Starry nights on Exmoor - Book your own accommodation
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OutdoorLads has booked a long camping weekend at the National Trust Campsite at Cloud Farm on Exmoor. The area of the campsite we'll be staying at is for tents only.
If you want to arrange your own nearby accommodation - either directly with the National Trust at Cloud Farm itself in one of their Glamping Pods, or if you wish to bring a camper van, or stay somewhere else locally such as a B+B, please sign up here so that I can keep in touch with you and let you know the plans for the weekend.
If you have already booked onto the main Camping Weekend page, you do NOT need to additionally book up here.
Exmoor was designated in 2011 as the very first Dark Skies Reserve in Europe and this National Trust campsite is in the middle of the core zone. So, we should have spectacular views of the night sky over this 3 night weekend (Thursday to Sunday) at Cloud Farm.
Cloud Farm Campsite is on the banks of Badgworthy Water, a gently flowing river on the border of Devon and Somerset in Exmoor's Lorna Doone Valley.
It's a peaceful place to spend a nature-filled holiday, splashing in the water, exploring the valley to spot wildlife, and relaxing by a campfire on your camping pitch.
The campsite is within easy reach of the South West Coast Path and we'll be exploring that over the weekend with a visit to the smallest complete chapel in England at Culbone and then following the path along the highest sea cliffs in England before ending in Malmsmead where we can pause for Afternoon Tea and watch the world go by.
We'll also look to explore the high moor of Doone County where we might spot buzzards, red deer or the semi-wild Exmoor ponies who roam freely, maintaining the landscape by eating gorse and paving out walkways through the bracken. By the water, see if you can see an otter, or the blue flash of a kingfisher. There's a patchwork of history and archaeology, with prehistoric standing stones along the river, an abandoned medieval village nearby and the 17th-century packhorse bridge over the river at Malmsmead village.
What to bring
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: See section below, you will need to cater for yourself through out the weekend so plan ahead. If the weather is bad you will want a hot meal and likely hot drinks (Tea/Coffee/Hot Chocolate)
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.
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 and if we go to the pub.
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
Bin Bags: If the weather doesn't hold and you have to take a wet tent home (hopefully just the tent gets wet) then a couple of extra bin liners can be a great addition to your kit
Snacks: (Day Walk) bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Map and compass: (Day Walk) The walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
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.
If you've read this list and think of something we've have forgotten that everyone will benefit from let me know and I can add it.The walks will be coastal hikes with some ups and downs
Food & drink
As this is a camping weekend, you'll need to provide for your own food and drink throughout.