BIvi spots on Dartmoor?

[Stevemorg]

Having a few days away with my lad after his GCSEs finish - plan is to use our camper as a base and head off for a couple of 1/2 night trips - any places on Dartmoor that are particularly nice bivi sites?
Don't know the area that well, have ridden a bit around Princetown and know Oakhampton a little so any advice would be great

[Mariner]

I like it round Burrator Reservoir but need to watch exactly whose land you are on.
Otherwise its wild camping wherever you end up. Need to watch the weather though.
Four of use bivvied one night in mist so thick I still dont know where it was.
It is fairly easy to drop down to lower levels if weather becomes a problem in which case head up
the east side in the lee of the moor.
Near a pub and close to running water is our rule of thumb.

[Ian]

I think, and Taylor will correct me if I'm wrong, we once bivvied at SX 607682 some years ago.
Small ruined farm house and a few trees. Was a nice spot - assuming the place I can remember is the same as that which is referenced above.

Anyway, Slugwash will be along before too long, and he'll be able to point you in the right direction I would imagine :)

[danielgroves]

You can bevy almost anywhere on Dartmoor. I've camped all over over the last few years, just watch the ground around you. Some areas become saturated very quickly when it's wet, but generally you'll know these areas from the land when you arrive anyway. I tend to aim to camp fairly high, but just watch the wind.

[Taylor]

I think, and Taylor will correct me if I'm wrong, we once bivvied at SX 607682 some years ago.
Small ruined farm house and a few trees. Was a nice spot - assuming the place I can remember is the same as that which is referenced above.

A handful of miles out but a good bivi spot in the lee of some ruins. River about 60-70 yards away for water.
Very nice spot it was too.
SX 639725

[mountainbaker]

A handful of miles out but a good bivi spot in the lee of some ruins. River about 60-70 yards away for water.
Very nice spot it was too.
SX 639725

Me and Andy bivvied inside one of the ruins there in December, it was -6, and well sheltered from the wind. Great spot.

[Kumquat]

Yup have bivvied here one January with Cornish Neil.
The ride on the following day was memorable.
Prodigious torrents of water pouring off the hills.
Was something to behold.
Proper mini adventure.

[Stevemorg]

Thanks all - that's given me a few ideas

[darbeze]

Not strictly bike related, but an excellent blog all about Dartmoor which could well inspire some bikepacking bivvy fun...


http://www.twoblondeswalking.com

Si

[slugwash]

Hi Steve,

I thought I'd already replied to this thread, but it must of got lost in the ether

When are you down? I'm a bit busy at present but can post up some grid refs and pictures at some point over the coming weekend of suitable bivi spots if that's not too late.

We're off to the moor this Saturday on bikepacking manoeuvres, so might even have some new spots to add to the list

[Stevemorg]

Some grids would be great - am coming down mid June after the GCSEs finish so there's no rush

[slugwash]

Allright then, I've been a bit busy recently so hopefully not too late, here’s some bivi spots mainly on the southern moor. These all have water nearby, either from springs, streams or leats.

Our current personal favourite is the old tin mines at Hooten Wheals. Lovely views, lots of gullies and workings to explore and teeming with birdlife.
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=26 ... &A=Y&Z=115

P5230427 by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr


The rideable track up starts at Hexworthy , passing an old granite cross on the way.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=265628 ... &A=Y&Z=115


John Bishops House, is possibly the ruins that Taylor & others were referring to above.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=264053 ... &A=Y&Z=120
DSCN1289 by Shinythings2, on Flickr
And a little further upstream is the small Swincombe reservoir. Handy for a cool off after a long ride, but possibly a midge haven at this time of year.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=263232 ... &A=Y&Z=120


DSCN1266 by Shinythings2, on Flickr



Teignhead Farm (as posted by Daniel on another thread) is a nice spot, but you can have company at weekends as it’s always getting a mention in the walking mags .http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=263529 ... &A=Y&Z=115
IMGP8842 by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr

We sometimes approach it from the Warren House Inn direction (pre ride beer!) or the forest, in which case leave the bridleway by the forest edge and go down the trail and over the clapper bridge at http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=264109 ... &A=Y&Z=115
Looking Back Towards Teignhead Farm by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr


Another way in is from the bridleway from Postbridge, but it's a better downhill return route in my opinion.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=265476 ... &A=Y&Z=120

Holne Moor above Venford Reservoir is one of our popular scenic spots. We’ll probably be up there for the Solstice this weekend, although we’re still squabbling over that one. There’s a clear leat running along the contours there, with several flat areas to roll out your mat, and get a good view.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=268270 ... &A=Y&Z=120
Wild Camping Above Venford by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr
P1060578 by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr
P8160153 by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr

Bench Tor, across the other side of Venford reservoir is easily cycled to and has good views into the River Dart gorge. That bit of water in the middle of the photo is Sharrah Pool. Handy for a swim.
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=26 ... 2&ay=71922

P3061328 by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr
P3061327 by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr


The Avon Dam area has pleasant views and several flattish locations where you can get a comfy night’s kip.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=267125 ... &A=Y&Z=120
Jim Casting @ Avon Dam... by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr


http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=267730 ... &A=Y&Z=120
DSC_0058 by Richard Lowerson, on Flickr
IMGP7772 by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr

And a little further upstream is Huntingdon Cross, where a low wall can give a bit of respite, should it get windy up there.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=266440 ... &A=Y&Z=120
Early Morning @ SX 664662 by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr
Redlake, is a corker in the middle of the southern moor.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=264600 ... &A=Y&Z=120


View From the Spoil Heap by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr
Redlake December Bivi by Gradient Pervert, on Flickr

The easiest way to approach it is along the old Puffing Billy tram line, from Bittaford. Eight miles up and eight easy miles back down in the morning.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=265820 ... &A=Y&Z=120
Although, a slightly more bumpy route is up the old Zeal Tor tramway from Shipley Bridge.
http://streetmap.co.uk/map.srf?X=267755 ... &A=Y&Z=120

Have fun 
(I bet you've changed your plans and you're going to Wales or the Lakes now!)

[Stevemorg]

That's great - lots of food for thought! Looks like the trip has been delayed a little - I can't believe how many post GCSE parties a 16 year old can go to!

[jam bo]

Takes notes.

Has anyone done the way of the dead route in the latest STW route?