Wild Camping Buddies for Starry, Starry Fortnight

Information

Dartmoor Wild Camping Action Group and The Stars are for Everyone present you a chance to wild camp under the stars (weather dependant) with some experienced camping buddies.

Please note: This is not an experience day or guided session. You are responsible for your own kit and safety, including that of all your group members (family or friends). A suggested kit list is provided below, but it’s a cold time of the year, in a wild spot, so please don’t go out of your own comfort zone. If the weather is bad, we the organisers hold the right to cancel the night or multiple nights.

Now that the safety information is out the way, what is this all about? The Stars are for Everyone and Right 2 Roam are launching their Starry, Starry Fortnight Campaign which encourages people to wild camp in the country’s National Parks. We have decided to put on a series of nights around the moors to encourage people to get out and wild camp during this half-term holiday. Members of our team will be out in various locations around the Moors on different nights and you are welcome to join us. You bring your kit, food and water and we will bring encouragement, knowledge and stories. The wilderness of Dartmoor will bring her beauty and (hopefully!) a clear starry night and we can make some great memories. Don’t forget to charge your phones and take loads of photos for social media with the hash tag #savedartmoor.

Don’t worry if you can’t stay overnight, you are more than welcome to come just to stargaze and socialise with us or turn up early in the morning to watch the sunrise.

This is a free event but if you would like to make a donation to the crowd funding for DNPA’s appeal that would be greatly appreciated.

Crowd Funder Link

https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/BackpackCampingAppeal

Locations

The following information gives details for the various locations we are suggesting. Please let us know you are coming by responding to this events page. Car parking spots are suggestions only and beginning of the guided walk to camp. All locations have been picked because they have multiple car parks serving them and all campsites have grid references in case you want to make your own way there. If doing so make sure your experienced at Dartmoor navigation and can easily cover the distance planned.

Cullever Steps, Okehampton (18th Feb at 16:30)

Park at the Row Tor Car Park (SX596923) which is on past the Army Camp entrance, over the cattle grid and straight on up the hill. There is lots of parking on the right-hand side of the road at the top of the hill. Meeting at 16:30 to leave at 17:00.


It is an easy 10-15min walk to the campsite at Cullever Steps (SX606922) along a road and down a track. The track is a little uneven and rocky. For those not camping, we will lead a group back to the carpark, but those who do decide to camp, you can pitch your tent and enjoy the stargazing. There could be an opportunity to awake early and watch the sunrise for those who want to before we lead you back to the car park in the morning.

Sheepstor (23rd Feb at 16:00)

Park at the main Car Park for Burrator Reservoir (SX568689) for roughly 16:00 to leave at 16:30
The walk is medium sized over mixed terrain. It starts off through the woods on tracks, over a style and up a steep bit of moorland to the campsite (SX565682). If you are not camping, you are welcome to join us but this isn’t the best location if you’re not experienced at walking on the Moors in the dark and are no good at navigation. For those camping, pitch for the night and enjoy the evening. We will guide you back in the morning.

Hayne down/Bowerman’s nose (25th Feb at 16:00)

Park at the Hound Tor Car Park (sx739792) for roughly 16:00 to leave at 16:30
From the car park it is a medium walk along a metaled road (caution there are many deep potholes in the road to Hayne down) From the gated road entrance to the moor, take a right up to Hayne down. This is a 0.69km walk across moorland, the bridle way is shown on OS maps. At the summit (SX741803) there is ample space to wild camp. The area has incredible views on clear days, boasting views of some of Dartmoor’s most iconic Tors. And by night it offers one of the best views of unpolluted skies on Dartmoor. We will lead you back down in the morning. Anyone just coming for the evening will have to make your own way back to the car so plan accordingly, I don’t suggest you do this unless used to night time Dartmoor navigation. Make sure you have a torch.

Kit List

Items Guidance

  • Rucksack: With waterproof liner inside, Advised to be about 60-70L to be able to carry all the individual items.
  • Tent: Lightweight, small tent Big enough for your party, can be carried in/on your backpack, the spots are exposed so make sure they can take a bit of wind. Bivy bags can be used.

