To Wild camp or not to Wild camp?

Hi

I am a newbie here. I have been tasked with this years family outing. We like walking and tend to camp for a few days every year in one great big group, the more remote the better. This year we want to go to Dartmoor and would love to Wild Camp but with at least 10 adults, I am worried about the logistics of this. Is there any really, really remote campsites you would recommend? I figure it might be easier to pitch up and then go and explore but Wild camping is what most of them want! Typical awkward family!

Any advice would be grateful. I have a map of where we could Wild camp but normally we use a large family tent and a few smaller ones and it would mean us changing that and be in at least four tents!

Thanks

Michelle

To go right off the beaten track for wild camping, you're likely to need a fair bit more kit (like the tents would need to be light enough to carry etc.)

Also, everyone would need to make sure they can hold everything in...or someone's bringing a trowel!

One really important thing is water. Obviously there will be no tap as such on the fells. You could either take enough water to cook with and water the next day but this will be ridiculously heavy. So, plan to camp near a stream (you need fast flowing water; standing/stagnant water is a definite no-go), as high up (near the source) as possible. This should give you plenty of clean water. You can use chlorine tablets to purify if you want (I don't always use them). This will give a slight taste; if that is such a big deal, take neutralising tablets as well (or use Chlorine Dioxide).

Remember that if it is a dry weekend, the streams will be lower.

I would say go for a campsite, especially since the group is so big and if no one has wild camped before.

*disclaimer: Wild camping is still a great way to get out (best of all it's free!), but given the circumstances, you're probably best sticking to a campsite*

Hi Michelle, welcome to the Forum

As edd suggests, do think about the environmental impact of wildcamping. It's an absoultely fantastic way to camp, but with such a large group of newbies environmental impact is likely to be as much a problem as logistics. Unless you break your big group down into a couple of smaller groups and camp in different locations, but that's probably not the point of the outing.

A really basic campsite, with just a standpipe, might be just right though. I know of a couple in Wales, but not on Dartmoor. But there are some OM regulars from that neck of the woods who might be able to help you.

Whatever you end up doing, hope you all have a great time

Include a little history in your walks. Pecsaetan - Ancient Derbyshire, Staffordshire and South Yorkshire - http://pecsaetan.weebly.com/

>A really basic campsite, with just a standpipe, might be just right though. I know of a couple in Wales, but not on Dartmoor.

Try Tor Royal near Princetown - very basic, only a tap. Enough space for large groups. 

I had been thinking about breaking the group into really small groups and doing it that way. I agree that 10 adults would be a nightmare to Wild Camp. I have done it with my late husband but can't imagine everyone coping. I think a really basic campsite will work best. I really aprreciate all the help.

I have looked for Simply Dartmoor Camping at Tor Royal but don't seem to be able to find a website anymore. I have looked at it in the past. Is it still open? If not does anyone know of any other sites that are basic.

Thanks again. 

Mole?

Mole!!

Matt C wrote (see)

I've not used it myself but I think Runnage Farm campsite is meant to be pretty basic and quiet. I'll check with someone who's stayed there.

I stayed at runnage farm a few years ago. It is fairly simple: there is a large field for pitching, with a nice modern toilet/shower block and a washing up area. It would be good for a group base camp, although it is quite remote.

>I have looked for Simply Dartmoor Camping at Tor Royal but don't seem to be able to find a website anymore. I have looked at it in the past. Is it still open? If not does anyone know of any other sites that are basic.

I went there in May 2010, so it is possible that it has now closed - there was no sign of the owners when we were there.

I camped over Dartmoor in April 2011 (and later in August too).  Three of us camped at Sandy Ford.  A procession of DOE kids walked past our site in the morning with 3 leaders.  I think they all camped at Great Links Tor.  I estimate about a dozen folks in all.

For anything over Dartmoor (as Kate has eluded to), Mole is your man.

I agree with the various posts above. At least 10 adults is one heck of a lot in one group, one spot, for a few days. Great potential to spoil a lovely place. Sorry - don't mean to imply you will, but who hasn't seen such a site after a group of inexperienced campers has departed. If I was walking on the moor and found such a group, my heart would sink.

I suggest a low-key camp site such as mentioned above would be ideal - you'd feel it was remote and it would give you access to cars, pub etc - and enable you to drive to different parts if you wish.

I hope you enjoy it, whatever you do.

You could try this link which is farm sites for ten tors training - some might allow you to use the site?

http://events.exeter.ac.uk/tentors/training/2012/43Wessex/FTT%206-12%20Campsites.pdf