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Friday 13th really was a bad day for the Backpacking Community. The High Court ruled that Wild Camping in Dartmoor National Park is illegal. There has been an ongoing case between Dartmoor National Park Authority and Alexander Darwall over wild camping in dartmoor.
The interpretation of 'open air recreation' has been the centre of the argument. Although wild camping in not specifically stated in the Act of 1985 it has always been assumed wild camping is legal in Dartmoor. Unfortunately this is no longer because Darwall's Team argued wild camping is not open air recreation and wild camping should have been stated in the legislation.
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This is unfair because the wording is general on purpose so as to encompass all open air activities, not just walking, hiking, horse riding, picnics, etc. Everyone knows a wild camp is recreation.
The judgement may prompt over Dartmoor National Park land owners to follow suit. The judgement could also make other land owners in our national parks think twice of turning a blind eye to backpacking and wild camping in england.
For me, I will continue to support the Dartmoor National Park Authority and groups such as The Starts Are For Everyone.
It should be noted that Alexander Darwall owns 4,000 of the 86,000 acre Dartmoor National Park. Other landowners may not require permission but until this is official it should be assumed that permission is required so as not to break any laws.
I will also continue to wild camp just as I have been following these principles:
Leave No Trace
Pitch Late
Leave Early
Pitch away from footpaths and animals
Pitch about the highest fell wall
Take all rubbish away with me
It is very disappointing and I really hope the ruling is overturned.
If you want to fact check Alexander Darwall check out Wikipedia en.wikipedia.o... and BBC News www.bbc.co.uk/...
In summary, is wild camping illegal in england? Yes! I very sad day for the outdoors community.
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If you are into you hiking, backpacking and wild camping please SUBSCRIBE @BackpackingUK
Thanks, Andy.
#wildcamping #wildcamp #backpacking