About us
Who we are
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.
Join us for a relaxed weekend getaway at incredibly low prices!
Whether you're looking for an action-packed adventure or a peaceful retreat, our meets offer something for everyone.
Socialise and explore: Enjoy bike rides, walks, pub meals, or cultural outings with fellow campers.
Relax and unwind: Spend quiet evenings chatting or simply soak up the peace and tranquillity of nature.
Customise your experience: Choose your own adventure, whether it's a solo escape or a few of you.
Our focus is on simple, enjoyable camping experiences, so pack light and embrace the minimalist lifestyle.
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 by clicking here!
Recorded at Torchlight 2024
- This is an introduction to The Association for Lightweight Camping
Please take a look at our 30 minute introductory video above.
We are all volunteers and have a very limited budget so please don’t expect a professional standard video!
Not a member? Join the club today...
Join The Camping and Caravanning Club today to benefit from over 100 years of expertise as well as specially selected discounts tailored to our members. As soon as you are a member you will be assigned to a DA (District Association). This will be the closest DA to where you live and shown on your membership card. You are then free to go camping with any of the 93 DA's over 13 Regions in the UK.
We hope to see you in a field soon...