DNPA closing the Okehampton Loop Road to traffic

There has been a report in an Okehampton newspaper to say that the Duchy of Cornwall with the backing of the National Park intend closing the Ring Road that goes out to OP15 to members of the public in vehicles, from OP 22 on the East side and the gate at Row Tor on the western side. This will mean that if you want to go to Cranmere Pool you will have to walk from Op22 or Row Tor car park.
Well it will be a very sad day indeed if that gets pushed through. I think the army vehicles as well should be banned then - make them walk all the way to OP 15. I don't have too many objections to them using the moors for training (they have to train somewhere), but they should not be 'live' firing out there, then we could all walk the moors in safety any day of the week. Seems the DNPA won't be satisfied until the general public are banned from the moors completely. There are a lot of elderly folk, even non letterboxers, who use the road (if they can!!!)to get out to OP 15 to enjoy the views and feel better for it. Its not as if the road is overrun with vehicles, I wouldn't risk taking a 'normal' car there anyway - bet they accuse us of damaging the road as well, when we all know its the army vehicles that are digging it up. Do you think its worth starting an on-line petition to object to these proposals? or would it be better if we all sent individual objections to the email addresses on the DNPA website???

Have now started an on-line petition on the closure of the loop road, so PLEASE< PLEASE sign it and get as many of your friends, whether they be letterboxers or just walkers on Dartmoor to sign it. You will find the petition at the following link:-
Thanks

will do !!!!
________
ROOR BONG PICTURES

Well I have signed the petition - I know it is early days - but for that petition to have any effect it needs to have a hell of a lot more signatures than that - So get out there and drum up support.

I do know that maitaining such a road isn't cheap and with this day and age of credit crunches I can see the logic of closing - but it does stop the disabled access which I think is wrong

So if you haven't signed - do it now!

Have just had email from someone trying to sign the petition, and she says her name isn't appearing. So after a little tuition she has now done it properly. So please click on 'sign' then fill out the form, adding your comment. Then click on 'Preview signature' then at the next page - very important - click on 'Approve Signature' - your name will then be added to the list. We have over 300 members on this forum, so please if everyone could just spend a little time and fill out the form - you could help overturn this decision. It is not yet settled.

Thankyou to those that have signed the petition, but we need more - there have been 178 views of this topic to date and if everyone who clicked on this topic and read it, then clicked on the petition and signed it we would be well on our way to over 500 signatures.

COME ON - IF YOU LOVE THE FREEDOM OF DARTMOOR - SIGN IT PLEASE, OTHER WISE THE POWERS THAT BE WILL KEEP CHIPPING AWAY AT THE EDGES, UNTIL WE CAN ROAM FREE NO MORE.

And put the link on my webpage, if that loop road goes my disabled wife will not see the North Moors again. But it would be better at Cut Hill if it was closed. But if it was to close there would be so many people who would not be able to see the North moor. SO I WANT IT TO STAY OPEN.
Mark

Well done Mark - thankyou for signing and for putting it on your webpage. Now even more people can see it - as the Tesco ad says 'Every Little Helps'

363 people have signed so far well done !!!!
________
Smoke weed every day

I've put a few prominent links to the petition in various relevant places on my website.

Agreed with all comments, also in the past I've taken young groups of teenagers out, not just letterboxing but other activities and this road can be a vital link in emergencies, I've used it more thgan once and saved the need to call emergency services

Duly signed, 436 signatures so far.

Will add a link to my newly formed Letterboxing Facebook page.

Thats great, thanks - the more links to the site the better. I have sent off the first 430 signatures as received the following statement in a reply to me letter to the Duchy. 'The Duchy are currently awaiting receipt of responses from a range of consultees (bet thats not us!!) on the proposals and these are due to be received by 6th February after which we will consider the comments that have been put forard prior to determining the basis on which to progress further'.

However the petition is still running as I think we will need more signatures once we know what they are going to do. Thankfully the people of Okehampton are waking up and another friend is geering up for a public signing of a paper petition which should help.

