First post (come via British Blades) so hello all!
Recently went to Wistman's Wood (Dave Budd recommended it to me on British Blades), didn't venture far in to the woods as there is a sign next to the gate before the wood asking people not to climb over the bolders as it damages the lichen. We walked past and then over to the other side of the valley and back along the leat. This piccy was taken of Wistman's wood from the other side of the valley (SX 6091 7767).
We passed Beardown Farm campsite on the way back there was 1 tent there at the time:
Decided to camp (SX 60250 75375) there a few days later (we were at Cockingford at the time of the walk).
Had a good chat with the farmer, he said summer hols/August tends to be his quietest time, other times of the year he tends to get lots of groups from people training for DofE to Hells Angels. Think he mentioned up to 70 people spread about the place at certain times. Said the only people he'd not have back were the police as they made a right mess
There is a dedicated large spot for open fire across the stream in the trees (past the tent in the pic). A fire is allowed here but he said under no circumstance are open fires allowed anywhere else. We camped so I didn't look in to tree spacing for you hardcore lot! Other things to note were it sounded like he would allow wood collected from his land if done responsibly (sign states otherwise I think due to bad experiences in the past). The stream water is clean enough to drink, there is also a tap up at the farm. Toilet - go dig a hole. We were the only people there for our stay though he said it can get very busy so best to ring up in advance.
We enjoyed our stay at Cockingford farm until 3 families arrived as a group with tents the size of houses and pitched between the existing rows of tents - they were so close guyropes crossed
. Met a nice family John and Mel who had been going there each year for something like 13 years.
Cheers, Phil
richeadon said:
I went for a walk to Wistmans woods on Saturday and on the return came through Beardown Farm - opposite the Two Bridges Hotel on the junction. I saw this sign on the gate of a field which had a nice looking stream and some well spaced trees!
Sounds like it's aimed at us too!!
