The future of wild camping on Dartmoor: Supreme Court to decide on historic right 

Access News
03 Oct
8 min read

On Tuesday 8 October, the Supreme Court will consider whether the right to wild camp on Dartmoor continues to be a cherished freedom. The case, brought by Alexander Darwall, owner of 4,000-acre estate in southern Dartmoor, challenges the notion that wild camping (or backpack camping) should be considered an open-air recreation in its own right. 

Dartmoor stands unique as the only place in England and Wales where wild camping is a legal right. This historic right of access was enshrined in law in 1985, and it has been enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts ever since. However, in 2023, a court ruling found that wild camping was not permitted under the 1985 laws, despite nearly four decades of tradition. This ruling was later overturned by a public appeal, powered by widespread demand and financed by donations, restoring the right to wild camp unanimously. Darwall, however, appealed this decision, escalating the case to the Supreme Court. This upcoming verdict is final; if the right to wild camp is lost, government intervention would be required to reinstate the right to wild camp on Dartmoor.

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is among the few recreational organisations currently seeking to protect the right of individuals to wild camp on Dartmoor, but also believe that this right, by the same logic, be extended beyond Dartmoor to the rest of the UK.

Dr Catherine Flitcroft, head of Access and Conservation at the British Mountaineering Council, said: “Many BMC members and the wider outdoor community already go wild camping, most doing so responsibly and with minimal environmental impact. It’s such a key part of many outdoor education pathways in Britain, from the Duke of Edinburgh awards to Mountain Training schemes, fostering the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, teachers and professionals.

“The UK, especially England and Wales have some of the most restrictive access laws compared to anywhere in Europe. The BMC has and always will champion an outdoors for all, and we will continue to call for broader access reform to create more access to nature”

Wild camping Dartmoor Middle Staple Tor. Image: Roy Anthony Wilson, Shutterstock

The BMC’s vision of wild camping is that people should have the freedom to choose where to camp, in a self-sufficient and environmentally and responsible manner. Rather than imposing restriction, the BMC advocates for promoting good practises and providing skill and education for safe and responsible wild camping.

What next for the BMC and Dartmoor?

We will be looking to the BMC community to help us respond to the verdict and ensure that the hillwalking, mountaineering and climbing community for whom wild camping is a cherished way to connect with the landscape, are represented. We will be actively and strongly campaigning on the basis that regardless of the technical verdict of the court, there should be legal protection for responsible wild camping.

We are calling on BMC members to be ready to support us in responding to the Dartmoor verdict, whichever way it goes. Together, we can ensure that the right to connect with landscape though wild camping remains protected for future generations.

What can I do?

Donate to the appeal to save backpack camping (wild camping) in Dartmoor! Legal costs are estimated to cost the taxpayer over £400k if this appeal is lost. Click here to donate.

Join the BMC at the two key demonstrations taking place to demand that the right to wild camp on Dartmoor be preserved!

  1. 6th of October - Rally at Dartmoor’s Hound Tor, starting at 3 pm, to stand with DNPA ahead of the court case.

PLEASE NOTE: Very limited parking at Hound Tor - if you can, please walk from Haytor to leave parking for those who need it. A group will be setting off from the Haytor visitors centre at 1:30pm (meet from 1pm), and returning at 5pm.

  1. 8th October – Meet us outside the Supreme Court in London at 11 am as we fight to secure the future of wild camping. BMC access team officer Eben Muse will be speaking.

Join the BMC or support other organisations which are standing with us to save wild camping on Dartmoor!

  1. The Stars are for Everyone
  2. Right to Roam
  3. Dartmoor Preservation Association 

Write to your local MP or MS to ask whether they stand with us in support of wild camping – make it personal and tell them how wild camping has influenced your life positively.

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