OH dear, Only 515 signatures so far - this needs to be increased significantly

So cone on everyone - email your mates and get them to sign it - put the link up on other forums get it moving

This total so far is not as bad as it looks, but we could do with more. I have sent off the petition so far, as the meeting between the Duchy and DNPA is fairly soon. We have had good media coverage in the Okehampton times, and I have done an interview with Radio Devon. This was aired last week, and I have had a very good feedback from it. Okehampton people have been writing letters, and of course anyone who had anything to say was asked to contact the Town Clerk of the Okehampton District council. He will also be sending all his information to the Duchy. A very good factual letter has appeared from the gentleman who lives at Klondike House, which will also add fuel to the fire. We are now waiting for their next move, and if necessary, will then start a 'paper' petition for signing at the 'meet' and various supermarkets around the moors.

Hi all,

Have signed and will mention the proposed closure in my next article for the West Devon Diary. Hopefully this will make more folk aware before it's too late.

Foxy

I've just joined the forum and have forwarded the link for this petition to various places. This is the first I've heard about this, and I don't know the area yet (recently moved to Dartmoor), but I don't think it should be closed to the public!

As no one has posted on this thread I have unstuck the post otherwise it might end up with a whole host of posts being in the sticky mode.

Even though I agree with keeping the access of the moors to all I dont believe we should clog up the boards

Well I have to say I am disappointed that you think this very important topic is clogging up your board - I thought this forum was for all parties interested in letterboxing on Dartmoor to air and share their views. Obviously I was wrong - it seems some topics, even non Dartmoor related - are more important than others.

I do consider it important - but as no one has posted on it for a while I believe the campaign has gone as far as it can on here. I am still actively campaigning elsewhere on the internet as should everyone else.
There is no harm in bouncing the topic back to the top of the list occasionally. Bu you have to ask a question - where do you draw the line?

Nik - KOTM wrote:I do consider it important - but as no one has posted on it for a while I believe the campaign has gone as far as it can on here. I am still actively campaigning elsewhere on the internet as should everyone else.
There is no harm in bouncing the topic back to the top of the list occasionally. Bu you have to ask a question - where do you draw the line?

Is it so importanat?
Does seem to me that the intrest has wained somewhat. Does it matter that much?
Only asking NOT expressing any opinion.

Nik - KOTM wrote:I believe the campaign has gone as far as it can on here.

No it hasn't. This is a pretty lightly used Forum, but it can find itself high up the list of a Google search, given the right search terms. And I know from my own site that people are searching for Dartmoor-related keywords - lots.

People don't necessarily need to register and/or post here to see a sticky at the top of the topic list. And if it's two stickies instead of one, I think most rational people will excuse that.

Nik - KOTM wrote:where do you draw the line?

Quite obviously, when the petition itself ends or the matter is resolved, one way or another. That is what I have decided to do with the (considerably more than 1) links at my site.

Some things are more important than one man's perception of a tidy message board.

Thanks Dave - in case there are others out ther besides Dave who are still interested in keeping a large part of the north moor accessible to all - the petition is on going. I have sent off the next lot of signatures and had a reply back from the Duchy and DNPA. The meeting to consider all comments and proposals was to be held last week. I have not heard the outcome (but then don't expect to from them), but do have people working away in the background trying to find out what's going on. For those of us who regulaly walk (about twice a week) on Dartmoor keeping the ring road open is extremely important. If we let the authorities close this road, then who knows where they will strike next. They keep chipping away at the edges - soon we shall all be sat in a carpark at Haytor wondering why we didn't fight hard enough!!!!!

I agree it's important to try to keep the road open, and I will join in the petition and do what ever I can to help but can some one tell me either in the forum or if neccessary in private mail " has the public got any rights to use this road by vehicles or is it just assumed rights ?"

The road was opened in the late 50's and has been used by the military and the public ever since. I don't think it has ever been officially recognised as a 'highways' road, but more unoffically as a right of way, hence no notices to say you can or can't drive around there. The only notices out are those at the end of military tracks saying 'No unauthorised vehicles beyond this point. If the public weren't supposed to use the road, those notices would have been enlarged and put up at the start of the road at Row Tor. Even so, in answer to your question, I think it is 'assumed rights'. That's why to keep it open we can only petition the authorites, and plead the rights, rather than the wrongs of keeping the road open for all to access the inner moor.

Sowerby Streaker wrote:The road was opened in the late 50's and has been used by the military and the public ever since. I don't think it has ever been officially recognised as a 'highways' road, but more unoffically as a right of way, hence no notices to say you can or can't drive around there. The only notices out are those at the end of military tracks saying 'No unauthorised vehicles beyond this point. If the public weren't supposed to use the road, those notices would have been enlarged and put up at the start of the road at Row Tor. Even so, in answer to your question, I think it is 'assumed rights'. That's why to keep it open we can only petition the authorites, and plead the rights, rather than the wrongs of keeping the road open for all to access the inner moor.

