Wild camping near Bellever

[zyllian]

Hi fellow walkers and campers,


I'm currently looking to do two nights wild camping in dartmoor near Bellever. I just need to get out of the city and reset, but I know the park is currently closed and advising against wild camping.


I had a couple of questions: Are the roads still accessible and would I get in trouble if I leave my car in bellever car park for a couple of nights?


I live in London so I'd rather not drive all the way to find myself stuck on a roadblock or fined...


Any help and tips appreciated!!


Thanks,


R

[gunwharfman]

Why do you want to go so far for two nights? Is your question serious or is it designed to be a wind-up?

[zyllian]

Thanks for the prompt reply! And no, this is not meant to be a wind-up or anything - I love driving and I've never been in this part of England. I've also heard Dartmoor is the only park that allows wild camping so I don't want to take my chances on someone's property!

[SteamyTea]

I had a couple of questions: Are the roads still accessible and would I get in trouble if I leave my car in bellever car park for a couple of nights?


I live in London so I'd rather not drive all the way to find myself stuck on a roadblock or fined...
Thanks,

R

Quite simply, now is not the time to come down to the West Country.
We have a very low rate of COVID-19 infection, but the R number is around 1, and will be higher next week.  Second highest rate of change in the country.
So while you won't get fined, or stuck in a road block, and your car will probably be safe, please don't come down, we want to stay alive and not run the risk of a 'local lockdown', business is hard enough as it is, last thing we want is to have to close up our shops again.
Wait until there is a proper announcement about the state of play down here.

[vghikers]

I don't know about roads, but...

...I know the park is currently closed and advising against wild camping.

It's not advice, it's currently forbidden.

[zyllian]

Quite simply, now is not the time to come down to the West Country.
We have a very low rate of COVID-19 infection, but the R number is around 1, and will be higher next week.  Second highest rate of change in the country.
So while you won't get fined, or stuck in a road block, and your car will probably be safe, please don't come down, we want to stay alive and not run the risk of a 'local lockdown', business is hard enough as it is, last thing we want is to have to close up our shops again.
Wait until there is a proper announcement about the state of play down here.

I do understand your point but I'm not planning on interacting with anyone - the whole idea is to get away from everything and everyone. I've got my own gear, food, etc... I just want to get away for a couple of nights.

[Mel]

I think we all want to escape our localities for a few days of “reset”.  I know I certainly do!  But unless something’s changed, the guidance across the country is still “no overnight stays” so whether or not you do it is between you and your conscience.  Be prepared to either be turned back or fined if you do. 
 
As an aside, if the Police spot your car in the same place for a couple of days and run a number plate check it would be quite clear to them that you are not local and have stayed overnight “somewhere”.  So you may get away with it at the time but…

[vghikers]

I'm not planning on interacting with anyone - the whole idea is to get away from everything and everyone. I've got my own gear, food, etc... I just want to get away for a couple of nights.

Quite a few of us here are in the same boat, but as per the link I gave above, it's expressly forbidden right now.

[richardh1905]

I don't know about roads, but...

It's not advice, it's currently forbidden.

Very clear cut, vghikers.

Much as I would love to go wild camping right now, I am in no way tempted to breach the rules, and I'll stick to my diminutive back lawn until we are officially let off the leash.


Please take note, zyllian - now is not the time. Welcome to the forum in any case 

[ninthace]

Welcome from Devon.
There are plenty of good spots in that area, an inspection of the map will point you to one but as the others have said - now is not the time, it is forbidden and if your car is clocked, the local police are very active on the matter as are the rangers.
While you are not planning on interacting with others, that is not entirely within your gift.  The area is popular wth day visitors and you will at least need to fuel.  While our R rate is at the top end, our incidence/100,000 is among the lowest in the country.

[Casual Ambler]

Hi, I've been popping in for some time but never felt the need to register. This thread has made me just to express my view.


I live in Devon and have been taking early morning walks at 6am on the Moors after getting bored of walking in my town. A couple of weeks ago I walked a circuit around Rippon Tor and found a tent near the top. Further on a car was parked down at the nearest car park a quick check of the reg confirmed it was from London . I gave the details to the police.


There is a community living in and around Bellever/Postbridge and the last thing they want/need are selfish people who for whatever reason choose to ignore the restrictions placed on ALL of us at this time. IF on any further walks I see tents then I WILL report them.
Do the right thing and postpone any notion of popping down for a couple of days. Think about YOUR actions on others.


I'm sorry if this is quite blunt but everyone needs to take this virus a damn sight more seriously since the stupid decision to relax the travel distance restrictions.

[richardh1905]

Welcome to the forum from Cumbria, Casual Ambler. 

[Casual Ambler]

Thanks, not really the way I wanted to start off - with a rant   

[dittzzy]

I just want to add my tuppence.... Up here in the Dales,   Police have been finding people wild camping, fining them and sending them home.


I understand what you are saying, you'll be isolated and no bother to anyone, but it's not allowed at the moment.


Try making do with a day trip out somewhere, set out early, go for a walk.  At least we are able to do that at the moment.

[SteamyTea]

Try making do with a day trip out somewhere, set out early, go for a walk.  At least we are able to do that at the moment.

The Icknield Way is nice, and close to London.