So, I went along to meet Ivan for a nosey. I live 15 minutes away and love visiting the moors but parking is problematic and finding camping spots where a fire is a possibility is next to impossible without risking damage to the moor and a fine, especially if you want to hammock. I thought it worthwhile therefore to take a couple of hours to go along and check out what could be an ideal base/starting point for moorland exploration. I followed the instructions which Ivan sent to us all (after confirming the visit was ok via PM of course) and they led me straight there. One quick phone call and Ivan came out to meet me. Unfortunately, I arrived just as the weather turned (there was a weather warning in place for Devon) but Ivan was unperturbed and so we ploughed on. I was treated to a vip tour of the land and facilities by the genial Ivan and got the impression from the first shake of hands that this chap was enthusiastic about bushcraft and his plans for the land.
Leaving my car securely parked behind two lackable gates, we embarked on the short walk up a bridle path (2 mins ish) and arrived at the moor's edge. A brisk walk over the access land (navigable by quad bike and trailer, which Ivan owns, for those with heavy kit) and we arrive at the entrance to the land set aside for bushcraft. Gorgeous! A 2 mile strip of land separated from the moor and it's budding gorse and stunning views (but not horses
) only by a thin fence with a freshwater stream of good size (including a couple of plunge pools deep enough to bathe in) running the length of the site. The majority of the area is untouched (except where some diversion of run off water from adjacent land has been required) and as nature has sculpted it. The main congregating area has a large fire pit and benches as well as a lockable cabin which may come in handy if you want to go off for the day on the moors although it is unlikely you or your kit would be bothered up here anyway. It's private land and Ivan knows beforehand if anyone is due to come along. A diverse range of trees including birch (and beech, one of which had dropped a widowmaker big enough to flatten King Kong :yikes
and firewood everywhere. For those coming from further afield, there is a wood cabin back at the farm with all the home comforts you could wish for, including sky tv, just in case the thought of a long trip with nothing but a tent or hammock at the end of it is too much for the kids (or even the dads
We won't mock honest). It's also easy enough to get back to should a bug out become necessary for some reason.
All in all, an afternoon well spent and I am greatly looking forward to the meet. Thank you Ivan for taking the trouble to show me around in the pouring rain. Now I just have to decide whether to bring the hammock, tent or bivvy.
P.s. If anyone is interested, my Swannie mosgiel and Tilley T3 performed admirably. I had a poncho with me but didn't want to frighten Ivan and I was interested to see how the mosgiel coped as I have always left it in favour of something else when expecting rain before. My T3 was just on the point of seeping through after an hour or so but my mosgiel had shrugged off the downpour with aplomb and after a shake was pretty much bone dry. Not a drop having got through to my ranger shirt or even the inside of the coat. Who needs Goretex?
P.p.s. I did ask Ivan about his plans to charge a fee to cover costs etc and the prices he quoted me were extremely reasonable as far as I was concerned however I am not sure how final they are and so shall refrain from posting them here. Suffice it to say that I shall be paying them regularly as soon as Ivan is ready for us and the monsoon abates.
P.p.p.s If I have made any mistakes or have misremembered anything then please do feel free to correct me Ivan.
Cheers,
Oliver.