Perhaps one should read the various reports from the Duchy as to the legal status to the loop road, it makes foran intrested read. There is NO right to access the loop road as far as I can see.

PS

have a look here
http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/paper_2a_loop_road.pdf

Gemma wrote:PS

have a look here
http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/paper_2a_loop_road.pdf

That's not the point though Gemma, is it? Yes, they most certainly have the right to withdraw access at the drop of a hat, but we have every right to petition against it. That is exactly what is going on here. Nothing more, nothing less.

[quote="Gemmaquote]
Perhaps one should read the various reports from the Duchy as to the legal status to the loop road, it makes foran intrested read. There is NO right to access the loop road as far as I can see.[/quote]

There may be no official right to use the road, but how come the Duchy and DNPA have allowed access since the 1950's!!!!!! Perhaps 'one' should look up the relevant info on the rights of access once a road has been used for so many years!!!. I think you will find there is a case to answer here. How is it that the Commoners who graze their livestock on the moor have used it for years, the Military have used it since the 50's, as have all the relevant vehicles, support vehicles for the Ten Tors. The Rescue services use it regularly when training on the moor, so how can anyone or document say there is 'no right of access'????????????

I agree we have the right to petition against what ever comes along be it right or wrong - but the petition seems to have exhausted the number of people on here but if it bothers you so much I will re-apply the sticky status.
Sadly the parameters of the online petitions require something like 500,000 signatures for real action to be taken. I have signed the petition along with a lot of my friends who have absolutely nothing to do with Dartmoor but feel that access for the disabled should be available for all.

However on a side note - it is nice to see activity on here

Thanks Nik, at least you sparked the topic into life again - its been very quiet on this forum of late - where is everybody

Being quiet and lurking no doubt

Sowerby Streaker wrote:[quote="Gemmaquote]
Perhaps one should read the various reports from the Duchy as to the legal status to the loop road, it makes foran intrested read. There is NO right to access the loop road as far as I can see.

There may be no official right to use the road, but how come the Duchy and DNPA have allowed access since the 1950's!!!!!! Perhaps 'one' should look up the relevant info on the rights of access once a road has been used for so many years!!!. I think you will find there is a case to answer here. How is it that the Commoners who graze their livestock on the moor have used it for years, the Military have used it since the 50's, as have all the relevant vehicles, support vehicles for the Ten Tors. The Rescue services use it regularly when training on the moor, so how can anyone or document say there is 'no right of access'????????????

[/quote]


If you own land and people have been using it for many years, have you given them the RIGHT to access.? Just because this or that has happened on your land for many years, there is still no right of access. Yes we do have the right to protest, th land owner who ever that is still has the right to say NO. That is the point I am making. It will be a shame that the "Road" will be closed but I will live with it & if I want to box in the arae I will walk there. I know some folk will not be able to get there, sad but that is unfortuatly the way of life. Chill out.

Here we go again - think I know who you are now. There is no need to be so rude when making a post. Everyone has a right to their opinion. Its a good job some of us are not so selfish, Just because it won't affect you doesn't mean we should give up the fight. I shall not post on this topic any more unless I get news from the Duchy or DNPA. So that those who are really interested can be kept upto date.

fight for the right of way for the people that are not able to walk there. If the road was not there in the first place this would not matter. But it would be taking away access to the people who have had it.
And we must bare in mind we all will not be able to walk there, we all get older.

Personally I do not like the road, because I like being far away from roads, BUT I DO USE IT.

Sowerby Streaker wrote:Here we go again - think I know who you are now. There is no need to be so rude when making a post. Everyone has a right to their opinion. Its a good job some of us are not so selfish, Just because it won't affect you doesn't mean we should give up the fight. I shall not post on this topic any more unless I get news from the Duchy or DNPA. So that those who are really interested can be kept upto date.

1. You do not know who I am
2. You have missed the point completley I have not said one should give up the fight but I did say we do not have the right to demand the road stays open.
3. I have read & re-read my post & I can't see where I have been rude.
4.I have my right to my opinion.
5. I fail to see what I said has been in any way selfish.
6.I am intrested in the outcome.
7. I do hope the road remains open
It is your right not to post on any more threads as it is every ones right to post, within the guidelines, if they so wish.

