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Regions - Trip reports, destination advice, recommended routes, etc. => South West England => Topic started by: zyllian on 13:49:52, 07/06/20

Title: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: zyllian on 13:49:52, 07/06/20
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
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: gunwharfman on 13:56:42, 07/06/20
Why do you want to go so far for two nights? Is your question serious or is it designed to be a wind-up?
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: zyllian on 14:15:02, 07/06/20
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!



Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: SteamyTea on 14:22:34, 07/06/20
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.
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: vghikers on 14:22:53, 07/06/20
I don't know about roads, but...

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

It's not advice, it's currently forbidden (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping).
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: zyllian on 14:29:47, 07/06/20
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.
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: Mel on 14:42:45, 07/06/20
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…

Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: vghikers on 14:44:32, 07/06/20
Quote
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.
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: richardh1905 on 17:09:14, 07/06/20
I don't know about roads, but...

It's not advice, it's currently forbidden (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping).


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  :)
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: ninthace on 18:05:49, 07/06/20
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.
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: Casual Ambler on 20:52:27, 07/06/20
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.
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:14:56, 08/06/20
Welcome to the forum from Cumbria, Casual Ambler.  :)
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: Casual Ambler on 09:29:00, 08/06/20
Thanks, not really the way I wanted to start off - with a rant   O0
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: dittzzy on 10:51:23, 08/06/20
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.
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: SteamyTea on 11:06:05, 08/06/20
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.
Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: taxino8 on 07:54:20, 10/06/20
I don't know about roads, but...

It's not advice, it's currently forbidden (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping).
I will not be wild camping until the guidance has changed but can you point me to where it says it’s actually illegal?
There is Guidance and then there is the Law.
I believe that the staying away from home, which is the Wild Camping bit, is in the Guidance but I’m not sure if it’s actually illegal.

Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:06:11, 10/06/20
I will not be wild camping until the guidance has changed but can you point me to where it says it’s actually illegal?
There is Guidance and then there is the Law.
I believe that the staying away from home, which is the Wild Camping bit, is in the Guidance but I’m not sure if it’s actually illegal.

From the .gov website. The use of the word 'cannot' is crucial here, this is not just guidance, and is underpinned by the law, which gives the Government the power to restrict movement during the pandemic.


https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do)

You cannot:
  • stay overnight away from your own home, except for in a limited set of circumstances, such as for work purposes
  • Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
    Post by: vghikers on 08:12:00, 10/06/20
    Quote
    ...can you point me to where it says it’s actually illegal?

    It's not illegal of course, a mistake still often inexcusably made in the press. The linked page from the Dartmoor Park site is stating the 'official' position with regard to CV rules and guidelines that may be enforced by the police.

    Come to think of it, I don't know the legal status of this and similar CV rules. Most have adhered to them for the greater good and the police have taken action in many cases, but there have been questions about the extent of such powers.

    Edit: Ah, I see Richard has provided more detail. Also by "not illegal" I meant generally, before CV hit us.

    Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
    Post by: taxino8 on 09:02:38, 10/06/20
    From the .gov website. The use of the word 'cannot' is crucial here, this is not just guidance, and is underpinned by the law, which gives the Government the power to restrict movement during the pandemic.


    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do)

    You cannot:
  • stay overnight away from your own home, except for in a limited set of circumstances, such as for work purposes
  • [/l]
  • Thanks Richard but it hasn’t clarified it for me as I believe this is FAQ’s on Guidance.
    I’ve read that a lot of fines issued by the Police have subsequently been withdrawn on advice of the CPS because people were only breaking the Guidance and not the actual Law which is laid out in Act of Parliament.


    It’s confusing and I’ve been looking myself for an answer but so far have only managed to confuse myself more.
    I’m not looking for loopholes, I’m genuinely interested in whether it is actually illegal or just contrary to the current Guidance as I see a lot of misinformation on the Internet with people saying things are legal or illegal without actually quoting the relevant Law.
    [/list]
    Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
    Post by: richardh1905 on 09:17:52, 10/06/20
    As I stated in my post, it is the use of the word 'cannot' that is key here, this is a legal 'cannot' rather than guidance, as used in many other regulations (for instance, Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Air). I have looked at the legislation and it is more about giving power to the Government to introduce the necessary measures to combat Coronavirus, rather than the measures themselves.


    PS - I'm no lawyer, so take all of this with a large pinch of salt.  :)
    Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
    Post by: PeterDevon on 11:11:39, 10/06/20
    https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping)
    Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
    Post by: vghikers on 11:23:48, 10/06/20
    Quote
    https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping

    A copy of my original link above  :)
    Title: Re: Wild camping near Bellever
    Post by: taxino8 on 11:30:14, 10/06/20
    https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping)
    Thanks but it says Government Advice, advice is different to the Law.
    I accept the advice and won’t be going until it changes but as I’ve said it’s very confusing as advice is just that and carries no real weight.
    A prime example is the two metre self distancing advice. Look what went on in London and other Cities over the weekend and the Police were quick to point out that they couldn’t do anything with people not adhering to the two metres as it was “only” advice.