Exmoor Camping in the Doone Valley

BBQ's are permitted on the site, as are fires, although only on the previously used spots (If you have some spare firewood for the fire please bring it along)

This list is not exclusive and if your a regular camper I am sure you will have your own list, if not:

Tent:  A tent if of course essential when sleeping out in the open (It is the UK it could well rain). It's recommended that you have pitched your tent before, and have all parts of it, such as poles and pegs.

Sleeping Bag: You are going to want this keep warm at night

Sleeping Matt/Cott:  The ground is hard and you'll get a much better nights sleep if you have something between your sleeping bag and the groundsheet.

Pillow:  Whilst you could roll-up your spare clothes and use these as a pillow since your unlikely to be carrying your kit far to this camp I would bring one with you.

Food and Drink:  You will need to cater for yourself through out the weekend so plan ahead.  There is only a gift shop and Tea room in Malmsmead.   If the weather is bad you will want a hot meal and likely hot drinks (Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate).  If you prefer to eat out, the nearest pubs are in Brendon (Stag Hunters Inn and The Rockford Inn) and Countisbury (Blue Ball Inn).  

Camp Stove:  Depending on your catering plans for the weekend you may be satisfied with a simple single gas burner/Trangia, or you may need something bigger.  Don't forget about the members discounts at Cotswold Outdoors who will be happy to assist you if you don't have something suitable.  Don't forget your stove will need fuel.

Lighter/Matches:  You will need some way to light the stove.

Torch/Lantern: You'll find it much easier to get in your sleeping bag at night if you can see where you are going.  Check the batteries whilst you are at home or bring spare ones.

Water: Whilst fresh water will be available at the campsite you probably won't want to have to keep going back and forth to the tap so will want a suitable container and don't forget if you are going on the day walk to pack your water bottle or hydration bladder

Utensils/Pots & Pans:  Again your needs will vary on what you are planning to eat but you will want as a minimum a Mug, Knife, Fork and Spoon.

Towels:  Your going to want one for yourself, perhaps a separate one for your cooking equipment and maybe a spare

Wash-kit: You probably don't want to go all weekend without brushing your teeth, and most of us will appreciate at least a squirt of deodorant.  There are hot showers on the camp site.

Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.

Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack or tent leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags

Folding/Camping Chair:  Everyone likes to sit around the camp fire in the evening and this is much more comfortable than a log.

Day Rucksack: (Day Walk) typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely

Boots: (Day Walk) waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support

Change of Footwear:  If you've been in boots all day you will want something else to wear around the campsite.

Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters you'll want one pair for each day you're walking, and a spare pair.  You'll also want some other socks for around the campsite/evening wear.  TOP TIP:  Put clean socks on before getting into your sleeping bag if you are going to wear them at night.  Any moisture in your socks will condensate in the colder temperature at night and its not comfortable.

Underwear:  Unless you go commando you will probably want one pair per day and a spare pair.

Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece).  You'll probably want a couple of items for each layer so that you have a good change of clothes.

Trousers: Whilst on the day walk you really do not want jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK.  Again a couple of pairs is sensible.

Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.

Day Rucksack: (Day Walk) typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely

Walking Poles: (Day Walk) always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself

Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer

Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter

Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days

Snacks: (Day Walk) bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of

Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea or a power brick.  The phone signal in the valley is poor and only just about detectable around the toilet/shower block, but you will get it on the top of the mountains during the day walk.

Cash:  Whilst this is 2021, and most places do have card/contactless, it is always sensible to have some cash with you as backup, as the nearest cashpoints are located in Lynton and Porlock, both of which are 30/40 minutes drive from the camp site.

 NOTE    --    Due to Covid you may also want to consider hand sanitiser and spare face masks