For the record, I share the concerns that the road will be closed, but I still make the point,if the landowner so chooses to close their land they have that right.Yes we do have the right to portest but do not have the right to demand.
As said chill out.

Station Master wrote:fight for the right of way for the people that are not able to walk there. If the road was not there in the first place this would not matter. But it would be taking away access to the people who have had it.
And we must bare in mind we all will not be able to walk there, we all get older.

Personally I do not like the road, because I like being far away from roads, BUT I DO USE IT.

Yes protest but it is not a right of way, but it is access by default, Yes taking away the access but not our right of access. Yes we will not be able to walk there when we get older & I am of that age group. Bear in mind that the road is very difficult to access any way One dose have to take it very very slowly. I don't like the road & like you I also use it, but as said before it is NOT my right to use it.

Gemma wrote:I know some folk will not be able to get there, sad but that is unfortuatly the way of life.

Absolutely shocking. There but for the grace of god go I, eh Gemma?

Your point, as tired and as laboured as it now seems, is not actually at odds with anything that has been said here.
Although... yes we actually do have every right to "demand" that the road is kept open, and we can also expect that that demand will be reasonably dealt with, considered, and ultimately a decision will be formed one way or another.

And if the road ends up being closed, at least some of us can say we tried.

Dave.B wrote:

Gemma wrote:I know some folk will not be able to get there, sad but that is unfortuatly the way of life.

Absolutely shocking. There but for the grace of god go I, eh Gemma?

Your point, as tired and as laboured as it now seems, is not actually at odds with anything that has been said here.
Although... yes we actually do have every right to "demand" that the road is kept open, and we can also expect that that demand will be reasonably dealt with, considered, and ultimately a decision will be formed one way or another.

For the record I have "signed" and so have a number of my friends.
The point my seem laboured, but a point made nevertheless is as imporatant as every one elses.

I DO support the road staying open, I was meerly stating that we do not have the right to demand that is stays open. I agree that our voices should be heard & that our opinions are considered.

"Absolutely shocking. There but for the grace of god go I, eh Gemma?"
Have no idea what is being implied by that statement, again for the record there is no way that my partner would be able to walk that far, so the road is needed by us. Please donot jump to conclusions.

Crickey! Whoever you are you have a knack of stirring up controversy!

(don't quote me on that)

Foxy

foxy wrote:Crickey! Whoever you are you have a knack of stirring up controversy!

(don't quote me on that)

Foxy

Not quoting you.

I do not intend to stir up contraversy, but I do believe in the right to express my opinion, in a non confrontational way. It would seem that it is frowned upon by some people.

I believe everyone has the right to voice their opinion - that is what makes life interesting and colourful.
Be ti right or wrong, this is not the issue, I am not debating that it gives everyone something to look forward to.
I want this loop road to stay open and I would like it done by any LEGAL means possible. If this bothers you so much and you want extra clout get onto your MP and pester him/her You can contact most of them by email and they are obliged to give you a reply.

nice suggestion, why dosn't everyone who's bothered about the loop contact/pester every MP, may take their minds off their expense claims

Nik - KOTM wrote:I believe everyone has the right to voice their opinion - that is what makes life interesting and colourful.
Be ti right or wrong, this is not the issue, I am not debating that it gives everyone something to look forward to.
I want this loop road to stay open and I would like it done by any LEGAL means possible. If this bothers you so much and you want extra clout get onto your MP and pester him/her You can contact most of them by email and they are obliged to give you a reply.

MP duly pestered. Had a nice reply but reading between the lines I don't think it is high on his radar, or most of others. Might be wrong though.

legend of the moor wrote:nice suggestion, why dosn't everyone who's bothered about the loop contact/pester every MP, may take their minds off their expense claims

Maybe their expense claims could pay for -it ....
No wait a moment we dont want a 6 lane motorway built

Nik - KOTM wrote:

legend of the moor wrote:nice suggestion, why dosn't everyone who's bothered about the loop contact/pester every MP, may take their minds off their expense claims

Maybe their expense claims could pay for -it ....
No wait a moment we dont want a 6 lane motorway built

Having not been around much lately, I missed this important topic when it was first posted. I couldn't believe the news about the road; it's such a valuable resource. Perhaps a grant for maintenance could be applied for (I work in Rights of Way), or we could propose to raise funds through letterboxing activities to contribute to the upkeep of the road?

