In August 1901 six cycle campers spent a weekend in tents in an orchard at Wantage. They were some of the newly formed Association of Cycle Campers (ACC) started by Thomas Hiram Holding. The ACC grew, attracting pedestrian campers and those traveling by car. It amalgamated with other groups and eventually became the Camping Club of Great Britain and Ireland. The interest in lightweight camping still survived and at the end of World War II the name of the Association of Cycle Campers was revived as a specialist section of the club. History repeated itself when the cycle campers once again ‘took on board’ other lightweight campers, becoming the Association of Cycle and Lightweight Campers (AC&LC) in 1965 and finally the shorter but more inclusive Association of Lightweight Campers (ALC) in 1984.

Within the present Camping and Caravanning Club, the Section continues the unbroken tradition of a simple style of camping that began in 1901. The ALC is not just friendly, we also offer the most environmentally friendly type of camping.

We are open to cycle campers, backpackers, motorcyclists, car campers – anyone who likes the freedom of setting off with a small tent and enough kit to be comfortable, rather than a garage full of stuff that takes ages to pack (and to dry if wet!).  Some of our members plan an action-packed weekend, others simply enjoy getting away from it all by spending a couple of nights close to nature with the option of socialising with kindred spirits. At ALC Meets you are welcome to get together with others for bike rides, walks, pub meals or even a theatre trip or live music. On the other hand if you wish to simply do your own thing that’s absolutely fine. The main focus is to enjoy the simple pleasures of camping in smaller tents.

Any member of the Camping and Caravanning Club who enjoys backpacker-style camping is very welcome to come along to one of our Meets.  If you then decide to join the ALC it will cost you just £6 per year.

If you are not a CCC member but would like to get an idea of what the Section can offer, you can book a pitch as a non-member for a weekend event to help you decide whether you would like to join.

Use our contact page for more information or alternatively email us at newsfromthealc@gmail.com