicks to the sweet limestone pastures and a life of Reilly beckons. Heave another bittern onto the BBQ, someone\u2026<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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Real UK hideouts<\/h2>Now we\u2019ve thought about the ideal refuge from the Apocalypse, what about the real world? There follow nine places around the UK, nominated by outdoor writers, scientists \u2013 and an ex-soldier.<\/p>

Real UK hideouts<\/h2>
Now we\u2019ve thought about the ideal refuge from the Apocalypse, what about the real world? There follow nine places around the UK, nominated by outdoor writers, scientists \u2013 and an ex-soldier.<\/p>