Either way, I'll still put my name to the petition and put a link to it on Jasper's blog site.

Thank you very much for your support

Sad to say, looks like we have lost - the Duchy has not budged one inch from its original proposal despite all the protests from numerous organisations that use Dartmoor. I have now had a lengthy letter from the Land Steward and quote a couple of sentences
With regret we have not been able to justify the provision of continued access for vehicles to this point on practical grounds. As a result of this access will be permitted for civilian vehicles only as far as OP22 on the East side and S of the barrier at 597 921 on the West......Walkers, Cyclists, horse riders and those using off-road disabled buggies will be able to use the full length of the road subject to Live firing.... Commoners vehicles and those belonging to the DNPA and MOD will also have full access as will emergency service vehicles. All this to be put in place by the late summer of this year once the closure points, signage and parking improvements have been completed. .....We fully appreciate that any restriction on access generates significant debate and the views that have been put forward have been most helpful to us in reaching this decision. This goes on for 2 and a bit pages. and ends Whilst we are sorry to provide you with what we know will be a disappointing reply, we trust that, on balance, you and the other signatories of the petition will be understanding of the reasoning behind what the proposals are striving to achieve in relation to the appropriate long term management of this special area of Dartmoor

Well that's a complete downer. I just got back 10 minutes ago from a week in Scotland and thought I would check my emails quickly. Wish I hadn't now
Well done and thank you for trying though Maureen.

It will be interesting to test the definition of "off-road disabled buggies". I can't say I've ever seen one of those myself, or indeed any "disabled buggy" capable of navigating the loop road, and I wonder if the defintion would extend as far as a quad bike... or a Land Rover?

What would be good though, in all seriousness, would be bike racks at certain points along the current road, i.e OP15 and other places. That way, at least it would be possible to park, then cycle, then walk. Cycling on open moorland is horrible and slower than walking, so it would be great to be able to lock your bike up at OP15 then wander onwards from there.

Such a shame.

Thanks for your efforts Maureen.

Ring Road: The final Summer. Hard to imagine.

Don't give up yet - there is going to be a revolution in this country and the non=caring government will be ousted from office before too much longer. When the new government comes into power things will change and pressure can be brought to bear again

I am happy in one way and sad in another.
When I am at Cut Hill I should be alone.
But less abled people will not be able see some of the moor they can now.

I completly aggree with you, and I can see both sides of the argument. But really, the high moor should be remote and challenging...not with tarmaced access which is detrimental to the nature of the place. There are lots of places where the less able can get access to beautiful parts of the moor (High Down, Fernworthy, Warren House Inn etc).

I find a lot of the arguments for keeping the access the way it is particularly short sighted at best.

1). As usual we get the highly reactionary response..."this will inevitablly lead to the loss of life"...how? Please explain. Surely you are more at risk from being hit by a camper van?
2). The uninformed view that "its our right". No its not. Its not a public highway.
3). That it discriminates against the less mobile....Well you cant drive to the top of Cosdon, should we be providing a road there also?

A lot of the reaction also seems to be almost contradictory from the walking community..."this is a restriction on our right to roam....". No its not. Get off your arse, out of the car...and roam!

I feel as though my views on this are in the minority as all I ever see or heard or outraged voices complaining about not being able to drive to the remote high moor (Q. how can it be remote it you can drive to it?). Or prehaps its just the vocal minority shouting loudest again...I dont know. I do know I'll be glad when the whole road has gone.

As i understand it the road will not cease to exist, it will be restricted to army/emergency services. Which proberbly means it will now get re surfaced

The_Greenman wrote: I feel as though my views on this are in the minority as all I ever see or heard or outraged voices complaining about not being able to drive to the remote high moor (Q. how can it be remote it you can drive to it?). Or prehaps its just the vocal minority shouting loudest again...I dont know. I do know I'll be glad when the whole road has gone.

100% spot on, it appears to me ( a minority) that unless one agrees with the Majority one is complaining. NO!! as I have said before in this post, I have the same right to express my view as do the rest.

I'm with you Greenman.

Gemma wrote:I have the same right to express my view as do the rest.

Here we go again. No-one is questioning your "right" to express your opinion Gemma, so stop bleating on about it!

Greenman wrote:3). That it discriminates against the less mobile....Well you cant drive to the top of Cosdon, should we be providing a road there also?

Greenman, you are twisting things a bit there: there never has been a road to the top of Cosdon Hill... the whole point of this petition was to protest about the removal of an existing amenity.

