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Quite fancy a bit of a trek and wild camping over Dartmoor

Found this link and some of the walks look perfect

Any recommendations, or anyone camped over Dartmoor who has any advice..?!

I am aware a lot of it is used for Military firing training so you have to check on this first...

Quote: Originally posted by Fotogen on 06/3/2011

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I said you'd get the backpacking bug. Thanks for the link of lovely photos. Not camped on Dartmoor but did many of the walks, tor bagging and letterboxing when I lived in Devon. Probably best to check out the byelaws which detail where you can/ can't camp.

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It seems pretty relaxed to be honest

The only official 'rules' appear to be:-

Wild Camping for one or two nights on the open land on Dartmoor is perfectly acceptable provided that you choose your spot sensibly and don't pitch your tent on farmland, on moorland enclosed by walls, within 100 metres of a road, on flood plains or on archaeological sites

Quote: Originally posted by Sceptical Camper on 06/3/2011

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Val, there's a map somewhere online (can't remember where) showing the areas of Dartmoor where you can't camp.

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Quote: Originally posted by Hacksaw Bob on 06/3/2011

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This one?

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I'm a bit late to this thread but I would add the following advice:

If you haven't walked on Dartmoor before, allow plenty of time to cover distances.  It can be quite soggy underfoot and this makes it difficult to get a spring in your step.

As another poster said, navigation can be very difficult on Dartmoor as there are not many distinctive features in parts of it.  In addition, it is very easy to underestimate distances to visible objects as the lack of intervening features messes with your distance perception.

The weather can change quickly so always take full waterproofs and warm clothing, even if the forecast is good.  One April, there was frost on the tent in the morning but hot sun a few hours later.  Guess who hadn't bothered to pack sunscreen or a sunhat?

That said, Dartmoor is one of my favourite places for wildcamping.  The moor has a beauty and atmosphere that are unique.

Sanhozay linked to v-g Backpacking in Britain website and it is one of the best.  Geoff must be one of the most experienced amateur backpackers in the country and he takes some fantastic pictures.  He is also pretty darned fit so don't expect to be able to match his distances on your first attempt.  He also has a very lightweight approach (he doesn't even take a stove unless it's winter) that does not suit everyone.