In the early morning on Dartmoor, I wake up to the melodic trill of birdsong and the distant call of a cuckoo. As I open the door of my campervan, I’m greeted by a breathtaking scene of fields glistening with dew in the sunlight, and sheep grazing leisurely on the hillside. While I wait for my coffee to brew, I study the map and plan my day’s walk up onto the moors.
This time, I’m enjoying the comforts of a campervan with my friend Isabel. Thanks to Wild With Consent, a new company that connects campervanners with landowners who allow off-grid camping, we’re able to experience a true sense of immersion in nature. Wild With Consent offers options all over the country, including Dartmoor, Exmoor, and the Atlantic coast in the southwest. Booking camping spots and hiring vehicles is made easy through their website, and they even offer multiday itineraries. Each location only accepts one booking at a time, ensuring privacy and tranquility without any noisy neighbors.
While Dartmoor was once the only place in England and Wales that allowed wild camping, a court case earlier this year resulted in a ban. However, a high court appeal by the national park authority is underway to challenge this decision. In the meantime, Wild With Consent provides a solution for those seeking a wilder camping experience.
We pick up our campervan near Honiton from Twin Coast Campers, a company that designs campervan conversions. Ours, named Hampi, has a beautiful wood-clad interior, a vibrant yellow-and-pink color scheme, a well-equipped kitchen, and a spacious bed. It even has a mini-wood burner for cozy evenings.
Navigating the lanes is easier than expected, and we follow clear directions to our camping spot on Challacombe Farm near Widecombe in the Moor. Challacombe Farm is a carefully chosen site known for its “wild” location and eco-credentials. The farm practices conservation and rewilding, with features such as ponds, trees, and expanded wetlands. The farm is also a haven for birdwatching and butterflies. Visitors can even purchase organic beef or lamb and natural sheepskin rugs. Most of the land is open access, allowing visitors to freely explore. We feel privileged to have the right to roam and appreciate the efforts to preserve this natural beauty.
The farm itself is stunning, with a stream winding its way past moss-covered trees and a pond. We hike up to Hookney Tor and admire the views of Grimspound, a bronze age settlement, until the mist descends and obscures our vision. We walk westward across the moors, passing tin mine remains and reaching Warren House Inn, the highest pub in southern England. We enjoy lunch with stunning panoramic views before making our way back through Soussons forest. When we return to the farm, we cool our feet in a private stream. As evening falls, we climb up the hill behind our campervan to witness a beautiful sunset and the rising of the full moon. It’s a peaceful and enchanting experience that we have all to ourselves.
The next day, we head further south to Skerraton Farm near Buckfastleigh. This 140-hectare farm offers expansive views all the way to the coast, with Bantham beach just half an hour away for surf enthusiasts. The landscape here feels even more wild and desolate. Armed with notes and maps provided by Deborah and Mark Treneer, the farm owners, we set out to explore. We quickly find ourselves on the open moor, passing a standing stone and making our way to the reservoir. The river nearby offers great walking opportunities, but for now, we make our way back to our camping spot, avoiding cows as skylarks serenade us from above.
If the weather were sunnier, this would be the perfect place to sit around a firepit and cook outdoors. However, the rain changes our plans, and we decide to visit one of the recommended pubs instead. The Church House Inn in Rattery proves to be delightful, with delicious food and immaculate toilets. Later, as we fall asleep to the soothing sound of rain, we feel a deep sense of contentment and connection with nature in our cozy campervan.
Returning Hampi the next day is a bittersweet moment, reigniting my vanlife dreams. However, even a few days spent off-grid in nature can be incredibly restorative. Though it may not be the same as backpacking with just a backpack, it offers a true escape from the bustling campgrounds. With privacy, peace, and the wild beauty of the surroundings, combined with the comforts of a cozy campervan, it’s a winning combination.
Note: The trip mentioned in this content was provided by Wild With Consent and Quirky Campers. The farm prices start at £25 per night, while hiring Hampi costs £95 per night. Quirky campers offer other vans starting at £85 per night.
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