Sparky wrote:As i understand it the road will not cease to exist, it will be restricted to army/emergency services. Which proberbly means it will now get re surfaced

This made me laugh!

Blimey ... I have missed a lot !!!!

My fault for being a fair weather letterboxer

Sparky wrote:As i understand it the road will not cease to exist, it will be restricted to army/emergency services. Which proberbly means it will now get re surfaced

You are right, which is why all this fuss is over nothing. The road will still exist and people will still be able to use it...just not drive on it. Its still unclear as to the 'tarmac' policy of the army/dutchy. I was under the impression (perhaps mistakenly) that the dutchy wanted the track 'unmaintained' so that it 'broke down' in time, but perhaps that policy will change under these new plans. My point was in my view I would be happier if it was completly gone.

Dave.B wrote:

Gemma wrote:I have the same right to express my view as do the rest.

[quote

Here we go again. No-one is questioning your "right" to express your opinion Gemma, so stop bleating on about it!

I think someone was questioning my right. why should I stop bleating on.

Reading though a number of posts it appears to me that if one does not agree with the "party line" what every it happens to be, one is accused of having a hidden agenda, or being a sock puppet. For the record I am neither.
I will continue to express my views popular or not. I would suggest before you have another pop at me that you read all of my postings on the subject.

I would,like most, be able to use the loop road & have signed the petition, but at the end of the day if it's gone it's gone & I will like most others get on with it.My parnter will not be able to manage the greater distance to OP15 but we can accept it.

Right folks - we tried to stop this road from being allowed to fall into disrepair - there isn't much we could have done but in this day and age where there is no money around for what can only be considered as trivial things as a road/track - unless the local area commander requires the road to be repaired then it would seem we are not going to see this happen

Everyone has a right to their views - but please respect others on the forum to have their rights respected and have their own views...
This is not a forum for squabbling on but to pass ideas and finds onto others.

Nik - KOTM wrote: Everyone has a right to their views - but please respect others on the forum to have their rights respected and have their own views...
This is not a forum for squabbling on but to pass ideas and finds onto others.

Spot on well said. It is always healthy to have a multi sided debate, without personal agenda’s blearing the edges. I am all for passing on ideas lets all move on.

Just wondered if anyone's been along the loop road recently and can advise how the Duchy's proposals have progressed, i.e. have the closures now been put into effect and is the anticipated improved car parking complete?
It's just out of curiousity as I may have a trundle down that way next week and promised myself I'd get to Cranmere Pool whilst I'm still 40!!

They have done NOTHING!!! Road is as it was at the start of the year when all this 'closure' kicked off. No car parking spaces have been made, no 'picnic' areas - no banking up of road - nothing!!!. It would probably cost them as much money to put all that in place as it would to fill up the pot holes. I expect they will close it eventually though, so watch this space.

The latest issue of Dartmoor Gag. under 'In the News' has an article re: this subject.

TWA

Well its now September, does anyone know if the road is closed now?

Further to my last post of the 26th - it appears the restrictions are not yet in force and the road remains open, unless someone can confirm otherwise.

The article I mentioned states that information recieved is that , quote:
"sympathetic minor improvements will be made to the existing car parking areas at the Sand Pits and Cullever Steps to make the passage of vehicles safer.
It is intended that practical works will be implemented during September and the effective date from which the restrictions will be in place will be published in the local media". unquote.

What exactly is referred to as 'local media' is not clear! (pigeon post I expect)

TWA

Well weather depending, I hope to go down Friday/Saturday and I'll let you know.

Drove round the road 2 weeks ago and nothing has been done - hope they have run out of money

I was up there again yeterday in that lovelly rain and all is still the same no change.

Sowerby Streaker wrote:Drove round the road 2 weeks ago and nothing has been done - hope they have run out of money

I have to ask. How passible is it for an ordinary family estate car? I've heard that it's all broken up but there are potholes and potholes if you catch my drift. I was planning to see how far I could get before I lost my bottle, maybe getting as far as the new bridge on the west side or the ford on the east. Anything to reduce the route march to OP15 and Ockerton Court.

