More than 200 people joined a rally to demand access to Vixen Tor.
Kate Ashbrook
Ramblers’ Association chairman Kate Ashbrook addressed the campaigners, who want to be able to walk and climb on the Devon granite outcrop. Owner Mary Alford stopped the public using the site in 2003.
The rally was organised to support a recent application to the County Council for rights of way to be established across the land. Mrs Alford succeeded in having the site excluded from open access land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.
She claims she would be held liable for any accidents on Vixen Tor – dubbed the Sphinx of Dartmoor – if she permitted public access.
She denies claims of the existence of public rights of way, saying there were only ever voluntary agreements between previous owners and Dartmoor National Park Authority. She says the tor is private land and she intends to keep it that way.
The RA said the turnout for the rally was ‘absolutely fantastic’.
Ms Ashbrook said: “It just shows how much people want the freedom on Vixen Tor.” The British Mountaineering Council and the Vixen Tor Action Group have joined the Ramblers in demanding access for walkers and rockclimbers.
The rally was the latest in a series of actions, including trespasses on to the area, in support of the campaign.
Guest
29 April 2008If any members are interested in politely writing or telephoning Mrs alford to directly express their views her contact details are :- Mrs E M Alford, Moortown Farm, Tavistock, Devon PL19 9JZ Tel: (01822) 613327
Devonboy
02 May 2008Anyone want to do a night ramble around Vixen Tor? Nothing against a good old night ramble. Let's wear luminous vests, so we can see each other in the moonlight.