Update on Dartmoor wild camping – January 23rd 2023
The picture for wild camping on Dartmoor has changed following a well-publicised High Court decision. This is a developing and controversial situation. Thanks to efforts by the Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association and Dartmoor National Park Authority, there are currently some areas on Dartmoor where you are still permitted to backpack/wild camp. You can read the news release from Dartmoor National Park Authority here. Please find below a summary.
- You can currently wild camp on a reduced area of Dartmoor
- You can view the new Dartmoor wild camping map here
- If you camp within this area, you don’t need to seek the landowner’s permission
- If you camp within this area, you don’t need to make an individual payment
- This is a permissive agreement, which means it can be removed
- Which means it’s more important than ever to make sure you adopt a leave-no-trace approach
- Large groups, barbecues and campfires on Dartmoor are still prohibited
Wild camping on Dartmoor
December 2022
‘For the purpose of outdoor recreation.’
Six small but supremely important words.
Six words that are part of s.10(1) of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985.
Six words that have given generations freedom.
Six words that are being tested next week in the High Court.
Continue reading “Wild camping on Dartmoor. A privilege worth protecting. And a poem.”