My advice - don't even try going up the road any further than Newbridge on the West side. The road is very badly broken up and deep potholes. But you can easily get around the East side from OP22 - just past Cullever Steps. About 100 or so yards past the OP there is a concrete 'step' that you have to go over (easy if you take your time and go carefully) then there is a laong stretch below East Mil Tor of gravel. Then the tarmac kicks in again, but you need to drive slowly and be aware of the potholes. Mainly the road is fairly good with the sides just dropping away. You can navigate around the potholes no problem. Then you come to the ford which you need to take quite slowly. You drop into the ford then you have a cobbled area to climb out. Good tarmac road then right around past OP17 until you go around the bend, then again you need to wind in and out of the potholes and then on up to OP15. I have a friend who regularly goes around the road in a Ford Corsa and one who drives a ford Ka (not sure of the spelling). I have a small 4x4 but I never have need to go into 4wheel drive. I would have thought an estate would get around O.K., with care. There are plenty of turning points if you do bottle out. I was amazed on my last trip to see so many normal family cars all parked up at OP15. This is why on the petition we asked if the Duchy could just repair that east side of the road - but alas not to be.

Thanks for that info. The weather forecast looks like tomorrow will be a dry if somewhat windy day so hopefully I'll be able to try it for myself then (providing someone hasn't put up a barrier in the meantime!)

I took my Pug estate all around about a month ago, only one place was tricky on the west side.

Station Master wrote:I took my Pug estate all around about a month ago, only one place was tricky on the west side.

Well I can now say I've driven on it!

happy to report no barriers to either the west or east loop. The road is pretty bad in places as previously described. Ford on east side impassible today due to high water level but the walk up to OP15 got the blood pumping...

Well its official - So much for 'advance notification'. Had letter today from Duchy Land Steward dated 14th September, posted 17th September received today 18th, that the ring road will be closed on the 18th, today. He also says notifications have been posted in the Oke Times, Western Morning News etc TODAY Even if the letter had been posted on the 14th, I couldn't have gone up there to Cranmere one last time as they have been live firing all week.

You can go, just walk a little further.

Not really I cannot walk that far being nearly 70!!! Its O.K. for you youngsters, you wait until you get older, then you will realise what you are missing out on !!!!!

I get days I cannot walk that far this years been awful, you have had a lot of great years of walking the moors, me at 37 have a bowel condition that prevents me walking to far, but I do get my good days.
I know how you feel.
But the only answer is to walk further to get there now.

By heck Maureen

At 64 looks like I will soon get to know what I will be missing -but may not really get it as I think I have AIDS - Age Induced Distraction Syndrome - WHAT WAS it I was going to say? (Only joking!)

So 'they' have now achieved the closing of the loop road - what next? - small access roads to the likes of High Down, Bagga Tor, Nodden gate etc?

I suppose we shall have to wait and see.

TWA

Yes Frank, I too have your sort of AIDS!!! - I can still walk a fair way, but in reality I can manage about 3 squares out and 3 squares back with the letterboxing taking me around in a few circles on the way. I usually start walking at around 10am (takes me an hour or more to get to the moors)and aim to get back to the car by 4pm to allow time to get off the moor. But now to get to Cranmere its 5.5 squares out and the same back - not sure I could do that in the time span and box as well.

If I ever get a Helicopter I will take you all out there. lol.

Many thanks for your kind offer - fingers crossed for you for the lottery then. That's what's nice about letterboxers - they always try and help each other out. Meanwhile I am trying out the lasso to lasso one of the ponies up there and get a lift up that way!!! Not sure how you steer them though

Does anyone know if any work has been done on the ring road closure yet? Any gates or extended car parks? I haven't been able to get that far North on the moor since the announcement...

The road is now closed at OP22 and the Row tor barrier. Photos attached


You can still drive up and park at OP22 (2 spaces!!) or Row Tor or if you are brave enough, you can drive up the track and park between Row Tor and West Mil Tor. Now this sign has also appeared at the Moorgate entrance

OH WELL, they have cost the emergency services some more money. It was a good rescue road for people getting to people in difficulty. Now peole will have to dial 999 more often.
If I was at Cranemere I know my wife could drive close to me if I ever felt unwell etc., I never had to do this but I bet a few walkers have.

But I've enjoyed the feeling of being at Cranmere (not from the military road). There is a little frisson of danger particularly if weather iffy, and I like to think that I've got there and I've got to sort out getting back. Some bits of the moor can be scary, but that's the point of going there for me. It rather shatters the illusion if you think there's a road half a mile away.

