OKEHAMPTON ARTILLERY RANGE TRACKS July 2008

this shows the state of the tracks around the artillery range. it seems the conservationists are happy for the MOD to let them go to ruin as "they`re not a natural feature of the landscape," - the army don`t mind as they use 4 wheelers.the sad fact is that hikers, joe public with an ordinary car are finding hard to get out here to begin their hikes.this means that hikes may now begin 2 hours or so walk away, making reaching Cranmere Pool etc much more of a challenge - ok for youth, but older folks enjoy hiking too....10 years ago you could drive the amily car round here very easily.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• dartmoor
• okehampton
• hiking
• walking
• cranmere
• pool

[8791yarmot]

Great video, thanks for posting. Ring Road makes a great walk, day or night, and in pretty much any weather! Have to say, though, I don't agree that it should be fixed up. I know older folks love walking - I was by my Grandad's side for years up there - but if you have to drive onto the high moor in the first place then you're probably not in the right shape to be walking around it. Dartmoor is The Last Great Wilderness for a reason, and it's not ours to spoil with tarmac...

[sw3210]

what is the rationale for allowing the tracks to fall apart? conservation issues? risk management issues? repair cosst? park management policies? MOD priorities? Sounds like very little public consultation has occured, shame for such a terrific national park. as a hiker and kayaker I find this a concern. there are ways to better manage parks than this approach, all that will happen is you will get 4WD and quad bike weekend warriors out there thrashing the place as the roads deteriorate.

[K9DRG]

Apparently the MOD have been threatened with legal action if they repair the road by the green brigade as it is not part of the natural landscape! What do they want next, Oke camp flattened???? Ridiculous!!

[DoddyD08]

well i think you bloody mental driving whilst filming!

[daisycutter71]

so who should fund this road? I must say that i thought you drove far to fast up tor road! and on the wrong side of the road at klondyke corner!