So does anyone fancy a South west winter bivy?

[ctznsmith]

As the north and Scotland seem to be forging ahead is anyone based in the South west and also fancies a winter bivy as well?

My vote would go for either Hampshire, Dorset or Devon (maybe Somerset) for location as they will be easiest for me to get to. Who's in/has ideas?

Edited: as I just read the London/South East thread.

[custardfeet]

Could be tempted, I'm in Stroud Gloucestershire.

[Mariner]

Dartmoor?

[ctznsmith]

Dartmoor?

Do you have a route in mind?

If possible starting from an easy to get to train station.

[custardfeet]

Might be too far away for me.

[ctznsmith]

Might be too far away for me.

Train to Bristol then train to Exeter?

[Lump]

Oh, subscribing to this one. Im in North Devon so interested in where this one goes

[Mariner]

Ivybridge has a station and a lane that leads right up on to the moor.
Downside is the weather you can get mist so thick up there you would never know how may turned up.

[darbeze]

I'm in Torbay so could be up for some Winter action...

Will keep watching...

Si

[jBay]

Bristol based - interested subject to dates/location

[ctznsmith]

Date wise I suggest 12th December as I'm busy the weekend before and the one after.

[Bearbonesnorm]

Date wise I suggest 12th December as I'm busy the weekend before and the one after

Yay ... keeping in line with the N o E and Cymru

[KamelTrek]

I'm quite keen to do the North Downs trail from Sevenoaks to Canterbury. 60 miles each way.

[jBay]

I'm quite keen to do the North Downs trail from Sevenoaks to Canterbury. 60 miles each way.

Looks a bit SE to me

[Taylor]

Hmmmm, Wales or south west?

[Kumquat]

Yes yes yes.
I am based in Hampsire so can go east or west.
Dartmoor can be very wet.......

[Nevis]

I might be up for this too

[Bearbonesnorm]

Now then, while I don't want to sound like a tw@t, I'll run the risk and just say .... if those interested actually want this to come off, stop treating it like a committee. Someone needs to make a decision about where and when and say so. Sure, not everyone will be able to attend but at least it will happen.

What we need in this situation is a ......

[Taylor]

Well said that man. ^^^^^^^

[ctznsmith]

Oooh...handbags!

Will post something later today when I've researched a possible route/location.

[ctznsmith]

Ignore me!

I'm struggling with local knowledge once you get any further west than Dorchester. I started this thread though as I will be in Devon working for most of December.

So if you have a whizz bang route/bivy spot near a train station in East Devon/South Somerset/West Dorset now is the time to speak up!

[Nevis]

How about some, all or a variation of the mbr Dartmoor killer loop?
http://my.viewranger.com/route/details/ODc5Mw==

It's 40km in total and 1500m climbing, there are several points to dip in and out if necessary. No need to do it all if people are just after leisurely and sociable riding

I like the western part of the route, takes in open moor and got some interesting bits on the way. Hound Tor, Jay's Grave, Grimspound, old mine workings, Warren House Inn. Eastern part is good too but different again. Steep sided, heavy wooded valleys, nice pub at North Bovey, Nutcrackers, Lustleigh Cleave etc.

The Warren House Inn would make a good stop for a bite to eat in the evening and then find a spot near by to pitch up.
http://www.warrenhouseinn.co.uk

There is a ruined farm close to the Warren House. I've stayed there before, wouldn't say it's a most interesting spot to pitch up but it's ideal if you have an extended stay at the inn . Teighhead farm further on near Fernworthy reservoir is a nice spot, not in camping zone though.

There's a public car park at Bovey. From there you ride up the road to Haytor Vale before the dirt starts. Main line train station at Newton Abbot is 7 miles from Bovey.

Just a suggestion. It doesn't mean I'm assuming responsibility, I've not even got a permission slip yet!

I've done it before in various combos so if anyone else has anything else up their sleeves I'd be keen to try something new.

[Nevis]

I guess not then

[ctznsmith]

You know how I started this thread with gusto and enthusiasm?

I've double booked myself on the weekend of the 12th and don't have another free weekend this side of xmas.

So let it slink into obscurity whilst judging my poor organisational skills or someone pick up the batton.

[somersetpaul]

Nevis - that sounds interesting..........