Jubilant reaction to Vixen Tor decision

Vixen Tor – the well known Dartmoor landmark infamous as a no-go area for the public – could again be frequented by walkers and climbers thanks to a decision by Devon Country Council to add two footpaths within the Tor enclosure on the definitive map.

The Ramblers, Britain’s walking charity, is today (3 March) jubilant following the council’s decision and hopes to see the public once again enjoying the local beauty spot.

In April 2008 local people provided evidence to Devon County Council that the footpaths to the Tor were regularly used before access was stopped by the landowner in 2003. Historically, Vixen Tor and the surrounding land has been a popular destination with locals, walkers and climbers for generations before it was closed. The landowner refused a National Park Authority grant to voluntarily allow access and has continued to block the public by surrounding the Tor with barbed wire and erecting ‘Keep Out’ signs.

John Skinner, Devon Area Access Officer for the Ramblers said: “I am delighted by this decision and hope that the public will be able to enjoy visits to Vixen Tor before too long.”

The national walking charity works to make it easy for everyone to walk, whether in the countryside, cities, hills, the coast and on and off the beaten track, and is delighted by this development.

Read more about the Ramblers’ public access campaigning at www.ramblers.org.uk/freedom