Clothing for 2 days

  • Base layer x 2: Wicking type material to remove perspiration.
  • Mid layer – shirt or synthetic sweatshirt or microfleece x 2. Made of substantial material with long sleeves. Not cotton or fashion hoodie (as they are not generally weather resistant!).
  • Insulation layer – Substantial fleece or softshell. Thick fleece or softshell material. Not a down jacket, unless you are experienced in keeping these dry.
  • Trousers x 2: To be wind resistant and ideally quick drying. Sports leggings/track suits/jogging trousers/jeans are not ideal for the moors weather.
  • Socks: Good quality warm walking socks. Highly recommend waterproof ones.
  • Boots giving ankle support: Worn in and in good condition

Waterproof/Poor weather gear

  • Waterproof jacket with hood: Robust and capable of keeping the wearer dry under very wet conditions.
  • Waterproof over trousers: Useful if these unzip or unbutton to allow they slip over boots.
  • Gaiters: Recommended to provide additional waterproofing to boots during walking.
  • Gloves: Made from technical/waterproof material NOT woollen ones (these get wet and cold).
  • Hat: Warm hat that covers ears.

Rations & Water

  • Food for camp: Meals: 1 x eve, 1 x breakfast. Hot or Cold (but hot is better for warmth!) Boil in the bag type are great and lightweight. Snacks as required. Warm drinks are also good.
  • Emergency rations: (high energy foodstuffs & hot drink) to cover extra night on moor in an emergency, clearly marked and in sealed bag.
  • Eating utensil & mug (plate if food is not boil in the bag). Recommend a plastic spork and plate/mug as they are robust and lightweight.
  • Matches/lighter and pack of toilet tissues Waterproofed.
  • Water: 2ltrs min for drinking and cooking. If platypus used, a robust 1 litre water bottle in addition to manage water sterilisation is needed.
  • Water sterilisation tablets (For 48 hrs & in date). Be aware of purification time with system used.

Stove for Cooking (no BBQs or open fires)

  • Trangia. Including gas or fuel in a bottle, depending on style.
  • Gas cooker. Including gas canister and saucepans.
  • Jetboil style. Including gas canister.

Sleeping Kit

  • Sleeping mat: Thermal insulated and body length carried in a waterproof bag.
  • Sleeping bag (in waterproof bag): Minimum 3 seasons and appropriate minimum lowest temperature for the time of year. You can add a sleeping bag liner for extra warmth!

Personal Survival Kit

  • Map: Ordnance Survey Map OL28 (Dartmoor) or appropriate for area.
  • Compass: Ensure you know how to use!
  • Whistle: All to be aware of distress/ response signals.
  • Survival Bag (orange plastic). All participants to be aware of how to use. DO NOT USE SILVER FOIL BLANKET as these won’t help in cases of hypothermia.
  • Personal First Aid kit Contents: handwash, blister kit, insect repellent, sun cream, pain relief tablets & personal medication as required.
  • Head Torch: Spare batteries for non-LED head torches.
  • Toilet Trowel: Lightweight, plastic is recommended.
  • Something to sit on: Either a folding chair, square of foam or a cheap tarp.

Positive Trace Policy

Leave only footprints and take only photos and memories-

Take only what you need and plan taking it home with you including a bag for rubbish.

Leave the place better than you found it-

Have a litter pick around your campsite, pick up any litter on the walk to the camp site and back to the car/transport. Then litter pick the car park, take all rubbish home and don’t fill bins if you don’t have to.

No Fires

No fires are allowed on the Moors, make sure you bring a camp stove, whether gas or liquid fuel, make sure you’re used to its operation and its fit for purpose. Make sure all fuel is stored correctly and all empty canisters are taken home.

Link to Starry, Starry Fortnight Campaign


https://alastairhumphreys.com/dartmoor-camping-campaigners-urge-nationwide-wild-camps-to-protest-lack-of-nature-access-rights/


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