In the early morning on Dartmoor, I am lying in bed and all I can hear is the beautiful sounds of birds singing and a distant cuckoo’s call. I decide to open the door of the campervan to take in the breathtaking scenery. There are no people or buildings in sight, just fields sparkling with dew in the sunlight and sheep grazing calmly on the hillside.
As I wait for my coffee to brew, I take a look at the map and plan my walk for the day on the moors. The last time I visited Dartmoor, it was for a three-day wild camping adventure where we hiked and carried all our equipment and food on our backs. This time, I am enjoying the comforts of a campervan with my friend Isabel. Thanks to Wild With Consent, a new company that connects campervanners with landowners who give permission for “wild camping”, we are still able to experience full immersion in nature.
Wild With Consent, which was first launched in Northumberland, now offers options all over the country, including Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Atlantic coast in the south-west. Booking camping spots through their website is simple, and they also offer vehicle rentals through partners such as Quirky Campers or Defender Campers. The sites have basic facilities, with some having access to toilets, and the locations only accept one booking at a time, ensuring a peaceful and private experience.
Dartmoor has long been known as the only place in England and Wales where wild camping is allowed, but a recent court case won by a wealthy landowner threatens this. However, the national park authority is currently appealing the decision. While I support the right of backpackers to responsibly wild camp, those with vehicles usually have to choose between a campsite or risking a layby or car park. Wild With Consent offers a solution for those who want a wilder experience without the risk of being moved on.
We pick up our campervan near Honiton and it is perfect with its cozy interior, well-equipped kitchen, and spacious bed. Negotiating the lanes is easier than expected, and we arrive at our camping spot on organic Challacombe Farm near Widecombe in the Moor. The sites are chosen for their “wild” locations and eco-friendly practices. Challacombe Farm is farmed for conservation, with areas left to rewild and various ecological improvements made. It is a hotspot for birdwatching and butterflies. We hike up to Hookney Tor with stunning views over Grimspound, a bronze age settlement.
The next day, we head further south to Skerraton Farm near Buckfastleigh. The landscape here feels even more desolate and wild. We explore the area, following directions provided by farmers Deborah and Mark Treneer. We pass a standing stone and make our way to the reservoir, enjoying the beautiful walks along the river. Unfortunately, rain prevents us from enjoying a firepit in the field, so we visit a recommended pub instead.
Returning the campervan the next day is bittersweet as it renews my vanlife dreams. However, even just a few days off the grid in nature is always rejuvenating. While it may not be the same as backpacking with just a backpack, wild camping in a campervan offers a true escape from busy campsites. The privacy, peace, and natural surroundings combined with the comforts of a cozy van make for a winning combination.