Duckpool

Agree with Station Master, the only trouble with that is you had better have the right mobile phone out there to be able to dial 999!!! I carry 2 phones with different sims in - some days I can get a signal with Orange, then another day one with Vodaphone. Some days nothing at all - what happens then!!!!

Make sure you let someone know the route you have planed, then someone should come and find you when it gets dark.

Station Master wrote:OH WELL, they have cost the emergency services some more money. It was a good rescue road for people getting to people in difficulty. Now peole will have to dial 999 more often.
If I was at Cranemere I know my wife could drive close to me if I ever felt unwell etc., I never had to do this but I bet a few walkers have.

I am sure you would be given permission to "go to someones aid"

That said I am not overly sure that if I was feeling poorly I would want to be bounced around in a car. Not sure which Mobile operator has a signal.

Agree a shame the road has now gone, but not sure if any of you quote above has changed the situation.
Take care.

If I was summoned to aid someone on the Moor via the Link road it would be in an emergency and I do not think I would wish to consider who it was I had to contact to get 'permission' to use the road.

Unless some sort of agreement has been made with the Emergency services for them to use the road - would hate to think they would have to submit a request prior to using it!

I had an accident on the Moor in 2000 that has virtually kept me off the moor for over 8 years - the DAA 'rescued' me and took me to Derriford. Had I been on the North Moor any transport off it to hospital would have been welcomed!

Those that have voiced their opinions on the closure of the road and submitted their objections have done so because they felt it an injustice. They may not have dissuaded the outcome in this case - but at least they tried! More than can be said of others!!!!

TWA

Having finally been to 'The Route Formally Known As The Ring Road', and now aware of the extent of the work carried out, it is evident that the authorities having simply tried to restrict the public to the Row Tor junction and Cullever Steps car parks. I am stunned by their efforts, but somehow not surprised.

I suspect it was only the access requirements of East Okement Farm that prevented them from setting up closure points closer to Okehampton. At least we still have access to the car park near the Target Railway.

On a related note. Along with the above renaming of a familiar feature, I recommend that in this DIGITAL age we should all call the giant aerial on N Hessary: 'The Mast Formally Known As The TV Mast'.

Well I sugest you also take some pics of the TV mast as rumour has it that is the next landmark on Dartmoor to be demolished. Goodness only knows how many clues have a bearing on this mast

whoisthechallenger wrote:On a related note. Along with the above renaming of a familiar feature, I recommend that in this DIGITAL age we should all call the giant aerial on N Hessary: 'The Mast Formally Known As The TV Mast'.

North Hessary Tor transmitter broadcasts digital TV, but nominally only to Princetown. In practise you can pick it up over quite a large aprt of Devon except for a few places. I've personally seen the signal being received on a CRT in Ipplepen.
Most places would receive a stronger signal from Stockland Hill, Caradon Hill, Wenvoe or one of the repeaters such as Beacon Hill at Marldon.
Below is an image I took from Teignmouth Golf Course, clearly showing the transmitter on North Hessary Tor... the red lights in the centre... 21.5 miles away.

Sowerby Streaker wrote: Agree with Station Master, the only trouble with that is you had better have the right mobile phone out there to be able to dial 999!!! I carry 2 phones with different sims in - some days I can get a signal with Orange, then another day one with Vodaphone. Some days nothing at all - what happens then!!!!

If you find yourself out of the coverage area of
Your mobile; network and there is an emergency,
Dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing
Network to establish the emergency number for you,
And interestingly this number 112 can be dialled
Even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

And if you have no credit left you are still able to call 999, 112 or 911 for emergencies. Please don't try it unless it is an emergency.!!!!!

Didn't know that - thats very useful information - thankyou both

Dave.B wrote:Well that's a complete downer. I just got back 10 minutes ago from a week in Scotland and thought I would check my emails quickly. Wish I hadn't now
Well done and thank you for trying though Maureen.

It will be interesting to test the definition of "off-road disabled buggies". I can't say I've ever seen one of those myself, or indeed any "disabled buggy" capable of navigating the loop road, and I wonder if the defintion would extend as far as a quad bike... or a Land Rover?

What would be good though, in all seriousness, would be bike racks at certain points along the current road, i.e OP15 and other places. That way, at least it would be possible to park, then cycle, then walk. Cycling on open moorland is horrible and slower than walking, so it would be great to be able to lock your bike up at OP15 then wander onwards from there.

There's a few all-terrain wheelchairs here http://www.allterrainwheelchairs.co.uk/home but they're not cheap!